Friday 20th March, 2020

In common with the other bishops of England and Wales, Bishop Declan has issued a decree in light of the current Covid-19 situation. Within this decree it is clear that:

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• The obligation of the faithful to attend Mass on a Sunday or Holy Day of Obligation is removed until further notice.

• All churches and chapels, as well as other places where regular Sunday and weekday public Masses are celebrated, are to suspend all public Masses.

• The faithful may choose one of the following alternatives to attending Sunday Mass:

  • Taking part may include watching a Sunday Mass online, or on television, and so receive Holy Communion spiritually; OR

  • Reflecting on the Sunday Liturgical text, reading the Bible or saying the Rosary.

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Although it was hoped that churches could remain open for private prayer, following the prime minister's statement on 23rd March, all churches in the diocese are to remain closed until further notice.

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A possible form of prayer for use when Mass cannot be publicly celebrated can be found at https://www.cbcew.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/03/No-Mass-A4.pdf.  Copies will also be left at the back of the church.

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Sunday and daily Mass readings can be found at https://www.universalis.com/mass.htm.

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Sunday Mass and weekday Mass from Clifton Cathedral is available every day at 9:30am on our diocesan website www.cliftondiocese.com.  Other Masses and celebrations can be found at https://www.churchservices.tv/country/england/.  Other celebrations including some of those from Rome can be viewed at www.cbcew.org.uk.  These include the 'Our Father' with Pope Francis on Wednesday 25th March at 11:00am and the special Urbi et Orbi blessing on Friday 27th March at 5:00pm.

Father Gary will be offering Mass privately during this time as ‘the continued celebration of Mass ensures that the faithful can join in spiritual communion with the priests of the church.’

While the parish administration will continue, access to the parish office will be restricted to appointment only.  For those matters normally dealt with by the parish office please use the parish email or telephone number 0784 249 5988 (Tuesday to Friday 10:00am – 3:00pm).  The normal parish telephone number should be used for Father Gary.

All parish groups and programmes are suspended until further notice.

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There will continue to be a weekly newsletter available at the church and the parish website.

Please speak with Father Gary regarding any other aspects of parish life or sacramental celebration.

Sunday 26th January, 2020

The 2020 First Holy Communion programme begins on Sunday 26th January.