These are your copies of the weekly newsletter and notices, Sunday Message Reflections, the readings and Gospel and a Homily. Take some time out each week to read these and pray for the most in need in our local community and across our global family.
From the latest government update on 12th April Covid restrictions remain in place across the UK, however, under these guidelines Places of Worship are allowed to remain OPEN for public service. Therefore we will continue to celebrate Masses as we have been since January. Mass will be celebrated at St Aidan’s on Sunday (10.00am) and Wednesday (9.30am) only and will continue to be held at St Bernadette’s at 11.30am each Sunday. Private Masses with no congregation will be celebrated outside of those times.
COVID Vaccination Appeal
We are all breathing a sigh of relief at the moment as the vaccination programme rolls out so effectively in the UK, I’m sure, like me, you are hugely grateful that your loved ones will be receiving the COVID vaccine soon. Some of you already may have had it. What is sure, is that by the end of the year, every adult in the UK will have been offered this potentially lifesaving treatment, so that we can go back to doing the things we love and as more and more of our loved ones and friends have their first/second jabs and some sort of normality gets closer.
AREN’T WE THE LUCKY ONES!!
Tragically, this is not true for millions of people across the world. It is estimated that only 10% of people in low-income countries will receive their vaccine this year…many will have to wait until 2024! This inequality is an example of what Pope Francis talks about in Fratelli Tutti ‘This moves us to respond to our brothers and sisters in need, whoever they are, wherever they come from. We are challenged to turn outwards, to act as neighbours and to reach out to all those who are in need’ (FT, 72)
The Astra-Zeneca vaccine costs £5 – £10 for both doses. Would you consider donating this much to enable someone, somewhere else in the world, to have their vaccination too? You might like to donate this once your own vaccine letter comes through, or even in the knowledge that you’ll be getting it soon. It could also be a gesture of thanks for a loved-ones treatment.
In association with GAVI a group set up with the purpose of vaccinating people in low and middle income countries across the developing world and COVAX, a programme specifically created for the development and manufacture of the Covid-19 vaccines and to guarantee fair access across the world without political, religious or cultural bias we have set up a GoFundMe page where you can make a donation directly. The original fundraising target we set for this appeal was £1000 and as I write this the amount raised is currently over £2600—in less than a week!
WHAT MORE CAN WE DO?
This week I am asking you to reach out to your friends, family and workplaces and any other venue where you think that people can help. Send them the link to our fundraising page below and ask for their support too. We can make a difference and share our privilege across the world and I know I can rely on your generosity. To donate any amount please click the link below and together we will be able to ensure that many more people are able to receive their vaccinations.
If you are unable to donate online and would still like to contribute please place your donations in an envelope marked ‘VACCINATIONS’ and we will make sure it is added to the total.
Mass Bookings
It is critical that the booking system remains in place to comply with government Track & Trace regulations. To ensure maintenance of social distancing in accordance with government guidelines we have a maximum capacity of 61 people so booking for Mass is ESSENTIAL.
| Bookings can be made using the usual link below from Monday morning until 24hrs before Mass begins: To protect you and the rest of our church community please read the information on the booking page before you come along: |
- Please DO NOT attend if you or any member of your household have any symptoms of Covid-19 or if you have been in contact with anyone who has.
- If after booking a mass you later find for whatever reason that you are not going to be able to attend could you please cancel the booking and give someone else the opportunity to take your place. To cancel a booking – follow the link in your confirmation email and click refund.
I would like to reassure you that we have done everything that we can to ensure your safety within our church. Please remember that face coverings are mandatory.
Prayer Board
Please light a virtual candle and add your own prayers requests and/or intentions in the comments section below. Though parishioners may be unable to attend, Fr John will celebrate Mass for the people whose names are on the prayer page. (If you are requesting a prayer for a living person please ensure you have their permission.)
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