25th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) 20th September 2020

MASS TIMES AND INTENTIONS

Sun 20th Sept

11.30 am Benny Fitzsimons, anniversary

Mon 21st Sept St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist

7pm Martin Flatley, RIP

Tues 22nd Sept NO MASS

Weds 23rd Sept St Padre Pio

10am For all healthcare workers.

Thurs 24th Sept Our Lady of Walsingham

7pm Brendan Corcoran, RIP

Fri 25th Sept Feria

10 am Dr Wudu and family, special intentions

Sat 26th Sept St Cosmas and Damian, Martyrs

5pm Patrick Mackessy, RIP

Please pray for the sick and those who care for them, today especially for the frail elderly and for those who work as carers.

No Mass on Tuesday this week – but a 10am Mass on Wednesday instead!

Let us remember: Hands, Face, Space

Hands: Continue with effective hand hygiene; hand washing or sanitising facilities.

Face: Face coverings should be worn at all Masses to cover nose and mouth.

Space: 2 m remains the government guidance for social distancing;

People who do not live together should maintain 2 m socially distanced from each other.

Attending Mass at St Mary’s

 You do not need to book your attendance for Mass at St Mary’s

 However – you must give to the steward your name and telephone number written on a piece of paper. You will need to provide this at every mass you attend.

 First come and First Served – those who come early are certain of a seat –if you arrive just before Mass, St Mary’s could be full to capacity (60 at each sitting) and you will have to attend another service in the week.

 Remember – any Mass will serve as a Sunday I have tried to give as many alternative Mass times during the week to spread out our normal Sunday congregation. Monday evening at 7pm has plenty of space.

 Please do not come to Mass if you are in the vulnerable category and shielding at home.

 Please do not come to Mass if you are feeling unwell.

 Please remember to alcohol gel your hands when you enter and leave the church.

 You must leave two seats empty between you or your family group and the next parishioner.

 Offertory money can now be deposited in the basket as you enter the porch.

Fr Peter and October:

Fr Peter writes: thank you to everyone who has offered prayers for my upcoming surgery. My last day of duty will be 1st October. Fr Terry will make a very welcome return and look after Masses while I am away convalescing.

First Holy Communion Masses:

Fr Peter writes: Last weekend 12 children made their First Holy Communions in the pop up church in my garden. Both Masses were again beautiful – enhanced by Helen playing her harp atop the presbytery balcony! This weekend there are 7 children. Once again you can watch these Masses – both at 10am – via our streaming service www.saintmarys.online

First Holy Communions 2021:

Registration is currently open for anyone in Year 3 or above who would like to prepare to make their First Holy Communion in May 2021. Please email Holly for a registration form finchleyeastcat@rcdow.org.uk

Our Parish Finances:

Fr Peter writes: Below are the offertory collection totals for May. April figures are very similar to May, so I am just quoting one month. As you will remember everyone was in “lockdown” and it was before I introduced the Parish Virgin Just Giving Money Page. Our average offertory collection before the pandemic was £1000 per week. Your offertory collection contributes towards the running of the presbytery, church, parish centre and non-clergy salaries. The parish priest’s salary comes from baptisms, weddings, funerals and Easter & Christmas collections – all of which you are very generous.

3rd May 2020 - £160.00; 10th May 2020 - £200.00; 17th May 2020 - £165.00; 24th May 2020 - £229.00; 31st May 2020 - £140.00. Next week’s newsletter will have figures for June.

IMPORTANT -Secondary School Transfer Forms:

If you need Fr Peter to sign your child’s secondary school transfer form or validate a certificate of catholic practice, please ring the presbytery during office hours (Monday Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 9:30am – 1pm) with the time of the Mass you and your child will be attending so Fr Peter can meet you afterwards. Fr Peter will be away from 1st October. It is best that you fill out your child’s name and address details.

Stewards:

Fr Peter writes: I hope as you arrive for Mass you remember to thank our wonderful stewards. They are keeping us all safe from the virus by cleaning the church after each Mass. It would be very helpful to have a few more – the duties include welcoming and seating parishioners and after Mass helping to clean pews. Please email me if you would like to join the present gallant crew.

A New Sunday Mass:

Fr Peter writes: Due to a wonderful increase in those attending Mass at weekends, I am re-introducing the 10am Mass next Sunday (Sunday 27th September). However, I will need 3 volunteers to act as stewards – please email me at peterscott@rcdow.org.uk

Vacancy at Finchley Catholic High School

We are looking to appoint an experienced Personal Assistant to the Headteacher, to join our wonderful staff community at Finchley Catholic High School. If this may be of interest to you or a friend please visit our website for more information.

SECONDARY TRANSFER 2021 LORETO COLLEGE

This year it is not possible to hold our usual Open Evening. However from Monday 21st September the school website will showcase a variety of materials, including our ‘Open Day Film’, to help families learn more about us. Please visit our website at www.loreto.herts.sch.uk to access this information.

The Wall is coming……..

Why did the electrician punch a hole in the wall?

He needed an outlet.

Baptisms, Sacrament of Marriage and Funerals.

Fr Peter writes: Baptisms can now be organised and like Weddings: the maximum number permitted to attend is still 30. For weddings, a simple nuptial mass may be celebrated.

Funerals: the maximum number permitted to attend is still 30. A simple requiem mass may be celebrated.

The return of the Sacrament of Reconciliation:

Fr Peter writes: As of Monday, you can return to the Sacrament of Confession with certain safeguards:

Please do not come to confession if you are feeling unwell or shielding at home.

I will be available for confession Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday from 11am – 12 noon. Please come to the presbytery.

Due to social distancing and ventilation, I will either hear confessions in the presbytery garden or, if it is raining, in church.

Due to above practicalities, all confessions will be face to face.

Being St Mary’s Parish - Staying in touch - Registration & Parish Census:

Fr Peter writes: It is very important that I am able to keep in touch with you. The shepherd needs his flock. Please update your parish details using the parish census sheet and return to me hand delivered via a volunteer who can come to the presbytery. It is so important that we stay in touch with each other.

Masks at Mass:

It is now mandatory that parishioners wear masks or face coverings when attending Mass. The priest is not required to follow this protocol. Masks should not cover eyes and ears – but mouth and nose. Children under 11 are not required to wear masks.