COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS) PANDEMIC
Face coverings/masks are now mandatory in Places of Worship from Friday 10th December 2021.
All those who are attending churches must wear a face covering unless they are exempt from doing so.
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales Guidance for Churches, December 2021 - Click Here
Update 17/07/2021 - Our Church Remains Open for Public Masses
COVID-19 ROUTE MAP: STEP 4 GUIDANCE
Dear Parishioners, following the Prime Minister’s address to the Nation regarding the lifting of restrictions from Monday 19th July 2021, we have received guidance from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, and we can advise the following guidelines for our church from Monday:
Þ Face coverings/Masks: The Government has announced that it will no longer be mandatory to wear a mask in church. However, the wearing of masks around the building is strongly recommended and encouraged, for the continued protection of both the wearer and those around them. Similarly, we also recommend and encourage wearing of masks whilst in the pews.
Þ Stewards: The deployment of stewards will no longer be necessary from Monday 19th July. However, those coming to Mass have spoken so warmly about the welcome that they have received, that we will be seeking welcomers for our Sunday masses.
Þ Test, Track and Trace: Our existing Track and Trace system will no longer be used. As long as the NHS Test, Track and Trace system is in operation, we will make available the means for people to sign in using the NHS app with a QR code at the church entrance, everyone attending is encouraged to scan for test, track and trace purposes.
Þ Congregational Singing: Although congregational singing will be permitted from 19th July, we will be phasing this back in gradually as part of worship over the summer period, this is because face coverings should be worn by all members of the congregation whilst singing together, particularly until infection levels reduce. For now, any singing should be limited to the clergy or other authorised persons. Choirs are now permitted, if you would like to sing at Mass, please speak with Fr Anthony
Þ One-way systems and movement of people: We will no longer be required to have one-way systems or other restrictions on movement in church. However, everyone should exercise good responsible behaviour, especially when moving to receive Holy Communion during Mass, and we encourage everyone to have regard to those who prefer to continue to socially distance.
Þ Offertory Collection: The offertory collection is now permitted in church; however, we will continue to use the current boxes at the back of the church, particularly until infection levels reduce. Attendees are invited to place any offering they wish as they leave, please also use these boxes for Gift Aid envelopes.
Þ Hand sanitising: Hand sanitisers will still be in place throughout the church. Sanitising hands on entry and exit to the church, and before liturgies, is still recommended and encouraged and also reduces risk.
Þ Toilets: The disabled toilet will be available.
Þ Please remember: If you feel unwell, please do not put others in danger and stay at home. Please do not visit the Church if you have a high temperature, a new continuous cough or loss/change in your normal sense of taste or smell.
To read the full guidance from the Bishops Conference please click here.
Care has to be taken to ensure that churches continue to be places where people feel safe to gather to worship and we hope you can support these current measures; they represent the balance between trying to make Sunday worship as enriching as possible, whilst encouraging people to return to St Agatha’s when they feel ready, and to assure those who do come that we are doing everything as safely as we possibly can. Our arrangements are under constant review and while they may not suit every individual, we hope we can all respect them as a means of showing care for each other.
MASS WELCOMERS NEEDED Many parishioners have spoken so warmly about the welcome that they have received at the church entrance during the past months, we would like to introduce welcomers at all the Sunday masses. If this is something you would be interested in doing, please email the parish office with your details and which Mass you would be able to help at.
TEMPORARY CHURCH CLEANERS NEEDED The new guidelines require that we clean high frequency touch points in the church after each act of worship and, in addition, thoroughly cleaning the church once a week. We are therefore seeking individuals who would be willing to join a small rota to carry out these requirements for the next few months. This can be at a time that is convenient for those undertaking the cleaning, not essentially straight after Mass. If you would be willing to assist us with this, please contact the parish office as soon as possible.
MORE CHURCH STEWARDS URGENTLY NEEDED FROM APRIL:
IF WE DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH STEWARDS OUR CHURCH WILL NOT BE ABLE TO RETURN TO OUR FULL SCHEDULE.
