Month: September 2020

St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More

Dear Friends in Christ                            

As a priest it is truly wonderful to be able to celebrate Holy Mass for the community, not only at weekends, but every day! It is the most important thing that any priest will do in his priestly ministry, and it can never be underestimated how important the Holy Mass is for every Roman Catholic Christian. The Second Vatican Council informed us that the ‘Eucharist is the Source & Summit of the Christian Life.’  

We have all been encouraged to return to the weekly practice of our faith. The reality is that life is not going to return to Pre-Covid, and we now must adapt our lives accordingly and live with this situation. We cannot put our lives on hold! The reality is that this could go on for a couple more years. Life will not be the same, but we must live! All the negativity through the press and media doesn’t inspire anyone; but if we all act sensibly, and take the precautions necessary, we can get on with our daily lives. Being conscious and aware of others is important. Practicing Social Distancing, the wearing of Face Coverings, washing and the sanitisation of our hands, receiving the Flu Vaccine where necessary, these are all precautionary measures in not only protecting ourselves, but everyone else as well. After each of our masses at weekends and during the week the Church is cleaned and sanitised.  I would like to sincerely thank our volunteer Stewards, who are so generous in the time and service they give to our community. 

Our schools returned three weeks ago. The Government is doing everything conceivably possible to ensure that our schools remain open. The fact that schools have retunred should be an incentive for families to return to our places of worship. I appeal to every parishioner in our community to retunr to your church. If you are not vulnerbale or have an underlying health condition, please ‘come home’! We all need God in our lives; and live-streaming is all well and good, but it’s not a substitute for receiving Jesus in Holy Communion. We need to get back into the habit once again.

OCTOBER. THE MONTH OF THE HOLY ROSARY: I advocate that every family take up the Rosary during this special month, and pray every day for an end to this Corona virus Pandemic. The Rosary is a very powerful prayer, and the invocation of Our Blessed Lady is a powerful intercession. Parents teach your children the Rosary during October. There are a number of rosaries for sale in the Parish Repository in the porch of the Church; there is an explanation of how to pray the rosary with each. You can always Google the instructions how to pray as well.

ADDITIONAL MASS: With the additional mass at 10.00am, the turnaround must be very quick; it is imperative that the cleaning of the benches takes place as quickly as possible after the 9.00am & 10.00am masses. We still need some more Stewards. Or, if you can assist with the sanitising of the benches after the masses, this would be of great assistance to us.    

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: Each year the RCIA programme – often referred to as the Journey of Faith – is open to anyone interested in learning more about the Roman Catholic Faith. It offers the enquirer the opportunity to explore in a systematic way all the aspects of Catholicism. Our next session will take place on Wednesday30th September at 8.00pm inn the Presbytery. Theme: Restoration of friendship with God

BAPTISMS: We have been given permission to resume the Baptism of infants in our churches. Manifestly, families are allowed up to 30 persons to be present in the Church, practicing Social distancing and wearing a face covering. Many baptisms were put on hold with the lockdown. But I would encourage you to have your babies baptised now. The Church is open for weekly Sunday Mass, and we are trying to get back to some semblance of normality. Life cannot be put on hold forever! Please contact Fr. John to arrange Baptism dates. Tel No: 020 8508 3492.  

BAPTISMS IN THE PARISH: If you have a child due for Baptism please let me know as soon as possible. To avoid any disappointment with dates, contact the Presbytery to book your date. If you are first-time parents, you need to contact Sharon Chalk, who will organise a Baptismal Preparation of two sessions, and then I will come and visit you in your homes. Please don’t forget to collect your Baptismal Information Form. 

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION: The last two children will celebrate First Eucharist on Sunday this week. This is a special time for the children, who have been preparing since last September. It’s extremely important that all those children and their families who are preparing to receive their First Holy Communion in the coming weeks start attending weekly mass once again.  Obviously, during these unusual times this celebration will only be for their immediate families. My thanks to our Catechists Kathryn, Elena & their helpers. 

REPOSITORY: There are a variety of Religious gifts and items available for First Communicants. Cards, statues, rosaries, medals, prayers books, candles There is a cash box to leave your money. The church is open from 10.30am – 11.30am each day Monday – Saturday. 

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION FOR HOLY COMMUNION & CONFIRMATION: As you know were only just celebrating First Holy Communion for our children (postponed from May). The likelihood is that we will begin our Communion Programme & Confirmation Programme after Christmas. I have spoken to the Catechists, and they are in agreement with this.  (Our Bishop Alan is supposed to make a Pastoral Visitation in 2021 celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation). Please keep an eye on the newsletter for details.

