Annual St. Conval’s Cemetery Mass Sunday 1 November 2:00pm
Join with us live on Youtube on Sunday 1st November at 2:00pm for the Paisley Diocese Cemetery Mass at St. Conval’s Cemetery. Due to current Government Restrictions we can only allow access to the 200 people who have registered for this event via Eventbrite. Please be advised the Mass will be LIVE STREAMED on YouTube by following this link https://you.tube/ubCmEq_0ejY. Please note that the cemetery will be closed from 1:30pm – 3:30pm to allow for the cemetery mass to go ahead under the government restrictions.

Annual Holy Mass - Hawkhead Cemetery
Father Joe Burke will celebrate in St Mirin’s Cathedral the Annual Holy Mass for the souls of the faithful departed of Hawkhead Cemetery on Sunday 8th November at 12:00pm. Unfortunately, due to Covid, Mass will not be in the cemetery itself this year. All those with loved ones resting there are invited to join him online or in church through Eventbrite booking. Mass is livestreamed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOpDi2GliU0&feature=youtu.be

Zoom Music Day
The Diocesan Liturgy Commission will host a Zoom music day on Saturday 7th November at 11:00am- finishing at approx. 1:00pm or before. The group will look at learning some Mass parts to be used by cantors during these covid times, and for parish choirs to use once restrictions are lifted. Everyone is invited to join the meeting. Musicians, cantors and choirs are all welcome. Details of the zoom meeting are below. Please just click on the link, or use the meeting id, if required.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/7247466974 . Meeting ID: 724 746 6974

November, Month of the Holy Souls
Mass each day in November is offered for the Souls in Purgatory. They are assured of heaven but judged at the moment of death to be in need of further purification, for the sins they committed and that they made inadequate reparation for them while on earth. November lists are available as you leave the Church please and return with your offering for Masses as soon as possible. All the lists of names will be placed before the Altar during November.

Working to Eradicate Domestic Abuse
The Scottish Interfaith Group on Domestic Abuse invites you to their Webinar on Wednesday 25th November 7:30pm (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women). The webinar will inform you with: insights into domestic abuse from a survivor: how COVID-19 has impacted abuse (Women’s Aid and an MSP): the collaboration of all faiths against domestic abuse: the international aspect of domestic abuse from a leading charity; learning how to help. To register and receive the Zoom code go to http://ifgoda.org.uk You will receive an email with all the details. We can all help in the work of countering abuse.

Diocese of Paisley Preparation for those due to marry before March 2021
There is a Marriage Preparation Day over two evenings (to best comply with COVID protocols) on Wednesdays 4th and 11th November, from 7.00pm until 8.30pm in St. Mirin’s Cathedral Hall. Places are available for 12 couples whose wedding is before March 2021. Couples should attend both sessions. Places will be prioritised by wedding date. There is a £15 charge per couple to cover materials and administration. Couples, should register at [email protected] and we will send them instructions.

Scottish Interfaith week 8-15 November
“Let us dream, then, as a single human family, as fellow travellers sharing the same flesh, as children of the same earth which is our common home, each of us bringing the richness of his or her beliefs and convictions, each of us with his or her own voice, brothers and sisters all.” (Fratelli Tutti 8). Today is the beginning of Scottish Interfaith week. It is an opportunity for Catholics to follow the example set by our Holy Father Pope Francis to reach out to our neighbours and to recognise all people of faith as our brothers and sisters. Take the opportunity this week to pray that people of faith might work together for peace in our world and in our country. Interfaith Scotland’s website www.interfaithscotland.org gives notification of the many interfaith events happening throughout the country this week if you would like to get involved.

Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Service: National Safeguarding Webinar
The Webinar will focus safeguarding and online risks in the pandemic both internationally and locally here in Scotland. This will take place on Saturday 14th November 11:00am - 1:30pm. Secure booking open from Monday 12th October. Any questions at this point, please email: [email protected]

Safeguarding ‘Thought for the Month’ - November 2020
The Catholic Church is committed to respecting, protecting and nurturing the dignity of all people.

