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MASS ATTENDANCE - IMPORTANT UPDATE
Over the past six Sundays, numbers attending Mass have increased to the point that we have had to provide an additional Mass at 11am in the hall. But, because of the restrictive nature of the capacity - taking no account of the size of the building - we are also having to turn people away from other Masses.
A glance at the some of the statistics highlights where we are at.
The number of individuals attending the same Mass on four or more Sundays are:
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5.30pm = 58;
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8am = 43;
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11am = 47
The overall number of individuals attending each Mass over the six Sundays are:
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5.30pm = 98;
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8am = 95;
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11am = 114.
Of course, some of these are the same people attending a different Mass on a specific Sunday; but if everybody who has come so far was to be accommodated on one Sunday we would need six Masses.
Points to ponder
As long as this pandemic continues, the obligation to attend Sunday Mass is suspended - although we do not want to encourage the mindset that presence at Mass is not important.
Please do not attend if you have any viral symptoms.
If you wish to come to Mass and are flexible about time, then please opt for 11am - 50 can be accommodated in the church and 40 in the hall.
Meanwhile, anyone with expertise in sound and video technology willing to offer assistance, please make contact with the parish.
Sunday Mass
5.30pm Vigil
8am & 11am
Weekday Massses
Monday - Friday 9:30am
First Saturday
St Peregrine Prayer and Fatima Devotion 9:30am
Confession
After weekday Mass (in library room) or on request.
Please note:
- The obligation to attend Sunday Mass remains suspended;
- Numbers within the church are restricted; so, try to avoid turning up at the last minute!
- Everybody must sanitise their hands on entry - use main door (not side);
- Unless exempted, face covering should be worn;
- Please follow passkeepers for seating - filling from front and working backwards;
- Once in the pew, do not wander off (conversations can wait for outside);
- You will be asked to fill in a slip with contact details for NHS tracing purposes;
- Offertory collection will be as you leave the church after Mass.
Fr Felix Adiele
Fr Felix has been asked by his bishop to do a course in Hospital Chaplaincy through Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals in London which involves regular on-site placements. So, he has decided it would be more convenient to base himself in London.
His appointment to St Michael's ends on Friday 18th September.
He has served in the parish for six years and has taken the people to his heart, as they have him. His easy manner, compassion for the sick and bereaved, and persuasive preaching have endeared him to parishioners of St Michael's and other parishes of the Dumbarton Deanery where he has helped out willingly during his stay. His only complaint was the Scottish weather!
In recognition of his service among us, the parish will arrange a presentation to be made to Fr Felix whenever he has spare time and safe passage to make the journey back to Dumbarton. At the end of his course, next summer, he will likely return to the Diocese of Aba, Nigeria, to work in a hospital setting.
First Holy Communion
Children who were due to make their First Holy Communion in May will now have the opportunity to receive the Sacrament in October.
On the five Saturdays of the month (3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st), Mass will be celebrated in St Michael's church at 12 Noon, when up to six children will make their First Communion at each celebration. All the families concerned should have received a letter from Fr Toal informing them of the schedule and seeking their response (by 19th Sept).
Because of the First Communions, the 9.30am Mass on the first Saturday of October (3rd) will be cancelled.
Carmel
For the time being, there will continue to be no public access to Mass at the monastery. Requests for prayers can be made by phone or email.
Please click here for useful resources and
latest information on our response to Coronavirus 19
Parish Funds
The Archdiocese has created a new facility on its webpage rcag.org.uk allowing you to donate to parish or diocesan funds. To donate to St Michael's Parish, click on the following link:
Donate to St Michael's, Dumbarton
Flourish
The latest edition of Flourish can be read online at www.flourishnewspaper.co.uk
Prayer amid pandemic
Almighty and eternal God,
our refuge in every danger,
to whom we turn in our distress;
in faith we pray
look with compassion on the afflicted,
grant eternal rest to the dead, comfort to mourners,
healing to the sick, peace to the dying,
strength to healthcare workers, wisdom to our leaders
and the courage to reach out to all in love,
so that together we may give glory to your holy name.
Through Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
For any spiritual and pastoral support, prayer requests, contact:
Fr Vincent Toal
Tel. 01389 762709
For financial/material support, contact:
The parish St Vincent de Paul Society
Tel: 07583 372624
To donate to the parish:
Bank: RBS
Name: St Michael's, Dumbarton
Sort code: 83 18 05
Acc no: 00255036