Why is Lent 46 days and not 40? Because each Sunday is considered a Feast Day as we celebrate the death and Resurrection of Christ in the Holy Eucharist. The Gospel on the 40 days that Jesus spends in the wilderness reveals to us that when we fast and pray to draw ourselves closer to Christ, the evil one will always try to tempt us away. But like Jesus we can always use our Faith to defend ourselves against temptation.
Service Times This Week: from Saturday February 27th 2021 until March 7th 2021 – All Services will also be streamlined on-line
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Download this week’s Newsletter here: |
Date | Location | links to readings and Services |
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Sunday 28th February 2021 – 2nd Sunday of Lent Year B | St Swithuns | Click Link for Service details for today 28-02-2021 |
Monday 1st March 2021 | St Swithuns | Click Link for Service details for today 01-03-2021 |
Tuesday 2nd March 2021 | St Swithuns | Click Link for Service details for today 02-032021 |
Wednesday 3rd March 2021 | St Swithuns | Click Link for Service details for today 03-03-2021 |
Thursday 4tn March 2021 | St Swithuns | Click Link for Service details for today 04-03-2021 |
Friday 5th March 2021 | St Swithuns | Click Link for Service details for today 05-03-2021 |
Saturday 6th March 2021 | St Swithuns | Click Link for Service details for today 06-03-2021 |
Sunday 7th March 2021- 3rd Sunday of Lent Year B | St Swithuns | Click Link for Service details for today 07-03-2021 |
NOTE : PLEASE CLICK THIS LINK TO VIEW ALL SERVICE TIMES IN OUR PARISH DURING LENT
Daily Services Time | Service | Location |
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6:00am Daily | Lectio Divina (Divine Reading – a way of Christian Morning Meditation) | live-streaming ONLY by our Facebook Profile |
9:00am – Except Sundays | The Exposition of The Blessed Sacrament (silent adoration) | available: personal attendance at St Swithun’s church & live-streaming by our Facebook Profile |
9:40am – Monday to Saturday | Divine Mercy Chaplet | available: personal attendance at St Swithun’s church & live-streaming by our Facebook Profile |
10:00am – Except Sundays | The Holy Mass with a specially dedicated homilies with a specific, published every week theme | available: personal attendance at St Swithun’s church & live-streaming by our Facebook Profile |
10:40am – Except Sundays | The Holy Rosary Prayer and Devotions | available: personal attendance at St Swithun’s church & live-streaming by our Facebook Profile |
3:00pm Fridays Only (Hour of Mercy with Stations of the Cross) | HOUR OF MERCY (includes Divine Mercy Chaplet with the readings from Thomas á Kempis – ‘The Imitation of Christ’ (it distils profound insights into living a spiritual life, is probably the most influential Christian book after the Bible) & Litany of Penance. | available: personal attendance at St Swithun’s church & live-streaming by our Facebook Profile |
6:00pm Fridays only i(in English) | The Holy Mass | available: personal attendance at St Swithun’s church & live-streaming by our Facebook Profile |
6:45pm Fridays only in Polish | The Holy Mass in Polish | available: personal attendance at St Swithun’s church & live-streaming by our Facebook Profile |
7:00pm Tuesdays only (In English) | The Holy Mass | available: personal attendance at St Swithun’s church & live-streaming by our Facebook Profile |
My Dear Friends, Brothers & Sisters in Christ
The transfiguration is a matter of eyes: Jesus takes his friends up a mountain and gives them new eyes capable of looking beyond. Behind the humble humanity of the carpenter of Nazareth, they glimpse for an instant the beauty of the Son of God. The divinity revealed in that moment of light frees them from the opacity of the human condition. Jesus is preparing them for what will happen later, when they will see him humiliated and crucified, mocked and massacred. When that happens, they will be asked once again to look beyond, but they will not succeed. Only Pentecost will finally give them eyes to recognize the fullness of divinity in Jesus.
A mountain for me too – Jesus, please give me eyes to recognize you as Lord. In times of testing, lead me too up a “mountain” and illuminate the darkness of my disbelief and hopelessness. Amen
Have you ever given much thought to who you were really created to be? Our lives are the product of various circumstances, choices, predetermined scenarios, and a whole host of events and inherited baggage. All of these components come together and form the person we understand ourselves to be. Jesus knew who he was and who he was becoming. He showed his transfigured self to his disciples on a high mountain and revealed to them who he was really meant to be. The weaknesses, imperfections, fears, and impressions that we carry with us often colour our choices and hinder us from really seeing the greater picture of who we are. What do you imagine your transfigured self to be? Jesus promises a new life in heaven. Have you ever given much thought to what that may mean for you?
LET US PRAY: Lord, this Lenten season let me be transfigured. Take my life and make me your disciple. Let me learn from you by following your ways. Teach me humility, faith, and compassion. And should I fall short of your expectation Lord, please forgive me for in my heart I promise to try my best. I promise to forgive those who wrong me, just as you forgive me for my sins.
