Liturgy
Dear People of God of St Francis de Sales & St Gertrude,
Greetings of peace to you all at this time of global crisis and insecurity. Below is an update from the Archbishop localising the decision taken by the Conference of Bishops of England and Wales.
There are no public celebrations of liturgies or devotions; Masses, Stations of the Cross, Adorations, Penance Service, Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage, etc. until further notice. The church facility cannot be used for any gatherings or meetings.
Sunday remains the Lord’s Day. Families should gather to pray, read scripture, recite the Rosary and reflect together on their faith. The requirement to fulfil Sunday obligation by attending Mass is dispensed. We are encouraged to watch masses and other religious celebrations online and on television.
No funeral masses are allowed to be celebrated. In case of a burial, the Rites are allowed to be celebrated at the graveside or crematorium. A memorial Mass can be scheduled appropriately, at a later date.
Particular directives will be given for the Holy Week in the event the crisis continues through that period.
Masses this weekend will proceed according to schedule at 6:30PM, 8:30AM, 10:00AM and 11:30AM on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
Please, join me in spirit as I will continue, alone, to celebrate Masses and pray in Adoration at their normal times. All Masses requested will be celebrated accordingly as requested. My main duty as a priest, as the Bible tells us, is to offer "gifts and sacrifices" (Hebrews 5:1).
The church will be opened for anyone who desires to come to pray. Please call Fr. Donatus or parish office if you plan to come to pray in the church.
I will have an Evening prayer (Vespers) and Rosary Hour every 5.00PM. It will still be solely said but you and your intentions will be remembered. It is also a time of intercession for our sick world.
The Sunday Newsletter will continue to be available at the Church Door and on our Website. It will contain homily reflection for the weekend and other information. It is advised that we avail ourselves of the opportunity to go through the newsletter.
It’s hard to ask but it remains the fact, our Church bills will have to be paid. Please mail in your offerings and donations or make your offering directly to our account: RCAS St Francis CA, Sort Code 60-20-31, Acct# 28975553; NatWest
This is another trying time. Once again, our faith is being challenged.
We will greatly miss one another. But then, why worry when we can pray!
God bless,
Fr Donatus Anosike, MSP
Parish Priest