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A Cautious Easing of Restrictions

Following the Governments latest announcements of the easing of restrictions but aware of rising numbers of Covid cases we have made a few key changes:

1. The Booking for Mass has ended.
2. Continue hand sanitizing on entry, exit & ministry.
3. We ‘strongly recommend’ the wearing of masks.
4. Stewards only need to write down details for those folks who can’t use the QR Code whilst the Governments Track & Trace is still in place.
5. If Mass goers would like a space kept free next to them, they’ll receive a card from a Steward as they arrive to put on the seat beside them.
6. Congregational singing is permitted for those wearing a mask.
7. The one-way systems go but we’re keeping the Holy Communion distance markers at the front.
8. Those receiving Holy Communion on the tongue should go to the priest at the end.
9. Stewards keep hold of the offertory baskets.
10. We continue the sign language of peace.
11. Good ventilation continues.
12. Social activities generally will remain on pause until after the summer.

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Lockdown 3 – Suspension of Public Masses

Following the announcement of the latest lockdown in England and Wales, the Parish Council members of the Parishes of St. Alban and St. Hugh and the Oakwood Catholic Committee have been in discussions with our Parish Priest Fr. David, in order consider the most appropriate response to the worsening pandemic. It is of paramount importance that, as a family we do what is needed to protect our members, and to do the right thing for the wider community.

It has therefore, after careful consideration, been decided that all public masses (with the exception of funerals) will be suspended in our churches until further notice. Streaming masses will be available online.

For live streaming of masses please visit www.derbycatholiclive.co.uk.
Online masses will be available from Sunday 10th January at 10:00

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Advent and Christmas 2020

Glory to God Image

Six Christmas Masses…

  • Christmas Eve – Thursday 24th December 4.00pm at St. Alban’s, 6.00pm at St Hugh’s
  • Christmas Day – Friday 25th December 10.00am at St. Alban’s
  • Feast of St. Stephen – Saturday 26th December 10.00am at St. Hugh’s
  • Feast of the Holy Family – Sunday 27th December St. Hugh’s 9.00am, St. Alban’s 10.30am

Sacrament of Reconciliation

  • Saturday 12th December 9am to 9.45am at St Hugh’s
  • Saturday 19th December 9am to 9.45am at Alban’s

For full details of our Advent and Christmas journey have a look the following LEAFLET. You can print this at home and make sure that you dont miss anything. Don’t forget that due to current restrictions you need to book masses in advance, details are on the leaflet.

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Resumption of Public Masses 19th July

There is still no obligation to attend Mass & we are still Live Streaming but if you are in good health and you’d like to come to Mass from Sunday 19th July, you’d be most welcome!

How to Book a Place at Mass…

From Sunday 1pm to Saturday 1pm, please phone or text 07935 609769 and leave your name, phone number, the number of places you require & your priority code A, B or C:

A – Parishioners who are not on the internet & those living alone.
B – Families of those volunteering to Steward or help at Mass that weekend
C – All other Parishioners

You will receive a message by 4pm on the Saturday to either confirm your booking or, if your Mass is full, to offer you a place at another Mass or to inform you that all Masses are full.

When you arrive at Mass, a Steward will guide you to your place.

If you arrive at Mass without a booking, you will only be invited in if there are free places available and a Steward will record your details.

Update 05/08/2020 *** Please note that in line with government rules which change on Saturday 8th August, when visiting indoor venues you are required to wear a mask which covers your mouth and nose. This includes churches. Please wear a mask when you visit St. Hugh’s! ***

The re-opening is reliant on our volunteer stewards and church cleaners – Please thank them, respect them, and make life very easy for this difficult role. If you would like to help them, please get in touch with the parish office. 01332 672 914

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Weekly Offerings

In these very difficult times where we are unable to celebrate the sacred mysteries of the the Mass together, many parishioners have contacted the Parish Office, asking how you can continue to give to work of God within the Parish. Most Parishioners are used to putting their offerings in the basket every week, clearly this isn’t possible at the moment.

There are still ways that you can continue to offer your support:

  • Continue to use your planned giving envelopes, but retain them and bring them along when public masses resume;
  • Set up a standing order, you can print the Standing Order Mandate by following the link, complete it and return to the Parish Office;
  • Set a regular bank transfer please use Sort Code:30-92-59, Account:01408718. The name of the account is ST HUGHS BORROWASH RCP NRCDT BW REG CHAR;
  • If your employer offers a planned giving scheme, please consider setting up a regular payment through that scheme. Usually they use the service provided by the Charities Aid Foundation. Search for St. Hughs Derby when setting up your payment. If you struggle to find it please let us know.

Should you have any difficulties or require advice on how to continue your support please contact Fr David directly or email the parish office using office@stalbansderby.org.uk. It would be most helpful if whatever you decide to do, that you contact Fr. David or the Parish Office, so that intially we can verify that everything has been set up correctly.

Are you a UK tax payer?

Your gift to the Church, when given with the benefit of a Gift Aid Declaration, greatly increases the value of the donation. This is because, as a charity, we are able to claim back from the government an amount representing the basic rate tax which you have paid on the amount of your donation. If you do pay income tax or capital gains tax will you consider completing a GiftAid Declaration? If you are happy to do so please contact the Parish Office office@stalbansderby.org.uk.

