Global congregation to attend CAFOD's first on-line Mass

CAFOD plans to hold their first live-streamed Mass, celebrated by Fr Liam Hayes, on Wednesday 1 April at 6 pm BST.

This Mass will virtually bring together the Catholic community around the country - and the world.

Jo Kitterick, CAFOD's Head of Fundraising and Participation, said: "We are incredibly lucky to have such committed and compassionate supporters, who in the face of Coronavirus, have looked to keep us together as a faith community.

"I'm sure we can't fail to be moved by the news reports of how the virus is affecting everyone's daily lives not only here but around the world.

"We are now hearing about the catastrophic situations that will arise if there was an outbreak of COVID-19 in developing countries with weak healthcare systems, or in a refugee camp with limited handwashing facilities."

COVID-19 has now spread to every continent except Antarctica, with confirmed cases in several African and Asian countries where CAFOD works.

Jo continued: "Social-distancing may cut us off physically, but strength lies in our ability to gather together still as a community, to reflect and pray for families and friends and for our sisters and brothers who face an uncertain future as the world tackles COVID-19."

The charity hopes that the Mass will gather people to pray for all those working on the frontline in the fight to stop the spread of the virus.

"This is an opportunity for us to pause, and reflect, wherever we might be in the world and regardless of faith, to join us for this special Mass", said Kitterick.

CAFOD will be live-streaming Mass on Wednesday 1 April at 6pm, BST.

Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7761211093732591885

Churches and other places of worship were among the first to close, to protect worshippers from the Coronavirus - but many are now offering Masses and other prayer services on-line. For more information see: www.indcatholicnews.com/news/39170