PARISH BAZAAR THIS YEAR? With the uncertainty regarding the Covid 19 Pandemic, I have made an executive decision not to have our annual Parish Bazaar this year. Instead, it would be good to have a ‘Big Grand Draw’ with really good prizes, (about 20 prizes). I know its early days, but if anyone would like to donate really good prizes for the Draw these will be gratefully accepted. Money Prizes, Colour Television, I Pad, Kindle, X Box, Crate of Wine, Restaurant Vouchers, Various Hampers (large & small), Large Bottle of Champagne, Large Bottle of Whiskey/Brandy, Health Spa Treatment, Theatre Vouchers, Set of Crystal Glasses, Men’s / Ladies Watches,   Obviously, it would be good to know in advance so we can publish a list of prizes. If you can donate a really good prize please speak to Fr. John.  Tel No: 020 8508 3492 Prizes can be delivered to the Presbytery for storage. I’ve had one prize so far. As we’re about to enter the month of October, could I ask you all to consider if you can offer a prize this year. The Bazaar is our main fund-raiser throughout the year and certinaly assists in our annual parish finances. As there has been a dramatic decrease in Offertory over the past six months, at least 50 per cent, the Grand Draw would be a wonderful way to help. I appepal to you wonderful ongoing generosity. Thank you.  Fr. John    

TRINITY CATHOLIC HIG SCHOOL ADMISSIONS SEPTEMBER 2021

In response to the COVID-19 situation and due to extraordinary circumstances this year, the school have commissioned a virtual tour of Trinity Catholic High School, which can be found on our website (https://fc.tchs.uk.net/).  The school has taken this decision, not to expose our prospective parents to any unnecessary risks.  The school realizes that you, as parents, may be disappointed with regard to this but please be aware that we only have the interests of the parents, and our school community, at the forefront of this decision, and would not wish to disadvantage any parents who may not feel able to attend.  The website contains a lot of information regarding Key Stage 3, 4 and 5 teaching and the School Prospectus contains details of the life of the school.  Please contact Mrs L Scrivens, Admissions Officer, on LScrivens@tchs.uk.net, if you have any further queries and this will be passed onto the relevant department. 

The closing date for applications is 31st October 2020.  Please note that applicants will need to complete a common application form which will be provided by their own Local Authority.  This application will then need to be returned to the applicants own Local Authority.  For applicants wishing to submit a Certificate of Catholic Practice, this Diocesan document can be obtained through your parish priest, on the Diocesan website or the priest who will be signing your form.  You will also need to complete a SIF form which can be found on the Trinity website, under Year 7 – 11 Admissions. 

Parents will be able to drop these documents off at the Sydney Road entrance in the drop box, not directly to the school office as visitors will not be allowed on site.  Please contact the office via the buzzer on the gate to let them know that documentation has been left.  Please provide a SAE if you require a receipt’. 

May I thank you once again for your help and support with this process and please do not hesitate to contact me if any questions arise. 

With every good wish. 

Yours sincerely 

Dr P C Doherty OBE  

Headmaster 

APPLICATIONS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES FOR 2021

If you have a child who is currently in Year 6 and is eligible to start Secondary School in September 2021, you need to seriously start thinking about the applications procedure. First and foremost, none of the High Schools are having open evenings this year but have published virtual tours of their schools online. The two schools that our parish tend to deal with are Trinity Roman Catholic High School & Davenant Foundation School. Before you make any applications please view the online presentations.

The applications procedure, especially if this is your first time, is through Essex County. It is an online procedure; you must complete the questionnaire application in detail by the 31^st October 2020. You will receive a registration number, which you can use to access the application form to change or alter any information up until 31^st October; after that date you will be locked out.

FOR TRINITY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL: A Certificate of Catholic Practice is necessary. This clearly states that you are a practicing Roman Catholic; both you are your child attend Weekly Mass. If you don’t meet this requirement the form cannot be signed, and you must make applications without the CCP form. Obviously, our churches opened again on the 4^th July for weekly mass. 

