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We welcome you to the community of St. Teresa's in Morden. If you are a new parishioner, please come and introduce yourself and also complete a parish census form. You are welcome to become involved in any aspect of parish life. Thank you for taking the time to read this and feel free to come and have a chat about the parish at a mutually convenient time.
St. Teresa's Parish
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Pope Francis
Prayer for protection from Coronavirus
O Mary, you shine continuously on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the sick. At the foot of the cross you participated in Jesus' pain, with steadfast faith. You, Salvation of the Roman People, know what we need. We are certain that you will provide, so that, as you did at Cana of Galilee, joy and feasting might return after this moment of trial. Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform ourselves to the Father's will and to do what Jesus tells us: He who took our sufferings upon Himself, and bore our sorrows to bring us, through the Cross, to the joy of Resurrection. Amen. We seek refuge under your protection, O Holy Mother of God. Do not despise our pleas - we who are put to the test - and deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.
A Prayer for our Parish
Mother of our Parish, Most Gracious Lady, watch over us as we struggle with sickness, financial crisis and uncertainty about our future.
Be with us, Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth in prosperity and adversity, in joy and in sorrow, in health and sickness, in life and in death.
Teach us to look to Jesus, your Son, and find solace in all adversities. Amen.
Be with us, Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth in prosperity and adversity, in joy and in sorrow, in health and sickness, in life and in death.
Teach us to look to Jesus, your Son, and find solace in all adversities. Amen.
One Hundred and Sixty-Two Days Later
Tens of thousands, because of the Corona Virus, had to wait to be received into the Catholic Church. They should have been welcomed in the mother of all Vigils – the Easter Vigil.
Last Saturday, at our 10a.m. Mass, we celebrated a shortened version of the Easter Vigil. At that Holy Mass we celebrated the welcome into our parish family of nine new parishioners.
A “candidate” is someone who has been Baptised in another Christian denomination, but now wishes to become a Catholic. A “Catechumen” is an adult who has never been Baptised.
During the Easter Vigil, catechumens are Baptised, Confirmed and receive their First Holy Communion. In our diocese and in our parish, Candidates receive a warm welcome (on behalf of Pope Francis and Archbishop John) into the parish family and receive First Holy Communion and Confirmation,
Our sincere thanks go to the parish R.C.I.A team. They did a tremendous job of welcoming and supporting our New Seekers. The quality of teaching was spot on and an introduction to prayer was first class.
When we have the opportunity, we will present our new parishioners to the parish family in a more formal welcome.
In unity with St. Teresa, Dear Lord, we pray for all our new Catholics. May they be strengthened and blessed in our Catholic faith and grow ever closer to You. Help us to support them through prayer and friendships and use us and them, according to Your Holy Will, to lead others home to the Catholic Church.
Last Saturday, at our 10a.m. Mass, we celebrated a shortened version of the Easter Vigil. At that Holy Mass we celebrated the welcome into our parish family of nine new parishioners.
A “candidate” is someone who has been Baptised in another Christian denomination, but now wishes to become a Catholic. A “Catechumen” is an adult who has never been Baptised.
During the Easter Vigil, catechumens are Baptised, Confirmed and receive their First Holy Communion. In our diocese and in our parish, Candidates receive a warm welcome (on behalf of Pope Francis and Archbishop John) into the parish family and receive First Holy Communion and Confirmation,
Our sincere thanks go to the parish R.C.I.A team. They did a tremendous job of welcoming and supporting our New Seekers. The quality of teaching was spot on and an introduction to prayer was first class.
When we have the opportunity, we will present our new parishioners to the parish family in a more formal welcome.
In unity with St. Teresa, Dear Lord, we pray for all our new Catholics. May they be strengthened and blessed in our Catholic faith and grow ever closer to You. Help us to support them through prayer and friendships and use us and them, according to Your Holy Will, to lead others home to the Catholic Church.
Baptisms in October
A meeting will be held in Church for those wishing to have their baby Baptised. Our meeting will be held on Saturday 3rd October at 11.15a.m. Baptisms will take place on weekdays. More information will be shared at our meeting.
High School Admission Forms
High school forms will be signed on Thursday 24th September and Tuesday 29th September from 3.45p.m. to 6.30p.m. at St Teresa’s school. To ensure safety, you must book an appointment. All bookings are to be made through the school.
Gerry Fernandes R.I.P.
Grant Him Eternal Rest O Lord.
Lord Jesus, you bless those who mourn or are in pain. Bless Gerry Fernandes’ family and friends who are keeping him in prayer as we journey to the day of his funeral, which will be on the Feast of St. Faustina the Secretary of Divine Mercy. His Requiem Mass will take place at 9.30a.m. on Monday 5th October.