Rosary Whirlwind British Isles: October 2020
Join us for daily online Rosary at 8pm on the 31st October for the National Rosary Rally 9am-9pm. On the 1st November the Online Rosary will be led by Bishop John Keenan at 8pm. More information at www.rosaryonthecoast.co.uk

We pray for those who have died recently especially
George Alcorn, Patricia Cawtheray, Norrie Galbraith, Michael Paul Harkins, John McCann, John McMahon, Gilda Vitessse
and for the Anniversaries of
Jim Bell, Canon Luke Brady, Ronald Burns, Gerard Connelly, Joe Gallagher, Agnes & Billy Geddes, Theresa & William Irwin, Stephen Lafferty, Hugh & Jenny Lynch, Ellen Longwill, Christine McBride, Stuart McManus, Charlie Taylor.

Class Mass Primary 4
St John’s Primary at 11am on Wednesday the 4th of November.
St Mark’s Primary at 1:30pm on Friday the 6th of November.

Jesse Tree appeal for Christmas.
For the past few years the parish has very generously chosen and wrapped gifts for families in our schools who struggle to have a good Christmas. As you know those most severely affected by Covid 19 are workers on furlough. This year due to infection control we cannot give wrapped gifts, but the need to help families is greater than usual. We would like to give gift tokens to families in need for parents to buy Christmas gifts. If you are able to give, please give gift tokens, either from Silverburn or the Post Office, preferably ones which can be used in different shops. Gift tokens should be in envelopes with the amount marked on the outside so that they can be fairly distributed. Please hand tokens in at Mass or post them through the parish house letterbox.

Funeral Mass of Theresa McVeigh
Thursday 5th Nov at 10am in St Johns.

Community Circle of Prayer
Every Friday evening people gather on line at 7pm for The Community Circle of Prayer. This half hour event simply consists of a little music, some readings and the opportunity to share our prayer petitions and support others in theirs. Why not spend half an hour with us this Friday in community and fellowship? You would be most welcome! To join please use the Zoom link https://zoom.us/j/8510142970?pwd=UUtVa2ZhOFUxa2NSZmJCckZOek0rUT09

RCIA St Thomas
Congratulations and welcome to Allie Robinson who was received into Full Communion with the Catholic Church on Saturday the 31st of October by Bishop John in St Thomas, Neilston.

Cardinal Winning Lecture 2020
This will be given by Dr Rebekah Lamb, Lecturer in Theology and Arts School of Divinity in St Andrew’s University. The lecture is on St Therese of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church for our times. It is on the 28th November, online via zoom. Register at https://cardinalwinninglecture2020.eventbrite.co.uk 

Plenary Indulgence during month of November
Due to the coronavirus pandemic and the need to avoid large groups from forming where prohibited, the Plenary Indulgence applicable to the deceased by those who visit a cemetery has been extended beyond the normal dates of 1st to 8th November. This year, the indulgence can be obtained by anyone who visits a cemetery, even if only mentally, on any day in November, and devoutly prays for the faithful departed. The Plenary Indulgence for the Feast of All Souls’ Day (2nd November) can be obtained this year not only on the preceding or succeeding Sunday, or on the actual Feast day, but on any other day of the month chosen by each member of the faithful. In this case, the indulgence is obtained by “devoutly visiting a church or an oratory”, along with the recitation of the Our Father and the Creed, and the other requirements associated with a Plenary Indulgence.

For anyone who cannot leave their home for various reasons, including anti-Covid restrictions, they too can obtain the Plenary Indulgence by “uniting themselves spiritually to other members of the faithful”. In this case, the condition of being “completely detached from sin” and the intention of completing the other requirements for obtaining a Plenary Indulgence remain.

These conditions are Sacramental Confession, reception of Holy Communion and a prayer for the Holy Father’s intentions. The Decree suggests that such prayer take place before an “image of Jesus or the Blessed Virgin Mary”. Among the various prayers that are recommended are “prayers for the deceased, Morning or Evening Prayer from the Office of the Dead, the Rosary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, meditating on various Gospel passages proposed for the liturgy of the Dead, or completing a work of mercy by offering to God the suffering and discomforts of one’s own life”.

Reminder from the Diocese: All must receive Holy Communion in the hand and not on the tongue.

