I would like to talk for a few minutes about the arrangements for the Parish First Holy Communion programme for this year.

I’m inviting the children from Year 4, who have been baptised, to join the Parish First Holy Communion programme, which we intend to start in March. The invitation includes children from the Parish who attend schools other than Sacred Heart.

A child’s preparation for First Communion should not, indeed cannot, take place without the support and involvement of his / her family and this year, this will be even more important than ever. Each child will need to be supported at home by a catholic parent or godparent. The children will be following the ‘I Belong’ programme and each child will have both a workbook and tasks to complete on a weekly basis. The programme this year will be run by Mrs Allen through the Seesaw Online Learning Platform, because of the ever-changing restrictions caused by the Coronavirus pandemic. There will be a £10 charge to cover the costs of the workbook and certificates.

Once Parish Masses resume, all of the children will be expected to attend every week. In the meantime, it is important that the children engage with the online Masses each weekend.

It is our hope that the First Holy Communion Masses will be held in September or October 2021, the dates will be confirmed at a later date.

If you would be interested in applying for your child to participate in this programme, please email the Sacred Heart School office before March 12th for the application forms. If you have any questions please email Mrs Allen at the school. The school email is: office@sacred-heart.e-sussex.sch.uk

Despite the challenges we faced in 2020, the First Holy Communions turned out to be very special occasions and I’m sure this year will be no different. Wishing you every blessing and Peace.

Father Eamonn

January 14, 2021

Dear Parishioners,

Reluctantly I have come to the decision to close our church for the time being from Friday January 15^th because we are not able to ensure the required level of safety during this period of the coronavirus. It’s a decision that was made in consultation with Bishop Richard and with many others, most of whom have been urging me to close since the current lockdown began. My heart is torn with this and it is a decision that no priest wants to make but it is for the health and safety of the whole community.

The recent changes in my own ministry have also brought home to me more clearly the seriousness of the situation. Anointing people who have the virus is profoundly inspiring and an essential ministry but I do have concerns that my contact with them could be a source of risk for parishioners. For now, the ministry to the sick and the dying, whether they be in their own home, in hospital or care homes, is a priority. Two days ago, I was called to the Conquest to anoint a woman who had the virus. She has since died and it has meant the world to her family that she had a priest with her near the end. May she rest in peace.

I am grateful for all those who have worked so hard over the past year to keep our church safe and I urge everyone to accept the seriousness of the situation and the responsibilities we have towards each other as Catholic Christians.

Masses will continue to be recorded and posted on YouTube, facebook and the parish website. The situation will be kept under review and we will open again as soon as possible.

Know that you are all held with love in my heart and in my prayers. God bless you.

Warmest regards,

Father Eamonn

Guidance for Communal Worship during England’s COVID-19 Lockdown

From Tuesday, 5 January 2021, a lockdown will be in force for England to curb the transmission of the virus. Catholic churches in England can remain open for communal worship such as the celebration of Mass providing the necessary steps are taken to keep people safe.