A message from Fr John

Dear Friends

Good morning. I hope you’re well and staying safe. I’m amazed at the vast crowds that are gathering at beaches and for parties - putting themselves and others at risk, let alone creating the potential for extra strain on our wonderful NHS staff and resources.

We are slowly and carefully moving towards a re-opening of church prior to possible opening for Mass. I’m afraid we can only use one church (it will be Christ the King) because of all the necessary health and safety precautions which are demanded at these times. The church has to be cleaned not just once but every time it is closed and opened.

There is a meeting this afternoon for those people who have generously volunteered to be stewards - at the door and in church - to help us follow all the recommended guidelines. I spent yesterday putting tape and signs up and down the church and placing all the cleaning materials in the right place. It looks distinctly ‘odd’ but I suppose, in the short term, we will get used to it.

Not everyone will be able to come - the more vulnerable especially - and not everyone will want to come. There is absolutely no obligation to come; our Bishops have been very clear on that matter. Bishop John encourages us to continue to build the Church at Home - building our own spiritual lives through prayer and contemplation.

It is also very important that we don’t allow anyone to ’slip through the net’. There are many people, particularly the old and isolated, who don’t have access to the internet - please reach out to them by phone or even a simple wave outside their garden. Our community is strong and we need to ensure it stays so.

Stay safe

St Joseph, guardian of our parish, pray for us

Every blessing

Fr John