St Anthony’s Poor Box Monies
St Johns, October £189.06 sent to Wayside Club, Glasgow
St Thomas, October: £136.29 sent to Marys Meals

Annual St. Conval’s Cemetery Mass: Sunday 1 November 2:00pm
Bishop John will celebrate the Annual Cemetery Mass as usual this year but according to the Government’s infection control guidelines which limit numbers to 200 for outside ceremonies. We would ask everyone attending to endeavour to come in cars and remain in them for the duration of the Mass. Mass is a ticketed event and is now sold out. Please bring your ticket to the Mass. Please note that the cemetery will be closed from 1:30pm – 3:30pm to allow for the cemetery mass to go ahead under the government restrictions. If you were unable to get a ticket please note the mass will also be livestreamed and available via the You Tube link - https://youtu.be/ubCmEq_0ejY

Zoom Music Day
The Diocesan Liturgy Commission will host a Zoom music day on Saturday 7th November beginning at 11:00am and finishing approximately at 1:00pm. The group will look at learning some Mass parts to be used by cantors during these covid times, and for parish choirs to use once restrictions are lifted. Everyone is invited to join the meeting. Musicians, cantors and choirs are all welcome. Details of the zoom meeting will follow next week.

November, Month of the Holy Souls
Mass each day in November is offered for the Souls in Purgatory. They are assured of heaven but judged at the moment of death to be in need of further purification, for the sins they committed and that they made inadequate reparation for them while on earth. November lists are available as you leave the Church please and return with your offering for Masses as soon as possible. All the lists of names will be placed before the Altar during November.

Justice and Peace Scotland – A Conversation on Migration
On Tuesday 27 October, Justice and Peace Scotland will be hosting an evening hearing from inspirational people serving on the frontline of the UK’s hostile border environment. Our speakers include: Clare Mosely, Founder, Care4Calais, Br Johannes Maertens, Founder, Maria Skobtsova, Catholic Worker House, and Alex Holmes from Calais Catholic Worker. To join this online event please register here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/conversation-on-migration-tickets-122206736639

Adult Education Talks
Following the results of our Diocesan Adult Formation Survey, a series of talks has been organised on Zoom on the 3rd Monday of every month from October 2020 to May 2021 at 6:30pm. The first talk is by Fr. John Eagers on 'Prayer' this Monday, 26th October, at 6:30pm - all welcome.Please join the webinar:https://zoom.us/j/99033814181?pwd=T051eWRxbE13NXdPejhKMlJlVStTQT09 Passcode: 560493

Marriage Matters (www.twoinoneflesh.org.uk)
Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Exodus 22:20-26. 1 Thess 1:5-10 Matt 22:34-40)
How can I best love you today? In today’s gospel Jesus says love should be at the centre of our lives, so we must ask ‘How can I best love my partner today’ To know how our partner experiences our love best, we need to explore together whether it is through compliments, special time together, presents or acts of service, or simple hugging and kissing.

Working to Eradicate Domestic Abuse
The Scottish Interfaith Group on Domestic Abuse invites you to their Webinar on Wednesday 25th November 7:30pm (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women). The webinar will inform you with: insights into domestic abuse from a survivor: how COVID-19 has impacted abuse (Women’s Aid and an MSP): the collaboration of all faiths against domestic abuse: the international aspect of domestic abuse from a leading charity; learning how to help. To register and receive the Zoom code go to http://ifgoda.org.ukYou will receive an email with all the details. We can all help in the work of countering abuse.

Diocese of Paisley Preparation for those due to marry before March 2021
There is a Marriage Preparation Day over two evenings (to best comply with COVID protocols) on Wednesdays 4 and 11 November, from 7:00pm until 8:30pm in St. Mirin’s Cathedral Hall. Places are available for 12 couples whose wedding is before March 2021. Couples should attend both sessions. Places will be prioritised by wedding date. There is a £15 charge per couple to cover materials and administration. Couples should register by emailing us at [email protected] and we will send them instructions

Scottish Interfaith week 8-15 November
“Let us dream, then, as a single human family, as fellow travellers sharing the same flesh, as children of the same earth which is our common home, each of us bringing the richness of his or her beliefs and convictions, each of us with his or her own voice, brothers and sisters all.” (Fratelli Tutti 8). Today is the beginning of Scottish Interfaith week. It is an opportunity for Catholics to follow the example set by our Holy Father Pope Francis to reach out to our neighbours and to recognise all people of faith as our brothers and sisters. Take the opportunity this week to pray that people of faith might work together for peace in our world and in our country. Interfaith Scotland’s website www.interfaithscotland.org gives notification of the many interfaith events happening throughout the country this week if you would like to get involved.