Lord Jesus, you bless those who mourn or are in pain. Bless Gerry Fernandes’ family and friends who are keeping him in prayer as we journey to the day of his funeral, which will be on the Feast of St. Faustina the Secretary of Divine Mercy. His Requiem Mass will take place at 9.30a.m. on Monday 5th October.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Monday – Friday following the 10a.m. Mass
Sunday Morning following 9a.m. and 11 a.m. Mass
Sunday Morning following 9a.m. and 11 a.m. Mass
Blessing of Holy Water
If you wish to bring your bottles or containers, I am more than happy to bless you and your water.
For Those Who are Sick...
We continue to keep in our prayers all who are sick: Leonard James Connolly, Thea Haddad, Maureen Smith, Irene Ward, Jean Lue, Ruba Santiapillai, Baby Alexander Lynch, Joseph Lunn, Erika Geddes, Barry Falcon, Denise Waaldjk, Lena McBride and Valerie Somerset.
Compassion for the Sick
Several families are facing difficult challenges ahead. When sickness comes through the door, life changes. We reach out in spiritual support to the One who is sick and carrying the Cross of Suffering. We also desire and ask Our Lady to hear our prayer for all the family and the friends of the family.
Can I encourage you to keep all the sick in prayer; those at home, in hospital, in nursing and care homes. We also send out a blessing across the diocese to all who are on the sick lists of all parishes, including those in hospice care.
This Litany is the one we pray on First Fridays at our Mass for all those who are sick. Can I encourage you and your family to become “Prayer Warriors” for the sick in their hour of need? Thank You!!
Can I encourage you to keep all the sick in prayer; those at home, in hospital, in nursing and care homes. We also send out a blessing across the diocese to all who are on the sick lists of all parishes, including those in hospice care.
This Litany is the one we pray on First Fridays at our Mass for all those who are sick. Can I encourage you and your family to become “Prayer Warriors” for the sick in their hour of need? Thank You!!
Litany of Compassion for the Sick
V: Lord have mercy.
R: Lord have mercy.
V: Christ have mercy.
R: Christ have mercy.
V: Lord have mercy.
R: Lord have mercy.
V: Christ hear us.
R: Christ graciously hear us.
[Repeat ‘Lord, be close to give your comfort’ after each phrase.]
When the healing process goes slower than hoped, When terrified by treatments or therapy,
When it is hard to let go of long-held plans,
When the feeling of alienation arises,
When worn out and weary,
When troubled by impatience and negativity,
When loneliness adds to anxiety,
When sickness makes it difficult to communicate,
When discouragement or despondency sets in,
When fear makes it impossible to face the future,
When the ravages of disease attack self-esteem,
When anger and resentment assail,
When beset by worry or fretfulness,
When it is hard to rely on others for care,
When envy arises towards those who are healthy,
When pessimism or cynicism holds sway,
When anguish is intensified by the need for reconciliation, When sickness is mistaken for punishment,
When loved ones are far away,
When financial hardship from illness leads to worry or despair, When afflicted by the feeling of nothing to hope for,
When weakness makes it impossible to even think,
When friends draw back fearful of disease,
When illness makes those who are suffering moody or irritable, When haunted by regret and the shame of past sins,
When it is difficult to sleep,
When there is a loss of appetite,
When there is resistance to necessary change,
When tempted by denial,
When nobody seems to understand,
When bound to home or restricted in movement,
When listlessness and apathy threaten,
When medication seems to make things worse, When all that is needed is a caring touch,
When it is impossible to maintain familiar routines, When it is hard to find the strength to go on,
When it becomes difficult to pray,
When suffering of any sort becomes hard to bear, When death draws near,
Our Father...
Let us pray:
Most merciful Father, your beloved Son showed special compassion to lepers, tenderness to those long sick, and healing to the infirm. We place before you all those who are ill and in need of your healing grace.
May the love and mercy of the Divine Physician raise up all who suffer from sickness and restore them to health and peace.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
R: Lord have mercy.
V: Christ have mercy.
R: Christ have mercy.
V: Lord have mercy.
R: Lord have mercy.
V: Christ hear us.
R: Christ graciously hear us.
[Repeat ‘Lord, be close to give your comfort’ after each phrase.]
