Concerning Adoration in the Diocese of Nottingham
We have received a communication from Bishop Patrick of some importance.
Concerning Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament during this time the Bishop writes to his clergy:
‘Many of you may have already organised and advertised periods of Adoration and, with my personal love of Adoration, I obviously want to applaud that, but please now be very aware that this is a fast-changing situation. The latest government announcement is that people should remain indoors unless there is a necessary reason to go out. This is to dissuade gatherings of people which might contribute to the further spreading of the Coronavirus.’
The bishop therefore asks that the following be communicated to you all:
- Adoration, if already organised, may take place this Sunday.
- You should not attend if you are over 70, or if you fall into any of the ‘vulnerable groups’ defined by the government.
- High standards of hygiene and social distancing (at least 2-3 meters apart from each other at all times) must be observed.
- As of the close of Sunday, there are to be no further periods of Adoration in the Diocese of Nottingham.
Our churches will remain open for personal prayer. Saint Philip Neri will be open 8.00am till 5.00pm every day. We will also ensure Saint Bernadette’s, Saint Joseph’s, and Saint Teresa’s are open for prayer at least some of the time, and will communicate that to you next week. However it must be noted that the governments current advice is that we should not leave our homes except for essential supplies such as food or medicines.
I know that Bishop Patrick has wrested with this decision and that it has not been taken lightly, but with serious thought and much prayer. He is praying for all of us, let us keep him in our prayers as well.
Every blessing,
Fr Jonathan
