22/03/2020
Message from Father Peter
Dear Parishioners
As the Covid-19 crisis worsens, it is clear that we are all going to be affected by it in one way or another.
The government has been very clear about those who fall into a higher risk group and may be more vulnerable. Most of us, even the young and healthy may feel a greater sense of isolation and anxiety.
Some of us are fortunate to have a good network of friends and family local to us, but even those may be affected depending on who may need to self-isolate and when.
The parish wants to offer assistance in helping all of you through this difficult time.
Connecting people who need help with those who can offer help
Our first step is to connect those of you in a higher risk category, or more isolated situation, with a network of people to support you. Thank you to all of the people who have already volunteered to help out with practical activities such as shopping and deliveries of food and other essential items as well as phoning for a general chat and check in.
If you would benefit from some help, please contact the parish office (details below) so we can share the list of volunteers that live near you.
For those of you who would like to reach out and provide some help, please also contact the parish office so that we can add your details to the lists.
Your situation may change so please reach out to the office at any stage. Volunteers will be welcome to join at any stage as we may need more as time goes on.
Providing opportunity to connect together spiritually while you are staying at home
The next stage will be to help connect you with the daily practices of the church to support your spiritual needs. Sunday Mass will be available on YouTube via the parish website and the Diocese has arranged for live streaming of several services.
https://rcdow.org.uk/news/how-to-participate-in-mass-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/
We are looking at how to provide online and telephone access to Masses as well as Rosaries, Mothers’ Prayers and other offerings and will let you know as soon as these groups are up and running.
Making sure we can get messages out to the parish community as needed
We are sending this message out via our parish website news and also to email addresses that we have from the parish census. If you are not getting the news updates from the website, please register at www.stmargaretsrcchurch.co.uk/
If you would like to register but are unsure of how to do so, please contact the parish office and they will do it for you.
Should you have any suggestions or requests about other needs or ways to provide support, please do let us know.
Please make sure you look after yourself and all of those around you by taking notice of the guidelines being laid out by the government and the Church in order to keep us as safe as possible at this time.
With my prayers and good wishes for you and your family
Fr Peter
Parish Office Contact Details
Phone: 020 8892 3902
Email: stmargaretsonthames@rcdow.org.uk