Blog Archives - Saint John the Evangelist

26/1/2024

Fourth Sunday of Year B

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Fourth Sunday of Year B:           27th January 2024

COLLECTIONS
First Collection GA: £329.00 NGA: £ 903.02 Monthly Standing Orders: £5,194.50
Sick & Retired Priests GA: £591.00 NGA: £641.09                           Justice & Peace: £5.00
Building Fund GA: £40.00
St Anthony’s Box: £172.75

Second Collection Next Weekend: Monthly Building Fund

Monthly Divine Mercy Devotions: Mass is on this Wednesday 31 January 2024 at 7 p.m. followed by Adoration at St Mary’s church, 163 George Street, Paisley PA1 2UN.

First Friday Masses 2nd February: 7.30am & 10.00am

First Friday Children’s Rosary in St Johns: This Friday at 6.00pm. This is an opportunity, for children of all ages to gather together to pray the rosary. All families are invited to attend and pre- school children are very welcome. The idea is that children as young as 4 or 5 and up to around 14 can learn to lead the rosary and make the rosary part of their daily lives. The rosary only lasts around 15 minutes. Please contact Lesley Ward if you need any further information ([email protected] or call 07910266821).

First Fridays for Life: Bishop John invites you to fast and pray on the First Friday of each month to protect the unborn child and for the flourishing of the Pro-Life movement so that our society will build an authentic culture of life. Mass this Friday 2nd February at 7pm in the Little Sisters, Greenock with Adoration/Confession from 6pm.

Young Adults Aged 18-35? Fr Ryan Black, who will explore God’s covenant with David. Come along to learn more about the Faith and to meet other young Catholics. The talk begins at 7pm in the Diocesan office on Wednesday 7th February. It will end with Adoration and Benediction, followed by an opportunity to socialise in a local bar. Email Fr Ryan ([email protected]) or Fr Joe McGill ([email protected]) for more info, and to be added to the WhatsApp group.

P4-P7 Diocesan Lenten Retreat Day: This takes place on Sunday 18th February, from 2pm- 5.30pm, in St Mary’s, Paisley. It will start in the church hall. The retreat day will include activities, Mass and the chance to meet new friends. All participants must bring a signed consent form, which can be obtained from your parish or primary school, or by contacting Fr John Morrison at [email protected] or on 0141 889 5056. The forms will soon be available on the diocesan website.

Safeguarding Training – 2024:  If you are a new volunteer or one who completed the Part 1 training course more than a year ago, you are invited to sign up for a Safeguarding training session taking place here on Tues 5th March at 7pm or, Sat 8th June at 10.30am in St. John’s Parish Hall, Barrhead.

Diocesan Choir- New Members: We will start rehearsals for the Chrism Mass in a few weeks, and are looking for new members to join us as we learn new repertoire. We rehearse on Thursday evenings from 6.30- 8pm in the Diocesan offices. There will be an initial workshop for all new members that wish to join on the 8th of February, If you are interested in joining, please contact Michael Hepburn, our Diocesan Director of Music, at [email protected]

Theology Thursdays: Each seminar has a particular theological focus, lasts for one hour and is taught by an expert in the field at the University of Glasgow. To register, click here: https://rcdop.org.uk/news/theology-thursdays.

We pray for those who have died recently: Isobel Alexander and for the Anniversaries of Ian Burnett, Maria Crollla, Jane Michelle Doyle, Charlotte Fitzpatrick, Anna Gaffney, Rose Gormlie, Jean Howell, Ann Mc Guire, Anna Mc Guire, Joanne Mc Laughlin, Betty & Billy Mc Shane, Lex Shields, Oliver Smyth, John Speirs, Betty & Danny Williamson.

Rev Joseph G Balmer: Parish Priest
Rev Joseph J McGill:   Curate
Email: [email protected]                      Tel- 0141 881 0769
Website: www.stjohns-barrhead.org

Mary Hallan Safeguarding Co-Ordinator: [email protected]
MaryMurraySafeguardingCo-Ordinator: [email protected]

Times of Sunday Masses: Sat Vigil 4pm. Sun: 10am, 11.30am, 5pm.
Weekdays: Mon to Saturday 10am. Workers Mass: Each Wednesday at 7.30am

Daily Adoration in Church: 9.00am – 9.55am.
In Oratory: 10.30am-9pm on Monday, Wednesday, Friday.
Daily Rosary: 9.25am.
Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessions): Monday to Friday 9.30am -9.50am
Saturday: 10.30 am – 10.50am &   3.15pm – 3.45pm

Confiteor: I confess to almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault; therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin, all the Angels and Saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.

