Harrogate church's plea to 'give to food banks' during coronavrius

Harrogate's biggest church, which has suspending the practice of the shaking of hands , is calling for the community to do all it can to support food banks during the coronavirus outbreak.
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The team rector at St Wilfrid's Church, Father Gary Waddington, said: "At St Wilfrid’s We recognise this is a incredibly serious situation both globally and nationally.

"We’ve implemented guidance from the Church of England and are taking all precautionary measures to keep people as safe as we can and limit viral spread.

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"The church remains open for those who wish to pray or light a candle.

Harrogate's St Wilfrid's Church is calling on everyone to support homeless charities and local food banks.Harrogate's St Wilfrid's Church is calling on everyone to support homeless charities and local food banks.
Harrogate's St Wilfrid's Church is calling on everyone to support homeless charities and local food banks.

"Services will continue but we ask everyone to use common sense, care for the vulnerable, pray for the sick and follow the advice of Public Health England and the NHS.

"We particularly appeal to everyone to support the homeless charities and local food banks."

St Wilfrid's, the town's only Grade I listed building which is located on Duchy Road, has now suspended the practice of the shaking of hands when parishioners share the sign of peace at services because of the "incredibly serious" outbreak of coronavirus.

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Traditional ways of taking communion at St Wilfrid's Church in Harrogateare also being suspended after new advice was issued earlier this week by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York.

Fr Gary Waddington, said: “At St Wilfrid’s We recognise this is a incredibly serious situation both globally and nationally.

"We’ve implemented guidance from the Church of England and are taking all precautionary measures to keep people as safe as we can and limit viral spread.

"The church remains open for those who wish to pray or light a candle.

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"Services will continue - but we ask everyone to use common sense, care for the vulnerable, pray for the sick and follow the advice of Public Health England and the NHS.

"Our website has our full advice and resources for people to use at home.

St Wilfrid's Church's advice on Holy Communion:

The national and local advice regarding the distribution of Holy Communion is now that Holy Communion should be distributed in one kind only.

Therefore, with immediate effect general communion from the chalice is suspended until further notice.

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It is perfectly correct, theologically, pastorally and liturgically to receive in one kind only – to receive just the host.

Whilst the symbolism of receiving in both kinds is fuller, the efficacy of receiving communion is as complete in receiving just the host (or from just the chalice).

This is called the doctrine of concomitance: Christ is fully present in both the bread and the wine.

Provision for this is made in the Sacrament Act 1547, which still remains part of statute law in England.

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In addition, the Archbishops advise that at the Peace, the sign of peace is not shared by the shaking of hands etc.

Nor will priests lay hands on your head when imparting blessings.

St Wilfrid's Church's viewpoint on celebrating mass:

At this time, if any of the clergy are unwell, especially if they suspect they may have coronavirus, they will not be in church, celebrate mass, or be available to visit you.

We’ll do our best – but please try to understand if plans have to change at very short notice.

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The parish office will operate as normally as possible. Obviously, if staff are unwell, they will not be in the office.

Again, your patience and understanding are asked if this means it takes longer than possible to answer any enquiry, process payments or produce pewsheets etc.

At this stage, only mild precautions are necessary and there is no need to be overly concerned.

If the situation changes, information will be provided via the parish website, and through social media.

Printed versions of any updates will be made available on the tables by the doors.