Dear Parishioners and friends 

I hope that those who read this are keeping well and are coping with our present climate. At last signs of hope and a sense of returning to normality are beginning to show. Truly the hibernation is slowly coming to and end. 
As we begin to venture out, return back to work or even to start shopping again we must do so with an air of caution. The virus has not gone away yet, and as we see and hear on the media new cases are being reported. 
Our actions will determine how safe we actually are. 
Many will have heard that out churches are open firstly for private prayer and soon for collective worship. In order for this to happen the diocese has imposed, rightly so, very clear guidance to its priests how best we can achieve this goal. All three of our churches have undergone a risk assessment. This is to allow us to put into place the social distancing requirements and create a safe and welcoming environment for us all to be comfortable in. 
I’m pleased to say, two churches passed this test. Unfortunately for the time being St John Vianney’s will NOT reopen immediately. Our other two churches will do so once we and the diocese completes its procedures. 
At the moment we are well on the way to meeting these requirements, but as of yet we have not been given the go ahead to open. 
It’s important that what we do, we get right. It might take time, but it’s worth the wait. 

At the same time I am asked to remind everyone that the obligation to attend mass has been lifted. This also implies, that when we do open, you DO NOT have to attend if you don’t feel comfortable in doing so. 
It might be worth considering attending a week day mass first of all to test the waters! 

What happens next?
The masses offered at St John Vianney’s will be transferred to 
St Peter’s here in Mill Hill. 
When we do start attending mass things will be different. No singing, no sign of peace, no communion under both kinds. Stewards will direct people when to move for holy communion and leaving church will be staggered. 
One positive point is the sermon will be shorter! 

For the moment I simply ask for your continued patience. As soon as we have further information it will appear here on our website. Also an updated timetable will be published to ease confusion. Gradually the other sacraments will be reintroduced at a later date adhering to the requested measures. 

May we continue to hold each other in our thoughts and prayers until we meet around the altar of the Lord. 

With every best wish, and May God continue to keep us safe. 

Fr Shaun K Braiden
Parish Priest