Latest News (as at 16th June) regarding opening of Churches

REOPENING OF CHURCHES: from Monday 15 June, churches may be reopened for private prayer. While this is good news, please be aware that not all churches may be able to do so yet. Churches must adhere to the strict guidelines issued by the government and the Bishops’ Conference (England & Wales), regarding social distancing, cleansing and use of facilities (for example, toilets cannot be used). Volunteers will be needed to monitor and supervise these arrangements. Please check with your local church for further information. On the pastoral area website, click on the link, ‘Parishes’, to find contact details & newsletters from the churches within this pastoral area.

As stated, this reopening is for private prayer only. There is no permission, as yet, to open churches for public gatherings, such as Mass.

Masses are still being streamed from a variety of churches, for further details – click on the link ‘When you can’t go to Mass‘. http://www.avonstour.co.uk/resources/prayer/when-you-cant-go-to-mass/

You might also wish to check the diocesan website for further information: https://www.portsmouthdiocese.org.uk/

Just to let you know OLQP will be live streaming Sunday Mass at 9:30 am, via youtube.

Fr Kevin

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgDrI3aMHe5uuWnnWgNVDQw

We are invited to join in to support this united prayer initiative being hosted by the Christian Churches of Christchurch:

A message from the Christian Churches of Christchurch :-

“Churches Together Online Prayer Gathering – This Is VERY! Exciting…

Back in January, 170 of us gathered at GodFirst for the first of four churches together prayer gatherings!  The next one is scheduled for Sunday 03 May, 7pm.  It will be happening, online.  Please make every effort to join us via Zoom.  This is the link:
 https://zoom.us/j/99703626513?pwd=a2lMQ0ZPWi9kTEZxc29OVnJ4RnFGZz09 

We are anticipating that 250+ will join us as we pray together for our town and our churches.  The event will be hosted by Chris Brockway and six other church leaders.   We will be sharing Communion together too as a sign of our unity, so please have some bread and wine with you.  Please plan to join us for the first online and largest prayer gathering Christchurch has ever had!  “

A Second Message from Deacon Hugh about Father John

GOOD NEWS

Following my message yesterday, I am pleased to report that Father John was discharged from Royal Bournemouth Hospital late last night after a series of tests. These tests appear to have ruled out a number of things, but the result is that he now needs rest in order to recover and this may take 6 to 8 weeks.

With the emphasis being on rest, I would ask that you continue to leave him to recover and not contact him personally for the time being. Please feel free to continue to contact me at any time and, should the services of a Priest be required, I will be happy to make contact for you.

As soon as Father John is able to gradually resume his duties, we will let you know.

​God Bless

Hugh

As many of you will be aware, Deacon Hugh is on holiday in New Zealand.  He has been visiting our sister parish St Joseph’s Papanui which unfortunately  suffered irreparable damage in the 2011 earthquake.  Here is a brief report and some photos from Hugh:

Deacon Hugh and Margaret have visited St Joseph’s Church in Christchurch New Zealand during their holiday. St Joseph’s Papanui is currently using the neighbouring parish church of St Gregory’s Bishopdale, a neighbouring parish. This arrangement has been in place since the 2011 earthquake when St Joseph’s building was rendered unusable and subsequently demolished. Plans are afoot for a replacement building.

Like their UK sister parishes, the two parishes share clergy and the first weekend we were there, Fr Benito was supplying for Greymouth parish, a mere 3 hour drive each way!! The pictures show Fr Benito receiving a picture from St Joseph’s and Holy Redeemer and the congregation responding.

They were all most hospitable and grateful for the contact and prayers….it is hoped that the relationship may grow.