MASS All Masses are celebrated with a congregation. They are live-streamed and can be followed on the Parish website. Strict rules apply at all Masses in accordance with government and diocesan instructions: this includes social distancing, the mandatory wearing of face-coverings, and the recording of contact details for all those attending Mass. Holy Communion is administered under one kind only and may be received only in the hand. The obligation to attend Sunday Mass remains suspended and there are Masses twice a day, every day for those able to attend.
CONFESSIONS Are offered in the Lady Chapel from 5:00 to 5:45 pm on Saturdays.
HOME VISITS Visits to parishioners in their homes are not yet allowed. Those unable to come to church and wishing to make a Spiritual Communion may do so using this prayer:
My Jesus, I believe that you are present in
this Holy Sacrament of the altar.
I love you above all things
and I passionately desire to
receive you into my soul.
Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally,
come spiritually into my soul
so that I may unite myself wholly to you
now and forever.
Amen.
BAPTISMS We are now allowed to celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism. Baptisms at Mass are not allowed. Strict rules apply on contact, social distancing and the wearing of masks. And attendance is limited to 30 people (including the minister) in the church and with those present keeping to household bubbles.
MARRIAGES We can now celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony outside Mass. This means no Nuptial Masses are allowed. The same strict rules apply and there is an upper limit of 30 people (including the minister) in the church and with those present keeping to household bubbles.
FIRST CONFESSION & HOLY COMMUNION 2020/2021 We are not yet able to say when the children who were unable to make their First Confession or First Holy Communion this summer will be able to do so. We have been in touch with parents concerning the preparation course for those who would normally be hoping to receive these Sacraments in 2021.
CONFIRMATION 2020/2021 We can’t say yet when we will be able to Confirm the young people who were hoping to be Confirmed this summer. We are still considering how best to prepare those who would normally be hoping to be confirmed in 2021.
RCIA 2020 & 2021 – Awaiting decision on when 2020 group can be received.
The next course for those who want to know more about the Catholic faith, or who wish to be baptised and/or confirmed into the Catholic Church would normally be starting in September. Due to the rules relating to coronavirus we are not yet able to set out plans for the course, but if you are interested in finding out more about this please contact us for more information. This may give us some idea of how many people we need to plan for and how we might be able to proceed in the coming months. Our email address is beckenhamrcia@rcaos.org.uk or phone on 020 8650 9650. Cathy and Mary
ANOINTING OF SICK & HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS If you or a family member are admitted to hospital, the Catholic Chaplain of the hospital should be informed as soon as possible, even in advance if the hospital stay is a planned one. The quickest and most efficient way of ensuring that this is done is for you to contact the chaplaincy team direct through the hospital switch-board or website but if you cannot, please contact the Parish Office during working hours or else one of the clergy team.
__________________________
A WORD FROM FR STEVE
There is a gem of a book entitled ‘The Cloud of Unknowing.’ The Author is unknown although he was most likely a scholarly priest. In this 14th Century book there is a thought-provoking saying, one of many it has to be said, and it is as follows:
‘By love may He be gotten and holden, but by thought, never.’
In other words, God is reached by love not by thought. It is worth reminding ourselves that the greatest commandment is not that we should reason about God, our loving Father, but that we should love Him ceaselessly with everything we have.