PARISH OF DESERTCREAT, DERRYLORAN & COOKSTOWN.

9th  August, Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Recently Deceased:

Bridget McVeigh, Tirnaskea Road Slatequarry

Eternal Rest Grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her.

Feast of the Assumption

Friday 14th August  – 6 pm Vigil Mass
Saturday 15th August – 10 am Mass

Re-opening of the Churches for public worship

In this parish it has been decided that we will initially begin with daily and weekend Masses in Holy Trinity Church. As the Summer progresses, we hope to initiate the return of Masses in Sacred Heart Church, Rock and St John’s Church, Slatequarry.  Outdoor Masses will rotate between Rock and Slatequarry  (weather permitting) each Sunday at 10.30am until the Churches re-open.

Daily Mass will be at 10 am. The weekend Masses will take place in Holy Trinity Church as follows:
Saturday Vigil: 6pm Sunday: 9.30am & 12noon.

To facilitate this welcome return of public worship we ask for your co-operation as we strive to follow the new guidelines. Below, we have outlined the new measures we hope to implement:

Arrival at the Church & Seating:
There will be a number of stewards at each entrance to the Church who will provide you with sanitiser and guide you to a seat. Due to social distancing, seating capacity will be reduced. You are asked to arrive at Church no more than 30 minutes before Mass. Families are encouraged to arrive and sit together. Outside speakers will allow a possible overflow of parishioners to listen to the Mass from the Church carpark or nearby vicinity.

The Liturgy of the Word:
There will only be one reader per Mass. Missalettes will be available at the entrances to the Church. You are asked to take your missalette home rather than leave it behind.

The Distribution of Holy Communion:
Eucharistic ministers will distribute Holy Communion by going around the Church and standing between vacant pews. This will reduce movement and make it easier to maintain social distancing. Holy Communion should continue to be received in the hand at this time.

Collection Baskets:
If you wish to make a donation a basket will be placed at the entrances to the Church before Mass begins. There will be no passing around of the baskets during Mass.

Some additional notes:
We look forward to welcoming our parishioners back to Mass but we hope that this can be done in a safe way. We would like to make you aware that dispensation from Sunday and Holy Day obligation is extended for the time being. Therefore, anyone who is continuing to shield can watch Mass online. During this time the Vigil Mass will be streamed online as well as Sunday Mass at 9.30am.
At this time, it is important that we ensure a high standard of hygiene is maintained in the Church. We envisage at least 3 cleaners after every Mass to ensure we meet these standards. We urgently require more parishioners to get involved. We express our gratitude for those who have so willingly committed to this already and over the years.

Baptisms:
Baptisms will commence temporarily with additional options.  Please call the parish office to make arrangements.

Funerals:
The following information has been received from the Department of Health regarding funerals.
The size and circumstances of the Church will determine the maximum number that can attend the Funeral Mass safely whilst facilitating social distancing.
It is recommended that Funeral Directors liaise with the Priest to determine the number that can be accommodated at requiem Mass.
It is also recommended that face coverings are used for indoor services presently.
Mourners should ensure that they remain at least 2 meters away from others.
It is recommended that coffin “lifts” should not take place unless all reside in the same house.

First Holy Communion

Saturday 12th September at 11 am – Gaelscoil Eoghain
Saturday 19th September at 11 am – Holy Trinity Primary
Saturday 19th September at 11 am (Sacred Heart Church) – Sacred Heart Primary
Sunday 20th September at 3 pm – Phoenix Integrated Primary and Cookstown Primary

Outdoor Masses in Rock and Slatequarry

Sunday Mass will be celebrated outside during the summer months (weather permitting) in Rock and Slatequarry at 10.30 am.

Mass schedule as follows:
Sunday 9th August – Sacred Heart, Rock
Sunday 16th August – St John’s, Slatequarry

Thought for the Week

At the end of the day
What really matters is that
Your loved ones are well,
You’ve done your best and that
You’re thankful for all you have.