St Martin de Porres Catholic Church

Dear sisters and brothers,

Each week a few more people are coming to Mass at St Martin’s, which is a wonderful development. Just to remind you, the times of public Masses are as follows:

• Tuesday at 9.30am
• Thursday at 6.30pm
• Saturday (Vigil) at 6.30pm
• Sunday at 11am

An important development to update you on is that, to safeguard against the spread of Coronavirus, the government now requires that as of Saturday 8^th August 2020 we wear face coverings if attending Mass indoors.  This is something that many of us will find intrusive, but a positive result is that we will be able to allow more people into the Church, as we will be able to reduce the distance between us to just 1 metre.  We are hoping that, depending on the size of households who attend, we can get between 50 and 60 people into the Church, rather than the 30 that we have managed so far.  Take a look at this link to see Boris Johnson’s announcement: https://t.co/0USajo0KGN?amp=1

It is important to note that there is still no obligation to attend Mass on Sundays, so it is understandable that you may choose to participate from home in some way – maybe joining us online at https://www.facebook.com/StMartinsLuton/ – and share in a spiritual communion with those of us who feel able to come together.  Equally, if you want to come along and sit or stand outside this is fine as well.  We set up an external speaker at each Mass, so feel free to bring a folding chair or a blanket to sit on and enjoy sharing in Mass from the joy of the open air…if the weather is good!!!  If it is raining you may choose to stay in your car, and hopefully the sound will carry or you can use your phone or tablet to follow from there.  In situations of rain or shine, Holy Communion will be administered under the canopy, so you’ll need to come forward at that point.

Equally, you may feel that it is better to come to Mass during the week rather than at the weekend when it is likely to be busier.  If you are normally a daily Mass goer it might also be wise to attend just once during the week to allow others the opportunity to get into the Church and enter into the fullness of the liturgy.

Please note, the government still recommends that those over 70 and those still shielding should avoid such large gatherings.  If that is you, or your loved one, please try to link into the St Martin’s Facebook page to enter into spiritual communion with those of us in the parish now able to gather.  You will not, of course, be turned away if you choose to attend.

While we are now able to go to Mass, these still remain challenging circumstances so please bear with us and with each other as we gently walk forward in faith through the limitations that will inevitably be in place.  On that note, can I give a big thank you to all those who have volunteered to steward both for the times of private prayer – which will continue on Saturday from 1pm to 2pm – and the celebrations of Mass over the last few weeks.  They have given considerably in their time and in their deep cleaning skills after everyone has left.

With every blessing,

Simon