Reopening the Church for Masses

In the wake of the First Minister’s recent announcements, from Monday, 19th July, we move to Level 0 of the Covid restrictions. It has practical positive implications for our communal worship:

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Guidelines for the Resumption of Mass

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland Pastoral Ministry Working Group has published this Infographic summary of guidance for parishioners as they return to church for the public celebration of Mass.  Read more “Guidelines for the Resumption of Mass” →

In the bleak midwinter…

… frosty wind made moan
Earth stood hard as iron
Water like a stone
Snow had fallen
Snow on snow on snow

Expectations and Guidance

Note that these will be continuously updated in line with the Scottish Government Guidelines, parents/careers will be contacted regarding any changes.

• Do not send your child to class if they or anyone within their household is displaying symptoms of Covid-19 (continuous cough, fever/high temperature (37.8C or greater) and loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste) or have been asked to self-isolate.
• Let Fr Tad and/or the Catechist know if your contact number changes, we need this to contact you if there are last-minute changes to the class or in case of emergency.
• When entering/exiting the parish hall your child will be asked to use hand sanitiser. They may also be asked to do so at other times during the lesson.
• Face coverings for children are optional during the lesson.
• Children should take their own pencil cases to class and not share resources with other children. Children may also take a water bottle.
• Children are asked to limit their movement around the room.
• Please do not congregate in the car park when dropping off or picking up your child.
• Any child who displays symptoms will be isolated straight away and a family member contacted to collect the child immediately. You should then arrange for a test to confirm if your child has COVID-19.

Catholicism in a time of Coronavirus

“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” →

Financial Information for Parishioners

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. Read more “Financial Information for Parishioners” →

Easyfundraising

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” →

Alone Together

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” →

Financial Support

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.

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Mass Online: Practical Advice

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.

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