Online Christmas Market by the Sisters from the St. Elisabeth Convent (Minsk, Belarus)

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The joyous Christmas season is approaching! The season is filled with love, family and, most importantly, God.

As you may be aware, the Sisters from the St. Elisabeth Convent (Minsk, Belarus) are unable to participate in annual Christmas markets in our region due to travel restrictions. Nevertheless they have found a great way to spread the Christmas joy, love and deeds of mercy.

They are launching the very first Online Christmas Market this year, so that people from all over the world can purchase Christmas presents and souvenirs made with love and continuous prayer. Please click here to participate: https://catalog.obitel-minsk.com/christmas-market

Through purchasing beautiful Christmas gifts each one of us will be able to serve the poor, sick, homeless and lonely people. Because every item purchased at the Online Market is a donation towards one of the Convent’s ministries.

The Online Christmas Market of St. Elisabeth Convent offers a range of unique handmade items that will make memorable Christmas gifts, including:

  • Traditional hand painted Christmas ornaments
  • Wooden toys and souvenirs
  • Santa Claus and Father Frost figures
  • Handcrafted Christmas tree baubles
  • Nativity scenes and sets
  • Christmas themes ceramics and glass products
  • Orthodox Nativity icons
  • Russian matryoshka dolls and much more.

The Sisters are sending their prayers and blessings from Minsk. Throughout the pandemic and shutdowns, the Sisters were able to continue running and supporting their multiple social ministries that care for the vulnerable and sick nearby the Convent. Their biggest inspiration has been St. Elisabeth who helped the sick and those in need during her lifetime.

Please remember that you are always more than welcome at our Convent.

With love in Christ,
Sister Olga

First Holy Communion Course 2020/2021

The First Holy Communion course will begin on 28th November and end on 1st May. There will be 15 sessions in all on Saturday mornings. In order to comply with COVID-19 restrictions the course will be limited to 10 children in Year 3 or above. Acceptance will be on a first come first served basis with priority given to St Raphael’s parishioners.

Download the application form here. Completed forms along with a copy of the child’s Baptism Certificate and the course fee of £10.00 must be handed in to the Parish Office by the 31st October.
In November (date to be announced) there will be a introductory meeting for all parents in Alexander House. Please keep an eye on the Parish Newsletter for details.

Please contact Ginette Howell on 07815919530 or galhowell@gmail.com or Kate Freeman on 07757031310 for further details.

Stewards for Mass

The work of the stewards before, during and after Mass is vital in the current circumstances of the pandemic – thank you to all those who have helped since early July!

However some of them are not able to continue and it is now important, having exhausted the reserved list, that more volunteers come forward to help on weekdays.

Please contact Fr. Michael, the Parish Office or Kate Freeman if you can help.

Fr. Michael

Key instructions for attending Mass

  • Everyone attending Mass must give their names and telephone number to the stewards on arrival. (These will be kept for 28 days as part of the government’s ‘Track and Trace’ system.)
  • Everyone must sanitise their hands on arrival and follow the instructions of the Stewards who will show them to a seat.
  • Seating will be allocated strictly on a ‘first come first served basis’.
  • Please note the stewards act in Fr. Michael’s name and with his authority.
  • Once all the allocated seats in the church and hall are filled, there will be no further access to the church.
  • Holy Communion, must be received in the hand.
  • There will be no choir or singing (but a Cantor is permitted.)
  • Any Missalettes which are used must be ‘once only’ use and taken away by each person.
  • There will be an opportunity to give to the Parish through a static collection box or as you leave stewards will be holding open buckets.
  • The toilets and kitchen are out of use to all.
  • There are no votive candles available to light at present.
  • At the end of Mass everyone must remain seated until asked to leave by the stewards – at this point please leave the building promptly.