Father Behr writes:

 Dear Parishioners, 

Archbishop John has asked us to pray for the special intention of ‘Calling People Home and back to Sunday Mass.’

We are going to pray this prayer before Holy Mass in the build up to Pentecost:

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.

Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.

and You shall renew the face of the earth.

O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful,

 grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations,

 Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.

Congratulations to Rob and Isabella who were married at St Andrew on Saturday 21 May.  We wish them every blessing for their life together. 

Bishops statement on the Sunday Obligation:

The Bishops of England and Wales have written to all the faithful regarding the obligation to attend Mass on Sunday. From the 5 of June, Pentecost Sunday the faithful will be obliged to attend Sunday Mass.

In a statement the bishops of England and Wales said they believe “that the reasons which have prevented Catholics from attending Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation no longer apply”.

“Since the beginning of the Covid pandemic, until the present time, we have shared with you our judgment that the situation of the last two years has meant that the Sunday Obligation has been impeded and has needed to be fulfilled in other ways,” they said. “We thank God that this situation has now changed. The pressing challenges of the pandemic have lessened significantly. Most people have resumed the wide range of normal activities, no longer restricted by the previous Covid measures.” However, “there will still be some members of our congregations who, for reasons of health, do not feel safe enough to return to Mass”.

“It has always been the understanding of the Church that when the freedom of any Catholic to attend Mass in person is impeded for a serious reason, because of situations such as ill health, care for the sick or legitimate fear, this is not a breach of the Sunday Obligation,” they said in their statement.

The bishops also confirmed that “virtual viewing” of Mass did not fulfil the obligation to go to Mass on Sunday.

I hope that all those who have been away and are able will feel ready to return. A warm welcome awaits all those who have been away for whatever reason.

Best Wishes, Father Behruz Rafat