FOR DAVENTANT FOUNDATION SCHOOL: The applications procedure is slightly different. They have an 11-page online applications form going into detail about their requirements. A Seven Year practice of faith is required. Once again, our churches opened on the 4^th July for weekly Mass. I would like a copy of what you recorded for your Weekly Practice please. (I have the relevant page (hard copy) for you to complete). In November the School will contact me with your application form. I can only attest to the truth in my 18 years here in the parish about your practicing of faith. So please be honest and truthful in your personal assessment of practice. I will not sign anything that is untruthful. If you are not a practicing Catholic, you will have to take your chances and make your applications without reference from me.

DIFFICULT DECISIONS: Obviously, parents know what the requirements are for applications into our faith school. I will never compromise my personal integrity by signing a form that I know is not true. Please read both schools Admissions Criteria. You can also find relevant information on the Diocesan Website regarding admissions. The Priests’ guidelines are mapped out very clearly by the diocese.    

FEELING A LITTLE APPREHENSIVE: About attending Sunday Mass; we have set up a Speaker outside the Church; and parishioners can practice Social distancing outside as well. Obviously if you attend as a family, you can sit closely together in the Church. Alternate benches have been blocked off, and with the wearing of Face Coverings we are complying with regulations.

UNABLE TO ATTEND SUNDAY MASS: If you are genuinely unable to attend one of the Sunday Masses, the Bishops Conference of England & Wales has strongly recommended that you make the extra special effort to attend one of the Weekday Mass, at present being celebrated daily at 10.00am. Please wear a Face Covering. Live streaming is still available daily just go to the Website of St. Edmund of Canterbury, Loughton

THANK YOU: I would like to sincerely thank all those parishioners who have volunteered as Stewards, at our Sunday Masses, and for the hour of private prayer during the week. I’m truly grateful for your generosity of spirit and service to the whole parish community. It’s truly wonderful to see!  We have purchased special cleaning materials for the benches & surfaces, and they are cleaned every time they are used by parishioners. If you would like to volunteer as a Steward, please contact Iain McLay Tel No: 07806 998187

FOR THOSE WHO ARE VULNERABLE: For parishioners who are in the vulnerable age bracket 70 plus, (It’s your prerogative to attend Mass). Or if you have underlying health issues or are displaying symptoms of Corona virus PLEASE STAY AT HOME. 

YOUR WEEKLY OFFERTORY: My sincere thanks to those who are making their weekly contribution of Gift Aid envelopes and through the banking system that has been set up through the Diocese whereby your Offertory can be paid directly into the Parish Account, details below:

Donate

Or you can use Parish Bank Account: Using Online Banking
HSBC Sort Code 40-13-22
Account Number: 11019651

Please put your name as reference and your Gift Aid number if you have one.

If you can set it up as a regular payment this would be excellent and save a lot

of time in the future. If you don’t have GIFT AID this is a good time to start, you can do this by e-mailing Maria Mosquera (mjm70@hotmail.com).
With continued thanks for your generosity.

God Bless You All      Fr. John 

MASS INTENTIONS – SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER 2020

Sat 26th	10.00am	Sr Susan Asher’s Int’s
		Vigil Mass for Sunday: Church resumes regular Sunday Schedule
Sat 27th	6.00pm	Ebert Fernando RIP (Christine Fernando)
Sun 27th                  Sun 27th	9.00am10.00am	Warwick Young RIP (Karl Britz)People of the Parish
Sun 27th	11:00am	Mrs K Mulvaney RIP (Eileen Lee)
Mon 28th	10.00am	Int’s of Evelyn Bearne ((Noreen & Veronica)
Tues 29th	10.00am	Kathleen Pampellonne B’day Int’s.
Wed 30th	10.00am	Mary Smith RIP (Noreen Smith)
Thurs 1stOctober	10.00am	Debbie Clarke’s Int’s (Maree Kavanagh)
Fri 2nd	10.00am 10.30am	Peter Smith RIP (Paul Falco)Holy Hour Exposition of the Bl. Sacrament
Sat 3rd	10.00am	Sr. Susan Asher Int’s
		Vigil Mass for Sunday
Sat 3rd	6.00pm	Julie Clarke (Maree Kavanagh)
Sun 4th                         Sun 4th	9.00am10.00am	People of the ParishGerard RIP & Kathleen Pampellonne (K Pampellonne)
Sun 4th	11:00am	Peter McRory RIP & Dec’d of McRory Family (Geri Fitzgibbon)

BOOKING MASSES: At present there are many openings for Mass Intentions. If you would like a Mass for a particular intention, please write your details on an envelope and post it through the letterbox at the presbytery. You can Gift Aid your intentions just put the GA number on envelope. Place your Mass offering in the envelope. Thank you!  