ACTION: Sundays are an excellent day to rest and take stock of our journey. Today, I will try to find an hour for myself so I can sit quietly and meditate. I will visit the chapel, an outdoor space, or a quiet room. I will think about the path I am on and the path I prefer to walk. I will ask God to show me the changes I need to make. I will work hard to make a habit of those changes.
REFLECTION
Introductory Prayer: Lord Jesus, you revealed to Peter, James and John a glimpse of your future glory in order to strengthen them for the cross. I know that you also wish to strengthen me with your presence so that I may carry my cross well and one day see you face-to-face. I entrust myself to you now through this prayer, seeking to love you with all my mind, heart, soul and strength.
Petition: Lord, show me your face.
1. Man’s Desire for God: Jesus spends much time in union with his Father through prayer. In the Gospel today he climbs the mountain to pray, as is his custom. It is an attitude that reflects man’s desire to be in contact and in union with the divine. There must have been something truly awesome in how Our Lord prayed, for his apostles ask him to teach them. They want the same intimacy they see that Jesus has with the Father. Can I truly say that I ardently long for a greater intimacy with Christ? Do I believe confidently that anyone who seeks God with a sincere heart will find him? How pleasing it is to God the Father when we, his children, turn to him in earnest, filial prayer.
2. Climbing the Mountain of Prayer: The image of the “holy mountain” is found throughout the Scriptures from Abraham to Moses, and it is often present in Jesus’ public ministry. A mountain is a physical place, but it also represents for us our seeking God’s face in prayer. Our prayer is the ascent of this “holy mountain” to an encounter with our Father. Are we prepared to make this ascent, knowing this involves setbacks and dryness along the way? The Catholic Catechism describes prayer as a battle: “Against whom? Against ourselves and against the wiles of the tempter who does all he can to turn man away from prayer, away from union with God. We pray as we live, because we live as we pray…” (CCC 2725). Am I ready to make the effort of climbing ever upwards through prayer? Do I live as I pray, and am I satisfied with that kind of praying and living?
3. The Tools for Climbing: Every good mountain climber has the tools he needs to make the ascent. We, too, have the tools we need. First, we have the Gospels themselves, which give us a clear picture of Jesus. “He who has seen me has seen the Father…” (John 14:9). Let us meditate frequently on them and ask Our Lord to reveal himself to us through them. Second, we have the sacraments, especially Penance and the Eucharist. In the former, we encounter God’s merciful love lavished upon us, restoring us to our filial relationship with him. In the latter, we receive Love himself, Jesus Christ, who has remained in the sacrament so that we could be united with him. Is my prayer well-grounded in a fervent sacramental life?
Conversation with Christ: Lord Jesus, I thank you for remaining with us in the Eucharist. It is here especially that I can go to seek your face, to know you more intimately and to grow in my love for you. Increase my love for you; may I return love for love.
Resolution: Today I will take at least five minutes of my time to seek Our Lord in prayer, asking his grace for my needs and the needs of all my loved ones.
with Blessings and prayerful best wishes, Father Marcin Drabik
Children Pray together via our Zoom Online Catholic School:
Your children can join us for our Zoom online Catholic School (PLEASE NOT: REGISTRATION IS NEED – see the form below)
Day / Time | Children Online Sessions | |
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Mondays at 6:00pm | Children Zoom Online School IN POLISH | via Zoom Sessions – Children must be registered – Link will be sent via our Facebook page or emailed. |
Mondays at 7:00pm | Children Zoom Online School IN ENGLISH | via Zoom Sessions – Children must be registered – Link will be sent via our Facebook page or emailed. |
Saturdays at 7.15pm | Children Zoom Online School – our preparation for Sunday Liturgy on Saturdays | via Zoom Sessions – Children must be registered – Link will be sent via our Facebook page or emailed. |
We will also published on our Facebook Profile every morning a prayer recorded in English & Polish for Children with daily Lenten resolution.
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Children – Read today’s Holy Readings here again 28-02-2021
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Thoughts on Today’s Gospel and Readings for the Week – 28-02-2021
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Commentary on Genesis 22:1-2,9-13,15-18; Romans 8:31b-35,37; Mark 9:2-10
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Dr. Scott Hahn – Gospel Reflections 28-02-2021
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A HUGE THANKSGIVING TO ALL, WHO SHOWED THEIR INTEREST TO HELP US TO PROVIDE SUNDAY LUNCH FOR THE HOMELESS.You will be contacted to agree a particular Sunday. Thank You so much for your generous hands and merciful hearts. |
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Can you Sponsor Fr Marcin through Lent for the Parish?