If you are a higher rate taxpayer you can also claim the higher rate tax back on your annual tax return.

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Live Streaming Mass and Devotions with Bishop Patrick

From the Private Chapel of the Bishop of Nottingham. Bishop Patrick McKinney & Father Jonathan Rose.

Previous liturgies are also available to view. Liturgy times change weekly.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaf7upUMsn3Kl8GD79FotjQ

Schedule for this Week:

  • Sunday 19th April 11 am Mass
  • Sunday 19th April 3 pm Prayer before the image of the Divine Mercy and in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament
  • Tuesday 9 am Mass
  • Thursday 9 am Mass
  • Saturday 9 am Mass
  • Sunday 9 am Mass

On all days Mass will be followed by a short period of Adoration concluding with a simple blessing given from the Monstrance by the Bishop.

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Easter

Keep in Touch via the Media

Cardinal Nichols has recorded a special radio programme for the BBC on Easter Sunday. This will be broadcast at 0800 on all 39 BBC local radio stations. It will not be broadcast on BBC Radio 4, which will be broadcasting its usual Sunday Worship Service at that time. 

Easter Sunday

Additionally, the Cardinal will be giving the following interviews on Easter Sunday:

  • 0710 BBC Radio 4 Sunday Programme 
  • 0730 BBC Radio 2
  • 1300 BBC Radio 4 The World This Weekend

Additionally, the Daily Telegraph is publishing a reflection by the Cardinal on Good Friday. And the BBC will be covering Pope Francis’ Urbi et Orbi on Easter Sunday on its news bulletins.

Liturgy of the Word in the Lockdown

Fr Adrian Graffy has prepared two talks considering the first two readings from the Old Testament in the Liturgy of the Word at the Easter Vigil. The first talk, ‘Easter Genesis’, examines the first chapter of Genesis, and, with reference to Laudato Si of Pope Francis, points to the relevance of the text for today. The talk on ‘the Binding of Isaac’ in Genesis 22, the second reading, opens up reflections on a difficult text, which, as well as providing insights into the paschal mystery, also has something to offer for inter-faith relations. Please use and circulate as you see fit. Thank-you.

Specific links to each talk:

https://www.whatgoodnews.org/faith-talks

https://www.whatgoodnews.org/faith-talks-1/2020/4/6/easter-genesis

https://www.whatgoodnews.org/faith-talks-1/2020/4/6/the-binding-of-isaac

 Join us for our Masses

All are at https://www.derbycatholiclive.co.uk/

Saturday 11th April: Holy Saturday

7pm Easter Vigil Mass

Sunday 12th April:  Easter Sunday 

9:30am Exposition & 10am Mass

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Further Update – Suspension of Masses at St Alban’s, St Hugh’s and The Church on Oakwood

In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Catholic Church in England and Wales will suspend public Masses and other liturgies until Saturday 2nd May, at the earliest.

What does this mean for the Parishes of St Alban’s and St Hugh’s

As part of our risk management strategy for reducing the possibility of passing on the COVID-19, Coronavirus, public Masses are suspended as well as the following events at either at St Albans, St Hugh’s or The Church on Oakwood:

  • Easter services,
  • Baptisms,
  • First Confessions,
  • First Holy Communion preparations
  • Confirmations preparations
  • Stations of the Cross
  • Discovering Our Faith
  • Station Masses
  • Lenten House Masses
  • Parish Friday Football
  • Biguns and Littleuns
  • Fund raising events eg 24-hour football
  • Group and individual meetings
  • Good Friday Walk and Act of Witness
  • Easter Blessing of baskets
  • Deanery Adult and junior choirs
  • Meditation sessions
  • Youth Group

To support the parish communities, we intend to stream Sunday 10am and weekday Masses via www.derbycatholiclive.co.uk

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Suspension of Public Masses

The Catholic Bishops conference of England and Wales have today announced the removal of the Sunday obligation for the faithful. There will be no public masses held on Sundays or during the day until further notice.

Fr. David will still be saying mass, this will take place at 10am each day with the exception of Tuesday, Fr’s day off. We have set up a system where you are able to attend these Masses through the internet www.derbycatholiclive.co.uk Mass, Stations of the cross and Adoration will take place with times on the website.

When going to the website, please click on the “live stream” tab and press play. There is also a page where you may add prayer requests and intentions, these will be offered in prayer at each Mass. You will also find a resources page where we shall add prayer books, readings of the Sundays and other useful devotional items. Please do contact the parish office if you need help with this.

During the closure of the public Mass, the opening of the church as an individual place of prayer will remain as before. We ask you to observe good hygiene, as we shall within the building. If you find yourself in private prayer along with others, then please ensure at least 2 metres is left between you.

We do not know how long this process will remain but will continue to support you as we are able. It will be sad to not see each other face to face, but please do not feel isolated. If you need help, please contact the parish office. If you would like a phone call, or know someone who might appreciate one, please contact the parish office.

Please pass all this information on to others that we know may be finding this time difficult. With all the love and prayers of the communities of St. Alban’s, St Hugh’s and the Church on Oakwood.