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THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
This weekend we celebrate the joyful solemnity of Our Lady’s Assumption into heaven. Today the preface to the Eucharistic Prayer wonderfully reflects the meaning of this feast. At the end of her earthly life, Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven to enjoy the first fruits of her Son’s victory over sin and death. At the same time, she shines forth upon the earth as a sign of hope and comfort to God’s pilgrim people on their own journey towards the fullness of life in heaven. Thus, in the Assumption of Mary we see a beautiful sign of our own future becoming clear. Happy feast day to you all!
COMMUNION 2021/22 REGISTRATION
If you wish your child to make his/her First Communion next year, please sign the sheet in the church porch. You have until Sunday 5th September to sign up. Please note that the first session will be on 30th November. Please clearly provide your email address.
22ND SOUTHGATE SCOUT GROUP CAMPING TRIP
We were delighted to hear that, after a very difficult year, our Scout Group was able to hold their annual Summer Camp. A party of 50 leaders and young people stayed at a small campsite at Horner near Minehead. They had a really busy time, with visits to the beach; kayaking, raft building and high ropes; a visit to the West Somerset Railway; climbing Dunkery Hill (Exmoor’s highest summit) and an adventure day at North Devon Wake Park. Many thanks to all the leaders for arranging such a great week. If you have a young person (aged 6 – 14) who would like to join our Scout Group, please text your interest to 07803 161292 and we will send you more details.
FLOWER VOLUNTEERS
If you would like to help with the Church flowers please contact the Parish office.
No experience necessary.
PARISH OFFICE
Please note that the Office will be closed on Friday this week.
PROCEDURES AT CHURCH FROM MONDAY 19 JULY
We have now received some guidance, mostly in the form of recommendations, with some rules too. We want to continue to keep our church safe and make people feel as comfortable as possible, while at the same time recognising that there is a degree of personal choice that people will need to make depending on their own circumstances.
- The current temporary Mass times will remain in place until the autumn term, and Sunday obligation remains suspended for the time being.
-You should not come to church if you have any symptoms, or if you have been told to self-isolate.
-Please continue to use the QR code to sign in on your smartphone.
-You should still use the hand sanitiser if possible. You are also encouraged to wear a face covering, especially when there are large gatherings inside the church.
-Social distancing will be relaxed so the capacity of the church will increase to normal levels, but please be respectful of those who may want to continue to keep a distance.
- The following things remain suspended here for now: Communion from the chalice, the offertory procession, the physical sign of peace, and holy water in the stoups. Singing at Sunday Mass will not return until the autumn term. The collection will continue to be taken on the way out, at least until we can organise a new system.
-We no longer need the stewards for entry or cleaning after every Mass. However, after the last Mass each day, help would be appreciated to clean the touch points in church. Thank you to everyone who has helped us with stewarding and cleaning throughout this entire time. Thank you to everyone for your patience, cooperation and prayers!
INTERNET PROBLEMS
This week we have been experiencing very annoying problems with our internet connection. Obviously some wicked gremlin has been trying to disrupt our work! We do apologise for this inconvenience, but hopefully the problem has now been corrected! Thank you for your patience and understanding.
MEMORIAL MASS FOR LIBBY BIBERIAN
A special Memorial Mass for Libby has been arranged to take place here on Saturday 18th September at 12 noon, followed by a reception in the hall. Libby’s funeral took place last year during the first lockdown when restrictions were severe. Marie and Isabelle extend an invitation to any parishioners who would like to come and celebrate this special Mass with us remembering Libby.
MUSIC GROUP AT THE 11.15AM SUNDAY MASS
Fr David writes: I spoke recently with Peter Coleman about the return of our wonderful music group at the 11.15am Family Mass. Now that singing in church is permitted again, we would like to return the music group on Sunday 12th September at 11.15am. I am hoping to meet with the members of choir for the Solemn Mass soon to see what we can do and when we can restart. We have all our really missed our lovely church music and look hopefully to restoring this important part of the liturgy soon. Info on Mass times to follow.