HOW TO SPONSOR FATHER MARCIN for LENT 2021
You can send in your Sponsorship form to the parish here.
Please make a comment that it is for the Father Marcin’s Lenten Challenge. We are incredibly grateful to all of You Dear Parishioners, our Guests, all the Brothers & Sisters of Christ – for your constant care of our Parish in this exceedingly difficult time. Thank You for all your prayers, voluntary work, …
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The Stations of the Cross

Stations of the Cross – First Station: Jesus is condemned to death
Leader: We adore Thee, O Christ, and bless Thee. All: Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the …
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St Swithuns & OLOL Parish Lenten Services 2021 – All you need to know.

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2nd Sunday of Lent Contemplating the Son of Man’s Glory

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Blog Topic- Pope Jean Paul II – Veritatis splendor – The Splendor of Truth

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Why was Jesus transfigured?
Jesus was transfigured before his apostles to strengthen their faith and give them a foretaste of Heaven.

Hymn for Today: Transfiguration – Hillsong with Lyrics
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Pope Francis – Let us be engulfed in Jesus’ on Divine Mercy 90th anniversary
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Pray the Stations with St. Joseph
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Philip Kosloski – 10 Lenten traditions you might see at Mass

Bishop Philip Message – The Sacrament of Confirmation May 23rd 2021
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CONFESSION IS A PLACE OF VICTORY
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The Purpose of Lent – Fr. Mike Schmitz
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The Three Pillars of Lent – Almsgiving, Prayer, and Fasting:
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Lent – Why Do We Practice Fasting and Abstinence?
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Keep up with what’s Happening in our Parish over this coming Year
Scroll through to see all the events happening from the 27th February 2021 till the 31st March 2021
Or Go to our Parish Events Diary and search a specific date or event here https://stswithuns.org.uk/events/

