So after our pause, a time to move on:
When I made the decision to pause and take stock, the way ahead seemed to be what is now called “new normal”. Our children are back at school and many are very pleased to be back. As my niece, a teacher, said “they were over the moon” when they heard that there was no homework for September. As might be expected, going back to school has certain consequences with a rise in the number of people catching Covid 19. Opening the pubs was another way for coronavirus figures to increase. How all this is managed is truly important and emphasises the risks that are taken even with social distancing. A clear hold on the words “being responsible” needs to be taken by everyone, which should then protect the very many over 70s. Many do come to church with a conscious, reasoned assessment of the risks they are undertaking. The need for their protection should be considered when rules are made and thought given to adhering to them.
Being aware of the above and that there is a natural, cautious factor, or even a fearful one, which highlights the correctness of the pause and thus taking stock. I have received positive comments from people who have not yet returned to church but are in touch, and they very much commend our website and the regulations that are in place for attending Mass. Now the question is, how to move on? By being more relaxed, and that does not mean being any less responsible. I have mentioned the experience of one of our lady’s 90th Birthday, being helped by modern technology and the value of streaming. This please God, will be our next objective. We will be able to stream our Masses on alternative Sundays. This is my intention and with the help of our parish, will bear fruit that will last.
I acknowledge that I fail to give clear leadership as Parish Priest, and aspects of pastoral care, but please God, I am like everybody else “a work in progress”. Through our website, and by working together, we will have a good outcome. For me the outcome is what is truly important, and working together is the best way to achieve this.