Cardinal thanks Catholics for their patience as churches prepare to re-open on 15 June for private, individual prayer

Cardinal Vincent Nichols’ Statement

I am grateful to the Prime Minister for his decision that our churches may now open again for individual prayer. I thank the Secretary of State for Communities, Mr Robert Jenrick and the Minister of State, Lord Stephen Greenhalgh, for their leadership of the Task Force which helped bring about this important step.

This is a first, measured step in restoring the more normal practice of our faith and will be welcomed by so many, who have waited with great patience since 23 March when our churches were closed, by Government decision, as part of the fight against this pandemic.

I thank everyone for that patience. It is important that every care is taken to ensure that the Guidance given for this limited opening is fully observed, not least by those entering our churches. Our preparation is taking place with thoroughness. Visiting a church for individual prayer, benefitting from the sacredness of that space, can be done safely and confidently.

Not every Catholic Church will be open on 15 June. Local decisions and provision have to lead this process. But it is a great blessing, for individuals and for the benefit of all in society, that church doors will again be open to all who long to pray there for the peace and grace we need today.

This first step enables us to learn and prepare for those that will take us to a fuller use of our churches, for the celebration of Mass and other sacraments. We await that time with deep longing but patient understanding that the protection of the health of our society, especially of the most vulnerable, is a proper cause for caution and care.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols
President, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales

The Government’s Press Release:

Places of worship to re-open for individual prayer

Archdiocese Update

The Archdiocese is currently considering which parishes can be safely opened for private prayer from 15 June and how this will be effectively managed. Before they can open, these parishes must undertake a thorough Risk Assessment, following guidance from guidelines issued by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, agreed with the government.

Parishioners will still not be able to come to Mass at that stage and this must still be accessed via live stream.

Parishes with Live Streams

St Chad’s Sanctuary Update

John and Pat Curran have returned from their 5th visit in 5 weeks to St Chads Sanctuary.

Yet again, thanks to the generosity of the parishioners they went with a car loaded with food! Because of the amazing  response to their request, the Sanctuary  is now very well stocked and do not require any more food items. If parishioners have already bought food or are waiting for items to be delivered, they will of course be happy to collect any residual items and take it to them.

The need now is for fhe following Men’s clothes please:-

* Shoes and Trainers any Size but particularly 6,7 and 8.

* Jeans

* T ShirtsAll clothes should washed before being donated.

The change in food stock levels at St Chads is in no small part down to the phenomenal response of the parishioners at Our Lady of the Wayside- an amazing achievement during this difficult time. They are extremely thankful for everyone’s help.

Donations can be dropped off at this address:

Pat and John Curran

12 Fairford Close

Solihull B91 1 JF

Tel: 0121 744 6096   (Please call to let John and Pat know that you are coming)                                                     

  Once again, thank you for your help and generosity at this time.

CAFOD Coronavirus Appeal

These are difficult times. Many of us here in the UK have suffered terribly because of coronavirus, coping with grief, anxiety and hardship. In the world’s poorest countries, health care systems are not coping with the coronavirus and families are going hungry because people cannot go out to earn money. CAFOD is helping protect and improve the lives of our sisters and brothers during this global emergency. If you are in a position to support our Coronavirus Appeal, you can donate at cafod.org.uk/coronavirus