LATEST UPDATE (24th July 2020)
Our church has now been open for individual prayer (see below) for five weeks and many are availing themselves of the opportunity of a quiet space to come to the Lord. This facility is especially appreciated by those who might otherwise be fearful of larger gatherings. The risk assessment and protocols surrounding the opening of our church to this extent are manageable. As previously noted, however, the risk assessment, protocols and other administrative factors concerning the resumption of public services in our church are much more complex. Each church community and church building is unique and while some churches are able to resume the public celebration of mass without too much difficulty, that is not the case with us. As anticipated, the request for volunteer marshals was rather limited (only two emails were received) and so, taking all things into consideration – not least a primary concern for the health and well-being of all – there will be no resumption of the public celebration of mass (either Sundays or weekdays) in our church for the foreseeable future. This situation will be kept under review on a monthly basis but may continue for some time. Please do remember that the Sunday obligation continues to be suspended at this time and also be advised that public mass is being celebrated at our neighbouring churches of St Joseph’s, Branksome and at the Oratory (Sacred Heart) in Bournemouth.
Fr Andrew continues to say mass privately and the church will continue to be open for short visits for individual prayer as follows:
- Monday Closed
- Tuesday 10.30 – 11.30 a.m.
- Wednesday 10.30 – 11.30 a.m.
- Thursday 10.30 – 11.30 a.m.
- Friday 10.30 – 11.30 a.m.
- Saturday Closed
- Sunday 9.30 – 11.30 a.m.
Please note: There will be no access to the hall, the lift or to the toilets.
When making a visit:
- Sanitise hands on entry.
- The wearing of masks is required.
- You may be marshalled, as necessary.
- Sit or kneel only in places marked with a green tick
- People of the same household may sit together.
- There will be no votive candles.
- Please do not talk in the church.
Please do not visit the church:
- if you are unwell,
- have a temperature,
- are showing other coronavirus symptoms or
- have other vulnerable health concerns.
The simple ‘shrine’ also remains in the entrance lobby when the church is closed, visible through the glass doors. If you are passing the church do stop for a moment to say a prayer.
A ‘Thank you’ to those who are using the ‘Donate’ button on the website. The ‘Donate’ button has the facility of adding a reference and also the option to Gift Aid any donation. Any donation with no specific reference will be treated as ordinary offertory. The donate button can therefore be used for a mass intention (mark the reference ‘re: xxx but also email or phone the office to request an intention). The parish’s bank details are set out below for those who may wish to take out a standing order.
- Bank: Lloyds
- Account Name: PRCDTR Bournemouth Our Lady Immaculate
- Sort Code: 30-93-04
- Account Number: 00875075
The Parish Office is physically closed but will remain operational.
Tel: 01202 760640
Email: oliadmin@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk
Fr Andrew may be contacted directly by email at:
andrewmoore@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk
We remember in our prayers all Health workers, those who have been directly affected, remembering especially those who have died.
