26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
Please keep the pupils from St John's primary in your prayers this week as they prepare to receive our Blessed Lord in Holy Communion for the first time this coming Saturday at 10am, 11:30am and 12 noon Masses; as on previous Saturdays, these Masses are open to pupils and their invited guests only. We return to our regular parish schedule of Saturday morning public Mass at 10am after next weekend.

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION
After much planning and consideration our parishes and schools have arranged the following dates for the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation:

St Thomas' PS Pupils
Monday 5th October, St Thomas' Church - Classes 1C & 1K - 6pm
Tuesday 6th October, St Thomas' Church - Classes 1M & 1O - 6pm
St John's PS Pupils
Wednesday 7th October, St John's Church - Classes 1K & 1M - 6pm
Thursday 8th October, St John's Church - Classes 1C & 1O - 6pm
St Mark's PS Pupils
Monday 26th October, St John's Church - Class 1M - 6pm
Tuesday 27th October, St John's Church - Class 1O with three from 1K - 6pm
Wednesday 28th October, St John's Church - Class 1C with three from 1K - 6pm

In accordance with present restrictions, these Masses are open to the pupils and their invited guests only; we keep our young people in our prayers during these final weeks of preparation.

FUNERAL MASSES THIS WEEK
There is one Funeral Mass taking place in St John's this week on Friday at 10am; this Mass is offered for the happy repose of the soul of our brother Paul McEwan; we pray for Paul and for the care and consolation of his family at this time. In accordance with government restrictions, this Mass will be open to invited guests only.

CHANGES IN MASS TIMES
Please note that the following changes in Holy Mass times come into effect this coming weekend, 3rd & 4th October:

Saturday Vigil Masses:
St John's 4pm
St Thomas' 5:15pm

We thank you for your continued prayers and patience as we, your priests, attempt to structure both parishes in such a way as to permit their Mass schedules to be celebrated by one priest should the circumstances require it. All other Mass times remain as they are.

CONFESSIONS
Priests are available in St John's oratory on Saturday mornings from 10:30am until 11am, and from 3:15pm to 3:45pm in the afternoon to hear your confession. The oratory has been restructured to permit social distancing, and a screen has been installed so as to maintain your anonymity.

VOLUNTEER STEWARDS - ST THOMAS'
To increase daily Mass at St Thomas' from 3 days per week, we require more volunteer stewards. Similarly, we wish to offer Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament each morning from 9:25am to 9:55am which will also require an increase in volunteers able to be at the parish for 9:15am.

STANDING ORDERS
We wish to offer a profound thank you to all those who have already signed up for a Standing Order to our parishes, enabling a weekly donation which sustains the life of our parishes during these uncertain times, especially given the financial burden so many are under. We would like to encourage those who may not have considered a Standing Order thus far to do so; this way you are able to contribute to the mission of the parish each week even though you may be unable to attend and donate in such a way that reduces the physical exchange of money which is discouraged in these days. May God reward you for your continued generosity.

NEXT WEEKEND 2ND COLLECTION: PETER'S PENCE
Next weekend at all Sunday Masses we have a second collection in aid of Peter's Pence; this is a gesture of solidarity. Through it, every member of the faithful can participate in the activity of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, in his role as Pastor of the universal church. It is an activity that also supports the neediest and those in difficulty who approach the Holy See for help.

HOUR OF MERCY 2020
Bishop Keenan and the Friends of Divine Mercy Scotland invite YOU to an Hour of Mercy and Reconciliation on Tuesday 29th September 2020, at St Mary's Parish, Paisley, 163 George Street, PA1 2UN. The evening begins at 6pm.


PRAYER INTENTIONS
We pray for all those who have died recently especially, Jane Connell, Maria Anderson, and Paul McEwan.

And for the anniversaries of the following: Violet & Martin Walker, May Connolly, James Boyle, Gerry Costello, John & Rena Weldon, Harry Harris, John McLaughlin, Gerald McLaughlin.