We hope this website will answer all your questions about our church and its community. If there is anything you would like to know that is not covered in these pages, please feel free to get in touch using the ‘Contact us’ tab above.

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) PANDEMIC

SADLY WE HAVE HAD TO CLOSE THE CHURCH TEMPORARILY, IN LINE WITH INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE GOVERNMENT. HOLY MASS WILL BE CELEBRATED EACH DAY FOR THE INTENTIONS AS ADVERTISED IN THE PARISH NEWSLETTER BUT THIS MUST TAKE PLACE WITHOUT A CONGREGATION.

The Bishops have made clear that in these emergency circumstances, and for as long as they last, the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days is removed.

We will be using this page to keep you informed about anything we feel might help you through this difficult period, whether or not you are self-isolating. Please keep checking back for the latest updates.

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Facebook support group

A private Facebook support group called St Marys Community Support has been set up to help parishioners stay in touch, share information/advice, and offer each other support . Click here to join the group now. NB: You will need to have a Facebook account to join, but it is easy to set one up. Please share this information with others in the Parish.

30.3.20: Letter from Fr Paul – Sunday 29 March 2020

Dear All, Today, the Fifth Sunday of Lent is also known as the First Sunday of the Passion when we veil all the crosses, statues and images in the church. As you can see from the photo below, in spite of the present situation the veiling was still done yesterday morning at St Mary’s. It’s important the liturgical life of the Church doesn’t collapse. Your homes now need to become churches. Click here to read more.

28.3.20: The Pope’s Blessing and Sacrament of Confession while the church is closed – a message from Fr Paul

Dear All, I’m sure lots of you tuned in to the Pope’s extraordinary “Urbi et Orbi” Blessing yesterday evening to the city of Rome and to the world with prayers to end the pandemic. It must be the first time in history a Pope has given this blessing to an empty St Peter’s Square. The most moving moment for me was at the end when the Pope stood at the door of St Peter’s Basilica and blessed the world with the Blessed Sacrament as the bells of St Peter’s rang out joyously. Click here to read more.

27.3.20: Readings and Prayers for 29 March 2020

Please click here to download the Mass Sheet for the Fifth Sunday of Lent

27.3.20: Rededication of England as the Dowry of Mary (29.3.20)

Please click here to read Fr Paul’s letter about how you can be involved

26.3.20: Letter from Fr Paul – 26 March 2020

Dear All, I felt very sad yesterday at having to lock the church on our Patronal Feast of the Annunciation. But from now on the church has to be closed until further notice and therefore will not be available for private prayer. Come the weekend I will leave copies of the newsletter outside the front door of the church in a box for you to take. You may also subscribe to the newsletter on the parish website. And from today I will also leave the Holy Water urn and small jug outside the front door of the church for you to take Holy Water home. Click here to read the full letter

26.3.20: How to gain a plenary indulgence during time of pandemic

The Vatican has issued a new decree which allows us to gain a daily Plenary Indulgence even in this time in which most are unable to receive Holy Communion or make their Confession. It really is very generous. Make the most of it. Click here to read more

25.3.20: Food bank donations

All food bank donations in Loughborough are currently being coordinated by John Storer House on behalf of Charnwood Community Action. In-date food can be taken to John Storer House, Wards End, Loughborough LE11 3HA, Monday-Friday, between 9am and 3pm. Please ring the doorbell to make sure there is someone to take the food in before leaving.

25.3.20: Support for St Mary’s during Lockdown

It is not possible, for the time being, for parishioners to support St Mary’s through the weekly offertory, although the costs associated in maintaining the Church and the Priests remain.

I would like to ask all parishioners, who have previously provided their support in this way, to consider setting up a monthly standing order to St Mary’s. If you would like to do this, please email office@stmarysloughborough.org.uk and ask for the Parish account details to be sent to you.

Alternatively, donations can be made using Paypal by clicking here, or by cheque made out to St Mary’s RCP.

Thank you – Fr Paul

25.3.20: Letter from Fr Paul – 24 March 2020

Please click here to read the letter

23.3.20: Letter from Fr Paul

Please click here to read the letter

23.3.20: Catholic newspapers online

more and more UK Catholic Diocesan newspapers are now accessible via www.ChurchPaper.co.uk. Included in the list is Nottingham Catholic News and UCM News.

19.3.20: A message from Fr Paul

All public services at St Mary’s will be suspended after the 6pm Mass and Stations of the Cross this Friday evening, 20th March. See below for a link to a letter from Bishop Patrick. The church will be open as normal in so far as is possible and Confessions will continue at the scheduled times. More news and how we’re dealing with the situation will be made available very soon.

May God and Our Lady and St Joseph keep you all safe.

Please click here to download the letter from Bishop Patrick