I am sure it will not surprise you that over the last 24 hours there have been a number of emails and advice about how we can best respond to the death of Her Majesty the Queen and the accession of our King. We have also had some discussions within the Parish team and thought it would be helpful to share with you the current suggestions and the shape of our life together over the coming days.

As a focus for our reflection and prayer in the Parish St Mary’s Church will remain open each day from 9am – 6pm and there will be an opportunity to be still, pray and light a candle. There are also prayer cards for you to use at home or in the Church.

St Faith’s and St Wilfird’s will be open from time to time when there are other services or people in the building.

The Flag at St Mary’s will be flown at Half Mast (except for from Sat 11am till Sun 1pm – when it will be flown at full height to mark the Accession of King Charles)

Our Sunday Morning services this week (Sept 11th) will be Requiem Masses for her Majesty the Queen – we hope many of you will be able to join us for them. ( A reminder that St Faith’s is now meeting at 9.30am each Sunday).

Our midweek Masses will continue as normal.

Out of respect for the late Queen and the Royal Family, and to reflect the period of national mourning we will be cancelling all events for the next 10 days.

This means the following will not now happen

Coffee Mornings and Nearly New SaleTower OpenBar B Q LunchSponsored Bike RideFellowship LunchRoyal Marine School of Music ConcertOrgan RecitalHope into Action CelebrationFratton Family FestivalMusic Foundation Concert

Some of these may be re-arranged and details of this will follow.

Small prayer groups and meetings will continue

Details are still to be confirmed but St Mary’s will probably be holding a Service of Commemoration for the Deanery on Sunday 18th at 3pm – this will be confirmed later.

We are also sorry hear of the death of Jean Myles, a faithful member of St Wilfrid’s community. She will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.

Please pray for the repose of her soul, and Her Majesty the Queen, and for all who mourn at this time.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to be in touch.

With best wishes

Father Bob