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.

THANK YOU!
Fr Joe and Fr Jonathan would like to offer our heartfelt thanks to you, our wonderful parishioners, from St John’s and St Thomas’ for your incredibly kind and warm welcome as we both take up new appointments here in Barrhead and Neilston. It has been a joyful first week/s as we get to know you and serve you. Know too that we pray for you and your intentions each and every day, In our Masses, but also in the house oratory. Let us continue to pray for our parish families and each other. 
 
CHANGE OF TIME FOR ADORATION
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will now be available every day, including Sunday, from 9:25am until Holy Mass at 10am; the church will then close after morning Mass for sanitisation. The previous schedule of Monday, Wednesday, and Friday after Mass until 1pm was possible due to the incredible generosity and dedication of our volunteer stewards, however, with many returning to work, and our priests being engaged in our schools, we thought it best to now offer a daily schedule which takes place before Mass as this is more practical for stewarding and sanitization. It is our hope to return to a fuller schedule of daily Adoration in our Oratory as soon as possible.
 
CONFESSIONS
Our priests are available to hear your confession on Saturday’s mornings in St John’s at 10:30am until 11am, and prior to the Vigil Mass at 3:45pm until 4:14pm; at present, Confessions are heard in the Oratory where there is adequate distancing and a screen set up to preserve anonymity. We are in the process of arranging times/ location for St Thomas’.
 
SATURDAY 26th SEPTEMBER
Our schools will be enjoying their September weekend next Saturday; this allows our Saturday morning 10AM parish Mass to be open to the wider community as it won’t be a First Holy Communion Mass; no booking is necessary.
 
NEW TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR ST THOMAS’
0141 876 1553

FIRST HOLY COMMUNIONS
This Saturday we continue our celebration of First Holy Communion Masses; we offer our warmest congratulations, and promise of continued prayers to our six pupils, and their families from St Mark’s Primary and thirteen pupils, and their families from St Thomas’ Primary as they received our Blessed Lord in Holy Communion for the first time.
 
FUNERAL MASSES
There are funeral Masses taking place in St John’s & St Thomas’ this week:

St Thomas’, Wednesday 10AM – Maria Anderson
St John’s, Friday 10AM – Jane Connell
 
We pray for the happy repose of our sisters’ souls, and for the consolation of their family and friends.
Again, due to government restrictions on numbers, the Mass will be for immediate family only.

Eternal rest, grant unto them O Lord
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace. Amen.
May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.
 
FIRST COMMUNIONS/SATURDAY MORNING MASSES
Throughout the month of September and the first Saturday in October, the Saturday morning Masses in the parish are First Communion Masses for our children who were supposed to receive the Sacrament in May but due to the lockdown were postponed.
Because there are limited numbers allowed in the church and also given we have so many children receiving the Sacrament, the SATURDAY MORNING MASSES FOR THE NEXT MONTH WILL BE FOR THE CHILDREN AND THEIR LIMITED INVITED GUESTS ONLY. THEY ARE NOT OPEN TO THE GENERAL PARISH.
We apologise to all those who normally come to Saturday morning Mass but we’re sure you will agree and understand the importance of the children receiving the Lord. If you are among those unable to come on Saturday mornings, please offer your sacrifice in prayer for the children.
(The Confirmations for S1 will be arranged after all children have received First Holy Communion.)
 
RCIA--NEW MEMBERS BEING RECEIVED INTO THE CHURCH
This year our parish received into the Church two adult converts to the faith, Karen and Stephen; this is a time of great joy for them and the whole parish as we welcome two new members into our family. We are currently making preparations for beginning a new session of RCIA, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults; this is the program of evening inputs which adults follow over the course of the coming year in order to learn about our Catholic faith with the view to being received into the Church the following Easter Vigil. If you feel you are being drawn towards our Catholic faith, or know someone who is, please speak with one of our priests; you are most welcome!
 
ST JOHN’S & ST THOMAS’ FINANCES
The Diocesan Finance department has calculated that due to the restriction of numbers at Mass the potential loss of weekly income at St John’s is around £2,892 resulting in an estimated monthly loss of £12,532. For  St Thomas’ it is around £668 weekly and £2,895 monthly. Although many of us are unable to attend Mass each week, it is still important to donate weekly to our parishes in order to sustain them, and their priests, in their mission. There are buckets marked First and Second Collection in the porches. Please deposit your donation there. You can also donate online by clicking Donate on the website. Thank you to all those who have continued to donate so generously over these last few months, especially given the financial burden so many are facing; it is deeply appreciated, and may God reward you for your continued generosity. By Gift Aiding - if you pay Tax - you can generate more funds for the parishes and may we also encourage more of you to consider donating by Standing Order. 
 