Scottish Catholic Safeguarding Service: National Safeguarding Webinar
The Webinar will focus safeguarding and online risks in the pandemic both internationally and locally here in Scotland. This will take place on Saturday 14th November 11:00am - 1:30pm. Secure booking open from Monday 12th October. Any questions at this point, please email: [email protected]

October, Month of the Holy Rosary
Rosary and Benediction at 3pm in St Johns this Sunday 25th Oct.

We pray for those who have died recently especially:
James Mc Allister
and for the Anniversaries of:
r Gerald Boyle, Wallace Burns, Patrick Campbell, Mary Campbell, Colin Cassidy, Jim Connolly, Neil Crossan, Patrick Cunningham, Nellie Curran, Jean Carberry, Annie Docherty, Edward Gillan, Eric Hickey, Betty Hughes, Theresa & William Irwin, Edward & Helen Monaghan, Elspeth McFadyen, William McFadyen, Edward McGuire Sr, Mary O’Neil, Harry Quinn, Charles, Clive & Renee Wren.

Funeral Mass this week St Johns
James McAllister on Wednesday 28th October at 10:00am.

Class Mass Primary 5
In St Johns Primary School at 11am on Wednesday the 28th of October.

Confirmations
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday at 6pm in St Johns. These students are presently in St Luke’s High school and attended St Mark’s Primary last year but were unable to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation from Bishop John in May due to the lockdown. Please keep them and their sponsors and family in your prayers.

RCIA St Thomas
Bishop John will receive Allie Robinson into Full Communion with the Catholic Church this Saturday the 31st October at 2pm in St Thomas, Neilston. Fathers Joe & Jonathan will concelebrate the Mass with Bishop John. Thank you to Anne Marie McLaughlan and Theresa Millar for preparing Allie through the RCIA course and we are delighted to welcome her to the Catholic Faith along with Michael her husband and her children Levi and Samuel.

Reminder from the Diocese: All must receive Holy Communion in the hand and not on the tongue.

Second Collection: Missio Scotland 17th/18th October
Please note there will be a Second collection this Sunday for Missio Scotland.  Missio Scotland is the Scottish branch of the Catholic Church’s mission aid agency.  This enables missionaries to help communities in need through grassroots projects.  They build and maintain hospitals, schools and seminaries, care for people in need and act for justice in the developing world, regardless of race, stigma, religion or gender.   In 2018 this collection raised £27,557 which is fully remitted to Missio Scotland. To date for 2019 you have raised £30,705.
​
Missio Scotland in conjunction with the various National Offices of the Pontifical Mission Societies throughout the world have today launched our #WeAreStillHere initiative, which aims to not only shine a light on our missionaries who have continued to serve in the mission countries and territories in which they work in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, but also to encourage both prayers and generosity for their work.

Sunday Collections
May we take this opportunity to thank all those parishioners who have continued to support the parish financially each week during the lockdown through their Standing orders and those who have handed in their weekly offerings at Mass or into the Church house. May we also thank all those who have started new standing orders and also those who have become new gift aiders. With people being furloughed and some unfortunately losing jobs we will dispense with the Legacy collections as from the last weekend of October. Once again thank you for your generosity.

Big Thank you to our stewards
Many thanks to our stewards who have been giving of their time to help us follow the Bishop’s and Governments procedures in safely allowing us to celebrate Mass and other services and cleaning the church afterwards. Without these volunteers we would not be able to celebrate Holy Mass and have our parish church opened. We are very much indebted to them all and gratefully say Thank you!

Zoom Music Day
The Diocesan Liturgy Commission will host a Zoom music day on Saturday 7th November beginning at 11.00am and finishing approximately at 1.00pm. The group will look at learning some Mass parts to be used by cantors during these covid times, and for parish choirs to use once restrictions are lifted. Everyone is invited to join the meeting. Musicians, cantors and choirs are all welcome. Details of the zoom meeting will follow next week.

Adult Education Talks
Following the results of our diocesan Adult Formation Survey, a series of talks has been organised on Zoom on the 3rd Monday of every month from October 2020 to May 2021 at 6.30pm. The first talk is by Fr. John Eagers on 'Prayer' next Monday, 26th of October (moved from 19th) all welcome, just click on link https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8AlRkhbUQoSRwNAwFxQdVA .After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.

