We give thanks to God for the life and ministry of Canon Benny O'Keefe RIP, former Parish priest of St. Charles. We pray for the happy repose of his soul and for the comfort and peace of his family and all who mourn his loss. Canon Benny's remains will be received into in St Andrew’s Church, Greenock on Thursday 27th January at 7pm. The Requiem Mass will take place on Friday 28th January at 12noon, and thereafter he will be buried in the priests’ plot in St Conval’s cemetery, Barrhead at 2pm.
On Thursday 13th January, we will mark the first anniversary since the death of Archbishop Tartaglia, the fourth Bishop of the Diocese of Paisley. The 10am Mass at St Mirin’s Cathedral will be celebrated by Bishop Keenan on Thursday. All are welcome to attend. We will also offer Mass on Thursday evening here for the anniversary of archbishop Philip
Announcement: "At the beginning of Advent the Bishops of Scotland looked forward to welcoming the faithful back to Holy Mass and anticipated that the restoration of the Sunday Obligation might be possible as we begin the New Year. Sadly, there has been a serious worsening of the situation and the restoration of the obligation will be postponed until a more favourable time. For us, Sunday is always a Holy Day and we invite those who are unable to be with us in person to continue to join with us in prayer and spiritual communion either by personal or family prayers or by online celebrations of Mass. We ask everyone to continue to pray for a speedy end to the Pandemic and for the good health of you and your loved ones in 2022. We also pray for all those who passed during 2021 and those who grieve. May Our Lady Health of the Sick pray for us and may Saints Andrew and Margaret protect us."
Supporting our clergy, serving in our parishes, helping the needy and developing our personal and family faith with like minded men. And much more……… Does that sound like you? If you are a man aged 16 or over the Knights of St Columba could be your answer. Province 1 of the KSC is recruiting in the diocese NOW. For more information on how to join Britain’s largest Catholic laymans organisation, phone John O’Donnell on 07854 886425 or email: pgk@glasgow.ksc.org.uk SERVING GOD BY SERVING OTHERS FOR OVER 100 YEARS
Following on from our successful evening for the Year of St. Joseph, we invite all men of the diocese to join us for an Advent Holy Hour in St. Mirin's Cathedral, on Thursday 16th December at 7.30pm, followed by socialising over appropriate refreshments in the diocesan centre! To assist us in preparing for the evening, please register at https://rcdop.org.uk/mens-advent-holy-hour
The year dedicated to St Joseph will be formally closed by Bishop John with Mass at 7.00pm Wednesday 8th December, The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, in St Mirin’s Cathedral. All welcome to come and celebrate St Joseph. Lilies, always associated with St Joseph, will be available for placing around the statue of St Joseph in the cathedral. All welcome to attend.
Bishop John invites you to join him to pray for the repose of the souls of the deceased clergy of our Diocese. This Mass will take place on Tuesday 23rd November at 1.00pm in St Mirin’s Cathedral. All welcome to come and pray for our deceased clergy.
Due to an overwhelming response to this appeal we have moved the last day for drop off to Friday 26th November A huge thanks to everyone who has donated. Remember to call ahead for opening hours. St Joseph's church, Bow Road, Greenock PA16 7DY - 01475 720 789 Diocesan Offices, Incle Street, Paisley PA11HR - 0141 847 6130 . Toiletries Winter Clothes for men & woman – a range of sizes Rice cooker Shoes Gifts Socks, underwear (new only) Hats, scarfs Umbrella’s
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
RCIA The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is our discernment & catechetical process for accompanying adults towards becoming members of the Catholic Church. We are currently preparing for the next session to begin soon. • If you or someone you know in interested in becoming a Catholic then please encourage them to contact us by emailing stcharles@rcdop.org.uk • If you are interested in being a part of our team who will accompany and support those going through the RCIA process then please contact Fr Jim at stcharles@rcdop.org.uk
Firstly, an apology.The registration for us to be licensed as a small lottery didn’t go smoothly this past year. This was no-ones fault, on either side, just a consequence of the strange times. To ensure that we were acting within the law, we have been waiting for this to be resolved before paying out to the winners of the 200 Club. Happily this is now resolved. Winners from Oct 2020-May 2021 have now been paid for all for whom we have bank details. The remaining winners from then and from June - September will be paid their winnings as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding with this. Thank you so much to everyone who continues to support the Church through the 200 club!
Please join in the October Rosary Whirlwind of the British Isles. You can join in: Daily 8.00pm Online Rosary around Britain (Bishop John will lead from our Cathedral on Sundays); the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima Whirlwind Rosary Day on Tuesday 13 October; 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 to www.rosaryonthecoast.co.uk
The Peter’s Pence collection is a gesture of solidarity. Through it, every member of the faithful can participate in the activity of the Pope as Pastor of the universal Church. It is an activity that also supports the most needy and ecclesial communities in difficulty who approach the Apostolic See for help. To donate to this special collection, please visit click the title above for the Diocesan online giving platform
"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.