Message from Father Dennis
The Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, having consulted the Ordinaries of the Dioceses, has agreed that the cessation of public liturgies should begin from Friday evening 20th March 2020. Because of the situation, the Church finds herself in, the obligation for the faithful to attend Holy Mass on a Sunday or Holy day of Obligation is removed, until further notice.
The following instruction is now given for the celebration of the Sacraments and sacramentals of the Church at this time. Celebrations of Holy Mass Priests (parish priest and assistant priests) who hold parochial office should continue to celebrate Mass in a church within their parish without the faithful on a daily basis. The continuing celebration of Mass ensures that the faithful can join in spiritual communion with the priests of the Church. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states (1364): As often as the sacrifice of the Cross by which ‘Christ our Pasch has been sacrificed’ is celebrated on the altar, the work of our redemption is carried out. Daily liturgical resources for those at home, including those for making a “Spiritual Communion” with the priest, are attached in the document Supporting the faithful and each other in Prayer and will be available on the Diocesan website. Resources are also available on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales website.
Wherever possible, during this period, churches will remain open, especially on Sundays, for individual private prayer, without any organised services, and offering prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.
I will celebrate Mass (without a congregation) in each of the churches throughout the week and on Sundays. St Joseph’s Church will be open on Saturday evening from 4 pm to 6 pm and Sunday 8.30 am to 10.30 am. Our Lady of Lourdes will be open on Sunday from 10.00 am to 12.00 pm