Dear Father,
I am sure that many of you have just heard the Prime Minister’s announcement. The news that London and Hertfordshire are among those areas placed into Tier 4 is of course disappointing, not least for those who have made plans for Christmas and will now be unable to see their loved ones.
I wanted to write to repeat to you the Prime Minister’s assurance in his press conference that communal worship may continue in Tier 4. You and your parishioners have worked hard to ensure that our churches are places of safety, and it is testament to that good work that we are now permitted to continue to celebrate Mass and the sacraments. It would be prudent to give consideration to ways in which Masses may be shortened without their seeming rushed. Many of you will be celebrating a number of Masses and so a concise homily may be very helpful. People should leave the church safely and then disperse.
You may wish to reassure your parishioners about the safety of our churches and these arrangements at Masses over this weekend.
The auxiliary Bishops, Episcopal Vicars, Vicar General and your local Dean are always available if there are any matters you may wish to discuss with them.
Please be assured of my prayers for you and for your parishioners, particularly at this difficult moment in the course of the pandemic.
We ask the intercession of St. Joseph, the Protector of the Church.
With every good wish
+John
Bishop John Sherrington
Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster