Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Since the Prime Ministers address last Sunday in regards to the Covid-19 lockdown, some information and updates have started to come through from the diocese. We will continue with our St. Mary’s Parish Family Rosary tomorrow but today I thought I would share with you the various communications I have received from the diocesan offices.
At the start of this week, Monday 11th May, our Bishop made the following statement about the future opening of churches:
There is, as yet, no indication as to when churches may be able to re-open, even for private prayer. It is important that we act together with all other dioceses under the guidance of the Archbishops, who are in discussions with government officials and Public Health England...When any date for re-opening is given, there will be clear instructions provided. Thank you for all you are doing in this most difficult time.
“Stay with us, Lord, on our Journey”
+John Arnold
When the Bishop and diocesan administration send us more information we’ll post it here on the parish website.
Volunteers for Church re-opening
Though we have no information yet we continue to pray earnestly that we can begin to open churches, visit our Blessed Lord and gather for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. When that happens, it will probably be a gradual process. It will involve social distancing and other precautions such as those we see at supermarkets.
We will need people to help as marshals and ushers encouraging people to observe social distancing and ensuring that safeguards are followed. Though nothing is certain yet I would be grateful if you could let me know (sean.obrien@dioceseofsalford.org.uk) if you might be able to help when the time comes.
For your own safety you must not have any underlying health problems or be of an age where self-isolation is recommended. The diocese has stated that all volunteers will need to be safely recruited following diocesan safeguarding procedures.
Webinars Offered by Divine Renovation
We have been asked by the diocesan communications department to share the below webinar which you may find useful to watch.
Divine Renovation from Square 1
Join Director of Coaching, Ron Huntley, and UK priests in coaching with Divine Renovation as they share how to get started with some Divine Renovation basics.
Online Donations Reminder
You can access the diocesan website via this link: https://www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/
The donate button is found in the right-hand corner of the main page when on a desktop and it directs you this this page.
https://www.dioceseofsalford.org.uk/supporting-your-parish-financially/
On a mobile device the donate button is listed in the main menu. The diocese is currently working on improving the access and making the button more prominent when on a mobile device.
Visitors to the donations page will find two options:
1. Setting up a standing order
2. Make a donation
Each online transaction will have a small fee attached (set by the provider) and there is also an opportunity to gift aid every donation.
I am glad, from the kind emails I have received, that my poor words and reflections have been some use to aiding people’s prayer and meditation.
I am very grateful to John Hughes who administers our parish website and maintains it.
What the future will look like for us all is yet to be seen. I think most people have accepted that life has changed but what has not is Our Lord. He is constant, steadfast and ever present. He is still calling us each and everyday and our lives should be a response to that invitation. To Know him more, to Love him more and to Serve him more.
Tomorrow we will continue with our parish prayer of the Rosary and reflect on the fourth Joyful Mystery – The Presentation.
God Bless and keep praying
Fr. O’Brien
