Cessation of public liturgies

Logo of Catholic Bishops' Conference

By now, you are probably aware that the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales have announced the cessation of public liturgies in all churches until further notice due to measures to curtail the coronavirus outbreak. They have dispensed all members of the faithful of their Sunday obligation to attend Mass. The measures come into effect this evening (March 20). This is obviously a desperately sad situation as there will be no public celebration of the Mass in any of the four churches until the lifting of restrictions.

The last public act of worship across our churches is Stations of the Cross at 7pm this evening at St Joseph and St Francis Xavier's, Richmond.

As ever, St Joseph's will remain open throughout each and every day for private prayer in the presence of the Most Blessed Sacrament in the Tabernacle.

Canon Michael and Father Richard will be celebrating Mass, albeit privately, each and every day and will be remembering all parishioners particularly in their prayers. The Church invites you to make a spiritual communion with us from home. Details on how to do this will follow shortly.

We intend this blog to be a way to keep in contact with you, to post information, spiritual and Catechetical resources, homilies and details on how to watch Masses live on the internet. 

May God bless you abundantly and protect you and your families in these days. May we go forward in joyful hope and trust in the Lord.

Canon Michael and Father Richard

(posted by Fr Richard)

Bishops of England and Wales Documents (https://www.cbcew.org.uk/)

Public Acts of Worship in Catholic Church in England and Wales - Covid-19: https://bit.ly/2wpmx3y

Liturgical advice in light of the Covid-19 pandemic: https://bit.ly/2wnUTUs

Prayers when Mass cannot be celebrated publicly: https://bit.ly/2J99eH3

From Bishop Terence Patrick Drainey

Pastoral Letter: https://bit.ly/3djyYi7

Liturgical Advice additions by Bishop Terry: https://bit.ly/2Ui3csQ