NEWS
Pope
Francis has called on all Christian leaders and every Christian community around
the world to recite the Our Father at noon in Italy on Wednesday 25 March, the
Feast of the Annunciation as 'humanity trembles at the threat' of the Coronavirus
pandemic 'in these days of trial.' Addressing the faithful through the media
from the Apostolic Palace after reciting the Angelus, the Pope said that as
the prayer will take place 'on the day when many Christians remember the annunciation
to the Virgin Mary of the Incarnation of the Word, may the Lord hear the unanimous
prayer of all his disciples preparing to celebrate the victory of the Risen
Christ.' You can join Pope Francis here
in the Our Father at 11.00am, our time, on Wednesday
25.
Bishop Nolan has sent the following Ad Clerum letter to the Priests of the Diocese.
You will be aware of the new restrictions that have been introduced by the
government to combat the spread of Covid-19. For our own health and the health
of others it is important that we fully comply with what is asked. Places of
worship are now to close. Churches should now no longer be open for prayer.
Priests should continue to say a private Mass but this must be celebrated by
the priest alone. Weddings, baptisms and other ceremonies are not to take place.
This includes the initiation of the Elect at the Easter Vigil. Funerals are
still permitted. However, it is best that these are reduced to one short ceremony,
either at the graveside or at the crematorium. Only immediate family members
may attend. We have no idea how long these restrictions will last, and they
greatly hinder our attempts to give spiritual support to our people. It is great,
though, to see what everyone is trying to do online, but we will all miss meeting
with our people face to face. May our faith keep us strong, and may we by our
prayers support one another.
Father Duncan urges parishioners to make an Act of Spiritual Communion and give
financial support with this letter.
A Banker's Order
form and Gift
Aid Declaration form have been uploaded to the Documents page.
Saint
Joseph's Church and Saint
Matthew's Church, both in Kilmarnock, have been added to the list
of Churches that stream services.