SPRED Special Second Collection - 14 February 2021
Our Paisley Diocese SPRED offers people with learning disabilities: a personal friend who takes time to share life and faith, spiritual nurture in a small community of faith; and a sense of belonging to a parish community. Twenty-one SPRED groups meet in our church halls and special needs schools, allowing two hundred parishioners to come together in faith and friendship to share and experience God’s love. Sadly, our groups have not been able to meet in the past year due to the pandemic. Paisley SPRED supports three employees. In 2018 SPRED merged with the Diocese bringing in one-off restricted reserves of £95,492. Our SPRED boxes and Friends Campaign raised an additional £20,834 bringing the total income to £116,326. The Diocese also contributed £44,131 from our General Fund (pre-merger) and Papal & Episcopal Funds. With our expenditure of £72,221, SPRED restricted reserves ended the year at £88,235. Parish Finances At this time when we have limited access to the Church and have no public services our Parish income is greatly affected. The Parish and Diocese are dependent on your weekly donations to enable bills to be paid, to make repairs and maintain our church properties, as well as supporting the clergy and the ongoing pastoral work of our Parish and the Diocese. Please continue to support St John’s/St Thomas and the Diocese of Paisley at this difficult time. You may wish to consider a Standing Order to be paid directly to the parish account (weekly/monthly). You can download the form from the Parish websites (click here) or one can be posted to you. Thank you to all those who have recently moved to Standing Order so as to be able to support our finances regularly. Another way of helping the parish is by gift aiding your donations. If you are a tax payer Gift Aid increases your donation by 25%, your Gift Aid donation would be worth 25p more for every £1 donated. Click here to download the Gift Aid declaration. You can also donate to the Parish using the MyGivingHub facility provided by the Diocese, which allows you to make a single donation, set up a recurring donation and add Gift Aid if you choose. Funerals (St John’s) @ 10:00am Mon 8th Feb: Marina McBride Tues 16th Feb: Andrew McCappin Tues 9th Feb: Maureen McGrath Thurs 18th Feb: James Christopher Taylor Fri 19thFeb: Alex Coubrough (Woodside 12 Noon) Church services during lockdown – live stream here Holy Mass: Daily @ 10am (Sun also @ 11:30am) Adoration: Daily @ 9am Rosary: Daily @ 9:30am Divine Mercy: Fridays @ 3pm Dial a Mass For those who have no Internet access, you can listen to Mass each day on a free line 0141 473 4869. Vocations - 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time – 7th February 2021 Think Vocation: “Let us go elsewhere… so that I can preach there too; for that is why I came.” Jesus’ mission continues in the Church and in the world in the lives of priests and religious. Do you have a desire to share the Good News with others too? Call Fr. John Morrison on 01418895056 or e-mail vocations@rcdop.org.uk Adult Education Talks You are invited to our next talk on Monday 15th February at 6:30pm on the Dignity of the Human Person by Fr. Matthew Carlin. Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://zoom.us/j/93728594532?pwd=RXFvNzRHOHlxbHZzb1VtTXJjUUNvUT09 Passcode: 886983 Ash Wednesday Ash Wednesday is on the 17th of February, a day of Fasting (for those aged 16+) and Abstinence from meat (aged 14+). Fasting consists of one full meal per day, with two smaller meals that do not add up to a full meal, and no snacks. Those who have chronic illness, pregnant/nursing babies are exempt from fasting. Craig Lodge, Dalmally, Mission House for Young Adults Craig Lodge Community is offering a new opportunity to young Catholics on how to live a life of mission. Craig Lodge Mission House is a nine-month residential programme for any young adult between the ages of 18-30 who desires to become a passionate lover of Jesus and become Spirit-filled evangelisers for the renewal of the Church,” (Pope Francis). Community, prayer and studying of the Catholic faith and learning to proclaim the Good News to others”. The mission house will begin in September 2021 and applications are now being accepted. Visit the Craig Lodge website for more details. www.craiglodge.org/missionhouse Monthly Online Theology Thursdays (5-6pm) Theology Thursdays is a programme of seminars aimed at non-experts and beginners. Each seminar has a theological focus, lasts for one hour and is taught by an expert in the field. It may be of interest to teacher educators, teachers, parents, catechists, students and senior school pupils. They begin on the 25THFebruary: ‘Will the Sacraments change my life?’ Integrating the sacramental and moral dimensions of Christian living (Fr Martin Delaney) 25th March: Forming intentional disciples in our Catholic schools (Mary O’Duffin) 9th April:Reading St Mark. The Good News of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. (Fr Andrew Garden) 20th May: Holy Disobedience.Catholic Political Witness and Resistance (Anna Blackman) . To book your place and receive the ZOOM link, please email: education-st-andrews-foundation@glasgow.ac.uk Please pray for those who have died recently especially Maureen Browne, Alexander Coubrough, George Logue, Aidan McCall-Hagan, Marina McBride, Andrew McCappin, Maureen McGrath, James McLaughlin, Johnny McLoughline, Jane Ronald, James Christopher Taylor and the 6 months mind of William (Bill) Francis Houston and the Anniversaries of Molly Ball, John Dickson, Mary Dickson, Hannah Duggan, Paul Goodwin, Christiane Heinrich, Rosemary (Rose) Houston, Ann McGuire, John McGuire, Kathleen McHugh, George & Isabel McMillan, David Reynolds, Patrick Reynolds, Patrick Walker.