When the healing process goes slower than hoped, When terrified by treatments or therapy,
When it is hard to let go of long-held plans,
When the feeling of alienation arises,
When worn out and weary,
When troubled by impatience and negativity,
When loneliness adds to anxiety,
When sickness makes it difficult to communicate,
When discouragement or despondency sets in,
When fear makes it impossible to face the future,
When the ravages of disease attack self-esteem,
When anger and resentment assail,
When beset by worry or fretfulness,
When it is hard to rely on others for care,
When envy arises towards those who are healthy,
When pessimism or cynicism holds sway,
When anguish is intensified by the need for reconciliation, When sickness is mistaken for punishment,
When loved ones are far away,
When financial hardship from illness leads to worry or despair, When afflicted by the feeling of nothing to hope for,
When weakness makes it impossible to even think,
When friends draw back fearful of disease,
When illness makes those who are suffering moody or irritable, When haunted by regret and the shame of past sins,
When it is difficult to sleep,
When there is a loss of appetite,
When there is resistance to necessary change,
When tempted by denial,
When nobody seems to understand,
When bound to home or restricted in movement,
When listlessness and apathy threaten,
When medication seems to make things worse, When all that is needed is a caring touch,
When it is impossible to maintain familiar routines, When it is hard to find the strength to go on,
When it becomes difficult to pray,
When suffering of any sort becomes hard to bear, When death draws near,
Our Father...
Let us pray:
Most merciful Father, your beloved Son showed special compassion to lepers, tenderness to those long sick, and healing to the infirm. We place before you all those who are ill and in need of your healing grace.
May the love and mercy of the Divine Physician raise up all who suffer from sickness and restore them to health and peace.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Government Advise on Face Coverings/Masks at Mass
Face coverings are mandatory now in places of worship. Many of you already attend Holy Mass wearing one – Thank You!
From now on at St. Teresa’s all who attend Mass or any other service must wear a face covering, unless they are exempt from doing so. This is for the good of all who gather in the Church for Mass as it is an enclosed public space where there are people from different households who do not normally meet.
From now on at St. Teresa’s all who attend Mass or any other service must wear a face covering, unless they are exempt from doing so. This is for the good of all who gather in the Church for Mass as it is an enclosed public space where there are people from different households who do not normally meet.
Mass at St. Teresa’s
Over the past few weeks our Parish and many others have worked diligently to implement the health and safety protocols necessary to welcome back our congregations.
I am truly grateful to our Parish Reopening Team. They have made it possible for us to go from private prayer to the public celebration of Holy Mass.
At this time, we are limited to 40 attendees per Mass. Our thanks to our parishioners for their patience and the responsibility they have shown to others attending Holy Mass. The pandemic is still with us and so the following guidelines are still in place.
I am truly grateful to our Parish Reopening Team. They have made it possible for us to go from private prayer to the public celebration of Holy Mass.
At this time, we are limited to 40 attendees per Mass. Our thanks to our parishioners for their patience and the responsibility they have shown to others attending Holy Mass. The pandemic is still with us and so the following guidelines are still in place.
St. Teresa’s Parish General Protocols
The Cardinal and the Archbishop wish to reassure you that THE DISPENATION of the faithful from the obligation to attend SUNDAY MASS remains in place for the time being. NO ONE IS OBLIGED to attend Holy Mass whilst dispensation is in effect.
- All Sunday and Weekday Masses will continue to be Streamed Live on the Internet via the usual link.
- Attendees and volunteers from demographic groups at a greater risk of serious illness, such as people 65 years of age or older and individuals with chronic medical conditions, are encouraged to stay safe by avoiding public gatherings, but are not prohibited from attending Mass if they so choose.
- Anyone attending Mass does so at their own risk.
- All attendees are strongly encouraged to wear a mask before entering the church, until they leave. Each person should bring their own masks.
- Another reminder: ANYONE who has even the slightest symptoms or feelings of sickness must remain home.
- THE MAXIMUM CAPACITY, (at this time), at Holy Mass is JUST 40 to be compliant
with physical distancing guidelines issued by The Bishop’s Conference and the Government - Until further notice: Our Parish will adopt a FIRST COME, FIRST-SERVED approach at all our Masses.
- Please watch out for signage. Separate points of entry and exit will be clearly designated.
- We are required to keep a register of all attendees. So please put your name, address, contact telephone number, email address (if applicable) and the Mass you are attending on a piece of paper which you will hand in on entrance to the church.
- All attendees will be directed to their own special seat so as to monitor occupancy.
- Two benches will be designated for families.
- Infants and children should remain with their parents AT ALL TIMES.
- It is O.K. to wear disposable gloves. Those cleaning or altar cloths, replenishing candles or handling the parish collection should wear disposable gloves.
- We will have one point of entry in order to control the number of people entering. Once the maximum number of attendees is reached, no one else will be allowed entry.
- Doors will be locked until 25 minutes before Mass begins.
