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The Government’s Plan B is coming to an end this week. This puts the onus on our community to decide how we proceed from here. We have also received more advice from the Bishops’ Conference which is available on our parish website (here). Bishop John Sherrington has noted: The Guidance outlines the scientific consensus that whilst the virus is transitioning from the pandemic phase to the endemic phase, there is still a risk associated with gathering for sustained periods in enclosed spaces and so there needs to be continued caution by all against infection. However, this must be balanced by the need to move forward towards the restoration of the fullness of the liturgy and the sacramental life of the Church. There will always be a tension between these two aspects. We will have a full discussion of our on-going protocols at our PPC meeting on February 2nd. Anyone is welcome to attend that or to e-mail their contributions before then. In order to gauge something of the ‘temperature of the room’, please can you fill in the simple poll (link below) on the specific issue of face-coverings and whether we should continue to request all people wear face-covering in Church, recommend them, or leave it to personal choice. https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/XGPYH66 Thank you for your help.
Fr Philip
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The Bishops’ Conference have issued an important statement Honouring Sunday. This restates the importance of the Sunday Eucharist and the importance of the Sunday obligation as part of Divine Law. However, the Bishops also recognise that the pandemic is not over and that some may find it difficult to attend mass at this time. All Catholics are encouraged to consider their own response to God’s call and gift of love in the Holy Eucharist.
As we continue our parish re-boot we have reviewed several of our ministries. New guidelines for readers and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are now available.
An essential theme for our new start is participation. Pope Francis has called the next Synod of Bishops on the theme: Synodality: communion, participation and mission. This sums up what we need to be and what we need to do. We must listen respectfully to each other and come to a common mind and commitment, we must foster that spiritual unity and fellowship that is communion, all our called to full, active and conscious participation, and this has outcomes in our shared mission. We in the parish and though the Diocese will be journeying together with our brothers and sisters throughout the world over the next few months. Please share you insights.
Please read carefully, think and pray about the process outlined in the participant’s guide available at https://rcdow.org.uk/att/files/synod/journeying%20together%20-%20participant%27s%20guide.pdf .
Our draft Parish Response may be found at https://parish.rcdow.org.uk/royston/wp-content/uploads/sites/203/2021/12/Royston-Synodal-Return-3.pdf
EVERY BLESSING TO YOU!
A very warm welcome to the parish of St Thomas of Canterbury & The English Martyrs in Royston, part of the Diocese of Westminster.
You are welcome onsite or online.
Sunday: (Saturday Vigil 6.30pm), 9am, 10.30am.
For weekday Mass times please see Church Newsletter
Most weeks the usual pattern is
Tuesday 7:30pm
Wednesday 9:15am
Thursday 9:15am
Friday 9:15am
The Sunday 9am Mass, most weekday masses and several other events are usually on our Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/roystoncatholic
Our postal address is 6 Melbourn Road, Royston, Herts SG8 7DB. You will find us on the West side of the A10 just North of the central roundabout, towards Cambridge.
The Parish Priest is Fr Philip Knights philipknights@rcdow.org.uk
You can contact us on 01763 243117.
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We’re keen to hear from you, so please feel free to contact us!
New to the Parish?
Please click HERE to download a registration form then print, complete and return the form.
Do please make yourself known to Fr Philip after mass.
Separate forms for additional adults, please.
