St Teresa’s Catholic Church
Newbury Park. Ilford. Essex. IG2 7JA
Registered Charity No 234092
CHRISTMAS EVE - Friday 24 December
6pm • Vigil Mass of Christmas
12.00 • Midnight Mass (Carols from 11.30pm)
CHRISTMAS DAY - Saturday 25 December
8.00am & 10.30am • Mass
Our Christmas Masses this year will be going ahead 'as normal' following the measures already in place to minimise COVID risk. There are no restrictions on capacity, so there will be no need to book for any of our Christmas Masses, and, unlike last year, there will not be any extra services beyond our normal Christmas schedule. All those attending Mass will be asked to sanitise their hands and following the latest guidance are required to wear a face mask at all times for the sake of others, unless exempt. If you prefer to attend a less busy Mass so that you can keep your distance from others, then you are advised to come to the 8.00am Mass on Christmas morning. We are intending to live stream the Christmas Masses for the benefit of those who are unwell, self-isolating, or unable to mix with others due to heightened vulnerability. It is very important that you do not come if you have any COVID symptoms or have tested positive for COVID (either by a Lateral Flow or PCR test). You are encouraged to test yourself for COVID before coming to Mass, especially if not fully vaccinated or if you have been in close contact with any COVID cases. Things may change, and so you are encouraged to check this page for updates especially if any new national or local restrictions are introduced.
With Christmas Day falling on a Saturday, there will be no Vigil Mass at 6pm on that day, Mass will be at the usual times (8.00am & 10.30am) on the morning of Sunday, 26 December which is Holy Family Sunday, Mass times during the week will be advertised in the Christmas Newsletter in due course as there may be some variation from the usual weekday pattern.
SOME KEY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Can you accommodate wheelchairs?
There are two spaces near the front that are especially suitable for those who use a wheelchair, and we are fortunate to have level access into the church.
Can I visit the Crib?
We will be erecting the Crib in front of the altar as usual, and you are free to visit the crib before or after Mass. As usual there will be a Crib collection in aid of the Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society. BCCS does tremendous work to support young people experiencing emotional and mental health difficulties. As you can imagine, they have been in much demand in the past two years and have adapted to changing restrictions to provide the best support possible, which has increased their outgoings, and a number of important fundraising events have been cancelled. Many people are struggling financially at the present time, but if you are in a position to help then you are urged to do so as generously as possible. There will be a basket by the Crib for cash donations, or you can give online via the BCCS website here
Is there anything different about Mass this year?
Many of the changes that were made earlier in the pandemic are no longer deemed necessary. We are keeping windows and doors open, even in the middle of winter, so you may want to dress accordingly. There is no holy water by the door, sharing the sign of peace is restricted to family members, and holy communion continues to be administered in one kind only. However we are allowed to sing this year!
What about pre-Christmas confessions?
Confessions are available throughout Advent during our two regular slots, Saturday evening 5-5.45pm, and Wednesday lunchtime 11.30am-12.30pm. (Not Saturday ,25 December however!). There may be additional opportunities in the days before Christmas - please see the Christmas Newsletter or visit this page nearer the time.