St. Charles Borromeo

After the statements by the Prime Minister and the First Minister on 23rd March 2020, Bishop John has updated his guidance to us about the emergency situation in which we now find ourselves. Here is a summary of the guidance:.

• Places of Public Worship are to be closed.  As of today, our churches are closed to the public until further notice.
• Citizens are to stay at home unless for absolutely necessary business.  We will be seeking clarification from the Government as to what might constitute essential pastoral work, as in the care of the dying at home, care homes or hospitals. For now, we have to presume the Statement implies that we should not attend Sick Calls.

However, the Holy See has already issued a Plenary Indulgence which applies to to all who are sick or dying, and to those caring for them. This indulgence has been approved by our Holy Father Pope Francis.
 
In effect, this will mean that our loved ones who are dying are not deprived of the necessary graces which would have come to them through the Sacrament of the Sick, even though we are unable to celebrate the Sacrament with them in person.
 

• No Baptisms or Weddings are to be celebrated.  The celebration of the Sacraments is postponed to a future date.
• There is an exception for Funerals, HOWEVER, since Churches are closed, funeral rites will be held at the place of committal. We will make arrangements with families by ‘phone in place of home visits. Funeral Directors will be reminding mourners to limit attendance to immediate family, and we will be supporting them in this task.

A Memorial Mass for our loved ones who die during this crisis will be arranged at a later date. On the day of the Funeral Fr Jim will offer Mass for the eternal repose of the deceased and for the comforting of their family. This Mass will be able to be viewed on a livestream. 

Click here and you can view the full text of the letter on our COVID-19 Page

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