Melton’s iconic church reopens for private prayer

The historic chuch has been closed with all others in the Melton Team Parish since March, as part of the government’s restrictions to limit the spread of coronavirus, but preparations are being made towards restarting all activities.

St Mary’s is now open for private prayer on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 10.30am to 11.30am.

St Mary The Virgin, Thorpe Arnold, will be open similarly from 10am to 10.45am on Saturdays staring from this weekend and St Bartholomew’s, Welby, from 3pm to 4pm from this Sunday and then every third Sunday thereafter.

St James’ Church, Buton Lazars is open for private prayer from Sunday August 2, on every first and third Sunday of the month.

It will be available between 11.15am and 11.30am for those shielding and from 11.35am to 12.15pm for those not shielding.

Team parish rector, Rev Kevin Ashby, said: “We had to wait until we had all the safety measures were in place for those visiting our church buildings and those of our own congregations managing the opening but, at last, some of the churches in our team parish are opening for private prayer.

“We’re continuing to work on other services.”

In a message to parishioners, he added: “You are very welcome to come and use our buildings for quiet, personal prayer during those times.

“But, please be aware that, due to social-distancing, seating is limited, toilet facilities are not available and we would ask you to abide by our safety measures.

“These are still strange times but at least we have taken the first step in opening some of our churches for folk to come in, be quiet and pray.”

At the beginning of the re-opening of St Mary’s, the Paschal Candle was lit, something normally done at the Easter Eve service.

The candle symbolises Jesus’ resurrection and so it is considered appropriate that it will be lit for when the church is open for prayer, to symbolise that worshippers look forward not only to Jesus’ coming again, but also being “raised” by God from this ongoing pandemic at some point in the future.