24th Sunday of the Year 2020

Dear Friends in Christ

It was truly wonderful to see so many of our families returning to Mass last weekend. People are trying their hardest to return to some semblance of normality, but every day the Government are announcing new measures to combat the upsurge in Covid 19 cases. As many people are not adhering to the social distancing rules, there has been a spike this week in our country. Unfortunately, all the negative reporting doesn’t help either; it is invoking an atmosphere of fear and anxiety in many people.

If we are sensible and follow the guidelines, especially with regard to social distancing and warning face coverings, not socialising with friends, we may not have seen for a long time, we can do our bit to help stop the spread of this dreadful disease. As we enter the autumn and winter seasons, and as the cold and flu season is rapidly approaching, it is so important that our Senior Citizens all avail themselves of the Flu vaccine. Hopefully this will assist and help everyone. Scientifically it has been observed that the wearing of face coverings and the washing and sanitising of hands will certainly decrease the likelihood of catching colds and flu, let alone Covid 19. STAY ALERT! Obviously, of late, many people have lowered their guard, hence the increase of cases.

Here at St. Edmund’s our main objective is to keep everyone safe, that’s why the Government and Diocesan guidelines are in place. Many of you will have already seen the letter I sent out a few days ago. Our parish family is so important, and our love and care and concern for one another are fundamentally at the heart of our parish life. I have made an executive decision to add an additional Mass at 10.00am on Sunday mornings; this is a temporary measure, but hopefully it will accommodate more people and avoid overcrowding and people having to stand outside the church. Also, the one disabled toilet will be open for use. I do ask all parishioners to kindly respect cleanliness measures in the bathroom, there will be hand sanitiser outside the toilet, and soap in the toilet. Please ensure you leave the bathroom in the way you found it. Parents kindly accompany your children, if they need to use the bathroom. Thank you!