The Opening of the Abbey Church
In line with norms laid down by the government, the church at Belmont will reopen on Tuesday, 23rdJune, for private prayer thanks to the cooperation of parish volunteers. To begin with, we will open on Tuesdays and Fridays between 10am and 11am. If demand becomes greater and our volunteers are able to spend more time at the abbey, our opening hours will be adjusted.
St Francis Xavier’s will open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am to 1pm and Our Lady’s, Belmont Road, on Thursdays and Saturdays from 10am to 11am.)
Entrance to the church will be via the north porch, not the glass foyer, and exit via the west door. Traffic will be one way. Only a small section of the nave will be open. This will be thoroughly sanitised before and after opening. Visitors are kindly requested not to touch doors, handles, benches or the font. Seating will not be provided. Candles cannot be lit, but if you wish to make a donation for candles, please leave the money and instructions in an envelope in the basket provided. Please follow the directions of the stewards on duty and duly observe social distancing. Masks should be worn from entry to exit.
Disabled access is available, but people who are shielding or unwell should not visit the church. Your temperature will be taken on arrival. Entry to the church can be denied.
We apologise for any inconvenience, but our duty is to save your life and the lives of our volunteers.
Abbot Paul Stonham, Belmont, 17thJune 2020