Gloria: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will. We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glory, Lord God, heavenly King, O God, almighty Father. Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son, Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us; you take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer; you are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Creed: I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

The mystery of faith.
We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.

Or: When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.

Or: Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.

Prayer to St Michael, the Archangel:
St Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the Divine Power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen

19/1/2024

Third Sunday of Year B

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Third Sunday of Year B:           20th January 24

COLLECTIONS
First Collection GA £418.00 NGA £ 920.39                                      Monthly Standing Orders: £5,194.50
Justice & Peace GA £63.50                                                                  St Anthony’s Box: £62.42
Building Fund GA: £583.10 NGA £513.82
Second Collection Today: Sick & Retired Priests: We have twelve retired priests, still active in prayer and witness. In 2022 our two special collections and Friends Campaign raised £50,953 which represents 37% of our expenditure of £136,824 i.e. a shortfall of £85,871, which was met by the Sick & Retired Priests Investment income.

Parish Primary 4 Catechism Class: As part of the First Communion Sacramental Preparation, Fr Joe Balmer will lead Sunday’s Catechism Class. The dates return to the normal First/Third Sunday of each month for 30 minutes after the 10am.
Funeral this week: Agnes Mather on Friday 26th January ay at 10.00am.

Young Adults Aged 18-35? Fr Ryan Black, who will explore God’s covenant with David. Come along to learn more about the Faith and to meet other young Catholics. The talk begins at 7pm in the Diocesan office on Wednesday 7th February. It will end with Adoration and Benediction, followed by an opportunity to socialise in a local bar. Email Fr Ryan ([email protected]) or Fr Joe McGill ([email protected]) for more info, and to be added to the WhatsApp group.

Conversion Therapy Practices: The UK Government committed in its 2018 LGBT Action Plan to end the practice of conversion therapy. The Scottish Government plans for taking forward legislation to end conversion practices in Scotland. The consultation containing the Scottish Government proposals is now live. This is your opportunity to have your voices heard on the issues.  You can read and respond to the consultation on Citizen Space. You can also view a full PDF version of the consultation, a summary version and an easy read version. Translations of the summary will also be available shortly.

Conversion Therapy Ban- Praying Shouldn’t be a Crime: The Scottish Government is consulting on banning so-called “gay conversion therapy” with a view to bringing forward legislation. The Scottish Bishops are not alone in raising concerns that, as it stands, it will have the effect of criminalising sensitive conversations between parents and their children as well as mainstream prayer, preaching and pastoral conversations which uphold church teaching on sexual ethics and gender. The Christian Institute is hosting an open meeting at 10am on Saturday 17th February at Newton Mearns Baptist Church, 2 Greenfarm Road, G77 6FA. Come along to find out how to respond to the Government’s plans which could impact our ability to share the Gospel and raise our children in the Faith. Further information at
https://letuspray.uk

P4-P7 Diocesan Lenten Retreat Day: This takes place on Sunday 18th February, from 2pm- 5.30pm, in St Mary’s, Paisley. It will start in the church hall. The retreat day will include activities, Mass and the chance to meet new friends. All participants must bring a signed consent form, which can be obtained from your parish or primary school, or by contacting Fr John Morrison at [email protected] or on 0141 889 5056. The forms will soon be available on the diocesan website.

Safeguarding Training – 2024:  If you are a new volunteer or one who completed the Part 1 training course more than a year ago, you are invited to sign up for a Safeguarding training session taking place here on Tues 5th March at 7pm or, Sat 8th June at 10.30am in St. John’s Parish Hall, Barrhead.

Parish Fundraiser: This has been Cancelled due to poor number sales and therefore not being able to break even. All those who bought tickets can have a full refund. Please see Fr Joe Balmer to get your monies back.

We pray for those who have died recently: Denis Connaghan, Agnes Mather and Six Months Mind of Sarah Hill, and for the Anniversaries of Patrick Brady, Jim Casey, James Connor, Sylvia Harris, Agnes Kelly, Catherine Mc Lachlan, Rina Owens, Gordon Roy, Sandra Wylie.

13/1/2024

Second Sunday of Year B

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  SECOND SUNDAY OF YEAR B:   14TH OF JANUARY

COLLECTIONS
First Collection GA £488.75 NGA £ 915.00 Monthly Standing Orders: £5,194.50
Justice & Peace GA £487.50 NGA £580.36                                       St Anthony’s Box: £74.37
Building Fund GA: £72.00

Second Collection Today: Monthly Building Fund and next weekend Sick & Retired Priests

Funeral this week: Mary Brodie Mc Gunnigle on Thursday the 18th January at 10am.