October Month of the Rosary
 Please join the October Rosary Whirlwind. Daily 8.00pm Online Rosary around Britain (Bishop John will lead from our Cathedral on Sundays); the Halloween 9.00am-9.00pm Rosary Rally around the Dioceses of Britain; and the All Saint and All Souls Thanksgiving Online Rosaries at 8.00pm. For all the details go towww.rosaryonthecoast.co.uk  ‘One day, through the Rosary and the Scapular, Our Lady will save the world.’ Saint Dominic.

Reminder from the Diocese: All must receive Holy Communion in the hand and not on the tongue.
 
Annual St. Conval’s Cemetery Mass Sunday 1st November 2.00pm
Bishop John will celebrate the Annual Cemetery Mass as usual this year but according to the Government’s infection control guidelines which limit numbers to 200 for outside ceremonies. We would ask as many of those attending to endeavour to come in cars and remain in them for the duration of the Mass.  A small number of outside seating will be available.  Mass will be a ticked event and if you would like to book a place please go to our Eventbrite site. Please bring your ticket to the Mass. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/st-convals-annual-cemetery-mass-tickets-124527443937. Tickets are free and available from Monday 12th October (Limited to 2 tickets per application)
 
Children’s Liturgy Zoom Day for Advent Preparation
There will be a zoom meeting for all those involved in Children’s Liturgy on Saturday 24th October, 2020 from 11am- 1.00pm. The meeting on the 24th October will look at the Season of Advent. There will be a talk about online resources to use, an input on the Sunday readings for Advent, and some background and information on the Advent wreath, Jesse Tree and other advent symbols. The link below will take you to the meeting on the 24th October. Click on the link which will take you straight to the meeting. Any questions, contact Fr Paul Brady [email protected], or 01505320198
https://zoom.us/j/7247466974. Meeting ID: 724 746 6974

Community Circle of Prayer
Every Friday evening people gather on line at 7pm for The Community Circle of Prayer. This half hour event simply consists of a little music, some readings and the opportunity to share our prayer petitions and support others in theirs. Each week there is a different broad theme; we have explored The Call to Discipleship, Care of our Sick, Forgiveness, Guardian Angels, The Faithful Departed, The Way of the Cross to name but a few. Why not spend half an hour with us this Friday in community and fellowship? You would be most welcome  https://zoom.us/j/8510142970?pwd=UUtVa2ZhOFUxa2NSZmJCckZOek0rUT09. 

Marriage Matters (www.twoinoneflesh.org.uk)
Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time. We all need each other The Pharisees tried to trap Jesus: He told them to give to Caesar what belongs to him, “and to God what belongs to God”. The world tells us to look after ourselves and not to need others. As married couples, we know that we are made by God for one another, not needy but needing to give of ourselves entirely.
 
November, Month of the Holy Souls
Mass each day in November is offered for the Souls in Purgatory. They are assured of heaven but judged at the moment of death to be in need of further purification, for the sins they committed and  that they made inadequate reparation for them while on earth. November lists are available as you leave the Church please and return with your offering for Masses as soon as possible. All the lists of names will be placed before the Altar during November.
 
Justice and Peace Scotland – A Conversation on Migration
On Tuesday 27 October, Justice and Peace Scotland will be hosting an evening hearing from inspirational people serving on the frontline of the UK’s hostile border environment.  Our speakers include: Clare Mosely, Founder, Care4Calais, Br Johannes Maertens, Founder, Maria Skobtsova, Catholic Worker House, and Alex Holmes from Calais Catholic Worker.  To join this online event please register here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/conversation-on-migration-tickets-122206736639
 
We pray for those who have died recently
John McGrath, Teresa McVeigh (England), James McAllister and for the Anniversaries of Maggie Boyland, Anne Donnelly, Jimmy Fleming, Mary Goldie, Mary Hannigan, Bishop John Mone, Alison McMaster, Michael McQuade, Canon O’Connell, Kenny & Patricia Ross.

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION
We are delighted to announce that our first-year pupils from St Luke's, originally from St Thomas' and St John's primaries, have all received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Let us keep our young people in our prayers that the Gifts of the Holy Spirit may be ever-present in their lives.

