Our Church opens - 4th July 2020
Webmaster • June 27, 2020
REOPENING OF CHURCHES
St Augustine’s will be open for MASS on
Saturday, 4th July at 6.30pm and on Sunday 5th at 9am &11am and thereafter at
these times each weekend until further notice. I am hoping to be able to resume
the 8.30am weekday Mass but this will depend on the availability of volunteers.
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 one-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.
The obligation to attend Mass on Sundays is still suspended for everyone and
especially those who have been advised to self-isolate. Therefore, if you prefer
to come to Mass during the week [provided they have been resumed] please feel
free to do so. Those who have been experiencing “streamed” Masses from
various venues have found them very beneficial but I think everyone will be
pleased to be able to receive the Lord in Holy Communion once again.
I very much look forward to welcoming you all back again at the weekend.
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.
The preparation for this Sacrament will take place on Tuesdays October 21st and November 4th, 11th and 18th from 7pm – 8.30pm in the Meeting Room at the back of the church. The Confirmation rehearsal will be on Saturday, 22nd November at 10am in the church. The Confirmation Mass will be on Sunday, 23rd November, the Feast of Christ the King and National Youth Sunday at 11am. Please make a note of these dates now. Applications are now closed.
Youth Gather is a weekend of faith, fun and friendship – with speakers, workshops, prayer and outdoor activities, meeting friends old and new, and all while sharing in and celebrating our Catholic faith. There will be coaches offering transport from around the Diocese included in the cost, as well as all meals, cabin accommodation and activities. This event is for year 9 and above. Apply now at www.bcys.net/events
WE WELCOME this Sunday H E Archbishop Emilio Nappa, Secretary General of the Governorate of the Vatican City State, who will be celebrating the 11 o’clock Mass.
This week there will be the annual collection for Peter’s Pence which helps to defray the personal and charitable expenses of the Holy Father.
This week there will be the annual collection for the Sick & Retired Clergy Fund of the Diocese. Donations can be made in the Second Collection, online via the diocesan website. The fund helps clergy who require assistance in their retirement after years of service and it also helps those who are in ill health at any age.
North Ilford Fellowship of Churches are inviting everyone to Pentecost Songs of Praise on Sunday, 8 th June in Ashurst Drive Baptist Church. There will be refreshments afterwards. I attended the NIFOC committee meeting this afternoon. People were saying how much they enjoyed the World Day of Prayer service at our church.