The Baptism of the Lord & Covid Updates

Dear Parishioners,

This Sunday we celebrate the last feast of the season of Christmas. We move from reflecting on the events of Christmas to the message of Jesus. His life death and resurrection. The feast of the baptism of the Lord.

We are all aware of the increased risk of infection from the Covid 19 virus and its variants. We cannot underestimate the seriousness of the situation. The Mayor of London has declared a Major incident. This means “beyond the scope of business as usual”

From next weekend 16/17th January we will celebrate Public Mass on Saturday 6pm(vigil): Sunday 9.30 am and 11.0am. Daily Mass continues Monday –Friday at 10.00am. All mass will be available online.  We will also be reverting to the 2 metre rule. This will reduce the number of persons who can be  accommodated  at Mass. It will be essential to book a place.  Those who feel unwell or have any Covid related symptoms need to stay at home and seek medical help. Do not put others or yourself at risk. Face coverings are mandatory in Church, unless you are exempt.

We are blessed that we are able to be still open for worship. In order to keep everyone safe we need to maintain the highest Covid secure standards of hygiene and social distancing.  In particular I need to have a care for our stewards who help regulate the numbers attending Mass and who clean the church. We cannot put them at any greater risk than those attending Mass.  I am so grateful to them.

Our bishops have reminded us that the obligation to attend Mass on Sunday is suspended. We can join Mass online through https://www.ourladyofvictories.net/mass--confession.html It´s not the same as being there. But it is a safe option. I know many of you have taken the opportunity to attend Mass in various parts of the world, as well as Kensington. Also people from around the world are watching Masses at OLV

Thank you for your kindness to Sr Maureen, Fr Daniel, Rachel our parish secretary, and me over Christmas, We are really grateful for your Christmas offerings, the gits of panettone, pandoro, galette, prosecco and Cava!  Thank you also for your support of the parish. Your faithfulness, prayer and financial support ensure the work of the parish continues albeit in different forms.
This latest lock down will be a challenge to us all. I read recently…

As we enter another COVID-19 lockdown …we can feel the anguish and despair many are experiencing. In vain do we tell ourselves that there is hope on the horizon — if vaccines prove effective against the new strains of the virus now circulating. There is still that underlying fear of the unknown, that sense of the familiar being gone for ever. Perhaps we need to remind ourselves that this is Lockdown 2.0. We learned a lot from our previous experience that we can now put into practice. We shall cope better. That is not just ‘pie in the sky’ assurance. It is a fact. We have learned a great deal about ourselves, our communities, our strengths and weaknesses, and have discovered a resilience and creativity we probably never knew we had.

With assurances of my prayers

Mgr Jim

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GET A SUNDAY MISSAL FOR £1.99 
During this difficult time when many people are unable to get to Mass, with churches in some parts of the UK forced to close and vulnerable people told to shield, we at CTS want to support you by offering you a Sunday missal for just £1.99.

The year ahead may look challenging, but that's why it's more important than ever that we turn to God for strength. Using a Sunday Missal will help you to get more from the Mass, so whether it's necessary for you to participate in the Mass from home, or you're fortunate enough to be able to go to Mass but don't have a missal, we want to help you out.

So get your copy now for just £1.99, and please forward this email on to friends and parishioners who would appreciate a discounted missal. And if you know anyone who's shielding and doesn't have the internet, why not send one directly to them?

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IF YOU ARE WORRIED ABOUT THE IMPACT OF CORONA VIRUS ON YOUR MENTAL HEALTH 
YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a new and uncertain time for all of us, so it is only natural that it will affect our mental health in different ways. However you are feeling right now is valid. With the right help and support, we can get through this.

Visit https://youngminds.org.uk/ for more information and material both for parents and children.