We urgently need more volunteers to act as stewards to welcome, meet and greet, and help people keep safe during mass. Without more volunteers we cannot return to our full Mass schedule from Palm Sunday. We appeal today to all of you to consider helping us. If you can help, please send an email to the parish office or John de Quidt. A big thank you to all our continuing volunteers—you are doing a great job and without you we could not open our beautiful church.
Update 14/03/2021 - Our Church remains open for Public Masses
Our church remains open and will maintain the highest standard of social distancing and sanitising.
However, due to the current restrictions, and the availability of our stewards, the decision has been made to reduce the opening of the church during the weekdays for the next few weeks.
Therefore, the church will only be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays for Adoration and Mass at 9am.
We will continue our normal weekend Mass schedule: Saturday: 18:30 and Sunday: 09:00, 10:30, 18:30.
We plan to return to our full Mass schedule from Palm Sunday, 28th March 2021.
Click here for our Holy Week and Easter Programme with an Easter Message from the Parish Clergy.
Update 09/01/2021 - Our Church remains open for Public Masses
Following the Prime Minister's announcement of a lockdown on 4th January 2021 places of worship may remain open as long as they follow the established guidance. Our church remains open and will maintain the highest standard of social distancing and sanitising.
However, due to these restrictions and the availability of our stewards, the decision has been made to reduce the opening of the church during the weekdays for the next few weeks.
Therefore, the church will only be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays for Adoration and Mass at 9am.
We will continue our normal weekend Mass schedule: Saturday: 18:30 and Sunday: 09:00, 10:30, 18:30.
We will continue to live stream our Sunday 10.30am Mass - Live Streaming of the 10.30am Sunday Mass, will continue from our website home page and Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/agatha.kingston.92
· We ask that you do not enter the church if you have cold or flu-like symptoms.
· Maintain strict social distancing at all times, both inside and outside the church building.
· You must not ‘mingle’ with anyone outside of your household or support bubble.
· Face coverings must be worn in the church at all times by those over the age of 11, unless they have a medical exemption.
· Please sit in designated seating, and be guided by our church stewards.
· All surfaces will be cleaned when the church is closed. Please try to avoid touching anything in church unnecessarily.
Update 05/01/2021 - Our Church remains open for Public Masses
Following the Prime Minister's announcement of a lockdown on 4th January 2021 places of worship may remain open as long as they follow the established guidance. Our church remains open and will maintain the highest standard of social distancing and sanitising.
Please note: there may be last minute changes, depending on availability of stewards.
Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord
Wednesday 6th January 2021
The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord will be celebrated on Wednesday; there will be two Masses, at 9.30am and 7.30pm
Update 21/12/2020
Our Church remains open for Public Masses
Our Church is open for Public Masses throughout Christmas and the New Year; we will continue our normal Mass schedule. Please note: there may be last minute changes, depending on availability of stewards.
Due to the current capacity restrictions in our churches, our Bishops have reminded us that we can attend any Mass to celebrate Christmas during the Christmas Octave (25th December 2020 – 1st January 2021). The obligation to attend Mass is still lifted so, if you prefer you, can also join in with Mass via our livestreamed services.
No pre-booking required but please arrive 5-10 minutes before each Mass to be seated and complete a track and trace (name and contact details), or if possible, and bring it along with you. Seats will be allocated by the Stewards on arrival on a first come first served basis. Once the Church is full people will be directed to the Hall and once this is full no one else will be admitted.
Details of our Masses over Christmas can be found on the Christmas 2020 page or click here.
Live Streaming of the 10.30am Sunday Mass, will continue from our website home page and Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/agatha.kingston.92
The following Masses will also be live streamed:
Christmas eve: 4pm Virtual Christingle Service
11.30pm Midnight Mass
Christmas Day: 10.30am Family Mass
· We ask that you do not enter the church if you have cold or flu-like symptoms.
· Social distancing should be maintained at all times, both inside and outside the church building.
· Face coverings must be worn in the church at all times by those over the age of 11, unless they have a medical exemption.
· All surfaces will be cleaned when the church is closed. Please try to avoid touching things in church unnecessarily.
· Please sit in designated seating, and as guided by our church stewards.