“Catholic Zoom School’ for Children” Mondays and Saturdays
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Ascent Group – Events 2021 Timetable
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Poranna Kawa for our Polish Community with Father Marcin on Tuesdays
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Wine ‘O’ Clock with Father Marcin on Thursdays
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GOING INTO HOSPITAL?
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THIS WEEK FOR ALL:
Facebook Profile – in English (St Swithuns RC Church Southsea): ‘A GLASS OF WINE’ with Fr Marcin – Q&A of The Catholic Faith on:
TUESDAY at 8.00pm – general questions;
THURSDAY at 8.00pm – Subject: ‘Purgatory’.
Facebook Profile –in Polish (St Swithuns RC Kościół Southsea): ‘MORNING COFFEE WITH MYSTICS’ brewed by Fr Marcin on:
TUESDAY at 11.15am
Children Pray together via our Zoom Online Catholic School:
Your children can join us for our Zoom online Catholic School (PLEASE NOT: REGISTRATION IS NEED – see the form below)
Day / Time | Children Online Sessions | |
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Mondays at 6:00pm | Children Zoom Online School IN POLISH | via Zoom Sessions – Children must be registered – Link will be sent via our Facebook page or emailed. |
Mondays at 7:00pm | Children Zoom Online School IN ENGLISH | via Zoom Sessions – Children must be registered – Link will be sent via our Facebook page or emailed. |
Saturdays at 7.15pm | Children Zoom Online School – our preparation for Sunday Liturgy on Saturdays | via Zoom Sessions – Children must be registered – Link will be sent via our Facebook page or emailed. |
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We will also published on our Facebook Profile every morning a prayer recorded in English & Polish for Children with daily Lenten resolution.
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CLICK HERE – NEW SECTION: LINK TO THE LATEST PORTSMOUTH DIOCESE E_NEWSLETTER

UPDATE ON FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME FOR THIS NEW YEAR 2021
Dear First Communion Parents – First Communion session for Children & Parents – These will continue every Tuesday until Easter 2021 – These will be conducted through ‘ZOOM’ while the pandemic continues.. Please, check yours emails or Facebook profiles on Tuesday to find a link to join our obligatory meeting. Please note these meetings are essential for Children & Parents.
Update on the Sacrament of Confirmation :
We hope, very much, for the Confirmation sessions to begin in May, to finish our journey to this Sacrament, which was suddenly stopped last year because pandemic. We are obviously having to keep rearranging our plans due to COVID developments. Please keep an eye on the newsletter for further information.(The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated in our Parish, at St Swithun’s church on the Pentecost Sunday 23rd May 2021, at 3.00pm.
UPDATE ON BAPTISM REQUESTS
- If you need a copy of Baptism certificate please contact the Parish Office.
- If you want to get someone baptised then feel free to make an appointment with father Marcin.
For those who would like to arrange a Baptism for their child:
– Please collect a Baptism Application Form from the porch of the church (or found on the Parish Website);
– Read carefully what is expected form the Parents and Godparents of a child for this Sacrament;
– Contact Parish Priest to arrange the very first meeting of getting now each other and to make the individual decision about the process of the preparation;
Prayer of the Month – February 2021

