FR DAVID WRITES
As the new term approaches, we have lots to think about and much to do. This October will see the diocesan phase for the future Synod of Bishops on Communion, Participation and Mission (2023). We are waiting to hear from the Cardinal about how our diocese will be involved. We are also thinking about participation and mission in ourselves. As you know only too well, many of our activities were suspended and are now opening up again. We are all thinking and praying about how to restart and renew possibilities for in our own area. I invite everyone to pray about this! If you are part of a group or ministry in the parish, how might its mission be restarted and renewed in such a way to reach out to the post-pandemic situation we find ourselves in? These challenging questions might sound daunting. However, it is the Holy Spirit who brings life and change to the Church, and who inspires new opportunities in ways we humans could never really plan or imagine. Inviting the Holy Spirit is the first and most important moment in this journey which we make together.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2021/22 REGISTRATION
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 that the office will be closed on Monday (Bank Holiday), Tuesday & Wednesday next week.
PARISH FINANCE COMMITTEE
A reminder that this group will meet on Tuesday 7th September 7pm upstairs room.
COLLECTIONS AT CHURCH
Sunday 12th September: the collection will resume at Mass after the Bidding Prayers.
PROCEDURES AT CHURCH
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 are encouraged to wear a face covering. The capacity of the church has increased to normal levels, but please be respectful of those who may want to keep a distance. Thank you.
ALTERATION IN WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Beginning on Monday 6th September, there will be an altered schedule for liturgical celebrations in church.
Monday—Friday Masses 8 am & 10am (car park will not open till 9.15am)
on Fridays there will be exposition after the 10am Mass
Saturdays 1pm Baptisms, 3pm Confessions, 4pm Vigil Mass, 6pm Vigil Mass
Sundays Masses: 8.45am, 10am (Solemn), 11.15am (Family), 12.30pm
We are not quite fully back to normal yet, but almost there. If the pandemic has taught us anything it is that things are not set in stone. The physical Sign of Peace at Mass remains suspended for the time being, and unless further guidance is issued for our consideration, Holy Communion from the chalice will remain suspended indefinitely. Thank you to those who wrote in with reflections on Masses and other experiences. If we need to review in due course (for example, if we have too many Masses) that is always possible. However, for now we have retained six opportunities for Sunday Mass, albeit in a slightly different pattern which most people indicated was preferable. This should be more than ample. We are very much looking forward to resuming singing at Mass and seeing many parishioners back. Sunday 12th September is the first day for singing at 10am and 11.15am Masses. Readers and new readers should hear soon about the new rotas. Many thanks everyone for your generosity and help!
MASS INTENTIONS
Sunday intentions already booked will be transferred to the new, equivalent time (e.g. 11am to 11.15am etc). Weekday Masses will be moved from 12 noon to 10am. With the return of the 8am Mass (Mon-Fri) we now have a lot more available slots. Please contact the office to book intentions for the 8am Mass.
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. Marie and Isabelle extend an invitation to any parishioners who would like to come and celebrate this special Mass .
BERNADETTE CLUB
The club will be open once again to members on THURSDAY 2nd September at 2pm 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 to invite new members to join us.