Parish reaching out

In these very strange times so much has changed. We can no longer do what we normally did and even took for granted. These habits and practices were so precious and an integral part of daily routine.

The end of lockdown and relaxation and hopefully the lifting of restrictions will ease the situation, but it will be some time before we get back to the way it was – if ever. Such as meeting and freely engaging with people. The simple but natural things like a handshake or sharing a hug.

We have had to find other ways to reach out and communicate through what for older people is new technology, using the internet and social media, by the use of mobile phones and lap tops and other such devices

We have been able to talk and see each other, with the like of webcams enabling the like of ordinary Mass and funeral Masses to be viewed when only a very limited number of family were allowed into churches for such ceremonies.

There still remains a restriction on the number who can attend church. Hopefully that will be lifted not so long into the future.

Meantime it is all about remaining in touch as best people can, and keeping spirits high until the passing of this horrible phase nobody has ever experienced in their life, no matter how long or short they have been on this earth..

‘ The crisis has fundamentally changed the way we interact’ as a parish post card so accurately puts the situation.

In a welcome initiative each house in the parish has been sent a post card message signed by parish priest Pádraig Keenan ‘ to keep in touch with all in the community.’

It contains a short message ‘ to bring to mind all those who have been affected in any way by the COVID-19 crisis.

Acknowledging ‘ the fundamental change it has brought about in communicating with each other, the parish has adopted some new technologies.

These include the streaming of daily Mass in Haggardstown Monday through to Saturday at 9am via webcam, and also Sunday Masses in the Church at 9am and 11am.

The parish newsletter is also available by email.

It is also open to parishioners to support the upkeep of the parish on-line. These services are available on the parish website (www.hbp.ie).

The message says the parish will continue ‘ to be in touch’ with the community, and urges all to ‘Stay local, and stay safe’.