Pope Francis Prayer Intentions February 2021 – Violence against women
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Prayer of the Month – Pope Francis Prayer Intentions February 2021 – Violence against women
We pray,
God of love, compassion and healing, we pray to you on this International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women:
For women and girls who have experienced violent relationships, that they can find safety and healing from their trauma, and rebuild their lives;
For children who have witnessed violence in their homes against their mothers and sisters and other family members, that they will experience healing and hope;
For indigenous women and refugee women who have been impacted by extreme violence, that deep and lasting change will ensure their safety;
For individuals and organisations working to prevent violence against women and girls and help survivors of violence, that their courage and generosity will endure;
For men who speak out against forms of expression that demean women or condone violence against them, that their voices will grow stronger;
For the men and boys who have behaved violently towards women and girls that they will have a change of heart, repent in meaningful ways, and seek whatever help they need to lead changed lives.
God of love, we commend these prayers to you and for your compassion to flood the hearts of all people.
We make this prayer through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Pray for those of our Own Parish:
Please pray for those who are ill especially: Caroline Bennett, Robert & Eileen Steward, Louie Muscat, Tony & Julie Duffy, Brian Girling, Shelia Langford; Catherine Morgan, Pam Brown Ward, for all the children suffering and their poor families with them Aidan Molloy, David Shields, Bob Guy, Ms Sini Chacko, Kathleen & Kevin Jones, Heidi Badnell, Rosemary Devonald, Dominic, Carol Langsford, Patricia Ward, Stan Whitnell, Patrick McCreesh, Eddie Coppani, Tony Denny, Betty Foster, Bobby, Eileen Stewart, Joan Smith, John Williams, Margaret Bager, Fred Vuksani, Tom & Lily, Greta Kemp, Magda K, Mary Wallis, Micheline Thompson, Pat Needham, Margaret Badger, Anne Sullivan, Josephine Butler.
And all whose anniversaries occur at this time: 28th February 2021: Diana Clark, David Best,Eileen Inkpen, Mary Hehir, Jo Wheeler, Shirley Parker, Dennis William Johnson, Carmen Muscat, Simon Paul Urwin, Mary Denny, Sheila Merrett, George Cowley, Bernard Donaghy, Bridget Nolan, Terry Kendal, William Lynch, Isabella Graham, Michael Collins, Anne McGowan, Wanda Gant, Suzanne Severs, Rosanna Schofield, Winifred Tripp, Catherine Henney, Johanna Davis, Leonard Hayles, Davina Cameron, Charles Cummins, Frank Hilton, Charles William Rolph, Patrick John Tyrrell, William Deary, Frances Barrett, Albert Brain, Jane Lattan, Gladys Whittle, Mary Young, May Flood, Miriam Keane, Ellen Gray, Janice Margaret Johnson, Archbishop John Henry King, William Smith, Eileen Orme, Herbert Diemer, Ann Mary Froggatt, Mary Patricia Tovey, Christine Ann Hogan (Ann), Bridget Hanvery, Florence Ellen Healey, Annie Evison, Albert Mensell, Elizabeth Mary Hawkins, Nora Parker, Lugrezia (Grace) Veronica Tynan, James Madigan, William Morgan, David Calder, Ellen Green, Percy Spicer, Hilda Clifton, Anne Woolfe, James Patrick Madigan, John Stephen Feeley, John Young (Frank), Ethel Penwell, Florence Casey, Alice Whiles, Mary Diver, Eileen Field, Mary Shute, Antoni Brown, Beatrice McIver, Hilda Lowe and Christina Perseltic Carter., ,Lizzie and Patrick McSharry ,Gemma Litchfield , Ivy Rouse , Stan Pickering and Jozef Michalczuk
May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed through the Mercy of God rest in peace. Amen
Community Pray:
House of Prayer Portsmouth have been praying for the city and feel that God is asking for the churches in the city to prayer walk their boundaries. We would like to invite you as a congregation to walk the boundary of your parish to pray God’s blessing and bring hope, healing and awakening to the area. The Holy Rosary is absolutely perfect for this initiative. You can join the Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/937798273059418/

