Preparing the church for public masses

Kilcullen Parish Church has been marked out for social distancing, in advance of the first public masses since the coronavirus lockdown, to be celebrated this weekend, writes Brian Byrne.

In compliance with Diocesan guidelines, some 50 people can attend mass under the new phase of lifting of restrictions.

Parish helpers this evening taped off areas and pews which can't be used, and placed floor markings to remind people of social distancing and to guide them in direction.

The entrance to the church will be the door on the Parish Centre side, with the wheelchair ramp. After mass, those in the congregation will exit on the opposite side.

"We'll have stewards to direct people throughout the mass," says Vivian Clarke, who carried out the work with his wife Pat, Fr Harte, John Kennedy, and Ger Kelly. "We will also be counting people coming in to make sure we don't exceed the safe numbers."

Just two people will be allowed sit in the open pews in the centre aisle, sitting two metres apart, and one in each of the side aisle usable pews. "Of course, if they are members of the same household, people can sit together," Vivian notes.

Hand sanitising units have been installed on the walls at different points. The organ loft will be closed to the public, and nobody will be allowed stand in the back area.

As in so many areas of Irish life now warily reopening, the resumption of public services in the churches will be welcomed by many. But like they are elsewhere, the churches too will be different places.

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