The continuing spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus is a concern for all of us. It highlights our interdependence and how much we easily take for granted in our daily lives. Those with the virus and those caring for them are very much in our prayers.
As the implications of the spread of the virus have become clearer, we have had to make some difficult decisions about access to the Convent. We want to maintain as far as possible the Sisters’ normal pattern of prayer and worship, but at the same time we have to recognise the particular vulnerability of older people to the virus. We have therefore decided that from Monday 16 March access to the chapels at the Convent will be restricted to those resident at the Convent (Sisters, Postulants & Alongsiders) and the presiding Priest.
For the time being, regrettably the Convent will also be closed to guests. All Quiet Days and other bookings will unfortunately have to be postponed until the situation becomes clearer.
Members of our local Parish will no longer be coming to St Mary Magdalen Chapel at 6pm on Sunday 29 March to follow the Stations of the Cross. At present, this service is expected to take place in Wantage Parish Church instead, although this will be kept under review – to check nearer the time, see www.wantageparish.com. Similarly, if you were planning to watch the children from the local Church Primary School perform their Passion Play on Tuesday 31 March, please check nearer the time at www.wantagece.org.
We very much regret not being able to welcome guests to visit the Convent and to worship with us in chapel at this time. As soon as it is possible to lift these restrictions, we will make an announcement through our website. If you have any questions or want to discuss future bookings, please contact our reception team on 01235 763141 or email the Guest Wing Reception.
The Sisters send their blessings to all and ask for your prayers for all affected by the pandemic.
Stella csmv