| Letter from Fr Mark McManus 2nd November |
| Dear Parishioners of St Joseph's & St Charles', |
Unless parliament decides otherwise, public worship will be suspended in all our churches from this Thursday, 5 November, until at least Wednesday, 2 December.
As previously, I will continue to celebrate the holy sacrifice of the Mass daily and will publish any requested Mass intentions via my letters to you and the parish website and Facebook page. I will update you with any instructions I receive from the hierarchy and/ or our bishop. You can read the statement from the President and Vice-President of the Bishops' Conference here: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/statement-from-the-president-and-the-vice-president-of-the-conference-on-the-prime-ministers-statement/ Church Cleaning & Stewarding
The continuing work of our voluntary church cleaners and stewards remains the bedrock of our ability to open and use our church. Without them the church would still be closed and we are immensely thankful for all that they do. If you have returned to church, have seen how things are done, and now feel ready and able to volunteer then please contact me. More hands help spread the load. Thank you.
November Dead List 2020 - 2021
The celebration of a holy Mass is the simplest yet also the greatest means by which the Church on earth provides care and assistance for the dead - though we can also assist them in their 'journey' through the purification of purgatory by means of our prayers, offered sufferings and penances, especially when they have indulgences attached to them.Beginning this week we offer Masses for the Parish November Dead List for the next twelve months. If you would like to enrol a loved one on the list so that they will be included in these Masses please, write the names of your deceased family, friends and benefactors, and put it, together with your offering, into the offerings box in the church. Alternatively, you can hand it to me or e-mail me the details also. Finally, please mark the list for St Joseph's or St Charles. Car Parking
Do feel free to use the available parking space at the church but do be aware of the need to socially distance upon entering and exiting your car. Remember, the staggered nature of our departure from church means that you may have to exercise a little patience while waiting for someone ahead of you to move their car - a perfect opportunity to make a thanksgiving after Holy Communion.
FACE COVERINGS ARE REQUIRED IN CHURCH
We are required by HM Government to wear face coverings in enclosed public spaces where there are people they do not normally meet, this includes churches.
For those who find such coverings uncomfortable please be encouraged that Mass is shorter than usual and also that there are exemptions to this requirement:https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers#exemptions-face-coverings If you are not exempt and you do not want to wear a face covering you may remain outside the church; the main doors will still be open and you can follow Mass from there. As people leave the church you may then enter by the porch to receive Holy Communion. Track & Trace App & QR Code
We now display at the entrance to the church and also inside a QR code so that, if you have a smartphone, you can scan the QR code when you arrive, using the NHS COVID-19 app. This is to help trace and stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Please contact me if you wish to arrange for the Sacrament of Baptism for your child. Baptisms will be carried out on an individual basis and your group must not exceed more than 6 people (this includes the child, the parents and Godparent/s). You may not exceed this number and no exceptions should be sought. Our Lady of Walsingham, pray for us. St Joseph, pray for us. St Charles Borromeo, pray for us. With my prayers, Fr Mark McManus |