FR Michael

From Jon Harcourt:

My thanks to everyone for messages, cards, phone calls and other means of expressing their kind thoughts following Fr Michael’s call to Glory.

Because of almost daily changes necessary at this time, I have left this email until the last minute re funeral arrangements. Fr Michael’s funeral under strict guidance and restrictions on social distancing will be private.

Please join with me in spirit at 12.20pm Thursday 2^nd April, and think about the Fr Michael you have known and loved, as I say “goodbye” to him on your behalf. Perhaps light a candle.

May he rest in peace, and Rise in Glory.

Music at the crematorium:

IN: Jesus Christ is Risen today.

CURTAIN CLOSING: Nunc Dimittis. (The Cistercian Monks of Stift Heiligenkreuz, Austria).

CHORAL: There is a green hill far away.

FINAL: God be with you till we meet again. (Mormon Tabernacle Choir) to watch on YouTube – the one with the ladies in red dresses.

A fitting memorial service will held later in the year.

God bless,

Jon

*Please pray for those suffering from the effects of the coronavirus; for all sections of the NHS; care home staff; and for the bereaved.

Church of England Website

From Mark Wisbey:

Whilst our churches remain closed, the Church of England is continuing to update it’s website with online resources. Whether that be audio versions of Prayer During the Day and Night Prayer, intercessions around mental health, or even online training to help us understand computers and mobile ‘phones better, all these resources can be accessed here:
https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/church-online

Hope

From Jon Harcourt:

“Let us today open ourselves to Christ’s life giving Spirit.

In this time of global anxiety and disturbance we cast our hope on Christ, asking for His patience

And grace to be courageous and faithful to him.”

Passion Sunday

Mark Wisbey reports:

This Sunday (29th March 2020) is Passion Sunday.  Fr Iain Templeton, Priest in Charge of St. Andrew’s, Walsall, a FiF parish, will celebrate a live Mass at 10:30 AM, on Facebook.  You will not need a Facebook account to watch the Mass.  You can watch the Mass at this link: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Church/St-Andrews-Birchills-108982647183429/

 

Church Magazine

We hear from Mary McGraghan that our printers have closed down due to the Covid 19 situation. A brief newsletter has been produced for April 2020, and you can access it by clicking on THIS LINK.

During this difficult time we are hoping to update the web site more frequently, and if you have any relevant material, please supply it for inclusion here. If you need further information on using this web site, please contact the webmaster.

Funeral of Father Michael Brain

Jon Harcourt reports:

Arrangements for Fr Michael’s funeral have now been made.

However, following the current  guidelines on groups, gatherings and funerals, all the original arrangements have had to be modified, and therefore Fr Michael’s funeral will be held in private.

We look forward to a time when this pandemic is over, and will be holding a memorial service at St Edmund, King & Martyr, the church he served for 27 years and amongst the people to whom he devoted his earthly ministry. We will notify you when such a service is arranged.

Praying at home

Mark Wisbey reports:

The Church Union have published a booklet named Praying at Home, a resource for those praying at home as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. The booklet can be downloaded from the Church Union Website:

https://churchunion.co.uk/news.php

Mothering Sunday

Mark Wisbey reports:

Due to public worship having been suspended by the Church of England because of the coronavirus, the Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby, is celebrating a virtual service today (Mothering Sunday).  The service can be watched here:

https://youtu.be/-pfaMdu8uNo

Coronavirus and St Edmunds

Jon Harcourt provides this important update:

In light of the serious nature of the virus and the associated health risks, the Archbishops of the Church of England have issued a notice that all church services are to cease until further notice.

St Edmunds are complying with this.

However, funerals are being allowed to take place.

The funeral of our former Parish Priest, Fr Michael Brain will take place on Thursday 2^nd April at 10.45am.

This is subject to any variation beyond our control, and the final details will be on this site as soon as we can confirm.

Fr Michael Brain

Mark Wisbey reports:

On Monday 9th March 2020, The Guild of Servants of the Sanctuary held a Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of Fr Michael Brain. The Mass was held at St. Francis Friar Park.