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The Earthquake
Friday 10th
September 2010
As the city and
region recovers from the devastating earthquake centred on Darfield last
Saturday morning, our thoughts and prayers go out to all those who are
suffering from the effects of this disaster. We are so grateful to God
that there was no loss of life when the terrible force of the earthquake
struck. This is nothing short of a miracle – and it deserves to be
acknowledged as such.
The property damage,
while not at the level of life and death, is nevertheless deeply
distressing, especially for those who find that their homes are no longer
inhabitable. A number of parishioners have suffered significant damage to
their homes and businesses.
The most significant
damage the parish suffered was the loss of the Reconciliation room at St
Joseph’s Church. The rubble has now been cleaned up and the area secured.
Work will begin soon on its restoration. While St Joseph’s Church is
basically structurally sound, we have chosen to celebrate all weekday
Masses and the Saturday Vigil Mass at St Gregory’s church, and the
three Sunday Masses will be celebrated at St Joseph’s school hall
until further notice.
The sacrament of
Reconciliation will be available at the normal times – Thursdays 5.00pm
and Saturdays 9.45am – but the venue will now be St Gregory’s Church.
May God bless us all,
and bring real blessings to us as we begin this time of restoration.
Father Simon Eccleton
Parish Priest
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Wednesday 22nd
September Update
This week
strengthening work is being undertaken on the two walls of St Joseph’s
Church which were damaged in the earthquake. This will allow us to resume
the celebration of Sunday and weekday Masses there. So our normal
programme resumes with Mass at St Joseph’s this Friday at 9.15am.
Father Simon Eccleton
Parish Priest
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Final Update –
Back to Normal 27 September 2010
With the bracing of the two walls which suffered damage in the
earthquake, the engineers have given us the go-ahead to resume full use of
St Joseph’s Church. Our normal timetable and location for Masses resumes.
Thank you for your patience during this unsettling time.
Father Simon Eccleton
Parish Priest
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