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“The COVID-19 pandemic has been a great and unexpected trial. But for Catholics this trial is not only economic, social, or medical—it is spiritual.” Read more “Catholicism in a time of Coronavirus”
News
The present global pandemic is having a profound effect on everyone. It presents an enormous challenge to us all. That challenge is survival, survival in all sorts of ways: physically, emotionally, spiritually and financially.
Apart from the very real difficulties of continuing sacramental and pastoral care, the Church also faces serious financial challenges, particularly as long as churches are closed and there are no public liturgies. In order to secure the future financial viability of parishes, a set of Interim Guidelines has been issued to all parishes by the Diocesan Trustees. I think it’s important to share some of the key points and extracts with you all. Read more “Financial Information for Parishioners”
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Due to the current pandemic more and more of us are shopping online. Did you know that you could also help St Joseph’s at the same time? Next time you shop online use Easyfundraising and help raise some money for St Joseph’s at no extra cost to you – it’s 100% free. All you have to do is start your online shopping first at Easyfundraising and then shop as normal. Read more “Easyfundraising”
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CTVC in partner with Million Minutes and Father Christopher Jamison OSB, have created a series of online resources to help people live through the pandemic based on real people such as monks and nuns. Read more “Alone Together”
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The current situation is badly affecting individuals, families and businesses. Many face very difficult decisions on a daily basis and now it’s exacerbated by a very uncertain future. Because our churches remain closed to fight the coronavirus threat, our usual means of upkeeping the parish (Sunday collection) isn’t possible. Some of you have asked how they could continue to support our parish financially, some of you have already made donations (for which I am very grateful). I’m writing this extremely reluctantly because I understand that many of you struggle to keep yourselves above the water.
News
Usually, we go to church to attend Mass. With the temporary suspension of Masses celebrated publicly due to the coronavirus crisis, Mass online remains one of very few, if not the sole way of attending. I’d like to offer a few practical suggestions to make ‘watching’ Mass more participatory.