I am delighted to welcome back all parishioners to Mass in the church from Monday morning next, 10th May, at 10am. This will be the first public Mass since Christmas Day. I know parishioners are wanting to get back to Mass, and to be part of the praying community, being spiritually nourished by the Word of God and the Eucharist. Fortunately, due to the size of the church, we are allowed to have a hundred people, two pods of fifty, at each Mass.
 
Just to remind you the procedures that were put in place last year are there still to help keep us all safe. These procedures, we know, can be frustrating, but we need to continue to be careful and take care of each other, which is why we are asked to wear a mask, vaccinated or not. On entering the church all will still have to sanitise their hands. The stewards will guide you to your seat. Remember the 2 metres physical distancing rule is still in place, and certain seats remain cut off.
 
The stewards will direct you to Holy Communion. The procedure will be different to last year as there cannot be contact between the 2 pods during Mass. The new procedure for the distribution of Holy Communion will be explained at every Mass. Holy Communion may only be received in the hand for the foreseeable future.
 
Because our church is still limited in the numbers we can have, and to help and support people stewards will be there to help, advise and give directions. We are all in this together, and we also need to individually accept responsibility to ensure we all follow the advice to keep each other safe. So please, co-operate with the stewards at all times. They are there for your safety as well as everyone else’s.
 
People are encouraged to avail of the weekday Masses as well as of Sunday Masses to ensure we can maximise our numbers. For the safety and wellbeing of everyone, parishioners are asked not to congregate in groups outside the church doors.
 
REMEMBER THE SUNDAY OBLIGATION IS NOT RESTORED
 
Fr Kevin