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Funerals week this (St John’s) @ 10am
Mon 1st Feb: Catherine (Rena) Owens Wed 3rd Feb: Mary McNeilage Fri 5th Feb: Jane McLelland Church services during lockdown – live stream here Holy Mass: Daily @ 10am (Sun also @ 11:30am) Adoration: Daily @ 9am Rosary: Daily @ 9:30am Divine Mercy: Fridays @ 3pm Online Marriage Counselling available during Covid 19 Crisis Our diocese has a Counselling Service for Catholics Married in the Catholic Church with our dedicated Catholic Marriage Counsellor. If you are concerned about your relationship and feel you are both unable to reach a conclusion alone, it is likely that you will benefit from marriage counselling. The counsellor is there to maintain a neutral, non-judgmental position. For information or advice please email in confidence counselling@rcdop.org.uk Vocations Think Vocation: “His teaching made a deep impression on them because he taught them with authority.” Could you share in Jesus’ teaching authority as a priest, deacon or in consecrated life? Why not speak to our Diocesan Vocations Director, Fr. John Morrison e-mail: vocations@rcdop.org.uk or tel: 01418895056 World Leprosy Day This Sunday is World Leprosy Day – Please pray for the Leprosy Mission Scotland and the Global fellowship Worldwide. As a community we are determined to finish what Jesus started by eradicating leprosy one person at a time. Craig Lodge, Dalmally, Mission House for Young Adults Craig Lodge Community is offering a new opportunity to young Catholics on how to live a life of mission. Craig Lodge Mission House is a nine-month residential programme for any young adult between the ages of 18-30 who desires to become a passionate lover of Jesus and become Spirit-filled evangelisers for the renewal of the Church,” (Pope Francis). Community, prayer and studying of the Catholic faith and learning to proclaim the Good News to others”. The mission house will begin in September 2021 and applications are now being accepted. Visit the Craig Lodge website for more details. www.craiglodge.org/missionhouse Dial a Mass For those who have no Internet access, you can listen to Mass each day on a free line 0141 473 4869. 100 Club Winners November One Winner, E. Watson No 60 (£140), has still to collect her winnings. You can collect them from the Church House (socially distanced and with face mask). Beware Phone Scam about Vaccines If you receive the following message on your phone it is a scam. We advise you to delete it. “NHS: We identify that you are eligible to apply for you vaccine. For more information and to apply, follow here: uk-application-form.com” If you click on the link mentioned it then asks for your bank account number, sort code and your bank card number. This is a scam. Community Circle of Prayer Every Friday evening people gather online 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? To join please use the Zoom link https://zoom.us/j/8510142970?pwd=UUtVa2ZhOFUxa2NSZmJCckZOek0rUT09 200 Club St Thomas Forms have been sent to all previous members. Please return as soon as possible so that we can begin the First Draw in February. Thank you to all those who have already forwarded their monies. Year of St Joseph Pope Francis on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (8th December), with great joy proclaimed the Year of St Joseph to mark the 150th year of the Solemn Declaration by Pope Pius IX of St Joseph as Patron of the Universal Catholic Church. This will conclude on the 8th December 2021. St Peter Julian Eymard said “Devotion, to St Joseph is one of the choicest graces that God can give a soul, for it is tantamount to revealing the entire treasury of our Lord’s graces. When God wishes to raise a soul to greater heights, he unites it to St Joseph by giving it a strong love for the good Saint”. Please go to the Parish websites/facebook for Prayers to St Joseph. Parish Finances At this time when we have limited access to the Church and have no public services our Parish income is greatly affected. The Parish and Diocese are dependent on your weekly donations to enable bills to be paid, to make repairs and maintain our church properties, as well as supporting the clergy and the ongoing pastoral work of our Parish and the Diocese. Please continue to support St John’s/St Thomas and the Diocese of Paisley at this difficult time. You may wish to consider a Standing Order to be paid directly to the parish account (weekly/monthly). You can download the form from the Parish websites (click here) or one can be posted to you. Thank you to all those who have recently moved to Standing Order so as to be able to support our finances regularly. Another way of helping the parish is by gift aiding your donations. If you are a tax payer Gift Aid increases your donation by 25%, your Gift Aid donation would be worth 25p more for every £1 donated. Click here to download the Gift Aid declaration. You can also donate to the Parish using the MyGivingHub facility provided by the Diocese, which allows you to make a single donation, set up a recurring donation and add Gift Aid if you choose. Please pray for those who have died recently especially Alexander Coubrough, Billy Hence, Rosina Iannaccone, Marina McBride, Andrew McCappin, Jane McLelland, Mary McNeilage, Francesco Ortaggio, Catherine Owens, James Christopher Taylor, and the Anniversaries of Allistair Ball, John Brady Snr & Jnr, Ian Burnett, Maria Crolla, Betty Donegan, Peter Hilgers Lafferty Snr & Jnr, Bridget McGowan, Annie & John McGowan, Moira McNeil, Jimmy Maguire, Jennifer Mowat, Mona Pinto, Martha Stirling.