We are evermore grateful for all the volunteer stewards who are helping, without our stewards we could not open the church!
UPDATE 29/11/2020:
Public Masses will resume on Wednesday 2nd December 2020
In line with the Government’s latest announcement, our Church will reopen for Public Masses on Wednesday 2nd December. The Church will still be open for private prayer on Tuesday 1st December. Please note: there may be last minute changes, depending on availability of stewards.
Please continue to join us for live streaming of our Sunday 10.30am Mass
Live Streaming of the 10.30am Sunday Mass, will continue from our website home page and Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/agatha.kingston.92
· We ask that you do not enter the church if you have cold or flu-like symptoms.
· Social distancing should be maintained at all times, both inside and outside the church building.
· Face coverings must be worn in the church at all times by people over the age of 10, unless they have a medical exemption.
· All surfaces will be cleaned when the church is closed. Please try to avoid touching things in church unnecessarily.
· Please ensure you observe the rules regarding face masks, NHS Track and Trace, use sanitising gel on entering and leaving.
· Please sit in designated seating, and as guided by our church stewards.
We are very grateful for all the volunteer stewards who continue to help, without our stewards we could not open the church!
UPDATE 05/11/2020:
The Church will be closed for public masses from Thursday 5th November 2020 in line with the latest government COVID-19 restrictions.
Dear Parishioners, following the Prime Minister’s address to the Nation concerning Coronavirus and the closure of all shops selling non-essentials goods and other premises including places of worship, our Archbishop has sadly mandated the closure of all the Churches in Southwark Archdiocese. There will be no public masses or other services (aside from funerals) in the Church from Thursday 5th November until Wednesday 2nd December. The intentions during this period will still be offered by the priests’ in their private daily Masses. Please post any Mass Intention envelopes through the presbytery door, or email via the parish email address kingston@rcaos.org.uk.
Live Streaming of the 10.30am Sunday Mass, will continue from a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/agatha.kingston.92 and our website home page.
A Statement from the President and Vice President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales concerning the Church’s position on the National Lockdown can be read here.
Our Church will be open for Private Prayer from Thursday 5th November to Wednesday 2nd December 2020; St Agatha’s will be open for private prayer from 9am to 10am on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings, as follows:
Thursday 5th November Saturday 7th November
Tuesday 10th November Thursday 12th November Saturday 14th November
Tuesday 17th November Thursday 19th November Saturday 21st November
Tuesday 24th November Thursday 26th November Saturday 28th November
Tuesday 1st December
The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed during these times.
Further days and times may still be announced…. Please check the website regularly for more up-to-date information. Please note: there may also be last minute changes, depending on availability of stewards.
Please ensure you observe the rules regarding face masks, NHS Track and Trace, social distancing, use sanitising gel on entering and leaving, and please follow the instructions of the church stewards on duty.
We are very grateful for all the volunteer stewards who help to keep the church open; without stewards we cannot open the church for private prayer.
The Parish office will not be staffed during this lockdown. The best way to contact us is by email. All enquiries and non-urgent matters, including mass intentions, please email Karin Rattray, the Parish Secretary, at kingston@rcaos.org.uk. Fr Anthony will be available in case of an emergency or for a pressing enquiry only on 020 8546 4633.
Update 07/08/2020:
FACE-COVERINGS/MASKS: Face coverings will be mandatory in Places of Worship from Saturday 8th August 2020. All those who are attending churches must wear a face covering unless they are exempt from doing so. This is for the good of all who gather in the Church for Mass as it is an enclosed public space where there are people from differing households who they do not normally meet. If you attend Mass from this date onwards, please ensure that you have a face-covering/mask with you and to put it on before you enter the Church. Priests in the sanctuary providing they are sufficiently distant (2m or more) from the congregation do not need to wear a face covering except when distributing Holy Communion (please see below).
