As you will see from this week’s bulletin, a very important appointment has been made to our Federated schools of St. Thomas More and St Joseph’s. And I wish to add my voice to welcome Barbara Reilly-O’Donnell as the new Interim Head Teacher for the next academic year. The note of welcome speaks for itself, but on a personal level, can I thank Barbara for taking on this role. She has been a tremendously supportive presence in our parish over the years. These are challenging times for all of us in the Parish of the Durham Martyrs , and not only for our schools. We begin the careful reopening of our churches over the next two weeks. Covid-19 will affect many changes in society. We hope on a positive level too. As church, we will also find a changed landscape. Again, let’s hope this will be positive. I’d like to thank the Buildings and Health and Safety group in our parish, and the Parish Council, for the tireless efforts they are putting into facilitating a safe environment for us to return, firstly to prayer, then to Mass. No stone has gone unturned in an effort to ensure a safe environment for you to worship in. Yes, the webcam has been a success, but I’m sure we all agree that there is no substitute for the real life coming together as a community. Can I ask that those of you who have any health issues to please wait. Do not put either yourselves, or others, at risk. I can’t emphasise this enough. Thanks.
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- Jul 12, 2020
Fr. Colm has recorded a reflection for the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time. You can access it from the home page underneath "Thoughts from Fr. Colm" or by clicking the link below where there is also a typed transcript available. Previous reflections are still available but have been archived by week to make It easier for mobile users of the site.
You can listen to Ennio Morricone's Gabriel's Oboe taken from "Mission" which links to Fr. Colm's reflection from this morning here
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- Jul 10, 2020
As you know we have for some time been looking at the re-opening of our churches whilst bearing in mind Cardinal Nichols’ stipulation that it should only be done when it is safe to do so. After a great deal of hard work by a number of groups in the Parish we plan to re-open St. Godric's for private prayer on Monday 20th July, Wednesday 22nd July and Saturday 25th July. Provided there are no problems we will be open on subsequent Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays until further notice. Church will be open on each occasion for one hour, 2.00 – 3.00 pm. The arrangements have been risk assessed by a Diocesan Health and Safety expert. It is hoped that St. Joseph's will be able to re-open quite soon afterwards.
When you approach the church there may be a queue, so please observe social distancing while queuing. Doors and windows will be open so you may wish to dress accordingly. When you enter the church please use the hand sanitisation station, even if you are wearing gloves and wait to be directed by the steward to a pew, following the directional arrows at all times.
Please do not touch any statues and only light votive candles from the one already lit. Please bring your own prayer materials as there will be none available in church. Toilets and all other areas will be closed. In case of emergency or illness please contact a member of the stewarding team for assistance. Stewards will be wearing masks, gloves and aprons where necessary, and visitors are also strongly encouraged to wear a mask.
When coming to church you are advised not to share lifts and to avoid public transport wherever possible. Only come to church if you are fit and well and please protect yourself by staying away if you are in the clinically extremely vulnerable category”. I would like to thank all those involved in the re-opening process, particularly those who have volunteered and been trained to act as stewards. Please give them your support and follow their directions so that, with God's help, we will all remain safe as we start to return to the new 'normal'.
Fr. Colm
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