Funerals this week (St John’s/St Thomas 10am Mass) Mon 25th: Derek Gillespie: Woodside Crematorium @12:30pm Tues 26th: Ann Alford (10am) & Peter Harkins (1pm) Wed 27th: Maria Hannigan (St Thomas) Thurs 28th: James Christopher Taylor Church services during lockdown - join via live stream Holy Mass: daily @ 10am (Sun also @ 11:30am) Adoration: daily @ 9am Rosary: daily @ 9:30am Divine Mercy: Fridays @ 3pm Online Marriage Counselling available during Covid 19 Crisis Our diocese has a Counselling Service for Catholics Married in the Catholic Church with our dedicated Catholic Marriage Counsellor. If you are concerned about your relationship and feel you are both unable to reach a conclusion alone, it is likely that you will benefit from marriage counselling. The counsellor is there to maintain a neutral, non-judgmental position. For information or advice please email in confidence counselling@rcdop.org.uk Think Vocation The reign of God is now. Are you willing to drop what you are doing to follow Jesus’ call? Believe that God will give you what you need. (Mark 1: 14-20). If you think God is calling you to be a priest, deacon, brother or sister contact Fr. John Morrison e-mail vocations@rcdop.org.uk or phone 01418895056. Postponement of Diocesan Lourdes and Youth to Lourdes Pilgrimages to 2022 Unfortunately, due to present circumstances and the uncertainty facing us all over the next few months, it is with deep regret that we must inform you that the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes and Youth to Lourdes has now been postponed to June-July 2022. We are fully aware that the shrine of Lourdes means so much to so many in our Diocese and understand and how disappointing this news will be. However, we know that we will all work together and look forward to being welcomed back in 2022. If you already have a place on the Pilgrimage carried over from this year on Joe Walsh tours, their representatives will be contacting you in writing in the New Year to confirm our decision to reschedule and to explain how your booking can be carried forward. 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? To join please use the Zoom link https://zoom.us/j/8510142970?pwd=UUtVa2ZhOFUxa2NSZmJCckZOek0rUT09 200 Club St Thomas Forms have been sent to all previous members. Please return as soon as possible so that we can begin the First Draw in February. Thank you to all those who have already forwarded their monies. Administrative Changes to Teacher Approval in the Diocese of Paisley Father Joe Burke, Vicar General, now has the role of overseeing the Approval process. Applications and references for posts in the three local authorities within our Diocese should be returned to: Rev Joseph Burke, Teacher Approval, Diocesan Centre, Cathedral Precincts, Incle Street, Paisley PA1 1HR or email: approvals@rcdop.org.uk. Please note that applications for posts in Our Lady of the Missions Primary School and St Ninian’s High School should be sent to the Archdiocese of Glasgow in whose territory they are located: Archdiocese of Glasgow, Teacher Approval,196 Clyde Street, Glasgow G1 4JY. Email: approval@rcag.org.uk. Arrangements for the pastoral care of staff and pupils in these schools will continue to be the responsibility of the Diocese of Paisley. 100 Club Winners November Two Winners E. Watson No 60 (£140) and B. Melee No 40 (£70) have still to collect their winnings. You can collect them from the Church House (socially distanced and with face mask). Year of St Joseph Pope Francis on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (8th December), with great joy proclaimed the Year of St Joseph to mark the 150th year of the Solemn Declaration by Pope Pius IX of St Joseph as Patron of the Universal Catholic Church. This will conclude on the 8th December 2021. St Peter Julian Eymard said “Devotion, to St Joseph is one of the choicest graces that God can give a soul, for it is tantamount to revealing the entire treasury of our Lord’s graces. When God wishes to raise a soul to greater heights, he unites it to St Joseph by giving it a strong love for the good Saint”. Please click here for Prayers to St Joseph. Parish Finances At this time when we have limited access to the Church and have no public services our Parish income is greatly affected. The Parish and Diocese are dependent on your weekly donations to enable bills to be paid, to make repairs and maintain our church properties, as well as supporting the clergy and the ongoing pastoral work of our Parish and the Diocese. Please continue to support St John’s/St Thomas and the Diocese of Paisley at this difficult time. You may wish to consider a Standing Order to be paid directly to the parish account (weekly/monthly). You can download the form from the Parish websites or one can be posted to you. Thank you to all those who have recently moved to Standing Order so as to be able to support our finances regularly. Another way of helping the parish is by gift aiding your donations. If you are a tax payer Gift Aid increases your donation by 25%, your Gift Aid donation would be worth 25p more for every £1 donated. Please pray for those who have died recently especially Ann Alford, Derek Gillespie, Maria Hannigan, Peter Harkins, Janet Mullen, James Christopher Taylor and the Anniversaries of Brian Corcoran, Mary Donnelly, May Duffin, Charlotte Fitzpatrick, Rose Gormley, Eddie Hone, Jim Leasey, Pat McNamara, Charles O’Neill, Lex Shields.
Funerals this week (St John's 10am Mass)
Mon 18th Jan: Eileen Bolger Wed 19th Jan: Anthony Stewart (Mary Farquhar: Craigton Crematorium 1:30pm) Thurs 20th Jan: John Anderson Fri 21st Jan: Robert Phillips Funerals week beginning 25th January (St John's/St Thomas 10am Mass) Mon 25th: Peter Harkins (Derek Gillespie: Woodside Crematorium 12:30pm) Tues 26th: Ann Alford Wed 27th: Maria Hannigan (St Thomas) Thurs 28th: James Christopher Taylor Church services during lockdown - join in via our live stream Holy Mass: 10am daily (Sun also 11:30am) Adoration: 9am daily Rosary: 9:30am daily Divine Mercy: 3pm Fridays The Annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (18th - 25 January) The Church calls us to pray, especially this week, for the unity of all who believe in Christ. Each year there is a special theme chosen and proposed by our own Pontifical Council for promoting Christian Unity and the World Council of Churches. This year’s theme is “Abide in Christ and you will bear much fruit” (c.f. John 15:5-9). This was chosen and prepared by the Monastic Community of Grandchamp in Switzerland. www.christianunity.va In the following weeks we hope to offer on the Diocesan web page a list of Catholic Church documents since Vatican II relevant to the theme of Christian unity. Online Marriage Counselling available during Covid-19 Crisis Our diocese has a Counselling Service for Catholics Married in the Catholic Church with our dedicated Catholic Marriage Counsellor. If you are concerned about your relationship and feel you are both unable to reach a conclusion alone, it is likely that you will benefit from marriage counselling. The counsellor is there to maintain a neutral, non-judgmental position. For information or advice please email in confidence counselling@rcdop.org.uk Adult Education Talks You are invited to our next talk on Monday 18th January at 6:30pm on the Teachings of Pope Saint John Paul II by Bishop John. Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://zoom.us/j/96974935970?pwd=b04ya2pUOElxeXJhRElkdXlHVXlwQT09 Passcode: 758071 Vocations Families need blessings of patience, forgiveness, gratefulness, and love. Can you bring the Gospel to families in your community? If you think God is calling you to be a priest, deacon sister contact Fr. John Morrison 01418895056 or e-mail vocations@rcdop.org.uk We pray for those who have died recently, especially Ann Alford, John Anderson, Eileen Bolger, May Cheney, Mary Farquhar, Arthur Fellowes, Derek Gillespie, Maria Hannigan, Peter Harkins, Canon Brendan Healy, Mary Houston, Margaret Miller, Andrew McCappin, Robert Phillips, Anthony Stewart, James Christopher Taylor, and the Anniversaries of Mary Buchanan, Pearl Dunne, William Finnigan, Charles McAleavy, Jean McAllister, Jean McFadyen, Dominic McLue, George Major, Maria & Tommy O’Hara. 200 Club St Thomas Forms have been sent to all previous members. Please return as soon as possible so that we can begin the First Draw in February. Thank you to all those who have already forwarded their monies. Parish Finances At this time when we have limited access to the Church and have no public services our Parish income is greatly affected. The Parish and Diocese are dependent on your weekly donations to enable bills to be paid, to make repairs and maintain our church properties, as well as supporting the clergy and the ongoing pastoral work of our Parish and the Diocese. Please continue to support St Johns/St Thomas and the Diocese of Paisley at this difficult time. You may wish to consider a Standing Order to be paid directly to the parish account (weekly/monthly). You can download the Standing Order and Gift Aid Declaration forms on this page or one can be posted to you. Thank you to all those who have recently moved to Standing Order to be able to support our finances regularly. Another way of helping the parish is by gift aiding your donations. If you are a taxpayer Gift Aid increases your donation by 25%, your Gift Aid donation would be worth 25p more for every £1 donated.