- If weather permits, all doors will be propped open before Mass as you arrive so that you do not need to touch the handles or doors to enter.
- At the end of Mass, exits will be signposted and indicated by the parish priest to expedite the guided departure and minimise chances of people encountering one another. In all cases, PHYSICAL DISTANCING MUST BE OBSERVED.
- I will be delighted to see you back, but please note that I must refrain from greeting you personally at the end of Mass. I must not impede or delay the orderly and rapid departure of you and your family.
- The Parish Church is closed at the end of each Mass for a special cleaning. Our thanks to the parish team.
- Please be aware that there will be NO toilet facilities.
SAFETY
- Physical distancing of 6 feet or 2 meters is in place at all times and in all directions between people who are not of the same household.
- You will be led by a team member to your seat – please do not move or swap seats.
- Reminder – Volunteers and ALL members of the congregation should use the Medical Guidelines that have been issued before attending Mass. If you have ANY symptoms, such as a cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose or sore throat, please stay at home.
- All team members, welcomers and participants – please wear your own personal shield or mask,
- All who attend must observe proper hand hygiene from the point of entry, whilst inside and upon exiting the church.
- Hand sanitising stations are available by the doors of the church.
- Hand washing with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds (say a prayer) is also strongly encouraged before arriving for Holy Mass.
HOLY MASS
These are some of the main points to note:
- Sacred Vessels will be purified and washed by the parish priest after Mass. This reduces the risk and need to have sacristans and Eucharistic ministers in the sacristy.
- No singing of hymns and no musicians at this time. SORRY!
- Entrance and recessional processions are omitted. There will be a simple entrance by the priest.
- There will be only one lector and one reading.
- No Altar Servers so as to minimise the risk of exposure and to properly maintain physical distancing at all times.
- The chalice, paten, ciborium, cruets and lavabo will be on a small table beside the altar.
- Your parish priest will not be wearing a mask during the Liturgy of the Eucharist; therefore, all ciboria will be covered at all times. He will wear a visor if and when he distributes Holy Communion.
- No presentation of gifts will be made.
- No collection is taken up during the Mass. Instead, bins/baskets will be at strategic points for the faithful to make their offerings at the end of Mass. Secure vigilance will be in place over the donations.
- There is no Sign of Peace.
- There will be no Holy Water in fonts.
- All hymnals, missalettes, pew cards, pencils, donation envelopes and other loose items will be removed.
- Newsletters are only available on-line at the parish website.
Regarding the Distribution of Holy Communion: - The individual attestation at the distribution of Holy Communion (“The Body of Christ, R:Amen) is eliminated. Instead, one general announcement (“The Body of Christ”) will be made by the parish priest, and one general response (“Amen”) is to be made by one and all before distribution begins. Then each person who wishes to receive the Blessed Sacrament comes forward in procession at a safe distance and receives in silence.
- The Precious Blood will not be distributed at this time.
- Holy Communion may only be received in the hand.
- For the common good, our Bishops around the world acknowledge that Communion on the tongue is the right of the faithful, ask you please receive ONLY in the hand until further notice. Thank you for your understanding and support.
- When needed, Ministers of the Eucharist may be invited to officiate at Holy Communion time. If called upon, Ministers of Holy Communion must sanitise their hands immediately after receiving Communion BEFORE distributing Holy Communion to the faithful. They must also sanitise their hands immediately after distribution.
Should you have any questions regarding this information please reply by email: morden@rcaos.org.uk or call our parish number: 020 8648 4113
Read here or download Archbishop John Wilson’s Pastoral Letter - Concerning the Reopening of Catholic Churches for Prayer and Services
Sunday Collections
During the current ‘lockdown’ situation, we would like to say a huge THANK YOU to the many of you who have kindly signed up to standing orders. This is so much appreciated and valued. If you wish to contribute by cheque in lieu of plate collections, this can be sent to the presbytery: St. Teresa’s Church, 250 Bishopsford Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 6BJ. They may be made payable to St. Teresa’s Catholic Church.
Many thanks to those of you who have so kindly offered to set up standing orders in lieu of our Sunday plate collections. This is a most convenient method of planned giving (for all concerned); already used by so many at Morden – and is vitally important at this time. Regular standing orders can be for any amount, no matter how small – just give what you can afford. Please send a request to the parish priest as the parish office is closed for the foreseeable future.
We will be happy to receive any offerings directly by on-line banking or by standing order, which can be arranged through your bank, or by using the DONATE link at the top of the front page.
Many thanks to those of you who have so kindly offered to set up standing orders in lieu of our Sunday plate collections. This is a most convenient method of planned giving (for all concerned); already used by so many at Morden – and is vitally important at this time. Regular standing orders can be for any amount, no matter how small – just give what you can afford. Please send a request to the parish priest as the parish office is closed for the foreseeable future.
