A message from Fr John

Good morning - back to business

We’re back to the following routine

Today: Zoom Mass 12.00pm; Private prayer in church; 2.00pm; Zoom Exposition 5.00pm

There are a few items from the Diocese which might be of interest:

Covid 19 Bereavement Support Group  
Responding to a specific need, Caritas is now able to offer bereavement support to individuals &/or families who have experienced the death of a loved one due to Covid 19.

This support is unique because it will enable those participating to share their story in their own way with others who have “walked in their shoes”, not only in terms of their loss but in sharing the added pain of not having been able to follow the rites and rituals of the Catholic Church in the usual way, which is such an important expression of Faith and brings so much comfort to the dying and their families.

Meetings will initially be offered via video conferencing whilst social distancing restrictions remain in place and will be professionally and sensitively facilitated by Bernadette O’Neal, a qualified psychologist and bereavement counsellor with a deep understanding of the Catholic Faith.
Please direct any enquiries to M.Wiggin@caritassalford.org.uk or Kath Ansley k.ansley@caritassalford.org.uk

Diploma in Pastoral Ministry and Leadership
Once again this year the Diocese, in partnership with the Archdiocese of Liverpool and Wrexham Diocese, are offering a Diploma in Pastoral Ministry and Leadership. The Diploma is a combination of Online Learning and a series of leadership workshops, leading to a Loyola University Chicago Certificate and a series of Liverpool Hope CPD Awards.
The course starts in January 2021 and ends in December 2023. The full Diploma costs £2500, which is payable over three instalments. An increasing number of parishes are willing to part-fund students towards the Diploma.
More information can be found on the website below. Here you will find testimonies from past students, information booklets on the modules, application forms and an online form to book on one of the Zoom information Webinars www.liverpoolcatholicresources.com/diploma
The Zoom information Webinars are at the following dates and times:

• Tuesday 27 October: 10. 30am – 12. 00pm

• Thursday 29 October: 7. 00pm – 8. 30pm

• Wednesday 4 November: 7. 00pm – 8. 30pm

• Saturday 7 November: 2. 00pm – 3. 30pm

• Tuesday 17 November: 7. 00pm – 8. 30pm

Please do not hesitate to contact Fr. Paul Daly paul.daly@dioceseofsalford.org.uk or John Griffin john.griffin@dioceseofsalford.org.uk for further information.

Vacancy - Bookshop Manager

Appointment Type: Full-time, permanent
Working hours: 35 hours per week, usually 8.30am-4.30pm. However, some flexible working will be required including regular Saturday working on rotation.
Location: Cathedral Centre, 3 Ford Street, Salford, M3 6DP
Salary, pension and benefits: £22,000-£25,000 per annum depending upon skills and experience, 25 holidays plus bank holidays and 5 Diocesan closure days, employer’s pension scheme.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated team leader who will establish and maintain effective relationships with a wide and diverse range of internal and external customers. The successful individual will maintain a good working knowledge of the Society’s bookshop stock and product lines to fully inform and advise customers. The post-holder will be able to contribute and deploy new ideas and programmes to develop the work of the Bookshop and Catholic Truth Society. They will possess proven commercial judgment and be committed to building and developing a host of customer bases and work creatively and determinedly to maximise sales opportunities and provide excellent customer service.
Closing date for applications: 12 noon on Friday 16th October 2020

Find out more and download an application pack on our website: www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/news/vacancies/

World Mental Health Day

This year’s World Mental Health Day, on 10 October, comes at a time when our daily lives have changed considerably as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The past months have brought many challenges for everyone. 

We all deserve to feel safe and supported when talking about our mental health. But too often, mental health stigma leaves people feeling isolated and ashamed. At worst, it prevents people getting support, finding employment or having open conversations. Below you will find resources and links which we hope will benefit you.We hope some of these resources will be of interest and remind you of the importance of looking after your mental health, especially now.

World Mental Health Day 2020 is the most important one yet.

This year has been a tough one for us all. The months of lockdown and loss have had a huge impact on our mental health.
According to our research, with over 16,000 people, we know that more than half of adults (60%) and over two thirds of young people (68%) said their mental health got worse during lockdown. We know that many have developed new mental health problems as a result of the pandemic and, for some of us, existing mental health problems have gotten worse.

Prioritising mental health has never been more important than it is now.

Making positive change can seem so hard, especially during uncertain times and sometimes, it can be hard to know where to start. Whether you want to take the first steps towards getting some help or learn more about helping those around you, our information, support and our online community will get you started.

Do one thing today

Whether it's going for a walk, learning a new skill or doing something creative, taking the first steps to getting support for yourself, or reaching out to someone else; take the opportunity to do one thing this World Mental Health Day. You can access information from Mind and their resources for World Mental Health Day. 

There will be a list of resources in tomorrow’s newsletter

I’m sorry if the letter seems a little full today but …. As they say these day ’That’s the way it is’.

Stay safe, please

St Joseph, pray for us

Every blessing

Fr John