| Letter from Fr Mark McManus 10th July |
| Dear Parishioners of St Joseph's & St Charles', |
| I wrote yesterday to inform you that St Joseph's church has passed its diocesan inspection and that the bishop has given permission for it to reopen. I now need to address the matter of the church of St Charles.
St Charles church typically has 4 or 5 weekend Masses (depending on the Sunday of the month) and also baptisms and weddings that cater for 4 language groups (English, Polish, Slovak & Eritrean) and 2 different rites. Upon consultation with the bishop and the diocesan property department it was clear, given the current regulations and requirements, that the greatest certitude for the health and safety of all required that only one of those groups should be allowed to use the church for the time being. Given that the Polish community are the largest group, and that they have both a Saturday evening and Sunday morning Mass there, then the bishop has decreed that St Charles church should currently serve only the Polish community (remember the church can accommodate far fewer people). The Polish community are making preparations to be able to open the church and, after the necessary protocols and diocesan inspection, the church will open to temporarily serve their needs only. I will of course update you when the time comes for the situation to be able to change to something more 'normal.' I apologise for any disappointment or inconvenience caused. |
| Our Masses this coming week at St Joseph's will be: Saturday, 11 July, at 5.00pm & Sunday, 12 July, at 8.30am & 10.00am ALSO Tuesday, 14 July, at 7.00pm & Friday, 17 July, at 10.00am |
| Again, could you please pass on the above to anyone you know who does not have access to the internet or e-mail. Thank you.
Finally, I attach this week's newsletter. Our Lady of Walsingham, pray for us. St Joseph, pray for us. St Charles Borromeo, pray for us. With my prayers, Fr Mark McManus |