Faith Journeys

As of 5th January 2021 we enter another lockdown in England.

Under the new restrictions, churches are allowed to remain open for both private prayer and collective worship. Mass will therefore be celebrated as usual.

As before, we are obliged to wear face coverings and to sanitise our hands. Contact tracing is also in place. We must remain vigilant regarding the rules already in place for places of worship, especially to avoid mingling with anyone outside of your household or support bubble when attending church, both inside the building and outside.

Pray that there will not be a further lockdown depriving us of our religious practise.

Bishop David has written us a Pastoral Letter at this very important time in the liturgical year:

Dear friends in Christ,

‘Christmas is cancelled!’ This abrupt headline appeared during September, causing consternation throughout the land. It became clearer, journalists were referring to the cultural trappings of a festive season. But there was also the lingering prospect that we may not be able to meet up with all our loved ones because of the virus. In truth, of course, Christmas cannot be cancelled. It is a historical event, one which has a wonderful implication for ourselves as we journey through these difficult days with hope. In the words of St Paul, ‘when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children.’ [1] Three centuries after the apostle wrote those words, St Athanasius reflected upon what it means that God sent his Son, born of a woman. This great theologian of Christmas lived in a time when some denied the truth of the Incarnation, that Jesus is consubstantial with the Father. And so he tells us why Jesus, ‘the incorporeal and incorruptible Word of God entered our world.’ [2] Our human minds ‘had fallen finally to the level of sensible things’. [3]

Canon Seamus has recorded a video message, inviting us to trust in God and to find hope and peace in daily prayer. He reminds us that, despite current uncertainties, the Lord is with us.

If we are comfortable, he also extends an invitation to attend Sunday Mass. Please see our latest newsletter for Mass Times.

It is a joy to welcome you back to Sunday Mass! This long fast from the Eucharist has been a trial for all who understand the importance of the Mass for us Catholics.

In compliance with regulations, the congregation is obliged to wear a face-covering, as Canon Seamus has opted for the one-metre-plus distancing option in order to allow for more capacity in the church. If this is not workable, we will have to revert to 2 metres distancing so, please be patient as we try to work out what is best.

The pews have been measured – 3 persons to a pew or more if from the same household. The central aisle has been marked as you come to Communion, one row at a time. Please be observant of this. Reception of Holy Communion will be on the hand only.

A Message from the Metropolitan Archbishops
of the Catholic Church in England and Wales

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

The radiance of the risen Lord shines upon us. At a time when so many shadows are cast into our lives, and upon our world, the light of the resurrection shines forever to renew and restore our hope. In the words of our Holy Father, Pope Francis: ‘In the midst of isolation when we are suffering from a lack of tenderness and chances to meet up, and we experience the loss of so many things, let us once again listen to the proclamation that saves us: he is risen and is living by our side.’ (27 March 2020)

The impact of Covid-19, both nationally and internationally, has been immense. So much of what we take for granted has changed. Our health and physical interaction, our capacity to travel and gather, have all been affected. There is uncertainty in our future, especially with work and the country’s economy. As we know, very sadly, large numbers of people have died because of the coronavirus, and others have been or remain seriously ill. Keyworkers, not least in the National Health Service and care sectors, are serving selflessly to sustain the life of our nation. Our hearts and prayers go out to everyone who is suffering because of Covid-19, and to all those battling to overcome its effects. May those who have died rest in peace and those who are bereaved find comfort.