Please find below the dates for St Mark's pupils who are soon to receive this Sacrament:

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 MASS
Tuesday 13th October 10am Mass at St John's will be a funeral Mass for the happy repose of the soul of Kathleen Mallon; we pray for Kathleen and for the consolation of her family and friends. In accordance with Government guidelines, the Mass is open only to Kathleen's family.

OCTOBER DEVOTIONS
During the month of October, we will have Sunday Devotions taking place in the church at 3pm; there will be the recitation of the Holy Rosary followed by Benediction. October is a month dedicated to our Blessed Month and the Rosary. Why not take some time to deepen your relationship with our mother Mary by visiting one Sunday afternoon during this month. We will also consecrate our parishes to the Immaculate Heart of Mary later in the month.

RCIA WELCOME NIGHT - CHANGE OF DATE
If you are considering becoming a Catholic come along to an evening of welcome on Monday, 10th of October at 7pm at the parish house; this is an informal opportunity to meet the RCIA team and the priests of our parish, to discover what the RCIA program involves.

ANNUAL ST CONVAL'S CEMETERY MASS - SUNDAY 1ST NOVEMBER 2PM
Bishop Keenan will celebrate the annual Cemetery Mass, as usual, this year but in accordance with Government guidelines; these limit numbers to 200 persons outside with socially distanced seating. We would ask as many of those attending to try to come in cars and remain in them for the duration of the Mass. A small number of outside seating will be available. Mass will be a ticketed event. To book a please visit the Eventbrite site.

CHILDREN'S LITURGY ZOOM DAY FOR ADVENT PREPARATION
There will be a zoom meeting for all those involved in Children's Liturgy on Saturday 24th October 2020 from 11am - 1pm.

CHANGES IN MASS TIMES
Please note that the following changes in Holy Mass times come into effect this 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. Standing Order forms can be obtained from the Sacristy.

SECOND COLLECTION: NEXT WEEKEND 18TH OCT - MISSIO SCOTLAND
Please note next week's second collection is for Missio Scotland; Missio is the Scottish branch of the Catholic Church's mission aid agency. They enable missionaries to help communities in need through grassroots projects. They build and maintain hospitals, schools, and seminaries, care for people in need, and act for justice in the developing world.

PRAYER INTENTIONS
We pray for all those who have died recently especially, Kathleen Mallon

And for the anniversaries of the following: John McGuire Snr, Matt Fearon, Sarah Currie, Margaret Stewart, Mary Dickson, Joe Hughes, John Cleary, Alice McGrory, Charles Duffin, Frank Gallacher, Dolly Quinn, and the first Anniversaries of Rena Mooney and Steven Ingram.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
We are delighted to announce all our pupils from St Thomas', St John's, and St Mark's have now received our Blessed Lord in Holy Communion for the first time! We give thanks to God for the outstanding effort put in by their families, teachers, priests, and parish community, without whom it simply would not have been possible over the past month and a half. Let us continue to pray for our beloved young parishioners that they may deepen their love and knowledge of the Lord who nourishes them in the Eucharist.

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.


OCTOBER DEVOTIONS
During the month of October, we will have Sunday Devotions taking place in the church at 3pm; there will be the recitation of the Holy Rosary followed by Benediction. October is a month dedicated to our Blessed Month and the Rosary. Why not take some time to deepen your relationship with our mother Mary by visiting one Sunday afternoon during this month. We will also consecrate our parishes to the Immaculate Heart of Mary later in the month.

RCIA WELCOME NIGHT
If you are considering becoming a Catholic come along to an evening of welcome on Wednesday, 14th of October at 7pm at the parish house; this is an informal opportunity to meet the RCIA team and the priests of our parish, to discover what the RCIA program involves.

CHANGES IN MASS TIMES
Please note that the following changes in Holy Mass times come into effect this 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. Standing Order forms can be obtained from the Sacristy.

2ND COLLECTION: PETER'S PENCE
This 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.


PRAYER INTENTIONS
We pray for all those who have died recently especially, Paul McEwan, Bernadette Larkin, and John Mitchell.

And for the anniversaries of the following: Arthur & Mary Reid, James McCrossan, Mary Lunday, John & Mary Dickson, Joseph Hughes, Catherine White, Jim McCaffrey, Mark Mulroony, Catherine Garry, James Reilly, Patrick Devaney, Agnes McCormick, William & Agnes McHugh, Eamonn Duggan, Eileen Cameron, and the months mind of Pat McLaughlan.