Parish Response to Coronavirus
Saturday 14th March 2020
Masses and ceremonies are continuing in our parish this weekend, but we would ask that anyone who has symptoms of a cold or flu would stay at home. The Bishop has suspended the obligation to go to Mass on Sundays and Holy Days for the duration of the epidemic, so if you're not well, don't worry! Stay at home and look after yourself.
Anyone else who is concerned about their health, or the health of someone in their household should be very careful too. If you feel it would be safer to avoid coming out to Mass at this time, that's ok.
If any of our parishioners are staying at home or self-isolating, please let us know. It's important that we keep in touch, even if it's just an email or a telephone call at this difficult time. Contact Fr Damian or the parish office and we will make sure that you are being prayed for and that we know how you're getting on. God's work goes on in the Church, even if we have to do it differently for a little while!
On Monday 16th March we will have a parish day of prayer for protection against the epidemic. From 7.30am until 10pm there will be continuous prayer in Our Lady & St Patrick’s Church before the Blessed Sacrament, with Masses at 7.30am, 10am and 7pm (vigil Mass for St Patrick’s Day). I would like to invite the whole parish to join us in prayer at some point during the day either in the church or from home. I also encourage parishioners who are in good health to fast or do penance at some point on Monday for this special intention. Through fervent prayer may we call down God’s blessing on us at this challenging time.
May God bless us and Our Lady protect us.
Fr Damian