Dear Parishioners of St Jerome’s and St Anne’s
I hope that you and all your loved ones are keeping safe and well. Formby finally returned to public Masses last weekend. The numbers were reasonable and I want to thank our volunteers whose generosity has ensured that the Masses can take place.
Since my last letter to you, I have officially taken responsibility for another parish! As I have previously mentioned, Father Bernard has now retired as Parish Priest of Our Lady’s and I have succeeded him. My first public Masses as Parish Priest of Our Lady’s will take place on Sunday. Once again, our prayers and thanks to Father Bernard and best wishes for a happy retirement.
Now that I have three parishes to care for, this will be my last letter to you in its current form. I shall be looking for a new way of communicating with all three parishes. I see that since the middle of March, when the lockdown began, I have written 34 letters to you! Although we are very much in the middle of the pandemic, a new chapter is beginning. It is not the ideal time to take on a new responsibility, so I ask your prayers that we can all continue this journey in closer union with one another.
Just a reminder of Mass times in our town; Mass at St Jerome’s on Saturday evening at 6.00pm. Mass at Our Lady’s on Sunday morning at 9.00am and 11.00am. There will be a Mass at Our Lady’s on Wednesday at 12 Noon this week. All our Masses are subject to change. Just a glance at what is happening to our near neighbours in Greater Manchester reminds us that the virus is never far away. We must all be careful and vigilant.
Thank you for all you are doing to care for your families and loved ones. In particular, let us remember those who have died and their families and those who are sick.
I ask especially for your prayers at this time,
God bless you all,
Father John