24th March 2020

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

 

Things are moving very fast and I was keen to share the following information with you.

 

Following the statements from the Prime Minister and the First Minister yesterday evening, Bishop John has updated his guidance to us about the emergency situation in which we now find ourselves. Here are the relevant points for you to know.

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• Places of Public Worship are to be closed.  As of today, our churches are closed to the public until further notice.

 

• Citizens are to stay at home unless for absolutely necessary business.  We will be seeking clarification from the Government as to what might constitute essential pastoral work, as in the care of the dying at home, care homes or hospitals. 

 

For now, we have to presume the Statement implies that we should not attend .

 

However, the Holy See has already issued a Plenary Indulgence to all who are sick or dying, and to those caring for them. This indulgence has been approved by our Holy Father Pope Francis.

 

In effect, this will mean that our loved ones who are dying are not deprived of the necessary graces which would have come to them through the Sacrament of the Sick, even though we are unable to celebrate the Sacrament with them in person.

 

• No Baptisms or Weddings are to be celebrated.  The celebration of the Sacraments is postponed to a future date.

 

• There is an exception for Funerals, HOWEVER, since Churches are closed, funeral rites will be held at the place of committal. We will make arrangements with families by ‘phone in place of home visits. Funeral Directors will be reminding mourners to limit attendance to immediate family, and we will be supporting them in this task.

 

A for our loved ones who die during this crisis will be arranged at a later date. On the day of the Funeral I will offer Mass for the eternal repose of the deceased and for the comforting of their family.

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I will continue to celebrate Mass each day, especially for you and your loved ones.  I will also remember each day those of our brothers and sisters who suffering from the coronavirus and their families and I will pray for our health care workers in our local Hospital, Health Centres, Nursing Homes, Hospices and all in our emergency  Services. Nor do I forget those who govern us, both in the Church and in Government, and who have such difficult decisions to make for the good of all our people.

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Please follow the advice which has been issued.

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Yours in Christ,

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Fr. Des Berry