From this Sunday, each day at 10.30am, you can join Fr Dominic Howarth for a simple daily Mass from the chapel at Walsingham House at Abbotswick, through the BCYS Instagram facility.
Says Fr Dominic: “In times when we cannot gather together for prayer, we can nonetheless be Christ’s hands, reaching out across our towns and communities, and this daily Mass can be a wonderful oasis in your morning. For students, it might be what gets you out of bed each day; for everyone isolating, it will be a little moment of structure, hope and connection, every day.”
All are welcome, he says. Simply create an Instagram account if you do not already have one, then locate BrentwoodCYS. At about 10.30am the live feed will start, finishing at the end of Mass (about 11am weekdays, a little longer on a Sunday). Using Instagram means that the Mass can be interactive, says Fr Dominic. “It will help people feel connected with each other in that spiritual context.
“You can send in prayer requests, encourage each other with wonderful comments at the sign of peace, and above all you can be assured of our prayers, from the beautiful chapel and grounds here at Walsingham House. In uncertain times, we are called to be the voice of hope, love, courage and calm that will see each person through these weeks. The Mass will therefore also be a time to share good ideas, tips and hints – for isolation, for ways to pray, and for inspiring ways to serve those in most need.”
Email [email protected] with anything you would like to be prayed for or shared.
The initiative will begin with a special Mass for Mothers’ Day on 22 March. Fr Dominic says: “We will be offering prayers for all mothers, grandmothers, great grandmothers and mother figures in our lives; on a weekend where many people won’t be able to visit their mums, we will wrap everyone in the warm embrace of the love of Christ, praying with you and for you, from near and far.
“During the Mass you will be able to add your Mothers’ Day messages, and these will be included in the prayers of the Mass.