All Masses, as per our normal schedule, opened for congregations from Saturday 4th July, 2020. Please carefully read the guidelines further down this page.
Update 07/08/20: Wearing of Face Coverings Advised
We’re now advising everyone to please wear a face covering in church.(Except for those who are exempt for health reasons.) This is for your safety and for the safety of others. Our church stewards will be advising anyone arriving without face coverings to wear one. Thank you for your cooperation.
Requirement to attend Mass Suspended
Please note that the obligation to attend Mass continues to be suspended. You should exercise good judgement, carefully considering the risk to yourself, your family and others as to whether or not you should attend Mass in person.
URGENT: Volunteers required
Could you volunteer as a steward at the Mass you usually attend? Click here to learn more.
Steward Rota and information
Please click here to view the rota for volunteer stewards for each Mass.
Guidelines for a return to the public celebration of Mass and the Sacraments in Newry Parish
Coronavirus continues to be a real danger. Please observe the following guidelines for your safety and that of others.
We want to welcome everyone to the celebration of Mass, but please do not come to church if you have…
- Been identified as a person at high risk (clinically extremely vulnerable) or if you believe yourself to be vulnerable.
- Had confirmed or suspected Covid-19 with symptoms within the last 20 days.
- Been in contact with someone with confirmed or suspected Covid-19 during the last 20 days.
- Have symptoms associated with Covid-19: A high temperature, A new, continuous cough or loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.
General safety measure in all churches
- A one-way system is in place.
- Use hand sanitiser provided or please bring and use your own.
- You are welcome to wear a mask and/or gloves if you wish to.
- Observe social distancing of at least 2 meters (six feet) at all times.
- Please touch as few surfaces as is possible.
Entering and exiting the churches
Newry Cathedral:
Enter via the Main Door and leave by the side (transept) door. Disabled entry only via the tower door.
St. Mary’s Church:
Enter through the door on Chapel Street and leave by the door at the Sacristy.
St. Brigid’s Church:
Weekend – Enter via the main door and leave by the side doors.
Weekdays – Enter by the side door Derrybeg side and leave by main doors.
Seating arrangements inside the churches (Updated 9th July 2020)
- Alternate seats (rows/pews) will be cordoned off to facilitate social distancing.
- Please follow the instructions of the stewards.
- Only two people may sit in each seat (row/pew). Individuals sit at each end of the seat (row/pew).
- People who live in the same household may sit together in the one seat (row/pew).
- If you take a parish bulletin please do not leave it behind in the Church. Make sure that you have all your belongings with you when you leave your seat to go to Holy Communion.
- To avoid the danger of cross contamination please do not move from your chosen or allocated seat. These measures are necessary to ensure everyone’s safety.
Distribution of Holy Communion (Updated 9th July 2020)
- Please follow the instructions of the stewards at all times.
- Holy Communion will be distributed at the end of Mass. Please adhere to the following guidelines when receiving Holy Communion ‒ single file only on the left while maintaining social distancing of 2 metres at all times. Stewards will guide you row by row.
- Holy Communion will be distributed to the transepts and middle aisle first after which those in the side aisles should approach the Altar from the middle aisle. After receiving Holy Communion please exit the Cathedral through the transepts on the left and right. Do Not return to your seat.
- If you take a parish bulletin please do not leave it behind in the Church. Make sure that you have all your belongings with you when you leave your seat to go to Holy Communion.
- Holy Communion will be distributed strictly on the hand only. Please do not request to receive on the tongue.
Offertory Promise Envelopes
Offertory Promise envelopes can be placed in the baskets on the Altar rails as you exit the church.