Funerals this week
Friday 15th January: Joseph Buonaccorsi (St Thomas) Church services during lockdown - join in via our live stream Holy Mass: 10am daily (Sun also 11:30am) Adoration: 9am daily Rosary: 9:30am daily Divine Mercy: 3pm Fridays Mary’s Meals: Miles For Mary’s Meals This January, as many of us turn our minds to achieving new resolutions and personal goals, the miles for Mary’s Meals campaign is the perfect way to fulfil your new year’s resolutions while making a long-lasting difference to the world’s poorest children. Whether it’s taking on a regular run, getting on your bike or upping your daily step count, there are lots of different ways you can take part. Simply set yourself an active challenge, make a donation or ask for sponsorship from friends and family for every mile that you achieve. And thanks to Double The Love, your miles will go even further! Give until 31 January 2021, and the UK government will match public donations, up to £2 million, helping us to reach more hungry children in Liberia. Please ensure that you take part in your chosen challenge safely and follow Covid-19 restrictions in your local area. The Annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (18th - 25 January) The Church calls us to pray, especially this week, for the unity of all who believe in Christ. Each year there is a special theme chosen and proposed by our own Pontifical Council for promoting Christian Unity and the World Council of Churches. This year’s theme is “Abide in Christ and you will bear much fruit” (c.f. John 15:5-9). This was chosen and prepared by the Monastic Community of Grandchamp, in Switzerland. www.christianunity.va In the following weeks we hope to offer on the Diocesan web page a list of Catholic Church documents since Vatican II relevant to the theme of Christian unity. St Anthony’s Box December contributions St Johns: £197.27 sent to SPUC Scotland and St Thomas: £257.23 sent to SPUC Scotland. Adult Education Talks You are invited to our next talk on Monday 18th January at 6:30pm on The Teachings of Saint John Paul II by Bishop John. Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://zoom.us/j/96974935970?pwd=b04ya2pUOElxeXJhRElkdXlHVXlwQT09 Passcode: 758071 Vocations Families need blessings of patience, forgiveness, gratefulness, and love. Can you bring the Gospel to families in your community? If you think God is calling you to be a priest, deacon sister contact Fr. John Morrison 01418895056 or e-mail vocations@rcdop.org.uk We pray for those who have died recently especially: Eileen Bolger, Joseph Buonaccorsi, Jamie Bramer, Frank Devlin, Derek Gillespie, Tommy Kennedy, William Noon, Robert Phillips, Alan Stewart, Anthony Stewart, David Timmons and the Months Mind of Jane Balmer and the Anniversaries of Jim Brown, Elizabeth & James Connelly, William Devine, Margaret Donnelly, Robert Furie, Robert Gribbon, Eugene & Mary McGowan, Margaret McGuire, Margaret McILreavy, Gregg Thomas McMaster, Fred Seils. Fundraiser “Kindness for Kids” A big thank you to Gemma Connell who handed in £200 worth of Vouchers from her Fundraising Group for the Advent Jesse Tree Appeal in St Johns. Happy New Year of 2021 Fr Joe & Fr Jonathan wish you and all your loved ones every grace and blessing for 2021. We also would like to thank all those who helped with the Christmas Liturgies and those who put up the Cribs, Christmas Trees and to the stewards for their continued commitment in allowing us to open the churches for Funerals during this new lockdown. We also are very appreciative of the parish team of gritters who are out, while some of us are still in bed, preparing the grounds for easier access. We would also like to acknowledge your Christmas greetings, cards, and gifts and for Mass cards for Fr Joe’s mother. Holy Mass will be offered up for your intentions. Despite the lock down we are still very much here for you and will continue to administer the sacraments especially to the sick/housebound and the dying (safely & in accordance with all NHS instructions). Finally, thank you for your continued financial offerings which support the upkeep of the parishes and the mission of the church. Collections
First: Gift Aid £339.50, Non-Gift Aid £178.01 Monthly Standing Orders: £2,823. Education: Gift Aid £133.05, Non-Gift Aid £128.70 St Anthony’s Box: £19.00 Tier 4 (St John's) Mass numbers have been reduced to 20 people per Mass. For weekday Masses, 15 can be booked through Eventbrite and 5 by phone. You can only book after 11am for Mass for the next day by Eventbrite and phone. For Sunday Masses you can book on Tuesdays online from 9am (15 places) and by phone on Tuesdays from 11am (5 places). Please give everyone a chance to attend Mass and do not book multiple Masses. You cannot not attend Mass without prior booking. You have to speak with Fr Joe/Jonathan or Eileen the housekeeper to confirm a place by phone. Messages left on the answer machine should not be regarded as a booked place. Tier 4 (St Thomas) For Sunday Masses you can book online (15 places) after the last Sunday Mass (11am) for the following weekend. By phone, 5 places are available. You do not have to book for weekday Masses, however if people abuse this, we will change to online booking. You have to speak with Fr Joe/Jonathan or Eileen the housekeeper to confirm a place by phone. Messages left on the answer machine should not be regarded as a booked place. Rorate Masses in Advent in St Johns This is a Votive Mass in honour of Our Blessed Lady and is celebrated before dawn in candlelit. By the end of Mass, the sun is starting to rise, it is the dawn of a new day. This is a clear reminder of the True Light, which is Christ, who banishes the darkness of sin and death. In Advent we prepare with Our Blessed Mother to receive Christ, the light of the world once again in our lives at Christmas. The Rorate Masses will be on Tuesdays at 7:30am in Advent and is an additional Mass to the 10am weekday morning Masses. The first is Tuesday the 1st of December. Advent Confessions As well as the Saturday morning Confessions in St Johns and St Thomas after the 10am Mass and Confessions from 3:15pm-3:45pm (St Johns) there will be Confessions each Wednesday of Advent in St Johns from 7pm until 8pm. The first Wednesday of Advent is the 2nd of December. Feast of the Immaculate Conception 8th December: St Johns. There will be three Masses on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception at 7:30am, 10am and 7pm. We will consecrate the Parish of St Johns at all these Masses. You can bring along water, salt and religious articles (Rosaries, Scapulars, statues etc) which we will bless at the end of each Mass. St Thomas’s Annual Consecration to Our Blessed Mother will take place as per usual on the 1st of January, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. Jesse Tree appeal for Christmas For the past few years the Parishes and the Mini Vinnies have very generously given wrapped gifts for families in our schools and to Our Lady of the Wayside Centre. 