COVID Vigilance Announcement

The Bishops' Conference for England and Wales has decided that the Sunday obligation (that is the requirement to attend Sunday Mass) shall be reinstated starting on Pentecost Sunday, 5th June 2022. Within the Diocese of Portsmouth many parishes have already begun the process of returning to normal activities.

The UK Government has stressed that personal protection against the spread of the Covid virus is now the personal responsibility of the individual. Therefore, individuals may continue to practice various protective measures as they see best.

Starting on Pentecost Sunday, St Joseph's Parish will adopt the guidance measures as suggested by the UK Government. However, parishioners are free to continue to exercise whatever personal protective measures they wish when attending the Mass or any other function within the parish. Parishioners are encouraged to become familiar with the UK Government guidelines and advice in dealing with the Covid virus in the community.

Finally, as the Diocese of Portsmouth has adopted the usage of government guidelines, the Parish of St Joseph's will do the same. We have removed the chairs that blocked every other pew and the ‘green ticks’ which were both in place for social distancing.

St Joseph's has had great support from the work done by the members of the Covid Committee over the last many months. Therefore, on behalf of Fr Chris, I would like to thank the committee for their diligence and dedication as they stand-down from their work effective 5th June 2022.