Holy Mass is said privately and all Churches continue to be
closed.
Sunday: (Good Shepherd Sunday)
Holy Mass Intention: for the Parish
Monday: The Martyrs of England
Holy Mass Intention:
Tuesday:
Holy Mass Intention:
Wednesday: Private Intention
Holy Mass Intention:
Thursday:
Holy Mass Intention:
Friday: (Bank Holiday – VE DAY)
Holy Mass Intention: Bill Tomlinson (RIP)
Saturday:
Holy Mass Intention:
Sunday: (Fifth Sunday in Eastertide)
Holy Mass Intention: For the Parish
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Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
The radiance of the risen Lord shines upon us. At a time
when so many shadows are cast into our lives, and upon our world, the light of
the resurrection shines forever to renew and restore our hope.
In the words of our Holy Father, Pope Francis: 'In the midst
of isolation when we are suffering from a lack of tenderness and chances to
meet up, and we experience the loss of so many things, let us once again listen
to the proclamation that saves us: he is risen and is living by our side' (27
March 2020).
The impact of COVID-19, both nationally and internationally,
has been immense. So much of what we take for granted has changed. Our health
and physical interaction, our capacity to travel and gather, have all been
affected. There is uncertainty in our future, especially with work and the
country’s economy. As we know, very sadly, large numbers of people have died
because of the coronavirus, and others have been or remain seriously ill. Key
workers, not least in the National Health Service and care sectors, are serving
selflessly to sustain the life of our nation. Our hearts and prayers go out to
everyone who is suffering because of COVID-19, and to all those battling to
overcome its effects. May those who have died rest in peace and those who are
bereaved find comfort.
When the Prime Minister announced the lockdown, this
included places of worship and therefore Catholic churches. These measures were
put in place to stem the general transmission of the virus. It is right that
the Catholic community fulfils its role in contributing to the preservation of
life and the common good of society. This must continue until the restrictions
applied by the Government are lifted.
None of us would want to be in the situation in which we
find ourselves. While the live-streaming of the Mass and other devotions is
playing an important part in maintaining the life of faith, there is no
substitute for Catholics being able to physically attend and participate in the
celebration of the Mass and the other sacraments.
Our faith is expressed powerfully and beautifully though
‘seeing, touching, and tasting.’ We know that every bishop and every priest
recognises the pain of Catholics who, at present, cannot pray in church or
receive the sacraments. This weighs heavily on our hearts. We are deeply moved
by the Eucharistic yearning expressed by so many members of the faithful. We
thank you sincerely for your love for the Lord Jesus, present in the sacraments
and supremely so in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The bishops and priests of
every diocese are remembering you and your loved ones at Mass each day in our
churches as we pray ‘in hope of health and well-being.’ We thank our priests
for this faithfulness to their calling.
As the Government’s restrictions are relaxed step by step,
we look forward to opening our churches and resuming our liturgical, spiritual,
catechetical and pastoral life step by step. This will also be of service to
those beyond the Catholic Church who depend on our charitable activity and
outreach through which much goodness is shared by so many volunteers from our
communities.
None of us knows, as yet, how or when the lockdown will end.
There is likely to be a phased return to travelling and gathering. As a church,
we are now planning for this time and our discussions with the statutory public
health agencies and Government representatives are ongoing. Together with
Catholics across England and Wales we desire the opening of our churches and
access to the sacraments. Until then, we are continuing to pray and prepare.
We want to acknowledge with gratitude the service of our
fellow bishops and priests, our deacons and religious, our families and lay
faithful, together with all our parish and school communities, for the
wonderful ways the life of the faith is being nourished at this time,
especially in the home. We also pay tribute to the Catholic organisations and
networks that are working to support the vulnerable and needy.
On that first Easter day, the disciples were in lockdown and
the doors were closed. In their isolation the Lord Jesus came among them and
said ‘Peace be with you.’ May the peace of the risen Lord reign in our hearts
and homes as we look forward to the day we can enter church again and gather
around the altar to offer together the Sacrifice of Praise.
We unite in asking the intercession of Our Blessed Lady and
assure you of our prayers and blessing.
Yours devotedly in Christ,
✠ Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster
✠ Malcolm McMahon OP, Archbishop of Liverpool
✠ Bernard Longley, Archbishop of Birmingham
✠ George Stack, Archbishop of Cardiff
✠ John Wilson, Archbishop of Southwark
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