SICK AND RETIRED CLERGY – 2nd COLLECTION SUNDAY 20th SEPTEMBER
We remember our Sick & Retired Priests of the diocese with great love and affection. We have fifteen retired priests, still active in prayer and witness: one living in Rome, six in houses throughout the diocese, three in parish presbyteries, and five at the Residence of the Little Sisters along with Bishop John Cunningham. We thank God for the gift of these priests and keep them in our prayers. In 2018 our three special collections and Friends Campaign raised £76,426, which represents 60% of our expenditure of £128,381. i.e. a shortfall of £51,955, which was met by the Sick & Retired Priests Investment income.  You can give to this Second Collection either in Church or through the Diocesan online portal.
 
HOUR OF MERCY 2020
Bishop John Keenan and The Friends of Divine Mercy Scotland invite YOU to an Hour of Mercy and Reconciliation on Tuesday 29th September 2020, at The Diocesan Divine Mercy Shrine St Mary’s Parish Paisley, 163 George Street, PA1 2UN.  Time: 6:00pm
 
This is a wonderful opportunity for those who have not gone for confession since the lockdown. Priests will available for confession. Book your ticket here, call the chapel house on 01418892602, or email [email protected] 
 
INVITATION FROM BISHOP JOHN – ST THERESE NOVENA
Sign up for the Novena
‘I encourage you to join me in asking the Little Flower’s intercession so that in these unprecedented times, in her words, we may both ‘trust God that we are exactly where we are meant to be’ and, at the same time, ‘not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.’
With every prayer and blessing, 
+John
 
FAMILY ROSARY
We will continue on Saturdays and Sundays at 7pm to pray the Rosary together in our homes for our families and parish. We especially ask Our Lady in her titles as Health of the Sick and Comforter of the Afflicted to intercede before God the Father and her Son Jesus for our intentions.

PRAYERS REQUESTED
Please keep in your prayers all those who have asked us to pray for their intentions, especially for the repose of the souls of Jane Connell, Maria Anderson, and Patricia McLaughlan,  who died recently.
As well as Margaret Gallacher, Emma Goodwin, Anthony Quinn, Ella McLaughlin, Brian McBride, Brian Joseph McBride, Alex Costello, Peggy & Jim McCaffery, Tommy McKenna, Anna Gaughan, Jack & Isabel Barr, Mark & Irene Clougherty, John Langlois,  whose anniversaries occur around this time, and for the 6th Months mind of Jimmy Kierny.
May all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.

WELCOME TO FR JOE
We are delighted to welcome our new parish priest, Fr Joe Balmer, to the family of St John’s, Barrhead; we wish Fr Joe every grace and blessing as he begins his ministry with us, and assure him of our continued prayers and support.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNIONS
This Saturday we continue our celebration of First Holy Communion Masses; we offer our warmest congratulations, and promise of continued prayers to our six pupils, and their families from St Mark’s Primary as they received our Blessed Lord in Holy Communion for the first time.

FUNERAL MASSES
There is one funeral Mass taking place in St John’s this week:

Thursday, 10am – Patricia ‘Pat’ McLaughlan

We pray for the happy repose of our sisters soul, and for the consolation of her family and friends.
Again, due to government restrictions on numbers, the Mass will be for immediate family only.

Eternal rest, grant unto them O Lord
and let perpetual light shine upon them.

May they rest in peace. Amen.

May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.

FIRST COMMUNIONS/SATURDAY MORNING MASSES
Throughout the month of September and the first Saturday in October, the Saturday morning Masses in the parish are First Communion Masses for our children who were supposed to receive the Sacrament in May but due to the lockdown were postponed.
Because there are limited numbers allowed in the church and also given we have so many children receiving the Sacrament, the SATURDAY MORNING MASSES FOR THE NEXT MONTH WILL BE FOR THE CHILDREN AND THEIR LIMITED INVITED GUESTS ONLY. THEY ARE NOT OPEN TO THE GENERAL PARISH.
We apologise to all those who normally come to Saturday morning Mass but we’re sure you will agree and understand the importance of the children receiving the Lord. If you are among those unable to come on Saturday mornings, please offer your sacrifice in prayer for the children.
(The Confirmations for S1 will be arranged after all children have received First Holy Communion.)

RCIA--NEW MEMBERS BEING RECEIVED INTO THE CHURCH
This year our parish received into the Church two adult converts to the faith, Karen and Stephen; this is a time of great joy for them and the whole parish as we welcome two new members into our family. We are currently making preparations for beginning a new session of RCIA, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults; this is the program of evening inputs which adults follow over the course of the coming year in order to learn about our Catholic faith with the view to being received into the Church the following Easter Vigil. If you feel you are being drawn towards our Catholic faith, or know someone who is, please speak with one of our priests; you are most welcome!