We will be happy to receive any offerings directly by on-line banking or by standing order, which can be arranged through your bank, or by using the DONATE link at the top of the front page.
Do You Gift Aid?
The value of your donation can be increased by 25% at no extra cost to yourself, simply by gift aiding it if you are a taxpayer. The parish learns nothing about your private financial affairs. The average weekly collection between plate and standing orders, is approximately £2,400 a week. If only half of that was GIFT AIDED, it would mean an extra £300 a week, or £15,600 a year to Parish funds. We are genuinely grateful to those who are Gift-Aiding. If you haven’t been doing so, please print off a Gift Aid form from the parish website. At the present time the parish income is down about £5,000 each month. Hopefully, when parish life returns to normal, we will soon see these financial worries and concerns disappear.
PERFECT CONTRITION AND SPIRITUAL COMMUNION
What to do if you cannot go to Confession or Holy Communion due to the COVID-19 coronavirus.
If you have to self-isolate or are quarantined, you will be unable to receive the sacraments as normal. In these circumstances, there are devotions through which you can receive absolution for your sins (under certain conditions), and the consolation of Eucharistic grace.
The following devotions are officially encouraged by the Church and have been practised by saints.
If you have to self-isolate or are quarantined, you will be unable to receive the sacraments as normal. In these circumstances, there are devotions through which you can receive absolution for your sins (under certain conditions), and the consolation of Eucharistic grace.
The following devotions are officially encouraged by the Church and have been practised by saints.
How to make an Act of Perfect Contrition
Through an act of Perfect Contrition, you receive pardon for your sins outside of confession, even mortal sins, on condition that you are determined to amend your life and make a firm resolution to go to sacramental confession as soon as this becomes possible for you.
Perfect Contrition is a grace from God, so sincerely ask for this gift throughout the day prior to making you act of contrition: ‘My God, grant me perfect contrition for my sins.'
Perfect Contrition is a grace from God, so sincerely ask for this gift throughout the day prior to making you act of contrition: ‘My God, grant me perfect contrition for my sins.'
- In reality or imagination kneel at the foot of the crucifix and say to yourself: “ Jesus, my God and my Saviour, in the midst of your agony, you remembered me, you suffered for me, you wished to wipe away my sins”
- Contrition is ‘perfect’ if you repent your sins because you love God ans are sorry for having offended Him and causing the sufferings of Christ on the cross. Before the Crucified Christ remember your sins, repent of them because they have bought our Lord His sufferings on the cross. Promise him that with His help, you will not sin again.
- Recite, slowly and sincerely, an act of contrition focussed on the goodness of God and your love of Jesus: “O my God, because You are so good, I am very sorry that I have sinned against You and by the help of Your grace I will not sin again. Amen.”
- Make a firm resolution to goo to a sacramental confession as soon as practically possible.
How to make a Spiritual Communion
The key to Spiritual Communion is to grow in your heart a constant desire for the Blessed Sacrament.
- If you are aware of serious or mortal sin, make an Act of Perfect Contrition
- Imagine the sacred words and actions of the Mass or watch online or on TV.
- Make all those acts of faith, humility, sorrow, adoration, love and desire that you usually
express before Holy Communion. - Desire, with earnest longing, to receive our Lord present – Body, Blood, soul and Divinity –
in the Blessed Sacrament, - Say this prayer of St. Alphonsus de’ Ligouri: “My Jesus, I believe You are present in the
Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire You in my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though You are already there, I embrace You and unite myself wholly to You; do not let me ever be separated from You, Amen.” - After moments of silent adoration make all those acts of faith, humility, love, thanksgiving and offering that you usually express through prayers after Holy Communion.
Last weekend’s Offertory
Last week’s Offerings - Collection: £418. Standing Orders: £738. Total - £1,156 - Thank you.
We will be happy to receive any offerings directly by on-line banking or by standing order, which can be arranged through your bank, on-line or by using the DONATE link at the top of the page. With thanks for your continued support.
We will be happy to receive any offerings directly by on-line banking or by standing order, which can be arranged through your bank, on-line or by using the DONATE link at the top of the page. With thanks for your continued support.
Regular Mass Times
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Saturday Vigil Mass |
6.30pm online |
Sunday |
9.00am online 11.00am online |
Monday - Saturday |
10.00am online |
Exposition & Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament |
5.15pm online |
Spiritual Reflection |
6pm online |
How To Find Us
250 Bishopsford Road, Morden, Surrey SM4 6BZ
Tel: 020 8648 4113