There are some exceptions to this rule, and who needs to wear a covering, details can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/facecoverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-yourown/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-makeyour-own#when-you-do-not-need-to-wear-a-face-covering
Communion must be given silently in the hand only, with the communicant standing, and avoiding any physical contact. People should wait in their pews until instructed to move forward to the priest for Holy Communion by the Stewards, always aware of the regulations on social distancing in the orderly queue. When they approach the priest, they should do so with arms at “full stretch” so that there is a good distance between the priest and the communicant. Their hands, palms upwards, one of top of the other, should be extended as flatly as possible. The communicant should unloop their face covering and consume the Sacred Host and then replace the face covering before moving back to their pews in an orderly manner.
For readers: Readers should sanitise their hands before and after reading and should avoid touching the microphones or the Lectionary during the Liturgy of the Word, apart from page turning. Readers may remove their face coverings at the lectern to read and should replace them before stepping away from it providing the lectern is sufficiently distant from the congregation.
St Agatha’s Church is open for Public Worship
Morning Prayer:
Monday to Saturday 09:00 AM
Mass Times:
Sunday Masses: Saturday 18:30 (Sunday Vigil Mass)
Sunday 09:00, 10:30, 18:30
Weekday Masses: Monday to Saturday: 09:30
MORE CHURCH STEWARDS STILL URGENTLY NEEDED FOR AUGUST:
IF WE DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH STEWARDS ON ROTA OUR CHURCH WILL NOT BE ABLE TO OPEN.
Our thanks to our current stewards, without their help we would not be able to open, and thanks also to all who have called into the church, for adhering to the new way of doing things.
One of the diocese requirements is that we must have at least two stewards in the church at the times the church is open, for all Public Worship services from Sunday 5th July 2020. This is to show people what to do, where they can sit and how to keep themselves and others safe and also to assist with collection of details for the Governments NHS Track and Trace requirements. Our current opening times have been arranged around the availability of our stewards. If we can get more volunteers to offer their time on different days then we will be able to open for more of our Public Worship Masses in the coming weeks.
In order to enable this, we are asking for more volunteers to join the rota; if you are in good health, with no underlying health issues, are aged 18-70 and not shielding anyone vulnerable at home (NB not those classed as “vulnerable” to Covid-19), please consider doing this for one a week.
If you are able to help, please email kingston@rcaos.org.uk with the following information:
Your contact details (name, email address and phone number).
What day Monday – Sunday and time (Saturdays and Sundays only) morning or evening you can help.
Any particular day of the week you can commit to. It would be easier if people could generally commit to the same slot each week (but not essential).
Please do get in touch as soon as possible. Instructions and PPE equipment will be provided. Those of you with current DBS clearance are particularly needed, but not essential.
This is a serious task, and all the measures being put in place will need to be adhered to at all times, but it will also be a joyful time, welcoming people back to the real presence of Our Lord.
Update 04/07/2020
St Agatha’s Church Reopening for Public Worship from Sunday 5th July
We are looking forward to resuming public worship from Sunday 5th July 2020. However, whilst many are excited about the prospects of returning to Mass after three months, we must do everything possible to make the participation at Mass safe through the required hygiene and social distancing measures. Numbers will be limited, for social distancing reasons; we are maintaining a distance of 2 metres and we have 28 seating areas, 2 areas per pew, each area is for a single household and can have no more than 4 persons each (adults and children). Therefore if you are a household of 5 (i.e. 2 adults and 3 children) or more you will be asked to use a whole pew.
We have also been instructed that we MUST comply with the Governments NHS Track and Trace requirements, which means that everyone coming to the church must provide their contact details upon entering. If you are able to complete the form before coming to the church to hand to the stewards this would be very helpful. It can be downloaded using the button above.
Extra Masses are not permitted at the moment on Sundays and numbers will need to be restricted by our Stewards. Please, kindly note that the dispensation from Sunday obligation granted by the Bishops at the onset of the lockdown is still in place until further notice and we encourage you to come to the weekday Masses instead of Sundays as this will be helpful for numbers in church and may be more convenient for our elderly parishioners.
Live Streaming of a Sunday Mass, 10.30am, will continue, from a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/agatha.kingston.92 and our website, for that those who may not consider it safe for them to attend Mass in person.
