The Parish of St Joseph and
The Parish of St Charles Borromeo
Sheffield

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Letter from Fr Mark McManus - 17th April

Dear Parishioners of St Joseph's & St Charles,

This week's newsletter, which includes news of a National Mass on Thursday evenings at 7.00pm We would normally soon be beginning our novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour at this time of year and I can see no reason why we should not proceed together in prayer despite our physical separation from one another. In fact, I would suggest we need it now more than ever. I have attached a slightly amended form of the novena for you to pray at home or wherever should you wish. The theme this year is The Seven Sorrows of Mary (also known as the Seven Dolours or Dolors) and I have listed the Sorrows and suggested a scripture reading for each day of the novena. I shall be praying the novena at what would be our usual time of 7.00pm on Tuesday evenings of the following weeks: 28 April Introduction - At the foot of the Cross John 19:25-27 5 May The prophecy of Simeon Luke 2:22-35 12 May The flight into Egypt Matthew 2:13-15 19 May The loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple Luke 2: 41-50 26 May The meeting of Jesus and Mary on the Way of the Cross John 19:17-22 2 June The Crucifixion John 19:18-30 9 June The taking down of the Body of Jesus from the Cross John 19:31-38 16 June The Burial of Jesus John 19:39-42 23 June Conclusion - 'I am the handmaid of the Lord' Luke 26-38 I invite you to join with me then if it is possible for you - though some other time and day convenient to you is more than acceptable - so that, wherever and however we may be, we might be united in prayer and give due honour and devotion to the Mother of God. Should our church be reopened and we are able to come together again during this period then I propose we simply continue at the appropriate Tuesday at 7.00pm in St Joseph's church. Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, pray for us. St Joseph, pray for us. St Charles Borromeo, pray for us. With my prayers, Fr Mark McManus