DIARY 2020

PUBLIC MASSES HAVE RESUMED ONCE AGAIN AT ST. EDMUND’S. WE ARE STRICTLY FOLLOWING GOVERNMENTAL & DIOCESAN GUIDELINES ON HEALTH & SAFETY. SOCIAL DISTANCING IS IN PLACE. PLEASE MAKE A SPECIAL EFFORT TO RETURN TO WEEKLY MASS WITH YOUR FAMILY. THANK YOU!

  PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE SICK IN OUR PARISH: 

Margaret Baldwin, Brian Beveridge, Jane Downs, Steve Dalgliesh, James Geller, Veronica Godsave, Bernadette Hall, Ann Hawkes, Claire Howes, Pamela Houghton, Shaun Keel, Angela Long, Lilian Mothersole, Sheila Murphy, John McKernan, Rosemary O’Rourke, Kathleen Pomeroy, Barbara Pope, Geraldine Taylor, Vera Taylor, Mary Walstow, Mary Witten, James Wright. And all our loved ones.

ANNIVERSARIES: Giovanni Venturoli RIP and for all whose anniversaries occur at this time and for all of our deceased loved ones, Requiescant in Pace.

OFFERTORY COLLECTION: £708.06 With continued thanks for your Weekly Offering. If you would like to join the Gift Aid Scheme there are application forms in the Church Porch, or ask Fr. John for a form. If you forget your envelope, there are spares in the Porch. Thank you! 

VERY FEW MASS INTENTION REQUESTS: Unfortunately there have been very few Mass Intention requests; therefore, there are many openings. If parishioners would like mass intentions for any occasion or anniversary, please put your request & mass offering in an envelope and drop off at the Presbytery as soon as possible. TY!

EPPING FOREST FOODBANK DONATIONS: Thank you to all parishioners who continue to generously donate items for the Foodbank during these difficult times. Your donations of are needed as much as ever now by people in our area who are struggling to put food on the table. Basic staple items are always welcome including the unbranded supermarket basic ranges which can make your generous donations go even further. Currently they are in urgent need of the following items: instant mash, tinned meat, packet noodles, savoury crackers, sponge puddings, crisps, snack bars, laundry tablets (small and medium) bars of soap and hand sanitisers. Thank you! You can also keep up to date with the Foodbank via their facebook page: www.facebook.com/EppingForestFoodbank/

IN CASES OF EMERGENCY: Tuesday is usually Fr. John’s Day Off. In 

Cases of emergency please call one of the local parishes, either in Epping – Tel: 01992 572516, or the St. Thomas of Canterbury Friary at Woodford Green – Tel: 020 8504 1688.  This would also apply if Fr. John is away for a few days break or on Retreat. All the local funeral directors have a contact number for Fr. John if a funeral needs to be arranged in his absence.

Dear Friends in Christ

Once again it was wonderful to see so many people returning to Sunday Mass. With our children returning to school, and families trying their best to maintain some semblance of normality during these difficult times, it is imperative that our lives of faith should also continue with the practice of weekly faith. It was wonderful to have been able to live-stream, literally from day one, but as Cardinal Sarah, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship, said last weekend, with the Holy Father’s approval, it is “necessary and urgent” to return to in-person Masses as soon as coronavirus lockdowns permit. I think we would all agree with this sentiment. Unfortunately, negative reporting doesn’t help; it has evoked an atmosphere of fear and anxiety in many people. If we are sensible, following Governmental guidelines, practicing social distancing, washing our hands regularly, using sanitisers, wearing face coverings, manifestly this will assist in helping to protect everyone. Sadly, not everyone adheres to these guidelines. It has been noted statistically that the highest rate of transmission at present in now in the younger age groups. The ‘rule of 6’ is there to protect us.

As the autumn and winter months rapidly approach, and as colds an winter flu emerge, its so important that our Senior Citizen get their flu vaccine as soon as possible. Scientifically it has been observed that the wearing of face coverings and the washing and sanitising of hands will certainly decrease the likelihood of catching colds and flu, let alone Covid 19. STAY ALERT! Obviously, of late, many people have lowered their guard, hence the increase of cases.

As you know the Church has been open since 4^th July; many parishioners have returned to the weekly practice of faith. But many have not, especially families. With the return to school, I would like to encourage our families to come back to church. I sent a letter out a couple of days ago ‘COME BACK TO ME’, and hope you’ve had a chance to read it. We have employed every measure possible to ensure the safety of all our parishioners. Keep Safe & Well!

