FR DAVID WRITES
This weekend we celebrate the Sixth Sunday of Easter conscious that we are fast approaching the climax of the Easter season. This Thursday is Ascension Thursday, the fortieth day of Eastertide. Of course this would normally be a holy day, but just like Sundays and other feasts right now, the obligation is removed. Please join us online if you can or pray with us in your home. Our Mass on Thursday will be at 10am on the live-stream.
Next Sunday will be the Seventh Sunday of Easter, and in two weeks we will celebrate the great feast of Pentecost.
Many thanks to everyone who joined in our celebration of ‘School Mass’ on Wednesday. It was great to have you all praying with us. Thank you to Mrs Hood and Mrs Hutton for helping us arrange the celebration. God bless you all – keep safe and, of course, we’re looking forward to seeing you all soon.
SAFEGUARDING & DOMESTIC ABUSE
Safeguarding, as well as domestic abuse, have continued to be causes for particular concern throughout the current crisis. While we stay at home, we are conscious that for some home is not always a safe place. Please remember that there are people and agencies available to help those in need. Please also remember that our Parish Safeguarding Rep is Maggie Nagle who can be contacted on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Please see the two links below for further information on the Church’s ministry in safeguarding and domestic abuse.
https://www.cbcew.org.uk/home/our-work/safeguarding/
https://www.cbcew.org.uk/support-those-who-suffer-domestic-abuse-during-pandemic/
CAFOD EMERGENCY APPEAL
CAFOD launched its coronavirus emergency appeal on 30 April. The effects of coronavirus on developing countries where CAFOD works are likely to be devastating. Families without enough to eat and without access to clean water and healthcare are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus. The poorest and most marginalised communities will be pushed further into poverty. Your prayers and gifts are needed now more than ever to help protect the lives of those in poor communities. While we are not able to hold physical collections in our church, you can donate as individuals at:
www.cafod.org.uk/coronavirusappeal
THANK YOU
Thank you to all of you who have so generously continued to contribute towards the life of the parish – either through the planned giving envelopes, standing orders, Virgin Money Giving or other donations. Your kindness is greatly appreciated at this difficult time. Fr David and Fr Andrew also want to say thank you to everyone who have sent supportive and kind messages, either in the post or by email, and to those who have sent ‘care packages’ consisting of a variety of different goodies! We’re very grateful to you all. Thank you, too, for looking out for each other and those in particular need. There is so much good being done in the face of such a difficult situation. God bless you all.
MASS FOR KEY-WORKERS
This week’s national Mass for key-workers will be celebrated by the Bishop of Shrewsbury, Bishop Mark Davies, at Shrewsbury Cathedral on Thursday evening at 7pm. You can watch it online here:
http://www.dioceseofshrewsbury.org/about-us/live-masses
NEXT YEAR’S FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
A number of people have been enquiring about registration for First Holy Communion for next year. Please note that this is on hold for now. We are still in a situation where we need to conclude the current programmes for First Holy Communion and Confirmation. Once we have a clearer idea from the Government and the bishops about how the reopening will take place, we will be able to draw up more precise plans concerning the parish diary for the remainder of 2020 and the full year 2021.