It is with a sense of joy that today, Sunday 29th March 2020, is being celebrated throughout the land as a day of thanksgiving for the protection of England to Mary, Mother of the Christ child and ‘Mother of God’. Surely it must always be with a sense of the need for protection that we turn to Mary in our prayers, asking her to intercede for us with her Divine Son for protection. And what better time to seek her protection than now, as we face a worldwide pandemic of major proportions that threatens both our local community and nation. How often history tells us that during times of trial and danger that God alone is ‘our shelter and our strength... in whom we take refuge’. And when we need God’s help, who better to ask than Mary, the Mother of his Son.
Given the situation which the Church finds herself in, this week has presented a time of unprecedented change in the history of our Parish, but through the pooling of resources and supporting each other we will come to realise that our Lord is with us always, continuing to guide and strengthen our faith...
Following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic in the UK, I regrettably have to inform you that all masses with a public congregation are no longer permitted to be celebrated in accordance with the Decree of the Bishops of England and Wales. This will begin from Friday evening, 20th March 2020, until further notice.