The Metropolitan Archbishops have released a letter to the Catholic faithful during this time of pandemic.
This week’s newsletter is now available here
A new page has been added to the parish website explaining how you can set up a standing order for your offering during this difficult time.
Mass will be available on the website from 5pm on Saturday and Evening Prayer for Vocations will be available from 5pm on Sunday.
Fr John invites you to pray the Rosary with him each day during the month of May, recorded in the Lady Chapel at St Stephen’s Church.
Since the UK-wide COVID-19 lockdown began on 23 March, there has been a 49% increase in calls and online requests for help relating to domestic abuse.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England & Wales Domestic Abuse Project website includes information about how we as a parish can raise awareness of the issue, as well as a list of helplines and information about how to safely get help.
This week’s newsletter is now available here, including an update on Fr John’s exploits in the attic!
Mass will be available on the website from around 5pm on Saturday.
Synod 2020
Dear Friends,
In the light of the changes COVID-19 has brought to our lives, we reflect on the kind of Church God is calling us to be.
During these days of isolation and social distancing we are experiencing different ways of being Church. Our prayer and worship has become transformed as we gather remotely, online, from our own home. Our sense of community is challenged as we find creative and new ways of coming together to meet, to socialise, to work, or to check in on each other.
Today begins our extra period of reflection as we consider what our Synod can learn from the experience of living through these difficult and different times. We have produced a short film and a leaflet to help guide your reflection. Please use them and encourage others to reflect too as we continue to discern the Church God is calling us to be. If possible, share these on your personal and parish social media.
Visit our website, reflect on the materials, and submit your proposals for action. We will close the online submission form on Monday 4 May 2020.
With best wishes
Fr Philip, Fr Matthew, Jacqui, and Matt
The Synod Office Team
Masses for the Sick, NHS Workers & Others
Starting next Thursday, there will be a series of weekly Masses, each Thursday at 7.00 p.m., for the sick and their families, all front-line workers in the NHS and those who work in social care. The Masses will be celebrated by a different bishop each week in his own cathedral and the celebrations will be live-streamed.
Details of the timetable can be found here.
Walsingham Retreat
Monsignor John Armitage will lead an 8-day retreat via live-streaming from Walsingham starting on Sunday.
Details may be found here and on the Walsingham Shrine website www.walsingham.org.uk
This week’s parish newsletter is now available here. Mass for the 2nd Sunday of Easter will be available on the parish website from around 5pm on Saturday.
CAFOD Eucharistic Celebration – Weds 29th April 6pm
All are welcome to join together in solidarity and prayer to celebrate Mass streamed live with CAFOD and friends Wednesday evening 29th April at 6:00 pm.
We shall bring together our prayers, from and for our communities and partners, our families and friends, both across the global South and throughout the UK, into the presence of our loving God. Register here to join: https://cafod.org.uk/Volunteer/Online-talks
Children’s Liturgy of the Word – live streamed at 10am every Sunday plus access to resources.
Anyone wishing to join the CAFOD Children’s Liturgy can register at: https://cafod.org.uk/Education/Children-s-liturgy
Step in to the Gap
Do you want to make a difference in the world and spend a year gaining new skills, work experience and learning more about yourself and the world we live in? CAFOD offers a gap year programme for those aged 18-30 based in the UK which includes a 3 week visit to meet partners and communities that CAFOD work with. Find out more information including how to apply at: www.cafod.org.uk/gapyear
This week’s newsletter is now available here, including details of when the Triduum Masses will be available on the parish website.
Elderly, Sick or Vulnerable Parishioners
If you know of any parishioners who are elderly, sick or vulnerable and don’t have family support, Warrington Borough Council have set up a scheme to support them during the pandemic. You can refer them Monday to Friday, 9.00 am – 5.00 pm, either by email info@warringtonva.org.uk or by phone (01925) 246880.
People wanting to help
If parishioners want to engage in practical help and support, they can volunteer at: https://www.warrington.gov.uk/coronavirus-community-support