| Letter from Fr Mark McManus 14th May |
| Dear Parishioners of St Joseph's & St Charles, |
| This week our Masses will be:
Saturday, 15 May, at 5:00pm
Sunday, 16 May, at 9:00am & 10:00am Tuesday, 18 May, at 10:00am Thursday, 20 May, at 10:00am St Charles Church
As you know in the interest of public health the bishop authorised the sole use of the church to the Polish Catholic community during the pandemic. Hopefully we will soon have some idea as to what restrictions may still have to be in place for our churches after 21 June and therefore, when other language groups and services can resume inside the church again.
St Joseph's Saturday evening Mass
During the pandemic the Saturday Vigil Mass has been at 5.00pm rather than the previous time of 6.30pm. Many of the people who have been attending the 5.00pm Mass have asked that it not revert to the later time when things 'return to normal.' I confess, that as these people have faithfully attended during the pandemic I am strongly minded to honour their request, though perhaps with a Mass at a slightly later time, say 5.30pm. It was certainly noticeable how many more weeks of daylight the earlier time granted and I know this is of significance to a good number of folks. Anyway, there is no immediate rush and I ask you to let me know your thoughts and opinions. Thank you.
Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour
Our annual Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour continues this Tuesday, 18 May, with St Joseph, Faithful Servant, at 7.00pm in St Joseph's church. All welcomeTuesday, 25 May, Patron of the Church Tuesday, 1 June, Patron of Families Tuesday, 8 June, Patron of Workers Tuesday, 15 June, Friend In Suffering Tuesday, 22 June, Patron of a Happy Death N.B. Here is the slightly adapted novena for you to print out and bring with you if possible, please. Thank you. 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. 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.
Safeguarding
Please click here for a newsletter from the diocesan safeguarding team which seeks to promote and communicate the Church's safeguarding message.
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 |