Letter from Fr Stephen

Dear Parishioners,

Colin, my brother in law, was diagnosed with Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, a type of non-Hodgkins disease in June, which is an aggressive form of blood cancer. With your prayers and kind thoughts he is making good progress. He was in hospital for nearly seven weeks and is at present back home undergoing constant treatment and check-ups at hospital. I will still  need to be with him especially when he goes for the chemotherapy sessions. Your patience has been greatly appreciated because Colin, who comes from New Zealand, has no family here in the UK since my sister Susan died seven years ago. So it was important that I was there to help him and give some support at this very difficult time.

However, it will  be wonderful to try and get back to some normality again. I have missed you all so much and look forward to saying Mass with you once again.

Love, prayers and blessings to you, your families and loved ones

Fr Stephen

Collection

Since March, the income for the parish has been virtually nil. About  £25,000 has been lost in income so we really need to get our finances up and running again. The bills still have to be paid. Please consider setting up a standing order or cheque. Details can be given if you contact the parish office or Fr Stephen.

Baskets will be available at the back of the church in which you can place your offerings and gift aid envelopes. Your generosity is much appreciated. Many thanks.

To set up a standing order, please use the bank details provided here.

Mandatory Guidelines for Opening of the Church for Mass on Monday 7th September, 9.30am from the Archdiocese of Southwark and HM Government

Stewards needed

In order for Mass to resume again at least two / three stewards will be needed at each Mass to help parishioners keep safe.

If you can volunteer for this vital ministry please let the  parish office know by telephone 0208 397 4499  or e mail  chessington@rcaos.org.uk so that a rota can be organised. You will need to be in church half an hour before Mass begins.

If there are not enough stewards then, sadly, the saying of public Mass cannot go ahead and the church will remain closed.

Times for Mass

Initially, three weekday Masses will be said in Church on Monday, Friday and Saturday at 9.30am. Sunday Masses will be at the usual times  8am 10am and 6pm. The church will only be open twenty minutes before Mass begins.

Celebrating Mass

The Mass will be shortened for example:

No singing

No bidding prayers

No offertory procession

No exchange of the peace

Receiving Holy Communion

The Blessed Sacrament will be distributed only by the Priest and parishioners will receive Holy Communion in their hands. The steward will guide you when to come forward.

Track and Trace

When you enter the church, you will need to put your name, contact telephone number, the date and time of the Mass you are attending. The steward will be there to help. The information collected at the direction of the Government will be kept secure and will be destroyed 21 days after the said act of worship. If you refuse to complete this track and trace information you will not be allowed to go into the church for Mass.

The maximum seating capacity in the church, based on the distancing guidelines, is 45. Consequently, it will be on a “first come first served” basis.

The obligation for a Sunday Mass has been suspended until further notice. Consequently, you are invited to consider the possibility of attending Mass on a week-day. This will give the opportunity for more parishioners to receive Holy Communion. Please note, that those who attend Mass MUST comply with the following mandatory requirements.

Sanitising hands

There will be hand gel at the entrance of the church. Please sanitise your hands when you first enter and when you leave the church building.

Face Masks

It is mandatory to wear a face covering at all times. If anyone objects then you cannot attend Mass. Please bring, if possible, your own face covering.

Safe distancing

Please observe the distancing rules in the church, The steward will show you to your seat.

When it comes to receiving Holy Communion the steward will tell you when to come forward.

Please remain in your place until the final blessing. A steward will tell you when you can leave, row by row. Immediately after Mass the church will need to be cleaned and sanitised, so it is important you leave promptly.

No toilet facilities

The Hall has to be kept locked at all times and there are no toilet facilities available.

Votive candles and statues

Votive candles can only be lit from another lighted candle on the votive stand. You must not use matches or share a lighter.

The touching of Statues is not allowed under any circumstances.

Feeling unwell

If you feel unwell or have a high temperature, it is best to stay at home, just in case.

The obligation to attend a Sunday Mass has been suspended until further notice. Those who attend Mass in church must comply with these mandatory requirements issued by the Government and the Archdiocese of Southwark.

These regulations have been put into place to keep us all safe and well.

Let us then be joyful and thankful as we once again receive the real presence of Jesus in the most Holy Eucharist.