Workers Mass: Now resumed at 7.30am each Wednesday

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: This is from the 18th to 25th January. This year the theme is “Go and do likewise.” More information can be found at http://www.christianunity.va

Parish Fundraiser NEXT SUNDAY! “PACKED WITH CELTIC HEART & SOUL” (The Herald) Enjoy an afternoon of original & classic songs with family & friends from Singer Songwriter Maureen O’Kelly on Sunday 21st January 3pm - 5:30pm in the Hall. £15pp BYOB (no age restrictions) To avoid disappointment, TICKETS from the Sacristy/House 0141 881 0769 [email protected] and E-tickets/music previews at MaureenOKelly.com/tickets OR pay at the door.

St Johns’s On Line Giving Portal: You can now donate to the Parish Sunday Collection by scanning the QR Code with your phone on one the cards on all the pews around the Church and in the porch. This is especially helpful for those who don’t carry cash and also helps reduce time with having to count money.

Young Adults Aged 18-35? Fr Ryan Black, who will explore God’s covenant with David. Come along to learn more about the Faith and to meet other young Catholics. The talk begins at 7pm in the Diocesan office on Wednesday 7th February. It will end with Adoration and Benediction, followed by an opportunity to socialise in a local bar. Email Fr Ryan ([email protected]) or Fr Joe McGill ([email protected]) for more info, and to be added to the WhatsApp group.

Think Vocation: “Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ?” Is the Holy Spirit leading you to share your gifts as a priest? Speak you our Diocesan Vocations Director, Fr. John Morrison Tel: 0141 889 5056 or email [email protected]

Safeguarding Training – 2024: The Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency has reorganised Safeguarding Induction Training into one course only, combining the previous Parts 1 & 2. If you are a new volunteer or one who completed the Part 1 training course more than a year ago, you are invited to sign up for a Safeguarding training session taking place on: Tues 16th January at 7pm in St. Mirin’s Cathedral Hall, Sat 17th February at 10.30am in St. Mary’s Parish Hall, Greenock, Tues 5th March at 7pm in St. John’s Parish Hall, Barrhead, Sat 20th April at 10.30am in St. Mirin’s Cathedral Hall, Wed 1st May at 7pm in St. Mary’s Parish Hall, Greenock, Sat 8th June at 10.30am in St. John’s Parish Hall, Barrhead.

Meeting of all Parish Safeguarding Coordinators: This will take place on Thursday 18th January at 6.30pm and Saturday 20th January at 10.30am in the Diocesan Offices. Please contact Sarah Jane on 0141 847 6138 or [email protected]and note which date you would like to attend. Thank you.

We pray for those who have died recently: Mary Brodie Mc Gunnigle, Betty Tolland, Bobby Bowie, Catherine Dean, Eileen Ann Millar and for the Anniversaries of Desmond & Jane Coleman, Brian Corcoran, Robert Gribbon, Maria Hannigan, Ann Kernegan, Jean Mc Allister, Jean Mc Fadyen, Agnes & Peter Mc Goldrick, John & Rose Mc Goldrick, 13th January: Archbishop Philip Tartaglia, Canon Benedict O’Keeffe, Fr. Kevin Whitty   Fr. Simon Keane.

Rev Joseph G Balmer: Parish Priest
Rev Joseph J McGill:   Curate
Email: [email protected]                      Tel- 0141 881 0769
Website: www.stjohns-barrhead.org

Mary Hallan:   Safeguarding Co-Ordinator: [email protected]

Mary Murray: Safeguarding Co-Ordinator: [email protected]

Times of Sunday Masses: Sat Vigil 4pm. Sun: 10am, 11.30am, 5pm.
Weekdays: Mon to Saturday 10am. Workers Mass: Each Wednesday at 7.30am

Daily Adoration in Church: 9.00am – 9.55am.
In Oratory: 10.30am-9pm on Monday, Wednesday, Friday.
Daily Rosary: 9.25am.
Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessions): Monday to Friday 9.30am -9.50am
                                                                               Saturday: 10.30 am – 10.50am &   3.15pm – 3.45pm

Confiteor: I confess to almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault; therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin, all the Angels and Saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.

Gloria: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will. We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glory, Lord God, heavenly King, O God, almighty Father. Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son, Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us; you take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer; you are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Creed: I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

The mystery of faith.
We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.

Or: When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.

Or: Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.

