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FR DAVID WRITES
I hope that everyone is having a pleasant summer and possibly the opportunity for some time away or other relaxation. It is was lovely to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption with you all last weekend. August is the month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and our devotions to the holy Mother of God continue as ever.
Thank you to the members of both our choirs who are putting plans in place to begin church music at Sunday Masses on 12th September. We are also working on the new Mass times (thank you to everyone who wrote to me), and the corresponding rota for readers. I am keen for other rotas to be recommenced where necessary. If you are interested in serving tea and coffee on a Sunday after the two sung Masses, please speak to me this weekend. If you are responsible for other rotas or activities that haven’t taken place since the pandemic, and would like to recommence, please also speak to me.
During Mass on Wednesday we said thank you and goodbye to Brian Moran who is moving to Frinton-on-Sea. Brian has been a wonderful and cheerful volunteer, helping with the sacristy and serving at Mass for many years, including all my four years here. We will miss him but send him off with many good wishes for his new life by the seaside!
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.
FLOWER VOLUNTEERS
If you would like to help with the church flowers please contact the Parish Office.
No experience necessary.
PARISH OFFICE
Please note carefully that the office will be closed on Friday.
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!
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.
BERNADETTE CLUB
Good news! We are delighted to say that the club will be open once again to members on THURSDAY 2nd September at 2.00pm in the parish centre. Please note our meetings will now take place on the first Thursday of each month. We are hoping in the future that we will be able to invite new members to join us.
SUB TUUM PRAESIDIUM
We fly to Thy protection, O Holy Mother of God.
Do not despise our petitions in our necessities,
but deliver us always from all dangers,
O Glorious and Blessed Virgin. Amen!