CORONAVIRUS – SUSPENSION OF PUBLIC LITURGIES

St. Mary Star of the Sea Church – Pallottine Fathers

Dear Parishioners,

In response to the coronavirus pandemic and following official advice the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales have decided that at this time we must not gather for Mass or other public acts of worship in our churches. This will begin from Friday evening, 20 March 2020, until further notice and it is in order to keep each other safe, save lives and support the NHS.

I will continue to celebrate Mass in private, praying especially for the people of this parish and for all who are affected by the virus. Mass will be recorded and posted on YouTube and the parish facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stmarystaroftheseahastings/

The Bishops advise that “Confessions may be heard (on request) if social distancing is observed.”

“Baptisms, First Confessions, First Holy Communion and Confirmations should also be postponed. Weddings should be deferred, or restricted to the celebrant, bride, groom and immediate family.”

“Pastoral visits should not be made to people who are self-isolating, but priests are urged to offer phone support. The sick can be anointed without physical contact, using a cotton bud for the Oil of the Sick that should be burned afterwards.”

“With great pastoral sensitivity, funeral services must be restricted to the graveside or at a crematorium. Masses in memoriam may be celebrated when congregations are allowed to gather again.”

These are difficult and uncertain times but God is with us and St. Mary Star of the Sea church will remain open daily for private prayer from 10.30am until 7.00pm. Wishing you protection, peace and every blessing in Christ.

Sincerely,

Fr. Eamonn Monson SAC

Parish Priest