The Reinstallation of Public Acts of Worship as from Sunday 12 July 2020 at St Patrick's

The opportunity for public worship is welcome but the Government guidelines are stringent

and must be observed. Some result in changes which we have to get used to and follow.

•         Dispensation from attending Sunday Mass still applies.

•         Social Distancing of 2 metres means our maximum congregation will be 50.

•         All attending Mass have to give contact details for Test and Trace - these have to be kept for 21 days.

•         You will be asked to sanitise your hands on entry - No toilet facilities are available.

•         Mass books and Hymn book are not available. Holy Water stoops are empty.

•         You must not enter the Sacristy or the Church Room before or after Mass.

•         Singing, the sign of peace and offertory collections and processions are not allowed.

•         A collection basket will be available at the back of Church

•         At present the only Sunday Mass is at 9.30am. The Church is then closed for the rest of the week.

•         Holy Communion must be taken in the hand.

•         You should remain in your pew until called forward by a steward

•         Approach Priest - arms outstretched - one palm -upwards, one on top of the other - no prayer is said.

•         Having received Communion himself, the Priest will say the Prayer after Communion and give the Blessing and the dismissal - at this point you are called forward to receive the Sacrament.

•         Then leave the Church immediately via the door at the side of the Sanctuary that leads to the car park.

•         Please then leave for home - Do not re-enter the Church

•         This is the first small step to achieving a sort of normality. More services added as practicable.

Please note that acts of public worship - Baptisms and Marriages - that can properly be deferred until Autumn will be. Funerals can take place but government restrictions on the number of mourners apply.

Meanwhile your patience, your understanding and prayers would be appreciated. Thank you.

Scripture - 12^th July 2020, 15th Sunday Ordinary Time - Is 55:10-11; Ps 64(65); Rom 8:18-23; Mt 13:1-23
Christ the Sower - We celebrate Christ who came to sow the seed of God's word in the world,

and we rejoice with Him as we see everywhere around us the first-fruits of the Holy Spirit.

Second Isaiah, writing around 550 BC, concludes his "Book of Comfort" to the Jewish exiles in Babylon with an invitation to a joyful banquet. After renewing His covenant of peace, God has reminded Israel that "my thoughts are not your thoughts": God's words come down gently to bring forth divine fruits, like the rain which enables the earth to yield its fruits.

The psalm gives God praise and thanks for his power over all the earth & the rains which produce abundant crops.

Paul continues this theme of God's plan slowly moving towards its climax: creation is unable to attain its purpose without help, and it was made this way by God. Paul gives us a brilliantly clear vision of God's plan: with the coming of Christ creation is now groaning in the birth pangs of being set free.

It is worth listening carefully to Matthew's explanation of the parable of the sower. And especially to Jesus' very difficult statements that he talks to the crowds in parables because "they listen without hearing or understanding". He says "They have shut their eyes, for fear they should see, ... and be converted".

The coming of Jesus brings both judgement and mercy. But some will not receive God's words, unless their minds are open and they cease making their own image of God.

Psalm Response: Some seed fell into rich soil and produced its crop.

From Bishop David, "Please see this statement regarding recent events.

This may be helpful as a source of reflection in the parish newsletter."

Bishops stand in solidarity with US sisters and brothers

as they challenge the evil of racism and the brutal killing of George Floyd on Wednesday, June 3rd, 2020

"We stand in solidarity with our sisters and brothers in the USA as they challenge the evil of racism and the brutal killing of George Floyd. As the US Bishops made clear: 'we cannot turn a blind eye to these atrocities and yet still try to profess to respect every human life. We serve a God of love, mercy, and justice.'

"Systemic racism is embedded in our own society. The disproportionate harm suffered by BAME people throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted profound inequalities, marginalisation and injustice here in the UK. The peaceful Black Lives Matter protests taking place in our towns and cities reflect the understandable anger that so many people feel about this.

"As Catholics we recognise that racism is an evil which must be opposed; we all have a responsibility for actively promoting racial justice. Whenever we ignore racism or dismiss BAME people's experience of it, we are complicit in violations of human dignity. We pray for God's help to overcome racism in all its forms and that we might protect everyone who suffers its consequences. We are all made in God's image."

Bishop Declan Lang - Bishop for International Affairs

Bishop Paul McAleenan - Bishop for Racial Justice

Let us pray during the week for

The Church, Pope Francis; Bishop David, the Clergy; our Parish; the lonely and frightened.

The faithful departed - those mourning. The sick - their careers. All affected by the virus. Key workers. World leaders to work with those seeking medical solution to be freely and globally shared.

The third world where the risk of the pandemic is heightened by food and medicine shortages.

Those awaiting sacraments of Penance, Communion & Confirmation. The unborn child and sanctity of life.

Our own intentions and in thanks to God for his gifts and unconditional love.

For the safe re-opening of our Churches