Congratulations to our 15 children who made their First Holy Communion on Saturday, this was the first of three special Masses that are planned for the coming weeks. Please continue to pray for them and all our First Communicants and their families as they embark on the next stage in their journey of faith.
Many thanks to SVP members and everyone who
joined them and spent all morning and into the afternoon last Saturday,
pruning, weeding and tidying around the church grounds and car park. It
was hard work but it has made a big difference for everyone to see.
Since we left Cambodia in mid February visits to Prek Toal have not been possible. At first they were not permitted because of COVID 19 restrictions. More recently the priests have been able to celebrate mass in people’s homes in the Siem Reap parish not in the church. More recently they were also permitted to take food to the poor. By this time the water level in the lake. Was so low travel became impossible and the people became isolated. Fathers Jacob and Glen, who are Mill Hill fathers new to Cambodia and helping in the Siem Reap parish, They took advantage of a brief wet period to attempt a visit to Prek Toal. It was a very difficult journey as they had to take a long route via the river , the lake and back into the river where the PrekToal church is positioned. The weather is now dry again and everyone is praying for heavy rain soon. Follow this link to a letter from Fathers Jacob and Glen.
Fr David, our SVP and Parish Council are anxious to offer all at St Etheldreda support and advice wherever possible. At this worrying time, when we are in an emergency situation, many of our more vulnerable parishioners may need practical help or perhaps just someone to talk to.
Should any St Etheldreda parishioner require support and help from the SVP they are urged to ring our special helpline number: 07763 800565.
As always Father David is available at priest@elyrcchurch.com or on the parish number 01353 662759.
The NHS website has information and advice if you are worried or want to find out more. Most importantly, to cut down the risk of passing on infection, they advise regular and stringent washing of our hands, fingers and wrists with soap and water and drying them thoroughly. They also advise ‘social distancing’ which is staying a metre away from all we meet. Those most at risk of being seriously affected by Covid-19 are older people and those with pre-existing health problems.
More information about the virus and how to protect yourself can be found on the BBC website.
Some practical and spiritual advice is available from YouTube also.
Fr David urges us all to support and pray for one another at this difficult time. God bless all of us and keep us and our loved ones safe.