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 in Barrhead & Neilston. 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. (both parishes). Online Christmas Market of St Elisabeth Convent, Minsk, Belarus The joyous Christmas season is approaching! The season that is filled with love, family and, most importantly, God. As you may be aware, Sisters from the St. Elisabeth Convent (Minsk, Belarus) are unable to participate in annual Christmas markets in our region due to travel restrictions. Nevertheless, they have found a great way to spread the Christmas joy, love and deeds of mercy. They are launching the very first Online Christmas Market this year, so that people from all over the world can purchase Christmas presents and souvenirs made with love and continuous prayer. Please, click here to participate: https://catalog.obitel-minsk.com/christmas-market Through purchasing beautiful Christmas gifts each one of us will be able to serve the poor, sick, homeless and lonely people. Because every item purchased at the Online Market is a donation towards one of the Convent’s ministries. The Online Christmas Market of St. Elisabeth Convent offers a range of unique handmade items that will make memorable Christmas gifts, including:
Throughout the pandemic and shutdowns, the Sisters were able to continue running and supporting their multiple social ministries that care for the vulnerable and sick nearby the Convent. Their biggest inspiration has been Saint Elisabeth who helped the sick and the needy during her lifetime. Funerals Wed 2nd Nov: Margaret Davidones at 10am in St John's Thu 3rd Dec: Alex McDade at 10am in St Thomas' ‘Spread Love at Christmas? We are inviting you to create a Nativity Scene to display on your window for everyone outside to see. Use bright colours to make it stand out. You could add lights to catch the attention of passers by. Take a photograph and send it to erskinecatholicchurches@gmail.com or via messenger. Find us on Facebook @Catholicerskine1 We will share all pictures submitted in our Love at Christmas Album on Facebook. Wouldn't it be great to see a Nativity in every window? Vocations “I shall look after my flock myself… I myself will pasture my sheep.” Is the Lord asking you to share in his pastoral love for his people, perhaps in diocesan priesthood, diaconate or religious life? Contact Fr. John Morrison phone: 0141 8895056 or email vocations@rcdop.org.uk St. Margaret’s Children and Family Care Society – Virtual Crib Catholic Adoption Agency, St Margaret's Children and Family Care Society, which supports some of Scotland's most vulnerable children, is hosting a 'Virtual Crib' this Advent. Due to congregation sizes being limited due to Covid19 restrictions the charity could lose out on up to £100k in donations made each year by the Catholic community to its Crib Appeal collection boxes. St Margaret’s Virtual Crib is a peaceful, animated crib scene accompanied by a full Christmas Carol Concert from the St Andrew's Cathedral Choir. St Margaret's Virtual Crib will be live until the Feast of the Epiphany on their website at stmargaretsadoption.org.uk. Donations can be made via the St Margaret’s website or by cheque posted to the charity’s office at 26 Newton Place, Glasgow, G3 7PY. Research on the Wellbeing benefits of being Religious – University of Glasgow Researchers at the University of Glasgow are interested in the wellbeing benefits of being religious. Catholics across the Diocese are being invited to take part in this 10-minute anonymous online study. You will be asked to answer some questions about your faith, your mental wellbeing, and to complete a short experiment in which you will identify emotion in voices. Here is the weblink to the anonymous study: https://exp.psy.gla.ac.uk/project?religion_wellbeing_study&auto Online Rosary and Stations of the Cross You are invited to join us, Catholic Erskine, to pray the Rosary, online, Monday – Thursday and Saturday at 12 noon each day. You are also invited to join us on Friday at 12 noon, when we pray the Stations of the Cross. At present we are using “Mary’s Way of the Cross” – a series of prayers, reflections and meditations as we accompany Mary as she follows her Son on his road to Calvary. To join any of these ventures please visit our website catholicerskine.website and click onto the Rosary link. All welcome. Parish Pastoral Council One of the responsibilities of a recently appointed Parish Priest is the formation of a Parish Pastoral Council; please submit your suggestions for members, and their suitability, to the parish house before the third Sunday in Advent. Parish Pastoral Councils are an essential aspect of parish life which aid the Parish Priest in his responsibility of governance; we hope to form a council which is representative of the parish itself, i.e. members of varying ages and backgrounds. Flowers for Christmas tide During the Season of Christmastide, we wish to adorn the Church with fresh flowers, fitting for this joyful season. Monetary donations for the purchasing of flowers can be handed into the Church house or into the donations buckets in envelopes marked flowers. Thank you for your continued generosity in keeping our parishes beautiful and worthy for the Sacred Liturgy. Keyholders Would all those with Church keys please return to Fathers Joe & Jonathan so that we can update for the alarm company all Keyholders and also for Insurance purposes. Once we have updated the list they will be returned to those who require them. We pray for those who have died recently especially James Brady, Margaret Davidones, Alex McDade, Michael Quigley, Charles Shields and for the Anniversaries of Helena Carlin, Catherine Hughes, Andrew Jardine, George Logue, John & Tommy Logue, Robert Minnery, Monica McDade, Catherine & Michael McGuire, Jane Sloan. Reminder: All must receive Holy Communion in the hand and not on the tongue. Please leave the Church immediately after receiving Holy Communion by the one-way system, following the directions and instructions of the stewards. Please keep your Face Mask on during the entire Mass unless you have an exemption. Thank you for your co-operation in keeping others and yourself safe. Collections
