A message from Fr John

Dear Friends

Good morning - the cool nights are certainly easier for sleeping, aren’t they

Happy Feast Day - Ss Peter and Paul, the rocks of stability and mission on which our Church is built

And thinking of our churches …. I never thought I would have to be saying this but ….

After a meeting with our team of generous volunteers yesterday, it was decided that we will open Christ the King church this week for private prayer only.

It will be open as follows

Monday: 2.00pm - 3.00pm

Wednesday 6.00pm - 7.00pm

Friday: 2.00pm - 3.00pm

I realise that these are very limited times but it is only a trial run, and we might be able to extend the times in the weeks to come.

The church was thoroughly cleaned yesterday (thank you, Prema) and must be cleaned before and after each opening. This puts a big responsibility on the shoulders of the volunteers and means that all the health and safety requirements must be met by all who use the church at these times. There is a one-way system, some benches have been taped off, the toilets are locked, sanitiser must be used on entry and exit, and face masks and gloves are available for those who want them.

All are welcome but there is no obligation to come to church and those who are vulnerable should follow current NHS guidelines. Please take heart - we remain full members of the Church, the Body of Christ, wherever we are and the Church at Home is a key building block that will help to re-establish our pattern of common worship when the time is right.

I know that people are experiencing the universality of the Church by watching the live-streaming of the Mass from all over the world, Ireland Italy Poland, some have gone as far as Chorley (!) and even my old turf of Kenya - what a wonderful Church we share. Thank you to all those who share our own Zoom Mass.

Thank you for your patience and fortitude - needful gifts of the Holy Spirit for these days

If you get chance, listen to ‘Something Understood’ which was broadcast on Radio 4 at 6.05am this morning. Frank Cottrell Boyce was reflecting on voices, on how we use them and how we hear them. I particularly enjoyed Steve Coogan! and Kathleen Ferrier whose voice can move me to tears so easily (I blame the lockdown!)

Can we please remember in our prayers all our parish family, especially those who are part of the frontline, essential workers of all kinds:

Joseph, Lisa, Patrick, Chris, Catherine, Anne, Terry, Mark, Theo, Clare, Richard, Anthony, Jane, James, Andrew, Mary, Francis, Ruth, Tony, Sue, Dan, Fiona, Katy. Ian & Bethany - and of course all our teachers who are already preparing for the changed circumstances of September

Stay safe

St Joseph, guardian of our parish during these days, pray for us

Every blessing

Fr John