Monsignor James Cunningham Jubilee – 60th Anniversary of Priestly Ordination
Mgr. James Cunningham celebrates 60 years of priestly ordination on Friday 11th September. We thank God for his long and faithful service to the people of Paisley Diocese, wish him a happy day and many blessed years of retirement to come with the Little Sisters in Greenock.

Vocations Awareness Week
Sunday marks the beginning of Vocations Awareness Week, a time of prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood, Diaconate and Consecrated Life. Ordinarily, we would celebrate our Diocesan Vocations Mass at the Cathedral and host our Vocations Conference for s6 pupils. These events are not feasible this year. We have, however, developed out usual materials for secondary schools. Focused on the theme of ‘Parable’, these invite pupils to consider God’s plan for their lives and include resources for prayer and reflection. The material is also designed to be augmented by a talk from the school chaplain. All our resources are on the SCES Website and have been sent to our schools. Through the week there will be plentiful material on our social media channels https://sces.org.uk/vocations-awareness-week-2020-materials-for-schools/ Please remember to pray for Vocations this week.

PRAYERS REQUESTED
Please keep in your prayers all those who have asked us to pray for their intentions, especially for the repose of the souls of Patrick Bolger, Thomas Tinney, James Knox, and Patricia McLaughlan who all died recently.
As well as Peter McKenzie, Selina Pearson, Nancy McLaughlin whose anniversaries occur around this time, and for the 6 Months Mind of Jim Ross.
May all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.

PRAYERS AND BEST WISHES TO FR JOE
Brothers and sisters, this week we say goodbye to Fr Joe as he prepares to take up his new appointment as Administrator of St Mirin’s Cathedral this Friday, 11th September; there are no words worthy or fitting enough to describe and convey our heartfelt gratitude to God for Fr Joe’s outstanding ministry to our parish family of St John’s over these past two years. We assure Fr Joe of our constant prayers and best wishes, as he begins the next chapter of service in his priesthood in our diocese. May God bless and protect our priests.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNIONS
This Saturday we began our celebration of First Holy Communion Masses; we offer our warmest congratulations, and promise of continued prayers to our six pupils and their families from St Mark’s Primary as they received our Blessed Lord in Holy Communion for the first time.

FUNERAL MASSES
There are three Funeral Masses taking place in St John’s this week:

Wednesday 10am – Patrick Bolger
Thursday 10am – Thomas Tinney
Friday 10am – James Knox

We pray for the happy repose of the souls of our brother’s, and for the consolation of their families and friends.
​
Again, due to government restrictions on numbers, these Masses will be for immediate family only.

Eternal rest, grant unto them O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace, Amen.

May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed,
​through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.


FIRST COMMUNIONS/SATURDAY MORNING MASSES
Throughout the month of September and the first Saturday in October, the Saturday morning Masses in the parish are First Communion Masses for our children who were supposed to receive the Sacrament in May but due to the lockdown were postponed.
Because there are limited numbers allowed in the church and also given we have so many children receiving the Sacrament, the SATURDAY MORNING MASSES FOR THE NEXT MONTH WILL BE FOR THE CHILDREN AND THEIR LIMITED INVITED GUESTS ONLY. THEY ARE NOT OPEN TO THE GENERAL PARISH.
We apologise to all those who normally come to Saturday morning Mass but we’re sure you will agree and understand the importance of the children receiving the Lord. If you are among those unable to come on Saturday mornings, please offer your sacrifice in prayer for the children.
(The Confirmations for S1 will be arranged after all children have received First Holy Communion.)

RCIA--NEW MEMBERS BEING RECEIVED INTO THE CHURCH
Last weekend our parish received into the Church two adult converts to the faith, Karen and Stephen; this is a time of great joy for them and the whole parish as we welcome two new members into our family. We are currently making preparations for beginning a new session of RCIA, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults; this is the program of evening inputs which adults follow over the course of the coming year in order to learn about our Catholic faith with the view to being received into the Church the following Easter Vigil. If you feel you are being drawn towards our Catholic faith, or know someone who is, please speak with one of our priests; you are most welcome!

PRAYERS REQUESTED
Please keep in your prayers all those who have asked us to pray for their intentions, especially for the repose of the souls of John Crossan, Patrick Bolger, Thomas Tinney, James Knox, and Jack Shaw who all died recently.
As well as Ellen Speirs, Agnes & William Brennan, Emma Goodwin, Alison O’Kane, Margaret & Michael Docherty, Susan Gillan & John Gillan, and Annie Logue whose anniversaries occur around this time.
May all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.