How parishes are continuing their Ministry through Covid-19

Thursday 28th May 2020

Around our diocese parishes have been working tirelessly to adapt to the changing world we are living in. Below, we have highlighted the way three communities have responded to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Engaging the Community: Dial-in-Mass and Finding God in Culture

At St Catherine of Siena, Didsbury, a lot of work has been ongoing to adapt to the changing context of how we live out our faith. For those who do not have access to technology, this period has been particularly difficult. The parish have adapted by offering a ‘dial in Mass’ . Each Sunday, parishioners who are unable to access a livestreamed Mass are able to call in to listen to parish priests Fr John Hitchen and Fr Michael Deas as they celebrate the Mass.

This is a unique offering in our diocese and gives older parishioners the opportunity to still take part in the Mass during this time.

Additionally, the parish have been producing ‘Thoughts for the Week’, ‘Tours of the Church’ and have created a video series called ‘God in Culture‘, which focuses on finding God in popular culture such as Star Wars and Avengers.

Faith in Action – Supporting Caritas

Parishes across Bury have been showing support to Bury Red Door, one of Caritas Salford’s projects which supports homeless and vulnerable people in the area. Both individual parishioners and members of the women’s group from St Hilda’s and Guardian Angels, Bury, have made financial donations and donations of food. Parishioners at St Maries and St Josephs in Bury, and St Bernadettes in Whitefield, have made donations of food, clothing and money. The community have rallied round Bury Red Door, showing extra support by checking in with the project, asking how they are doing and if they are in particular need of any specific donations.

Caritas Salford have a number of projects around our diocese helping the most vulnerable people in our communities. Now, the need is greater than ever.

Donate to help Caritas continue its work by clicking here

Salford Youth Team – The One Minute Word

The Salford Diocesan Youth Team have been helping young people to continue on their faith journey through the pandemic by creating short videos called the ‘One Minute Word’. Each Sunday, a member of the team shares a 60 second reflection summing up the day’s Gospel.

So far, Fr Richard, Fr Mark and Fr Gavin have shared their reflections and more reflections will be shared in the weeks to come.