Sunday 23rd May 2021 : Pentecost

COVID SECURITY GUIDELINES – UPDATE FROM THE DIOCESE: Following the recent changes in the regulations from the Government, the Diocese has issued updated guidelines for continued safe and covid-secure worship in the church.

READERS: You no longer need to sanitise your hands at the lectern.

BAPTISMS: The number of people allowed to attend has increased to 30.

CHOIR: Indoor rules have updated as follows: The use of small cantor groups and other small choirs is now permitted. Groups of no more than 6 people are allowed, provided social distancing is maintained at all times. Communal singing should not take place. Note: Congregational singing is still not permitted.

CATECHESIS: This has been split into two groups, under 18s and over 18s. Under 18s includes First Holy Communion and Confirmation. These groups are now permitted to use Hartley Hall or the church for their sessions, provided all standard covid-security measures are taken (ie. Social distancing, hand hygiene and face coverings, etc.). Over 18s is limited to 30 people.

WELCOME MINISTERS: No changes to our duties at the weekend Masses, please continue the good work .

• Please note that the Mass times have been reviewed : See below (Mass Times and Intentions)

All the Masses will be live-streamed: https://holy-cross-stream.click2stream.com

Please Note: with the new regulations, we will only be able to hold up to 40 people in the church. We shall follow a “First Come, First Served” rule. Since the obligation to participate the Holy Mass on Sundays is still suspended, please consider attending on weekdays with your family members so that those who cannot make it on weekdays can come during the weekends. Please wear a face mask, sanitise your hands and keep a sufficient distance always in the church. Kindly follow the guidance of Welcome Ministers. Looking forward to seeing you.

It has been noticed that the number of parishioners attending Mass has increased. Whilst I am, of course, delighted to see you all, unfortunately due to the covid-19 restrictions, we are unable to accommodate everyone safely in the church. Please note that Hartley Hall will now be available to use by those unable to be accommodated within the church, where the Holy Mass will be live streamed for the 11.30am Mass. Welcome ministers will assist you and guide you to receive Holy Communion in the church at the appropriate time.

* First Holy Communion: There will be two Masses for the children to receive their First Holy Communion - Saturday, July 17th and Saturday July 24th, both at 10.00 a.m. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic we will not be able to celebrate this at the weekend parish Masses.

* Confirmation – Please note additional dates: The sessions will take place on the following Saturdays at 4.30pm:  June - 12th, 19th, 26th July - 10th September 11th, 18th.

• According to the guidelines of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales [Vade Mecum for Holy Week 2021], we follow the following at Holy Cross.

This year, the Celebrations for Holy Week and the Sacred Triduum will be in the presence of Christ’s faithful. This differs from the situation faced last year when acts of public worship were suspended because of the covid-19 pandemic.

Please remember that we follow...

1. The wearing of face coverings in church by the faithful (unless the person has a valid exemption from this regulation)
2. Social distancing of people within the church building
3. Frequent hand cleansing with sanitiser
4. Good ventilation of the church building to refresh the air quality within
5. Cleaning of the church building after each act of public worship
6. The timely dispersing of the faithful after the acts of worship avoiding congregating in car parks or on the streets outside the church.

• The Holy Mass is offered everyday  via Livestream

• : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTBK92cTt8hZCEZ4mruXZNQ

• Our Newsletter is available by visiting our Newsletter webpage with updates on how and when to register for the sacraments of Baptism, Holy Communion, Confirmation and RCIA

Please take a copy of the Newsletter home with you - please do not leave it in the church. Thank you.

• Diamond Club Magazine is available here

• URGENT NOTICE!!!! Please note that new traffic regulations came into force on Monday 19 April 2021. Cameras has started to monitor car drivers using Culverley Road between Holy Cross car park entrance and Bromley Road at certain times. Please avoid access to Holy Cross car park (Culverley Road) between 8.15-9.15am and 2.45-3.45pm, otherwise you will be issued with a penalty fine of £130.

• THE MOST HOLY TRINITY (30th May) and CORPUS CHRISTI (6th June):

Father Antony will be offering 4 Masses over each of these weekends:  Sat 6.30pm ,Sun 9.00am, 11.30am and 1.00pm