Holy Communion, under 'one kind' must be received in the hand. Fr Anthony or Fr Ebuka will give clear instructions during Mass regarding Holy Communion – please follow them. Mass will be kept simple, and there can be no singing. Homilies will be brief and there will be no Prayer of the Faithful (Bidding Prayers).
The main doors will be left open (weather permitting) during Masses.
There will an opportunity to give to the parish through a static collection box at the entrance and exits. Mass Intentions can also be posted at this point.
The times of Masses will be as in normal time. Please note: there may also be last minute changes, depending on availability of stewards.
For your safety, and that of others, please see key instructions below:
Please sanitise your hands well on entering and exiting – hand-sanitiser is provided.
At all times follow the directions of the stewards and the signs in church.
If you feel unwell, please do not put others in danger and stay at home. Please do not visit the Church if you have a high temperature or a new continuous cough or less of or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell.
Please be prompt to leave when Mass is finished, but be guided by the stewards.
Physical veneration of relics, statures and shrines is not permitted.
No person under 16 is allowed to enter a church building unless accompanied by a responsible adult.
Please note that the toilets will not be available.
Re-opening of Churches for Public Worship
Message from The Catholic Archbishops' of England
In light of the recent announcement (23rd June) of the next phase of the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions by the Government the four Archbishops of England have issued a joint message. Click here to read the message in full or click here to download a PDF copy.
Update 01/07/2020
Our Church is open for Private Prayer this week…..
We have completed the risk assessments, made adjustments and put social distancing measures in place, and we have a small team of stewards who are ready to supervise private prayer.
Our confirmed opening times this week will be:
Sunday 28th June: 4 – 6pm
Monday 29th June 2020: 10am – 12pm
Wednesday 1st July 2020: 10am – 12pm
Friday 3rd July 2020: 10am - 12pm
Saturday 4th July 2020: 10am -12pm
Further days and times may still be announced…. Please check the website and our Facebook page regularly for more up-to-date information.
The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed during these times.
Please ensure you observe the rules regarding social distancing, use sanitising gel on entering and leaving, and please follow the instructions of the church stewards on duty. Please note that the toilets will not be available – parishioners must come prepared for prayer only.
If you are planning to come to the church, and would like to see what measures we have put in place, please scroll down for photos taken of the church with the current measures in place.
Please also see our notice below about MORE CHURCH STEWARDS URGENTLY NEEDED
Update 21/06/2020:
Our Church is now reopening for Private Prayer
We have completed the risk assessments, made adjustments and put social distancing measures in place, and we have a small team of stewards who are ready to supervise private prayer.
Our opening times this week will be:
Monday 22nd June 2020: 10am – 12pm
Wednesday 24th June 2020: 10am – 12pm
Friday 26th June 2020: 10am – 12pm
The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed during these times.
Please ensure you observe the rules regarding social distancing, use sanitising gel on entering and leaving, and please follow the instructions of the church stewards on duty. Please note that the toilets will not be available – parishioners must come prepared for prayer only.
If you are planning to come for private prayer, and would like to see what measures we have put in place, please check our photos taken of the church today:
MORE CHURCH STEWARDS URGENTLY NEEDED: One of the diocese requirements is that we must have at least two stewards in the church at the times the church is open, to show people what to do, where they can sit and how to keep themselves and others safe. Our current opening times have been arranged around the availability of our stewards. If we can get more volunteers to offer their time on different days then other days can gradually be added. In order to enable this, we are asking for more volunteers to join the rota; if you are in good health, with no underlying health issues, are under 70 and not shielding anyone vulnerable at home (NB not those classed as “vulnerable” to Covid-19), please consider doing this for one or two hours a week.
If you are able to help, please email kingston@rcaos.org.uk with the following information:
•Your contact details (name, email address and phone number).
•What day (Monday – Sunday) and time (morning, afternoon or evening) you can help.
•Any particular day of the week you can commit to. It would be easier if people could generally commit to the same slot each week (but not essential).
Please do get in touch as soon as possible. Instructions and PPE equipment will be provided. Those of you with current DBS clearance are particularly needed.
