Returning to a “new normal”
Over the past few weeks, we have placed a huge investment, both in energy and financial resources, into preparing our Churches to be ready for the reopening of public worship on 29th June. We are fortunate that there are many lay people more than willing to play their part and provide support to us.
Working together, priest and people, will be the way forward in the years to come and it is important to build up a relationship of trust.
We must be attentive to the natural fear and apprehension that some people may have. We can apply the health and safety measures and at the same time show clearly that we rejoice that the public celebration of Mass and the Sacraments is an opportunity to receive new graces and support for our lives, consolation for those who have been bereaved and hope for those who are experiencing economic hardship and challenges to their health and wellbeing.
Norms are necessary but they are never just an end in themselves. We cannot auto-dispense ourselves from respecting norms that are there to protect people from Covid-19. However, we should not end up so entangled with norm-making that we overlook the fact that we are returning to the richness of celebrating Eucharist and the sacraments and to nourishing God’s people with the word of God.
People should feel welcome and not frightened. We should feel encouraged in our ministry and service to renew a commitment to building faith communities in a complicated world to be communities where the love of God revealed to in Jesus Christ is witnessed to with renewed commitment.
For the moment the Sunday obligation is suspended and people may fulfil their obligation by attending Mass on any day of the week. You can choose to attend Mass on a day other than Sunday. Our morning Mass Monday to Friday will be streamed live at 8:00am and 10:00am.
Our Mass on Saturday morning will be streamed live at 10:00am and our four Masses on Sundays at 9:00am, 10:30am, 12.00 noon and 7:00pm.
Reception of Holy Communion: our ushers will help people to receive Holy Communion and direct people to the designated mats in the church. Holy Communion will be distributed at the normal time as it is an integral part of the celebration of Eucharist.
Holy Communion will be distributed after Mass in the carpark for those who wish to listen to the Mass via our newly installed speaker outside the church.
The 50 people limit remains in place for the moment, so people will need to call the parish office on Friday mornings from 10:00am to 1:00pm to book their place at Sunday Mass.
Adoration chapel will remain closed for the moment.