First: Gift Aid £375.00, Non-Gift Aid £451.78 Monthly Standing Orders: £2,823. Building Fund GA: £10.00 St Anthony’s Box: £4.86 Special Collection: Education 21st/ 22nd November 2020 This collection supports the Scottish Catholic Education Service (SCES) which promotes and protects our Catholic schools in issues of national significance, and supports our schools, parishes and dioceses. The national office supports three employees. In 2019 this collection a raised £18,530, which represents 50% of our expenditure of £37,340, resulting in a shortfall of £18,810. Level 4 Lockdown (St John's) Mass numbers have been reduced to 20 people per Mass. For weekday Masses, 15 can be booked through Eventbrite and 5 by phone. You can only book after 11am for Mass for the next day by Eventbrite and phone. For Sunday Masses you can book on Tuesdays online from 9am (15 places) and by phone on Tuesdays from 11am (5 places). Please give everyone a chance to attend Mass and do not book multiple Masses. You cannot not attend Mass without prior booking. You have to speak with Fr Joe/Jonathan or Eileen the housekeeper to confirm a place by phone. Messages left on the answer machine should not be regarded as a booked place. Level 4 Lockdown (St Thomas) For Sunday Masses you can book online (15 places) after the last Sunday Mass (11am) for the following weekend. By phone, 5 places are available. You do not have to book for weekday Masses, however if people abuse this, we will change to online booking. You have to speak with Fr Joe/Jonathan or Eileen the housekeeper to confirm a place by phone. Messages left on the answer machine should not be regarded as a booked place. Rorate Masses in Advent This is a Votive Mass in honour of Our Blessed Lady and is celebrated before dawn in candlelit. By the end of Mass, the sun is starting to rise, it is the dawn of a new day. This is a clear reminder of the True Light, which is Christ, who banishes the darkness of sin and death. In Advent we prepare with Our Blessed Mother to receive Christ, the light of the world once again in our lives at Christmas. The Rorate Masses will be on Tuesdays at 7:30am in Advent and is an additional Mass to the 10am weekday morning Masses. The first is Tuesday the 1st of December. Advent Confessions As well as the Saturday morning Confessions in St John's and St Thomas after the 10am Mass, there will be Confessions each Wednesday of Advent in St Johns from 7pm until 8pm. The first Wednesday of Advent is the 2nd of December. Feast of the Immaculate Conception 8th December: St John's There will be three Masses on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception at 7:30am, 10am and 7pm. We will consecrate the Parish of St John's at all these Masses. You can bring along water, salt and religious articles (Rosaries, Scapulars, statues etc) which we will bless at the end of each Mass. St Thomas’s Annual Consecration to Our Blessed Mother will take place as per usual on the 1st of January, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. Jesse Tree appeal for Christmas: (St John's/St Thomas) For the past few years the Parishes and the Mini Vinnies have very generously given wrapped gifts for families in our schools and to Our Lady of the Wayside Centre. 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 in Barrhead & Neilston. 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. (both parishes). Funerals in St Johns this week at 10am Mass Mon 23rd Nov: Josephine Allen Sat 28th Nov: Andrew McCann Vocations “I shall look after my flock myself… I myself will pasture my sheep.” Is the Lord asking you to share in his pastoral love for his people, perhaps in diocesan priesthood, diaconate or religious life? Contact Fr. John Morrison phone: 0141 8895056 or email vocations@rcdop.org.uk ACN Scotland National RedWednesday Event, Sponsored by John Mason MSP We invite you to our ACN Scotland National RedWednesday Event on Wednesday 25th November at 7:30pm. ‘ACN’s #Red Wednesday Event is an evening for the people of Scotland to stand together to raise the profile of what is happening to Christians and all those persecuted for their peacefully held beliefs around the world.’ Speakers: John Pontifex, ACN’s Head of Press and Media, Jamie Kerr, Specialist on Immigration Law and a Minister of the Scottish Parliament TBC. The event will be live streamed via our Crowdcast platform, please follow the link below prior to the event and click the ‘Save my spot’ button to gain access on the evening of the event. Crowdcast Link: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/acn-scotland-national Scottish RedWednesday Digital Showreel In addition to the mini events that will take place in schools and parishes on RedWednesday, ACN in Scotland have created a digital showreel which captures the spirit of our RedWednesday Campaign in Scotland. MSP’s, Faith Leaders, Students, Teachers and Benefactors will share what our campaign means to them and highlight why it is important to make a stand for Religious Freedom. Please follow the link to view > https://youtu.be/yxqH3_Ca98w Aid to the Church in Need ‘Set You Captives Free Petition Over the last five years our #RedWednesday campaign has been hugely successful in drawing attention to the human rights tragedy of Christian and other religious persecution. Now a global initiative, endorsed by the UK government, it is time to make #RedWednesday a campaign that can really change lives. Raped, forced to marry and convert, and now facing death threats, Christian girl Maira Shahbaz, 14, from Pakistan, urgently needs asylum. Maira and her family are in hiding from extremists who accuse her of apostasy and want her dead. We invite you to sign the ACN petition calling on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to grant UK asylum to Maira and her family> https://acnuk.org/our-campaigns/redwednesday/ 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 https://cardinalwinninglecture2020.eventbrite.co.uk Safeguarding ‘Thought for the Month’ - November 2020 The Catholic Church is committed to respecting, protecting and nurturing the dignity of all people. Keyholders Would all those with Church keys please return to Fathers Joe & Jonathan so that we can update for the alarm company all Keyholders and also for Insurance purposes. Once we have updated the list they will be returned to those who require them. We pray for those who have died recently especially Josephine Allen, Margaret Davidones, Richard Fulllarton, Connie Fraser, John Hutchison, Patricia MacAvoy, Andrew McCann, Alex McDade, Alex Taylor and for the Anniversaries of James Connolly, Martin Cuddihy, Kevin Fitzgerald, Annetta Furie, John Gormlie, John Hearns, May Lafferty, Willie Martin, Marie McGuire, Gerard McGuire, Mary MacSorley, James MacSorley, Charles Shields. Reminder: All must receive Holy Communion in the hand and not on the tongue. Please leave the Church after receiving Holy Communion by the one-way system, following the directions and instructions of the stewards. Thank you for your co-operation in keeping others and yourself safe. A word from Fr Joe