Dear Friends in Jesus Christ,

I am writing this letter to all our parishioners; all our lay faithful and all in our schools’ communities. To everyone of good will, and to anyone searching for God, and to all who seek to know his Son Jesus Christ. I say to all of you: Come Back! Come back to Mass! Come back to Church for private prayer! Come and visit Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament! You are always welcome – we have missed you!

These past six months have been extraordinary! This pandemic has caused great harm, physically, mentally, emotionally and financially. Sadly, many have fallen sick and some have lost their lives. At the same time our medical staff and key workers have responded incredibly with unconditional generosity and courage. We have learnt to become creative in live-streaming which has taken place from day one. Keeping in touch with our parishioners through WhatsApp, online Newsletters, Phone calls. I have attended the Hospital several times in end-of-life situations celebrating the Last Sacraments. Now our schools, colleges & Universities and many others are returning to work; we must keep up this good work. Let us all keep safe and well. And let us pray to the Lord for an ending to this pandemic, the invention of a vaccine and the restoration of ordinary life.

I take this opportunity of truly welcoming back the many parishioners who have already returned to Weekly Mass. I’m also very aware that many parishioners may still be very nervous about returning. Some are still self-shielding, the sick & vulnerable. Moreover, I am aware that the infection-rate is varying, and there may even be the possibility of facing local lockdowns. For everyone this requires care, prudence and adjustments. As the autumn and winter rapidly approaches, rather than focusing on what we cannot do, let us focus on what we can do, so that the great mission of the Church can continue to move forward, and that the Gospel of Jesus Christ may continue to be preached.

Ultimately, this pandemic has shown us how fragile life can be. We cannot become complacent. It has caused us to review our priorities. For 14 weeks our churches were closed; there was no public celebration of Holy Mass, we have had to face our own mortality and the question of God. I know many people felt bereft of the Sacraments, and especially in receiving Jesus in Holy Communion. Many have followed Mass online and spoke of their hunger and thirst for the Lord. Online has its place; but nothing can replace being present with the worshipping community and receiving Jesus in Holy Communion. ‘Come back to me!’

This is the reason why I invite all of you to: Come back to the Lord to be nourished by his Word & His Sacraments. We have adapted the Church to meet all Governmental & Diocesan guidelines; social distancing, hand sanitisation, face coverings, etc. Sadly, few families have returned to weekly mass, even though the children have returned to full-time education. Please seriously consider your return to the practice of your weekly faith with the worshipping community. The church has now been opened for ten weeks. Jesus said: “The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice, I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27)? What about his promise: “Anyone who eats my flash and drinks my blood lives in me and I in him” (John 6;56)? What about his invitation: “Come follow me” (Mark 1:7)? His offer: “I have come that you may have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10)? Surely, we do not follow Jesus our Lord and Master simply out of habit or duty? No, we follow Him because we love Him. We follow Him because He has called us by name. We follow Him because He is our Saviour. He gave His life for us.

May Our Lord & Our Blessed Lady, our patrons St. Edmund of Canterbury & St. Thomas More, pray for you and protect you. May they obtain for you freedom from fear. May they inspire in you a generous response to the Lord’s call – Come back to me!

With Peace & Love

God Bless you All

Rev Canon John J Harvey

Dear Friends in Christ

It was truly wonderful to see so many of our families returning to Mass last weekend. People are trying their hardest to return to some semblance of normality, but every day the Government are announcing new measures to combat the upsurge in Covid 19 cases. As many people are not adhering to the social distancing rules, there has been a spike this week in our country. Unfortunately, all the negative reporting doesn’t help either; it is invoking an atmosphere of fear and anxiety in many people.

If we are sensible and follow the guidelines, especially with regard to social distancing and warning face coverings, not socialising with friends, we may not have seen for a long time, we can do our bit to help stop the spread of this dreadful disease. As we enter the autumn and winter seasons, and as the cold and flu season is rapidly approaching, it is so important that our Senior Citizens all avail themselves of the Flu vaccine. Hopefully this will assist and help everyone. Scientifically it has been observed that the wearing of face coverings and the washing and sanitising of hands will certainly decrease the likelihood of catching colds and flu, let alone Covid 19. STAY ALERT! Obviously, of late, many people have lowered their guard, hence the increase of cases.

