Face coverings at Liturgical Celebrations
The Church leaders, including Archbishop Eamon Martin, following recent consultations with public health authorities, are formally recommending and encouraging the use of face coverings at all Masses and other liturgical celebrations, along with the ongoing maintenance of 2 meter physical distancing, from Sunday 30th August 2020, and earlier if practicable.
It should however be noted that some people are exempt from the wearing of face coverings, as outlined in public health agency guidance: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-face-coverings
It has become increasingly clear that the wearing of face coverings, in conjunction with hand washing etc, is likely to reduce the spread of Coronavirus, thus helping to protect others. The use of face coverings is therefore one way in which we can evidence protection for the most vulnerable, support for our health workers and practical love for our neighbour.
Church ReOpening
Following the announcement by the NI Executive regarding church’s reopening, the following letter has been released for St Bernadette’s and Holy Rosary.
Remember that the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays/Holy Days has been dispensed with during the COVID pandemic. Mass will continue to be streamed via the webcam in St. Bernadettes Church.
End of year Mass for St. Bernard’s Primary School
The Mass to mark the close of the school year in St. Bernard’s Primary School will take place on Friday 26th June at 9.30am. The Mass will be available on the webcam.
We wish all the boys and girls, their teachers, classroom assistants, all who work in the school and all the parents every blessing for the summer, after what has been an exceptional year. In particular, we pray for the boys and girls in Primary 7 who are leaving St. Bernard’s this summer. We wish them every blessing in their new school.
Church Reopened
St. Bernadette’s church will reopen for private prayer from Monday 25th May 2020 between 2pm and 4pm Monday to Friday. Thanks are owed to our teams of cleaners and new volunteers who are making this possible.In order to comply with the requirements of the Public Health Agency, in particular around social distancing regulations, good hygiene and infection control, you will notice certain changes. There will be a one way system in operation in the church. Hand-gels will be available at the entrance and exit. The benches will be sealed off, but individual chairs will be placed close to the altar. There will be no toilet facilities available.
Parish Collections
Dear Parishioners,
At this time many families and individuals may find themselves under pressure financially.
Parishioners, who are in this situation, may need to suspend their Standing Orders/Envelope contributions, until such times as they are in a position to contribute again.
However, to those who have expressed a desire to continue to contribute to the Parish, and are able to, financial contributions can be made by
Standing Order, or via the “Pay Pal Donation Button” on our Parish website.
For further information or to receive a Standing Order form, please contact:
St. Bernadette’s Parish
Tel: 9079 3023 Option 2
E-mail: stbernadettes@downandconnor.org
Let us continue to support one another in prayer.
Peace and health to you,
Fr. Brendan Hickland
Lent 2020: Confession and coronavirus?
Lent seeks a change of heart that we may truly celebrate Easter. In preparation for this great feast many celebrate this “change of heart” in the Sacrament of Penance. Confession to a priest is an essential part of the Sacrament of Penance but what are we to do this year, when because of coronavirus, Church services are suspended and everyone is to stay at home? Pope Francis spoke about this situation recently and said that we should do what the Catechism of the Catholic Church says. The Catechism reminds us that the confessor is not the master of God’s forgiveness, but its servant. Only God forgives sin and God, who is the Father of tenderness, always waits for the return of the Prodigal and always welcomes with a loving embrace – God’s forgiveness is immediate! In our present uniquely difficult situation, when it is not possible to come to the Church for Confession, speak to God from your heart; acknowledge truthfully what you have done or failed to do, and with all your heart ask forgiveness with a sincere Act of Sorrow confident that God always forgives the contrite. Later, when coronavirus has released its grip, we can return to the Church and avail of Confession, and celebrate the forgiveness that has been so freely given.
You may find this document helpful. – Download Here
Message from Bishop Noel Treanor – COVID-19
Bishop Noel Treanor has released a letter and video message to the Parishioners of Down and Connor – full details can be found here: http://www.downandconnor.org/blog/2020/03/25/25-march-2020-video-message-bishop-noel-treanor-pastoral-measures-response-covid-19/
COVID-19 Update
Following the latest government announcement on Coronavirus (COVID-19), St. Bernadette’s Church will be closed. Mass and Services will continue to be streamed via the webcam – http://www.stbernadettesparish.org/live
Please keep checking the Parish website for the latest updates and developments.
Spiritual Communion
When we cannot attend Mass, we can still make an Act of Spiritual Communion, in which we express our faith in Christ and in His Presence in the Eucharist, and ask Him to unite Himself with us. The basic elements of an Act of Spiritual Communion are an Act of Faith; an Act of Love; a desire to receive Christ; and an invitation to Him to come into your heart.
Please download the Parish’s Spiritual Communion here.
Directives for the Diocese of Down and Connor regarding COVID-19
From Wednesday 18 March, the public celebration of Mass is suspended in all Churches in the Diocese. This includes all religious houses where the public may attend and special gatherings of the faithful.
All the faithful are dispensed from the obligation to attend Mass on Sunday and Holy Days of obligation.
Parishes will do all they can to raise awareness of available opportunities to participate in Mass via radio, TV, and web streaming. Information will be shared on the Diocesan website (www.downandconnor.org) and through parish social media.