Author: Fr Ed

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Coronavirus and Church

Our Pastoral Council met yesterday, 11th March, and amongst other things, discussed at length the impact of COVID-19 (Corona virus) on our church community. We have already taken some precautions regarding the Sign of Peace and reception of Holy Communion, and would now add the following:

  • Please do not feel under obligation to attend Mass at this time if you are worried about exposure to the virus
  • If you are amongst those most vulnerable to the virus (already in poor health, elderly, etc) consider attending Mass on Saturday or Sunday evening — they are much less crowded that the 11:15 on  Sunday morning.
  • Some groups in our community have already cancelled meetings or events to avoid risk — check to see if something you plan on attending is still being held, or has been cancelled/postponed
  • If you stay at home to avoid being in crowds, and you need any kind of support, please contact the parish office
  • We are investigating broadcasting a video stream of Sunday Mass, so that you can follow the Mass at home
  • There is a possibility at some point that Masses will be cancelled — should this be the case, you will be well advised
Continue to check here on the latest updates.
Thank you for your patience,
Fr Ed & Fr HP, on behalf of the Pastoral Council
Detailed information from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control can be found in the document below, giving a hierarchy of measures to be taken in accordance with levels of risk.

 

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Bible Study Group update

As the evening slot for the Bible Study Group is proving to be more popular, (19.15 at the Jesuit House, 23 Avenue Gaston Diderich), the lunch time sessions have been cancelled for the rest of Lent.

As indicated in the Bible Study programme, there will be no Bible Study Group next week on 17 March, as the Week of Guided Prayer is taking place.

To book a place for the next Bible Study Group on 24 March, please email the parish office the day before.

Bible study group in Lent

 

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3 great events

This weekend, Saturday/Sunday 7th-8th March was a (typically) busy weekend for our community. We welcomed 7 couples for the Marriage Preparation course, this time given by Glenn and Lisa; as usual, we celebrated the Vigil Mass at 19:00 Saturday; this morning (Sunday) we met at the Gëlle Frau, were visible at the cathedral, and processed to St Alphonse, marking the International Day for Women. In our Catholic community, we were highlighting our wish/prayer/demand for equality in church life. Marcella was our organiser and animateur, and thanks to her efforts and those of others, the message was communicated — women should have equal voice and influence in the Church at every level. Our 3rd significant even was the 11:15 Gospel Mass, where we welcomed Lerato Shadare and the Gospel Choir. Lerato inspired, motivated and rehearsed 45 people in Gospel music, and this choir led our worship at Mass today — their presence gave us an added layer of musical experience; we already have a wonderful music ministry in our community, but it was good to hear a different tradition, and to learn from what we heard.

So here is a request… do you have good photos/video footage of any of the above events that we might publish online? If you can send what you have to the parish office, that would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks to Lisa and Glenn, to Marcella and team, and to Lerato and choir for an uplifting couple of days.

Fr Ed