This is a serious task, and all the measures being put in place will need to be adhered to at all times, but it will also be a joyful time, welcoming people back to the real presence of Our Lord.
Cardinal Nichols’ Homily for Corpus Christi
‘This is a time in which all our relationships are being tested’
The following homily was given by Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster. Given for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, June 14, 2020, in Westminster Cathedral and broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Sunday Worship.
These last three months have been a very testing time. Whatever words we use: ‘lock down’, ‘social distancing’, ‘self-isolation’, they all point to pressure on our relationships. This is a time in which all our relationships are being tested.
In some circumstances, we may be seeing too much of each other. For others, it is the absence, the impossibility of seeing each other that is so stressful. In both situations we have had to face new challenges and find new ways of sustaining each other and our love and friendship.
So too with the Lord, Jesus Christ.
For most people this has been a time of fashioning new patterns of prayer and relationship with the Lord, or, better, recapturing some old treasures. Even so, it has been impossible to come into the church, into his sacramental presence, for our praise and prayer, for our comfort and consolation. This we feel very keenly on the Feast of Corpus Christi.
It has also been impossible to receive him in Holy Communion in the celebration of the Mass. Such a long Eucharistic fast. For many this time of absence has made our hearts grow in longing. How much we long to come together to receive again the life in Christ of which the Gospel speaks.
‘Anyone who does eat my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life.’
That person ‘lives in me and I in him,’ says Jesus.
‘Whoever eats me will draw life from me,’ he tells us.
Tomorrow our churches may open again, for our private, individual prayer. Again we can come into this sacramental presence of the Lord, in the sacred space of the church. Again we can kneel before him and open our hearts to him, knowing his loving gaze and merciful embrace.
This is such a moment of grace, not only for us individually, but also, I believe, for our society. The wide open doors of a church are a reminder that there is more to life than the haste of a busy day, and even the loving circle of family or friends. They draw us in, so as to remember that all our days are passed in the presence of God. To be aware of that presence enriches our lives, restores stability in our souls, engenders compassion for those most in need, lifts us up when our failure weighs heavily upon our hearts.
The Eucharist is the fullness of that presence of the Lord. So we long to celebrate Mass again, the gift which is the focus of this great Feast. We long for the day on which we can gather together again around the altar and take part, directly and physically, in that celebration. Remember the words of St Augustine: ‘See on the altar the sacrament of who you are and of what you are to become.’
In the Eucharist, then, we learn again what it is to be truly human, what it is that makes us great, what it is that gives us hope. We learn again that Jesus is our Way, our Truth and, as he promises so clearly today, our Life. Yes, we have benefited from all the advantages of the internet to share in the Mass as best we can. But there is so much more.
In these days there is much talk of recreating our society in a ‘new normal’. No going back to the old ways, we say. Many demonstrating on our streets want new ways, an end to an ingrained prejudice against Black members of our society which they experience over many years. That is a crucial challenge. New growth needs good soil and good roots. The deepest source of our renewal lies in all that is given to us in Christ Jesus: the forgiveness of our sins, the witness of a life poured out for others, the promise of fidelity unto death and, yes, into life everlasting.
As we celebrate this great Feast, we pray to our loving Father that his blessing, given with ultimate power in the death and resurrection of his Son, may flow across our society. Today we rejoice that, in the power of the Holy Spirit, the Son is for ever with us in this most Wonderful of all Sacraments, the Sacrament of his most Holy Body and his Most Precious Blood. Amen.
Update 14/06/2020:
RE-OPENING OF THE CHURCH FOR PRIVATE PRAYER
As you may be aware the government has announced that Churches may reopen for private prayer (no services) from Monday 15th June. However, before this can happen there is a huge amount of work that has to be done, not least of which is a ‘Risk Assessment’ which must be approved by the Area Bishop, which is aimed at protecting everyone. Archbishop John has issued detailed guidelines to be strictly followed throughout the diocese. Preparations are taking place here at St Agatha’s to prepare our church, but we need your help if we are actually to re-open.