Here at St. Edmund’s our main objective is to keep everyone safe, that’s why the Government and Diocesan guidelines are in place. Many of you will have already seen the letter I sent out a few days ago. Our parish family is so important, and our love and care and concern for one another are fundamentally at the heart of our parish life. I have made an executive decision to add an additional Mass at 10.00am on Sunday mornings; this is a temporary measure, but hopefully it will accommodate more people and avoid overcrowding and people having to stand outside the church. Also, the one disabled toilet will be open for use. I do ask all parishioners to kindly respect cleanliness measures in the bathroom, there will be hand sanitiser outside the toilet, and soap in the toilet. Please ensure you leave the bathroom in the way you found it. Parents kindly accompany your children, if they need to use the bathroom. Thank you!

Dear Parishioners,

Father John and Robin Bradley (our safety officer) have decided upon some Health and Safety changes. At all times Father and Robin see our safety as a top priority and the changes will help keep us as safe.

There are three changes (each is discussed in detail below):

1.       There will be an additional mass each Sunday at 10am.

2.       There will be a simple system to record contact numbers to help with track-and-trace.

3.       A toilet will be available in the hall, with special measure in place to make it safe.

Father is so pleased that people are coming back to Mass in such good numbers and to help make sure we can keep our social distancing Father has decided to introduce an additional mass at 10am. So, on Sundays we will now have masses at 9am, 10am and 11am. Time is needed between masses for sanitising the church and so Father will do his best to keep the 9am and 10am mass to 35 minutes whilst maintaining the spirituality and prayerfulness of the mass.

With increasing cases of Covid-19 being registered in the country and increasing attendance at mass it is becoming likely that at some stage mass-goers will need to be contacted for track and trace purposes. Father and Robin have decided that we now need to introduce a contact tracing system. This will be very simple and in accordance with GDPR and government guidelines. Each bench in the church will now have a number attached. On arriving at the church each person or family group will be handed a slip of paper and a pen. Parishioners should take their seat and then record on the slip the bench number, their name and a contact number. These slips of paper will be stored in a sealed bag for 21 days and then discarded. They will only be used if Father is approached by NHS Test, Track and Trace and, importantly, it means only those sitting nearby the original case will need to be contacted. It should be mentioned that pens will be specific for each mass and carefully processed so they are Covid-19 free.

Father and Robin have decided that it is now appropriate to open the disabled toilet in the hall. The other toilets will not be open. There will be sanitisers outside the toilet and liquid soap inside the toilet and notices reminding users to sanitise/wash/dry hands carefully and leave toilets in the clean state they find them.

Father John, Robin Bradley and Iain McLay

Dear Friends in Christ

Daily we receive updates on the Covid-19 situation at home and abroad. These are unprecedented times; as this Pandemic has spread throughout the whole world, naturally one’s health and safety always come first. There is still a great deal of fear in some people, even though Governmental guidelines have been put in place. I spoke to someone recently who hasn’t been out since last March. How to regain that confidence and surety once again is a gargantuan task. I am hoping that with the return of our children to school, it will instil hope and confidence in our families.

For those who have returned to the regular practice of faith, you have witnessed for yourselves, that we have put all the Governmental and diocesan guidelines in place in our church in insure your health and safety. Hit and miss appearances at mass is certainly not what being a practicing Catholic is all about! I really believed, perhaps naively, that this Pandemic would have focused everyone’s hearts and minds on what really matters in life, especially in the area of faith; sadly, it appears that I was wrong! Talking to priest friends all over the world, the same scenario exists in their countries as well. During the lockdown, I livestreamed Holy Mass each day. My worry now is that the livestreaming is being used as an alternative to the return to church, or in fact, no contact with church at all. Nothing can replace the actual being present and receiving Our Lord through Holy Communion at Holy Mass. I appeal to all our parishioners, especially our young families, to come back home to the Lord.

There is still quite a lot of space at our Weekend Masses, especially at our Saturday evening Vigil Mass at 6.00pm. Manifestly, as you’re probably aware that face coverings are required, unless you have exemption or underlying breathing problems. This not only protects you but everyone else as well. We do want to regain some semblance of normality once again in our daily and weekly lives. Also there is a speaker outside the Church transmitting the Mass.

In this week’s parish newsletter Ferdi Tisi has made a special appeal for people to support The Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society by taking part in a virtual 2K or 5K sponsored walk during September.

Please become a virtual walker if you can. BCCS do wonderful work with children and they really need our help. You can download the sponsorship form here and, as well as sending the sponsorship money by cheque, you can pay the sponsorship online here https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/virtualfunwalk