The month of February is dedicated to the Holy Family
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Imitation of the Holy Family
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The Hidden Life of the Holy Family
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Hymn for the Holy Family Catholic Telugu Song
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Pope Francis’ Easter ‘Urbi et Orbi’ Message 2021
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OFFERTORY: Thank you for last Sunday’s Collection.
Electronic offertory: If you have not managed to set up your electronic giving yet, please can you do so as soon as possible.
The Parish Bank Account details are: Account Name (Lloyd’s Bank’): PRCDTR Our Lady of Lourdes’ & St Swithun Church Sort Code: 30-93-04; parish Account no: 01730453.
Financial assistance: If you are able to increase your usual weekly offering (during this time of uncertainty) it will be a huge help to the parish. Even the slightest increase will be a help – THANK YOU!
These weeks of lockdown are difficult for all of us, and we are particularly mindful of those whose jobs and lives are put on hold because of the pandemic. We want to be here for you during these difficult times. Even so, the Church in our Diocese of Portsmouth, its clergy, parishes and schools, is entirely dependent upon your generous charity. So that we can continue to provide the Liturgy of the Lord and our works, both centrally and from our parishes to the local community, I kindly ask all of the faithful who are able to do so, to continue their generous regular-giving to the Diocese and to their parish churches, which would otherwise lose vital income. You can donate via the button on the Parish website – or here
Standing Order and other useful Information
Download Standing Order Form (PDF)
These are difficult times and if you are needing anything from me please message me on Facebook book, email or telephone the office. 02392828305
Lloyds Bank : sort code 30-93-04 ; Account number 01730453 (Cheques mad payable to: PRCDTR Our Lady & St. Swithun)
with Blessings Father Marcin Drabik
Download Newsletter PDF -28-02-2021
WE’RE SO EXCITED TO SHARE THIS NEWS WITH YOU AND DON’T FORGET USE THE CONTACT FORMS ON OUR WEBSITE !
Download this newsletter in printer-friendly PDF format to read later.
Download this week’s Newsletter here: Newsletter Second Sunday Of Lent 28th February 2021 Year B
PARISH CONTACTS
- PARISH PRIEST: Father Marcin Drabik tel: 02392 828305 email: mdrabik@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk
- Address: 105 Waverley Road, Southsea, PO5 2PL;
- Pastoral Assistant: Sr Marie Elise tel: 07747 728734;
- Safeguarding Representative: Mo Griffiths tel: 023 92 737559;
- Safeguarding Representative: Anne Worden tel: 023 92 817586;
- Parish Office Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 8.00am –12.30pm. tel: 02392 828 305
email: southseaparish@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk
HELP US SHARE THE GOOD NEWS!
Let people know and come join in the conversation online! | |
LIKE/SHARE our Facebook Page: | St Swithuns Page |
FOLLOW us on Twitter: | @FrMarcinD @St_swithun |
“CAN-DO CHRISTIANS” A MESSAGE FROM FATHER MARCIN
Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Dear Friends: I would like to share with You some things which are about our Parish and for our Parish. I’m absolutely sure, that You have noticed how many things already happen in our Parish to help in our spiritual grow to love God more and more in His Word to us, in His Sacraments for us (which is His real presence among us). We also go out to meet those who still searching for God, or who were not so lucky to have personal contact with Jesus Christ.
NEW SECTION ON OUR WEBSITE IF YOU JUST WANT TO SPEND SOME SPECIAL TIME WITH GOD
Read More on our Renewal Pages here
Updated Coronavirus Safety Guidelines
Track and trace: code. Please use the QR Code (on the back of the church). Simply hold your camera app over the code and follow the instructions. This would be helpful should a local outbreak of the virus be detected.
Ventilation:In order for us to comply with regulations and therefore be considered a ‘COVID secure environment’ the doors must be left open. As the temperature drops in the weeks ahead it will be important to wrap-up warm for Mass! Please do bear this in mind.
WELCOME BACK! To those who wish to return to Mass at a time when our Church is not crowded, it is recommended to come to the VIGIL MASS of SUNDAY – on Saturdays at 6.00PM or on SUNDAYS at 8.30AM when there is plenty of room in the body of the Church. Members of the congregation are well spaced out. Now that we have to wear masks, this is an additional precaution which prevents others being infected; however, some people have medical exemption. Sanitising hands on entry lessens the possibility of the virus being spread by touching surfaces.
There are signs on the floor indicating two metres so that we do not crowd up on one another.
TEST & TRACE: We will also take a contact number for all attendees. These details will be destroyed after 21 days according to data management regulations. Anyone is free to decline and still attend Mass but we encourage you to take part.
The Diocese has updated its Coronavirus guidance in the light of the latest Government instructions issued on 14th September 2020. There is a little more flexibility in some areas than previously, for example, in ministry to the sick and housebound, although great care must still be taken. The use of halls and the possibility of reinstating some group meetings are covered. There is limited scope for general socialising because the ‘Rule of 6’ has been imposed. Our churches are very COVID-safe, provided everyone is following the proper safety procedures. Our thanks as ever to clergy and parishioners who are working hard at this. One area, however, that remains a challenge is having sufficient volunteers (e.g. stewards and cleaners) to assist. If you are hale and hearty, please do offer to help– your assistance will enable many more people to return to Mass, thereby bringing them closer to Jesus Christ through His Church. Let us all pray for a speedy end to the pandemic.