Prayer to St Michael, the Archangel:
St Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the Divine Power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen

6/1/2024

Solemnity of the Epiphany: 7th January 2024

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Solemnity of the Epiphany: 7th January 2024



Collections
24th/25th Dec: First Collection GA   £352.50
NGA £901.40
St Anthony’s Box: £145.87
Christmas
First Collection GA: £1430.50
NGA: £1877.37
30/31st   Dec
First Collection GA £349.00
NGA £1038.50
Monthly Standing Orders: £5,194.50

Building Fund GA: £10.00
St Anthony’s Box: £67.52

Second Collection Today: Justice & Peace. Our Justice & Peace Commission campaigns for fairness for asylum seekers and refugees and for action against climate change and for the environment.
The Monthly Building Fund transfers to next weekend.

Thank you: A sincere thank you to all those who gave cards, had Masses celebrated and gave gifts to the Priests at Christmas. It was very much appreciated. Three Holy Masses will be celebrated for your intentions and your families.

Adoration in the Oratory: The Oratory will re-open this Monday the 8th January from 10.30am - 9.00pm

Sacred Heart Companions Prayer Group: Monthly meeting this Tuesday 9th January from 1pm to 2pm.

Young Adults Aged 18-35?: The ‘Christ in the Covenants’ series continues with a talk from Fr Paul Denney, who will explore God’s covenant with Moses. Come along to learn more about the Faith and to meet other young Catholics. The talk begins at 7pm in the Diocesan office on Wednesday 10 January. It will end with Adoration and Benediction, followed by an opportunity to socialise in a local bar. Email Fr Ryan ([email protected]) for more info, and to be added to the WhatsApp group.

December St Anthony’s Box: £580.50 was sent to Mary’s Meals.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: This is from the 18th to 25th January. This year the theme is “Go and do likewise.” More information can be found at http://www.christianunity.va

Parish Fundraiser: “PACKED WITH CELTIC HEART & SOUL” (The Herald) Original & Classic Songs with Singer Songwriter Maureen O’Kelly on Sunday 21st January 3pm - 5:30pm in the Hall. £15pp BYOB & friends. Tickets from the Sacristy/House 0141 881 0769 [email protected] MaureenOKelly.com/tickets  . See also Parish Facebook for clip and preview of the music from Maureen O’Kelly.

St John’s On Line Giving Portal: You can now donate to the Parish Sunday Collection by scanning the QR Code with your phone on one the cards on all the pews around the Church and in the porch. This is especially helpful for those who don’t carry cash and also helps reduce time with having to count money.

Primary 4 Catechism Classes. They begin next weekend 14th January and the following weekend 21st January and from February they will return to the First/Third Sunday of each month. Both Fr Balmer & Mc Gill will be leading these next two Classes. Can. 914. It is primarily the duty of parents and those who take the place of parents, as well as the duty of pastors, to take care that children who have reached the use of reason are prepared properly and, after they have made sacramental confession, are refreshed with this divine food as soon as possible. It is for the pastor to exercise vigilance so that children who have not attained the use of reason or whom he judges are not sufficiently disposed do not approach Holy Communion

We pray for those who have died recently: Mary Brodie Mc Gunnigle and for the Anniversaries of John Anderson, Jim Brown, Mary Doyle, Robert Furie, Bernadette Mowbray, Charles Mc Aleavy, Dominic Mc Cue, Anne Mc Laughlin, Irene Mc Laughlin, Liam Mc Laughlin, Gregg Thomas Mc Master, Doris Mc Quarrie, Margaret & Owen Taylor, Canon John T. Earley, Fr. Thomas S. Ryan, Canon James Murphy, Fr. Denis McKillop, Fr. Hugh Heslin, Monsignor Francis Provost Magauran, Fr. Joseph Logue.

Rev Joseph G Balmer: Parish Priest
Rev Joseph J McGill:   Curate
Email: [email protected]                      Tel- 0141 881 0769
Website: www.stjohns-barrhead.org

Mary Hallan: Safeguarding Co-Ordinator: [email protected]

Mary Murray: Safeguarding Co-Ordinator: [email protected]

Times of Sunday Masses: Sat Vigil 4pm. Sun: 10am, 11.30am, 5pm.
Weekdays: Mon to Saturday 10am. Workers Mass: Each Wednesday at 7.30am

Daily Adoration in Church: 9.00am – 9.55am.
In Oratory: 10.30am-9pm on Monday, Wednesday, Friday.
Daily Rosary: 9.25am.
Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessions): Monday to Friday 9.30am -9.50am
Saturday: 10.30 am – 10.50am &   3.15pm – 3.45pm

Confiteor: I confess to almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault; therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin, all the Angels and Saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.

Gloria: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will. We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glory, Lord God, heavenly King, O God, almighty Father. Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son, Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us; you take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer; you are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Creed: I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

The Mystery of Faith.
We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.

Or: When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.

Or: Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.

Prayer to St Michael, the Archangel:
St Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the Divine Power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen