CONFESSION
Confessions are heard every Saturday morning after the 10.00 Mass for twenty minutes or for as long as necessary if there is a queue, i.e. normally from 10.25 to 10.45. In the penitential seasons there are Penitential Services held, usually on a weekday evening, at which there is a celebration of the Word and then a number of priests are on hand to hear individual confessions. Please note that there are no services with ‘General Absolution’ as the circumstances in which this is appropriate are not at all common. Nor is there the practice of just confessing ’root sins’ and receiving absolution. If for any reason these times do not suit you then please phone Fr. Simon and arrange a time that is convenient to you. This can still be anonymous if you so wish.

MASS WITH THE SICK & HOUSEBOUND
This is an event for the whole parish community, and not just those who are normally unable to attend Mass. It happens usually during Advent and Lent and is held on a Saturday afternoon at 3.00pm and includes the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. Please do come along and join in as this makes our older parishioners feel that they are welcome and are part of a vibrant community. Various volunteers through the ‘Flockwatch’ scheme (see further on…) arrange to bring parishioners in (usually in their own cars) and then there is a cup of tea afterwards in the Small Hall for all those who have attended. The idea is to make those on the margins of parish life feel that they have not been forgotten and indeed are valued as members of the parish family.

GETTING MARRIED
The church is licensed for weddings and if you are thinking of getting married then please speak to Fr. Simon as soon as possible as the Diocese requires you to give at least six months notice of marriage. As the other arrangements usually need to be made with at least as much notice, there should be no problem in fulfilling this requirement. It is also advisable to speak to Fr. Simon in plenty of time if there are any unusual circumstances or requests that may make organising a wedding more complex or ‘time sensitive’ from an administrative point of view.

THE ANNOINTING OF THE SICK
If you are suddenly unwell or are facing a stay in hospital, you may wish to receive the strength and grace that comes from this sacrament. It is no longer seen only as ’extreme unction’ i.e. a grace only to be sought as death is certain, but is a strengthening power to all those who are facing a crisis of health. It is also celebrated when those who cope with the burden of chronic infirmity gather for our regular Masses with Anointing.

ARRANGING A SICK VISIT AND HOME COMMUNION
If you or someone in your family cannot get to Mass, then Fr. Simon is always willing to come to your home to give Holy Communion and to celebrate any other sacraments (confession or anointing) as appropriate. Please do phone or speak to him to tell him that this need has arisen, as it is not always apparent that someone who is missing from Mass may be in this situation.

HOUSE MASSES
In a geographically widespread parish (370 square miles of it!) it is often helpful to have a Mass that is celebrated in a parishioner’s home so that all the Catholics in the surrounding area can come along and get to know each other. While there are some of you who know one another well, it is especially helpful for those who are new to the area to settle in and feel as if they are part of the parish family. If you would be willing to host a Mass then please speak to Fr. Simon. All is needed is a large living room with a suitable low table.


ARRANGING A REQUIEM MASS OR FUNERAL SERVICE
If someone you are caring for has died (at home or in hospital) you will, in time, need to arrange everything for their funeral. Very often the first step is to contact a firm of Funeral Directors and in this parish there are three firms to choose from:

Susan Whymark Funeral Services (in Eye) 01379 871168
Rosedale Funeral Services (Victoria Road) 01379 640810
Rackhams Funeral Services (Stanley Road) 01379 642321

You can also, of course notify the parish priest who will liaise with your chosen directors to make sure that a mutually agreeable date and time can be finalised as soon as is feasible. If a cremation is to take place, this can be a problem at weekends to make definitive arrangements until the Crematorium office opens on a Monday morning. Otherwise, all aspects of your preferences for readings and hymns etc. can be discussed with the priest at a suitable time, and the parish can also offer an ‘Order of Service’ to personalise your arrangements and help the congregation to take a full part in the liturgy.