| Letter from Fr Mark McManus 16th April |
| Dear Parishioners of St Joseph's & St Charles, |
| I shall be taking a few days off from Monday to Friday next week here in Costa del Handsworth. I apologise now for any bad weather this will inevitably bring!
This week our Masses will be: Saturday, 17 April, at 5:00pm
Sunday, 18 April, at 9:00am & 10:00am Friday, 23 April, at 10:00am HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh RIP
I had already sent out the newsletter and Mass schedule for the week before news broke of Prince Philip's death. I shall offer the holy sacrifice of the Mass for the repose of his soul at 10.00am next Friday, 23 April, the feast of St George.
Yorkshire Refugee Foodbank
The sudden closure of the church for the ceiling repairs and the subsequent lack of a car park meant one of our Lenten plans was somewhat delayed. At this weekend's Masses, 17 & 18 April, our deacon Simon, will be available outside the church to collect any offerings of food for the Yorkshire Refugee Foodbank based in Darnall. Tins, jars or dried foodstuffs (nothing that will spoil) or sanitary items please. Thank you for your support.
New Offertory envelopes
These can be collected from Fr M before or after Mass. N.B. Please be aware (I have no idea why) that all the envelopes this year, e.g. the Building Fund ones, are the same colour. Thank you for your continuing support.
Attending church
FACE COVERINGS ARE REQUIRED IN CHURCH
UNLESS YOU HAVE AN EXEMPTION THIS IS NOW LAW You MUST NOT come to church if: You are unwell or somebody in your household has coronavirus symptoms, for example a cough or high temperature. Please follow the directions of the stewards. St Joseph's church ceiling repairs
Some good news! As had been hoped, upon further detailed examination the two Westernmost bays of the ceiling (above the choir loft) - part of the 1956 extension to the original church - appeared 'to be entirely sound and secure.' This reduction in the necessary work saw our bill likewise reduced to £17,222.
A bequest
The parish of St Joseph has been left a bequest by Brian Mellors RIP who died last year on 4 June, 2020. He and his wife, Margaret, who died in 2012, were well-known here at St. Joseph's. Although himself not a Catholic, Brian's gift clearly speaks of his affection for the church and parish and the welcome and comfort that he undoubtedly found here.I would like to propose that we use some of the money for a project that will mark a suitable memorial - the church's 150th anniversary is slowly creeping into view - and I shall speak in more detail on this matter and provide an opportunity to hear your thoughts and opinions when things are a little more 'normal.' Brian and Margaret are buried here in St Joseph's cemetery. They, and all our deceased benefactors, are remembered in the November Memorial Dead List Masses that are celebrated throughout the year. First Holy Communion 2020 & 2021
Given that we don't yet know at what capacity the church might be operating after 21 June, I have judged it prudent not to schedule the St Joseph's First Communion Masses for a regular Sunday Mass time. This will allow us to maximise the number of families and guests who may wish to attend. Accordingly, I propose that we celebrate First Holy Communion with the:
Class of 2020 on Saturday, 10 July, at 10.00am &
Louise George will be in touch with regard to preparation - much of it on-line - and I encourage you to engage with the process as much as is possible. Many thanks.
Class of 2021 on Saturday, 18 September, at 10.00am Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour
Our annual novena in honour of our Diocesan patron will, in this year of St Joseph, consider her 'spouse most chaste.' We will commence at 7.00pm on:Tuesday, 27 April with St Joseph as Foster Father of Jesus and then: Tuesday, 2 May, Virginal Husband of Mary Tuesday, 9 May, Chosen by God Tuesday, 16 May, Faithful Servant Tuesday, 23 May, Patron of the Church Tuesday, 30 May, Patron of Families Tuesday, 6 June, Patron of Workers Tuesday, 13 June, Friend In Suffering Tuesday, 20 June, Patron of a Happy Death 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 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.
Finally, this week's newsletter is here. Our Lady of Walsingham, pray for us. St Joseph, pray for us. St Charles Borromeo, pray for us. With my prayers, Rev. Mark McManus Parish Priest |