Fr Paul - Update on Mass
Fr. Paul • July 18, 2020
Update on Mass from Fr. Paul
St Augustine’s will be open for MASS on
Saturdays at 6.30pm and on Sundays at 9am &11am each weekend until further
notice. Stewards will be present in the church so please follow their instructions
at all times. The social distancing rules which apply generally continue to apply
within the church precincts. Those from the same household may sit together but
those from differing households must obey the new metre rule. The benches are
marked accordingly. If you would like to volunteer as a steward or in helping to
clean the church please email. Volunteers should not belong to either a group
being shielded or who are particularly vulnerable.
As of necessity the experience of the Mass will be somewhat different. Singing
is forbidden. Mass will proceed in the usual way, although slightly truncated,
until Holy Communion. At this point communicants will proceed in an orderly,
socially distanced queue towards the minister. Upon arrival at the point of Holy
Communion the communicant should extend their hand for reception of the
Sacred Host. The minister will say nothing and neither will the communicant.
The Sacred Host should be consumed at once. The communicant then returns to
their place in the church. Holy Communion on the tongue and from the chalice
are still not allowed. Mass will end in the usual way. By all means say “Hello”
to friends and parishioners whom you will not have seen for some time but
please always remember to abide by the social distancing rules. We are subject
to inspection and could be closed down again if we do not abide by the
regulations. Weekday Mass has resumed usually at 8.30am. However, please
see the newsletter for occasional variations.
The obligation to attend Mass on Sundays is still suspended. Therefore, should
you prefer to come during the week when there will be fewer people please feel
free to do so. Needless to say, we are still having to pay the bills even though the
church has been closed. It is possible to make a donation online through the
parish website [address overleaf].
VERY MANY THANKS to all our parishioners who helped to make our Christmas celebrations so peaceful and prayerful. Our altar servers, the beautiful flower arrangements, readers, eucharistic ministers, the choir and organist, church cleaners, sacristans, ushers, those who built and assembled the crib. So many people who work so hard behind the scenes to make it possible for us to celebrate Christmas worthily and well. Also thank you for your generous Christmas offerings; they are much appreciated.
Banks have been increasing their charges for processing cash “payments in” at an enormous rate and our bankers [HSBC] are no exception. This means that a significant proportion of our weekly income goes in bank charges. To help offset this expense terminals will be available in the church from this weekend to enable parishioners to use debit and credit cards to make contributions. They operate in the same way as terminals in shops, restaurants, etc. Should you wish to gift aid your donation just select the option and the terminal will prompt you to enter your details. This only has to be done once as the terminals will remember your gift aid details for donations in the future using the same card.
HOLY TRINITY & ST LAURENCE MOTHERS’ UNION – invite parishioners to their Annual Festival of Readings & Carols at Mossford Green IG6 2BX at 2.30pm on Tuesday, 9 th December. Please advise for catering purposes if you are attending on 020 8504 3500 or mothersunion@holytrinitybarkingside.org.uk
WORLD YOUTH SUNDAY, celebrating the young people of our Church. There will be a second collection to support the work of the Brentwood Catholic Youth Service, helping young people grow in faith through retreats, pilgrimages, and leadership opportunities. You can donate in the parish this weekend, or online at www.bcys.net/donate , and please keep all young people in your prayers.
This programme will commence in the New Year. Application forms are available at the back of the church. Please ensure a copy of the child’s baptismal certificate is attached to the form if they were not baptised in this parish. Completed forms should be posted through the presbytery letterbox. Any child in Year 3 and above who lives in the parish and attends Mass is eligible for First Holy Communion. Those who live outside the parish must obtain the permission of their own parish priest before applying.
St Thersa's Church on Saturday, 29th November, 1.30 to 3pm The Recollection comprises of a priest led meditation, examination of conscience, rosary, opportunity for confession, spiritual reading, 2nd meditation followed by benediction. Tea/coffee and biscuits after the Recollection. St Theresa's Church, Brook Road, Newbury Park, IG2 7JA.
The preparation for this Sacrament (for those already registered) will continue on Tuesdays, November 4th , 11th & 18th from 7pm – 8.30pm in the Meeting Room at the back of the church. The Confirmation Mass will be on Sunday, 23rd November at 11am.
