Fr Frank writes:
My dear friends,
We are slowly coming to terms with living with Covid – there have been so many changes to our lives over the past 18 months, not least in the parish – my life has been as busy as ever, but with quite different routines from the pre-pandemic way of life. It now seems that we are in a transition time – a halfway house between the practices we have been following during the pandemic and those we were familiar with before. Thank you for your co-operation in wearing facemasks and sanitising your hands. Whatever your personal views, we need to acknowledge that our prime concern whilst in church is the protection of those around us, many of whom may be vulnerable or feeling a little nervous about being surrounded by many other people.
One of the things I am intensely proud of is that our parishes have continued to offer the Mass on Sundays and weekdays throughout the pandemic (even when only Anne and I could be in church). This has been made possible by the work of so many, particularly our Stewards (who have worked hard to keep us all safe), and those who clean our churches. I cannot thank them enough for the time and effort they have spent.
You will notice that I have labelled the Masses on Thursday and Friday as Penitential Masses (i.e. Mass with an extended Penitential Rite). This is at the request of a parishioner who regrets the loss of Parish Reconciliation Services and the regular celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Saturday mornings during the Pandemic. Please come along if you are able to, I promise it won’t be too long.
The sick lists published in the pre-pandemic Newsletters are now well out of date, so we are beginning new lists. Could Frinton parishioners please let me know of any names, by email or in writing please, that should be added, and could Dovercourt parishioners let Jane know. Before submitting names, please remember to obtain permission from the sick person (or their immediate family if they are unable to respond for themselves).
Finally, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are once again able to visit the sick. This can only be done, however, with permission of the family or the Care Home in which the parishioner lives. If you are able and willing to resume this ministry, please bring your pyx to Mass together with a small label showing the number of hosts you wish to take out. At Frinton, the usual Sunday morning routine can recommence, but, again, make sure you have permission to enter the home beforehand.
May the God of love bless you today and always.
Frank ofs
Sunday Smile:
Notice outside a north London church:
WANTED – WORKERS FOR GOD – PLENTY OF OVERTIME.