| Letter from Fr Mark McManus 5th June |
| Dear Parishioners of St Joseph's & St Charles, |
| I have no definite news to offer save for the sense that, to use Churchill's phrase, 'the end of the beginning' is getting closer.
The quotes and risk assessments, etc., for the necessary work to be carried out on the south-side of the nave of St Joseph's church ceiling have been received and submitted to the diocese and Historic Churches Committee. Pending their decision and approval I should have something definite to tell you within the next week or so. The new boards that will be fitted have a particular specification and there are only 40 left in the whole country apparently - the factory that manufactures them having been in lockdown... etc. Likewise, I think we should soon have a more concrete idea of what is required for our churches to be reopened. The diocese is in the process of acquiring the necessary materials and equipment as well as finalising the inspection procedure that we must pass (also, as a listed building we can't just simply stick things on the floor or walls at St Joseph's). Once we have these I shall contact the people who have so far volunteered to help with regard to the stewarding and cleaning. Again, please consider if you are under-70 years-of-age and not vulnerable, if you are able to help in any way. It seems certain that when we do reopen we will do so only for private prayer - let us pray that we will soon be able to expand our range of services after that. Finally, I have attached this weekend'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 |