FR DAVID WRITES
This week we started a new term and a new school year. Welcome back to everyone who is starting again at school or college. Thank you to the staff, governors and parents who are making sure that school will be safe and enjoyable for all pupils and students. We would also like to send our best wishes and congratulations for those who received their exam results and university places in difficult circumstances.
THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS
Many thanks to the parishioners who volunteer to supervise and clean the church at the times when it is open—we are all very grateful.
FACE COVERING & HAND SANITISER
It is essential that everyone uses the hand sanitiser on the way in to church. The law in England says that face coverings should be worn in churches, with legitimate exemptions.
SATURDAY 5PM MASS
Saturday Mass at 5pm has been discontinued. The Masses at 4pm and 6pm continue.
PARISH OFFICE
We kindly ask that you contact the office by phone or email in the first instance. Please do not come in person without prior arrangement. Thank you.
DAVID KNIGHT’S MASS OF THANKSGIVING
Deacon David will be ordained to the priesthood on Saturday 19th September. He will return to Our Lady of Lourdes to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving for his ordination on Tuesday 22nd September at 6pm. You will need a ticket if you would like to come. There are 60 places available. You can get a ticket from Fr David, Fr Andrew or by ringing the parish office. The places are offered on a first come-first served basis.
PRESENTATION FOR DAVID
We will hold a special collection next weekend in order to make a presentation to David on the occasion of his priestly ordination.
DEANERY MEETING
Since March, the deanery has met online using Zoom. This week, we will meet again for this first time in person. I am extremely grateful to the priests, deacons, religious and staff members of our deanery for their hard work, generosity and clear thinking during the past months of the crisis, and for the support they have shown each other and neighbouring parishes and chaplaincies. This has meant the reopening of churches throughout the deanery has been safe and smooth. Please keep us in your prayers as we continue to move forward together. Fr David.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNIONS 2020
The First Holy Communion Masses will be celebrated here in church in October. Thank you to the parents who have written back to our office regarding the arrangements. You will hear from Mrs Buffery with further information. Unfortunately, the places at these Masses are strictly limited so it will not be possible to invite other parishioners. Thank you for your understanding, and please pray for the children as they continue to prepare for this important event.
FIRST CONFESSIONS 2020
A reminder for parents that the First Confessions will take place here next Saturday at 2pm for those children who do not attend Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School. For the children who are at Our Lady of Lourdes, their First Confessions will take place in school this Wednesday at 2pm.
NEXT YEAR’S FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
Please wait for more information about registration.
CONFIRMATIONS 2020
We are waiting for further guidance from the diocese regarding the celebration of the sacrament of Confirmation.
ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION
My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I
love you above all things, and I desire to receive you into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace you as if you were already there and unite myself wholly to you.
Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.'