| Letter from Fr Mark McManus 26th February |
| Dear Parishioners of St Joseph's & St Charles, |
| Our public Masses this coming week at St Joseph's church should be:
Saturday, 27 February, at 5.00pm &
Sunday, 28 February, at 9.00am & 10.00am & Tuesday, 2 March, at 10.00am & Friday, 5 March, at 10.00am Lenten Stations of the Cross
Our Deacon, Simon Hegarty, is offering a Stations of the Cross via Zoom on Tuesday evening, 2 March.You will need to email Simon for the link so that he can invite you into the event: simonhegarty67@gmail.com Also available is a Stations from Louise George which can found here or Facebook page or at: https://www.loom.com/share/91f3298f14964875b067b1f734e62492 We thank them for their work in this regard. Attending church
The recently published government "roadmap" for easing Covid restrictions will see little change in our churches for the next couple of months. The first real difference may be seen from 'no earlier than 17 May' when baptisms (with no more than 30 people) can resume again and finally, please God, from 'no earlier than 21 June' when 'all legal limits on social contact will be removed.' Whether there will still be some restrictions concerning the numbers allowed inside the building or the wearing of face-coverings in certain circumstances remains to be seen. For now, let us continue to give thanks to all those who keep the light of faith alight at home or in church and pray we may continue to operate in safety and give witness to the world.
Please remember that there is no obligation to attend the public celebration of Mass at present and that you can make a spiritual offering of your own self-denial. Let us remain vigilant and do all that we can to respect the health and safety of each other. If you are in the shielding category please follow guidance from the NHS. FACE COVERINGS ARE REQUIRED IN CHURCH
UNLESS YOU HAVE AN EXEMPTION THIS IS NOW LAW For those who have been vaccinated please remember that this does not provide immunity from the COVID Virus but in the majority of cases does prevent severe symptoms developing. 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. Some Intentions for Prayer
Here are some intercessions that you may wish to use in your personal or family prayer.
First Holy Communion 2020 & 2021
I hope to have details available by next weekend for both groups and, with regard to the 2021 Class, any parents of this year's Year 3 children (and above) who wish to make their First Holy Communion this year at St Joseph's or St Charles, should register their interest by next Friday, 5 March.
CAFOD Lenten Fast Day
Just a reminder that today, Friday, 26 February, is Family Fast Day. The CAFOD website offers a variety of schemes and events that you can participate in.https://cafod.org.uk/donations/ 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.
Car Parking
Drivers should note that the logs that previously marked part of the border of the presbytery lawn have been replaced with stones. 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.
Track & Trace App & QR Code
We shall continue to record the names and contact details for people attending the church for private prayer. 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).
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 |