Dear Parishioners and Friends of St John’s, There are three big pieces of news for you this week! Number one, our church is re-opening for Sunday and daily Masses!! It has been a LONG wait and there are many restrictions still in place but at last, we’re getting there! Remember there is a booking system in place for the Sunday Masses as we are allowed a maximum of only 50 in the church at any given time. Last week the Masses booked out within hours for this weekend. The system will open again on Monday morning for next weekend’s Masses. You are asked to book online if possible via our website but there are some places kept back for those unable to book online who can then phone Fr Joe at the parish house. There is no need to book for daily Masses unless the numbers start to rise above 50, so we will keep an eye on this. When coming to Sunday Mass, the stewards will check your name against the booking list. At weekday Masses they will ask your name and contact details. This is for the government “track and trace” system in case there was a further outbreak of the virus locally. The livestreaming of all Masses in the church will continue, so it is possible to follow Mass from home. In fact, the Bishops still encourage those who are elderly or shielding or have underlying health conditions to join in Mass from home rather than take any risks by coming into a busy church. Keep in mind also that the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays was lifted by Pope Francis during the pandemic and continues to be lifted until the Holy Father tells us otherwise. This means there is no sin in missing Sunday Mass but you are very much encouraged to join in a Mass via the internet, if possible, or indeed one of the weekday Masses where numbers are not as busy. You are obviously encouraged and expected to continue with your daily prayers as you do already. Thanks be to God, we are back for Sunday Masses and let’s continue to pray it will not be too long before we are back to normal altogether!! Our second big piece of news is that Father Laurent will be leaving us at the end of July. He was due to return to Uganda in September but has been given permission to remain in Scotland for another year. However, Bishop John has informed us that he wishes to move Fr Laurent to St Mirin’s Cathedral in Paisley. We are very sad to hear the news and we thank him for his two years of service, fun and much joy and laughter he has given us in St John’s. It has certainly been a joy to have had Fr Laurent with us. A small consolation is that he is not going far-- Paisley is only a few minutes away by car, so no doubt we will be seeing him again often back in Barrhead!! To replace Fr Laurent, Bishop John has decided to move Fr Jonathan Whitworth, currently in St Mirin’s cathedral, to join us here in St John’s. Fr Jonathan will also take over from Fr Joe Balmer as the lead Chaplain to St Luke’s High. So while we are sad to see Fr Laurent go, we are very happy to welcome Fr Jonathan to Barrhead. I know you will all give him a St John’s welcome when he arrives at the end of the month! The third and final big piece of news is the new parish timetable. Please take note of the small changes so you know what is on and when in the parish during these days; Sunday Masses—no change Vigil (Sat) 4:30pm; Sunday 10am, 11:30am, 5pm (Places MUST be booked in advance for all Sunday Masses) Weekdays, excluding Thursdays Morning Mass 10am Exposition of the Blessed sacrament for Private Prayer and Adoration Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 10:30am to 1pm. (If there is a funeral at 10am, the Exposition will begin after the funeral) Confessions Saturday mornings 10:30am onwards. (Please note confessions are not being heard in the confession boxes during the pandemic but rather in the Oratory. Bigger room with better airflow, as directed by the Bishops.) So, Friends, this is a big week for us. Let’s continue to pray for each other as we take another very important step on our coronavirus journey and also let’s offer a special prayer for Fr Laurent and Fr Jonathan. God bless you all! Fr Joe Please keep in your prayers Funerals this week Marie McCormack (Service in St Conval’s Cemetery Tuesday at 10:30am) Maureen Coogan (Requiem Mass in church Thursday at 10am) May McVitie (Requiem Mass in church Friday 10am) Also the anniversraies of: Maisie McMaster, Bid McGauley, Hugh McManus and Patrick McGowan, As well as all those who have asked us to pray for them. Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us. Reflection on this Sunday’s Scripture Friends, This weekend’s Gospel presents us with another parable from Jesus. This time He gives the image of weeds growing among the wheat and what should be done about this. With all Jesus’ parables, as you know, he is using imagery the people will easily understand to give a much deeper teaching. The passage isn’t really about weeds and wheat but about sinners and good people existing side by side. Because of the existence of evil (the weeds) which seeks to undermine good (the wheat) and stop good flourishing, Jesus is teaching us there will always be those led astray by satan who will seek directly or perhaps without even realising it, to undermine the work of God. This may happen in the world at large, or in local society, or even our own Church or families. How do we deal with this? Well, we are asked to be like the patient farmer in the parable who represents God. He sees what is happening, he recognises where it is coming from and the purpose of the enemy who wants to stop good flourishing but he is patient. The patience will not last forever, a time of harvest and judgement will come when the weeds will we rooted out so that the good will flourish. He sees everything, knows everything and is always watching over us. Following that example, we are asked to be understanding, patient, merciful, forgiving. The Pharisees will would weed out sinners, cast them off and leave them to wither. We are called to be not like them. So, this weekend we are told two things by the Lord: firstly, God sees EVERYTHING and we should take comfort in that. Even if evil at times seems to have the upper hand, the Just Judge will act in His own good time and always