HELP NEEDED: One of the requirements is that we must have two stewards in the church at the times the church is open, to show people what to do, where they can sit and how to keep themselves and others safe. We will only be allowed to re-open if we have enough volunteers. In order to enable this, we are asking for volunteers to go on a rota; if you are in good health, with no underlying health issues, are under 70 and not shielding anyone vulnerable at home (NB not those classed as “vulnerable” to Covid-19), please consider doing this for one or two hours a week. If you are able to help, please email kingston@rcaos.org.uk with the following information:
Your contact details (name, email address and phone number).
What day (Monday – Sunday) and time (morning, afternoon or evening) you can help.
Any particular day of the week you can commit to. It would be easier if people could generally commit to the same slot each week (but not essential).
Once we have a list of volunteers, we will contact you to arrange a rota. Please do get in touch as soon as possible. Instructions and PPE equipment will be provided. Those of you with current DBS clearance are particularly needed. This is a serious task, and all the measures being put in place will need to be adhered to at all times, but it will also be a joyful time, welcoming people back to the real presence of Our Lord.
Update 11/06/2020:
Re-opening of church buildings for Private Prayer: As soon as we have more information on this, and have completed various risk assessments that are required, we will provide details of opening times.
Pastoral letter from The Most Reverend John Wilson, Archbishop of Southwark
Cardinal thanks Catholics for their patience as churches prepare to re-open on 15 June for private, individual prayer: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/catholic-churches-to-re-open-for-private-individual-prayer-on-15-june/
Update 31/05/2020:
Easing of Lockdown Measures and Our Archbishop’s Letter to the Prime Minister
As the COVID-19 lockdown is eased gradually, questions are being asked about our churches re-opening. Archbishop John Wilson has written a letter to the Prime Minister (and to every Member of Parliament within the Archdiocese) making a passionate plea for the need to reopen our churches for prayer, and worship in some form, in the light of the Government’s plan for progressive easing of the lockdown from the 1st of June 2020. We would like to encourage all to pray for Archbishop John and other Church leaders as they continue to dialogue with the Government to facilitate the reopening of our churches. We await Diocesan updates, and we will keep everyone informed as we learn more ourselves. In the meantime, as schools start to reopen, we keep in our prayers teachers, staff, carers, children and their parents, that they are all kept safe and protected. Please continue to observe social distancing as advised and continue to pray for the eradication of this disease. Do your best and God will do the rest…
Dear Parishioners,
Following the Prime Minister’s Address to the Nation concerning the Coronavirus. Archbishop John Wilson has directed that, until further notice and with immediate effect, all the churches and chapels within the Archdiocese of Southwark, together with their associated halls, will be closed to the public. This is an essential component of our contribution to fighting the Coronavirus and living out the Lord Jesus’ commandment to ‘love our neighbour.’ (Mk 12:31)
In line with this all classes and activities within the parish are also cancelled until further notice. This includes:
Stations of the Cross on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays
Easter Spring Clean on Saturday 28th March
The First Holy Communion Programme and Masses
Confirmation classes and the Mass on Sunday 29th March 2020.
Baptism Preparation Class on Sunday 5th April
Baptisms and Weddings
This website will continue to be updated to help parishioners with their personal and family worship during this difficult time - please check back on a regular basis.
Masses will continue to be celebrated each day WITHOUT A PUBLIC CONGREGATION, so you will still be able to book Mass Intentions. Please post any Mass Intention envelopes through the presbytery door, or email via the parish email address kingston@rcaos.org.uk. Mass on Sunday will be celebrated at 12 noon. A leaflet has been provided by the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales: When Mass cannot be celebrated publicly. Please see below.
The sacrament of reconciliation will be still be available but only on request, please contact Father by phone or email first.
The Parish office will not be staffed until further notice. The best way to contact us is by email. Fr Anthony will be available in case of an emergency or a pressing enquiry on 020 8546 4633. For non-urgent enquiries please email kingston@rcaos.org.uk
Please watch the videos below from Cardinal Vincent Nichols and read the letters from our Archbishop and Parish Priest, which go into further detail.
Video messages from Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales:
18 March 2020 Acts of Public Worship in Catholic Churches
24 March 2020 Full Closure of Catholic Churches
