The Parish of St Joseph and
The Parish of St Charles Borromeo
Sheffield
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Letter from Fr Mark McManus 28th January
 
Dear Parishioners of St Joseph's & St Charles',
 
HM Government has now fully lifted the provisions against the Covid virus known as "Plan B." The scientific consensus and advice of Public Health England is that there is still a risk associated with gathering for sustained periods in enclosed spaces and therefore there needs to be continued caution by all against infection. However, this should be balanced against the need to minimise disruption in our lives as the general situation continues to seemingly 'improve.'

With this in mind I would note the following:
  • If you display symptoms of Covid-19, you are unwell or somebody in your household has coronavirus symptoms, e.g. a cough or high temperature, you should stay at home and not come to church.
  • As the main form of virus transmission is via personal oral or nasal aerosol you are still very welcome to wear a face covering (both nose and mouth) whilst in the building. Indeed, the Guidance of the Bishops' Conference of England & Wales offers 'encouragement to wear face coverings while singing.'
  • Although there is no need for formal social distancing please be sensitive to the presence of others around you.
  • We are still being asked to ensure there is good ventilation and so the doors will continue to be open while the church is in use (pray for an early and warm Spring!). Also, the toilet will be open again.
  • It is still good practice to sanitise hands on entry and exit, however, it is clear from scientific evidence that transmission from surfaces (touch transmission) is now minimal and so the use of our hymn books will be resumed next weekend, 5 & 6 February.
  • Likewise, from next weekend, 5 & 6 February, Holy Communion, under the one kind (the Sacred Host), will be distributed at the usual place and in the usual way. Again, please be mindful of others and, while seeking to form an orderly procession, try not to form too large a queue at any one time.
Finally, I am confident that you are aware that Covid-19 virus is still in circulation and that while you will be conscious of your own personal safety you will also, I am sure, be equally mindful of your care for others.

Our Masses this week are:

Saturday, 29 January, at 5:00pm
Sunday, 30 January, at 8:45am & 10:00am
Monday, 31 January, at 10:00am
Tuesday, 1 February, at 10:00am
Thursday, 3 February, at 10:00am
Friday, 4 February, at 10:00am

Church Cleaning
As we begin to operate more normally we will need to think about our Church Cleaning. Please consider if you can give some time to this important and valuable service. A group of dedicated and faithful people have enabled us to stay open over these past twenty-two months and for this we are all extremely grateful. Going forward however, it is not fair or appropriate to rely on the same people all the time.

The Synod of Bishops 2023
A consultation
I kindly remind you that your comments should be submitted by next Sunday, 6 February. Thank you.

Finally, here is this week's newsletter and intentions for prayer.

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
 
Parish Newsletter 30th January

Intentions for Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time