be victorious. Secondly, in our attitude towards sinners, we are called to be not like the judgmental and condemnatory Pharisees but rather like our God—understanding, patient, merciful—because we know that in each one of us there can be weeds growing among the wheat, that we too are sinners in need of God’s patience and mercy. Amen. Wonderful news!! We have been given the go-ahead for the celebration of Holy Mass in our parish. Things are going to look a bit different, so please bear this in mind. The first and most important change is that YOU MUST BOOK A PLACE TO ATTEND SUNDAY MASS. The reason for booking is so that we have a list of everyone attending Mass in case there was a further outbreak of the virus in our local area. We are then able to “track and trace” all who attended church. Although our church has capacity for more, there is a maximum limit of only 50 people allowed at any one Mass. This is imposed by the government to reduce any risk of contagion. For each Mass there will be 40 places available to be booked on line by clicking the button below: The other ten places for each Mass are available by phoning Fr Joe at the parish house 0141 876 1553 on a first come, first served basis. The booking system for the following Sunday will open each Monday so that it is not possible to book weeks in advance. This makes it as fair as possible to give everyone the chance to book a place. The times of Sunday Masses remain the same for the moment—Vigil 4.30pm on Saturday and then on Sunday at 10am, 11.30am and 5pm. Weekday Masses will be at 10am daily, excluding Thursdays when the church is closed for deep cleaning. There is no need to book a place at weekday Masses at the moment as we do not expect numbers to exceed 50. This may need to change, however, if numbers increase. For weekday Masses, the stewards on duty will take your contact details when you arrive. When you arrive at the church, all the sanitising and social distance guidelines from the government will be in place. You will be met by our volunteer stewards who will sanitise your hands and ensure you have a face covering (please bring one with you but there are extras available in the porch). The stewards will check your name against the list of those who have booked and show you to a seat. There is a one way system in place — entry via the main doors and exit via side doors at the Sacred Heart and Our Lady altars. PLEASE DO NOT COME ALONG WITHOUT BOOKING AS YOU CANNOT BE PERMITTED ENTRY AND THIS ONLY EMBARRASSES EVERYONE INVOLVED. The structure of the Mass has been tweaked also: you will notice there is be no Offertory Procession, no Readers, no Altar Servers, no Eucharistic Ministers, no singing, and Holy Communion will be distributed at the end as you leave the building. Please follow the directions of the stewards who will ensure everyone is kept as safe as possible. All these changes have been put in place by the Bishops to ensure a smooth flow and reduce any risk of contagion. Although Fr Laurent and I are are so looking forward to celebrating Mass with you again in the church, please remember and consider a few points:
I know this is a lot of information to get your head around but over the next few weeks it should become much easier for us all. God bless you all and we look forward to seeing you at Mass. Fr Joe and Fr Laurent. Reflection from Fr Laurent on this Sunday’s Scripture Readings
On this 14th Sunday, mother church invites us all, to reflect in a special way on Jesus’ humility, kindness, gentility and compassion for the poor, weak and unprivileged. These virtues of our Master and saviour, are very necessary for us all in our Christian journey; to help us live and relate well with others . The first reading this Sunday, foretells the humility of the king who was to come; Christ Jesus. The reading gives great hope of good life to the poor in spirit and the oppressed. In the second reading we are reminded of the need and importance of living in the spirit of the creator. God’s spirit makes us His own beloved children. Let us pray for the grace to submit to God’s spirit, because once we accept to give in to God’s spirit, (to allow the spirit to direct our lives), then just like Jesus we shall possess the fundamental virtues necessary for our Christian life. Jesus in the gospel reading reveals to us the master key to find favour with Lord. This key of humility and gentility is necessary for us to unlock the secrets that God would never make known to the proud hearted. We pray for the grace to be humble, kind and gentle children of our heavenly father, so as to do His will. Amen. Note from Fr Joe “This has been a momentous week in the near one hundred and eighty year history of our parish. After months of locked doors, we are now open again for private prayers and reflection. Please God, it won’t be too long before we can celebrate Mass again together! As Parish Priest, I must say a HUGE thank you on behalf of the whole parish community to the scores of people who volunteered to be Stewards and cleaners for the re-opening of the church. It would have been simply impossible to re-open without their generosity. All has gone very smoothly and we were able to re-open the church in a safe and sanitised way. Remember we are open every day, excluding Thursdays, from 11am until 2pm for you to visit for private prayer and reflection. If visiting, please follow the directions of the Stewards on duty who will ensure you have a face covering, sanitise your hands and give some general guidance. Remember, the toilets in the church must remain closed due to the coronavirus--sorry! God bless you all and maybe see you if you are visiting this week.” Fr Joe Funerals this week Jim Geddes – Requiem Mass on Tuesday at 9.30am Jim McCaffrey – Requiem Mass on Thursday at 10.00am Please remember, there are strict restrictions on numbers attending funerals to reduce the risk of contagion. Only immediate family and friends may be in the church, agreed with the family beforehand so we know exact numbers attending. Thanks to the camera now installed in the church, you can follow live from home funerals or anything else happening in the building 24 hours a day. To do so, just click here or search St John's Barrhead on YouTube. Please also keep in your prayers Canon Barney Canning (former PP in St Thomas’, Neilston), Annemarie Cassidy, Maureen Coogan and Margaret Brown who all died recently. As well as William Breslin, James Wilson and Maisie Fitzgerald whose anniversaries occur around this time. May they all rest in peace with the Lord in Paradise. Amen. |
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