"The most Holy Virgin in these Times has given a new efficacy to the recitation of the Holy Rosary. She has given this efficacy to such an extent that there is no problem, no matter how difficult it is, that we cannot resolve by the praying of the rosary" ( Sr Lucia). A rosary service will be held in St. Mirins Cathedral on Tuesday, 17th March at 7.00 pm, for an end to the Coronavirus and in intercession for all those affected by it. This service is open to all. Not everyone will be able to be present for the Rosary at the Cathedral on Tuesday evening but we can all join in in this prayer, either at 7pm itself or at another time of the day.
Please note that the Mass at the Royal Alexandra Hospital is suspended. Also due to protocols implemented by Greater Glasgow & Clyde pastoral visits to hospitals are suspended at this time. Priests will still be available in an emergency—this should take place by asking the ward staff to get the switchboard to page/call for the on-call priest
Please keep in your prayers the children of Primary 4 in St Charles’ Primary School, who will be making their First Confessions this coming Tuesday, 17th March at 7.00pm
Parishioners are reminded once again that the car park across from the entrance to the church is for residents of Union Court only. Please therefore respect our neighbours and use the large car park behind the church or find alternative spaces. Thank you.
Each month we will have a safeguarding thought for the month to help us continue the focus on this important priority. The Safeguarding thought for March is: Families need to know that the Catholic Church is making every effort to protect their children. ( Pope Francis)
40th Anniversary of 1980 BEd class at Notre Dame College. In order to make 2020 special it is proposed to arrange a gathering of classmates. If interested please contact Mike Carroll by email at mikecarroll556@gmail.com
The Diocese of Paisley will be facilitating a 'Taize evening' for our youth (S1 upwards) at St. Fergus, Paisley on Tuesday, 10th March at 7pm. Led by Bishop John and two volunteers from the Taize community in France, the evening will be modelled on the practices of the Taize community in France, and will consist of communal prayer, song, silence, personal reflection and sharing. Under 16s should bring a completed consent form. These can be obtained from your parish or by e-mailing Fr. John Morrison - vocations@rcdop.org.uk.
The Scottish Government is consulting on new legislation around the ability to legally change gender. Consultation closes on 17th March. The Catholic Parliamentary Office has prepared a four page briefing to help people engage with the consultation process. The briefing can be accessed via https://rcpolitics.org/ briefing-gender-recognition-reformscotland-bill/ Please consider responding to the consultation. Anyone can access and respond to the consultation at https://consult.gov.scot/family-law/ gender-recognition-reform-scotland-bill/.
Bishop John will again be celebrating Station Masses around the diocese this Lent. Please come to your local Mass at St Mary’s, Paisley this Wednesday, 11th March. His 7.00pm Station Mass will be the only Mass in your cluster that day, to allow our priests and people to join him. Station Mass is simply Mass with the Bishop that replicates the ancient custom of the Popes to go out to ‘station parishes’ around Rome leading up to Easter. Bishop John’s homilies will be a catechesis on the meaning of the Creed as a simple summary of what Catholics believe. There will be Eucharistic Adoration and Confessions available from 6.00pm.
If you are interested in joining the Diocesan Choir as we prepare for the Chrism Mass, please join us as we rehearse in St Charles (Paisley) at 2.30pm on Sunday 15th March. All welcome!
This poses a danger particularly to vulnerable members of our community. It is spread by physical contact. We have a duty to protect each other by good general hygiene, especially washing hands frequently and thoroughly. If we have coronavirus -or cold/flu like symptoms, we should stay away from gatherings. The Diocese of Paisley will implement the following from FRIDAY 6th MARCH for parishioners. (1) Holy water fonts will be emptied; (2) The Sign of Peace will be suspended; (3) Distribution of the Precious Blood among the faithful will be suspended; (4) Holy Communion will be distributed on the hand or tongue. If receiving on the tongue, present yourself with mouth wide open and tongue extended to minimise finger contact from the minister. If receiving by hand, thoroughly wash your hands and extend them wide open for the host to be placed with minimum contact. Other guidelines are in place for parish workers and volunteers. Thank you for your co-operation.