St. Paul’s News     

 Parish Summer Fayre

New Date Sunday 13th June after Mass.  The PPC are now asking for support for the Summer Fayre.  We are looking for donations of books, bric a brac and bottles for the stalls.  Anyone wishing to help with the stalls please see a member of the PPC.  A list of all the stalls we hope to have is available in the porch.

First Communion/Confirmation

The parish will celebrate these Sacraments on Sunday 16th May at 11.30am.  Please pray for the children in their final weeks of preparation.  The photos are now on the notice board beside the organ.  As in previous years there will be an additional Mass that morning at 10am.

Flowers for Sale Today

Mrs Campbell will be selling flowers today after Mass for the Summer Fayre

 200 Club

Thank you to all who wish to be part of the 200 club.  A list is still available in the porch for anyone who wishes to join up.  If you haven’t yet paid could you please do so soon. April Winners: D Thomson £40.     K Monaghan £20. P Gibson £10

Church Stall

The Repository has recently taken delivery of new Religious articles and cards for First  Communion. Please feel free to browse around the repository. There is a selection of booklets,rosary’s, candles and cards for all sorts of occasions.  Please support this.

Parish Choir

The Choir practice on Tuesday evenings at 7pm.  All are welcome to join.

Communion to the Sick

This week East of the Railway line.

Tuesday Club

Meets on Tuesday at 2pm.   All are welcome.

Week of Guided Prayer

The Diocesan Prayer group will be visiting the parish 16-21st May for our annual week of guided prayer.  Anyone interested in learning more about this should contact Margaret Watson.

 Children’s Liturgy Group

I’d like to meet all the helpers at our children’s liturgy group after Mass today to plan family Masses and other events.

Diocesan Youth Forum

Any teenagers in the parish wishing to meet up with other teenagers from across the Diocese are invited to the above forum in St. Matthew’s Kilmarnock on Saturday 5th June. See me for further details.

World Youth Day

The 26th World Youth Day will take place in Madrid 16th-21st Aug 2011.  Any young person aged 16 by 31 Dec 2011 is eligible to go.  If anyone is interested please contact me.

Fr. Gabriel Kigozi

Fr. Gabriel is seriously ill at the moment and is being treated at the Beatson Unit in Glasgow.  He is currently receiving Chemo Therapy and this will be the case until the end of May.  He is presently in good heart.  Please keep him in your prayers.

Neophytes Mass

The Mass celebrating those coming into the Church at Easter will take place on Pentecost Sunday 23rd May at 3pm in the Cathedral. All are welcome to attend.

St. Francis Xavier’s News

Communions to the Sick

I’ll be visiting Dalmellington this week.

Toilets and Hall Kitchen

In the light of the views expressed at the recent parish meeting we intend to modernise  the kitchen with a few new units sink, fridge and cooker.  We will convert the toilet into a disabled toilet and modernise that.  Francis Rooney is going to draw up a plan for the toilet and kitchen and once the plan is approved we will move on with that work.

Plans for the New School

I’m hoping some time this month to have a copy of the plans for the new school to share with you.  Obviously parents of children in the school will see these first through the school.

First Communion/Confirmation

Ryan and Ewan will be celebrating these Sacraments on Saturday 22nd May.  Could I have a few volunteers to help with a celebration buffet afterwards in the hall.

Parish tidy up day

Now that the outside work has been done around the hall and church I hope that one Saturday afternoon in June we might get a team together to tidy up the grounds.

Collection: £182.40, 50/50 £25.40, SCIAF boxes £512.00.  Many thanks for your continuing generosity.

General Church News

Church Envelopes

The new envelopes for 2010 have started.  These are available in the porch.  Anyone requiring envelopes is invited to add their names to a list at the back of both churches.  Please indicate on the list if you are a UK Taxpayer, therefore allowing us to claim gift-aid on your contribution next year.

Papal Visit

It is now confirmed that Pope Benedict will celebrate Mass around 5.30pm on Thursday 16th September.  I would suggest that the use of private transport is probably not advised so we need to book some buses for the event.  Please let me know the number expecting to go in the next month by adding your name to the list in the porch.  After speaking with the coach company the buses would leave approx between 1.30pm and returning from Bellahouston from 8pm onwards. Over the next few weeks more detailed plans will be worked out concerning the preparations in the Diocese, Deanery and eventually in the Parish.  Presently about 80 from St. Paul’s and 15 from St. Francis Xavier’s have indicated they want to go to Bellahouston.  I have booked two coaches for St. Paul’s and will arrange a separate coach from Dalmellington/Patna.

Canon Keegans 40th Anniversary of Ordination

There will be a special Mass on Friday 9th July at 7.30 in the Cathedral to celebrate Canon Keegans 40 years in Priesthood.  There will be a buffet in the hall after Mass.  If you wish to go please add your name to the list in the porch.

Bishop Taylor 60th Anniversary of Ordination

If you wish to make a contribution towards a parish gift  to Bishop Taylor please pick up one of the special envelopes available now in the porch.  Any thoughts on what gift to give him?

Queen Margaret Academy Reunion

Did you start QMA in 1983? If you did a reunion is taking place on Saturday 29th May at 7.30pm at Floyds on Maybole Road.  Tickets available costing £5 from Sharon Rae on 289721 or raeshar@googlemail.com or Amanda on 265007 or can be bought at the door.  See letter in porch.

Faith Today

A new monthly publication by the Bishops of England and Wales concerning topical Church issues has been sent to all parishes.  Anyone wishing to subscribe should contact me.  The ONLY parish copy is available in the porch for you to look at.  Do not remove.

Special Collections

I’m very concerned about the number of collections we are asked to have in the parish.  This month we have the Building fund collection, Communications Sunday collection, Christian Aid collection and we have just heard there is to be a special collection on Pentecost Sunday to help pay for the Papal visit.   We also have to take up the Church Students collection, though I’ll put that off until the summer.  Your generosity is outstanding but I don’t want to push your goodwill too far.  If you have any thoughts please let me know.

St. Paul’s News     

 Kits for Kids

Any readers of the Daily Record are invited to collect the kits for kids tokens and save them for St. John’s Primary team.

Parish Summer Fayre

New Date Sunday 13th June after Mass.  The PPC are now asking for support for the Summer Fayre.  We are looking for donations of books, bric a brac and bottles for the stalls.  Anyone wishing to help with the stalls please see a member of the PPC.  A list of all the stalls we hope to have is available in the porch.

First Communion/Confirmation

The parish will celebrate these Sacraments on Sunday 16th May at 11.30am.  Please pray for the children in their final weeks of preparation.  The photos are now on the notice board beside the organ.  As in previous years there will be an additional Mass that morning at 10am.

 200 Club

Thank you to all who wish to be part of the 200 club.  The first draw will take place after Mass this morning.  A list is still available in the porch for anyone who wishes to join up.  If you haven’t yet paid could you please do so soon.

 Collection

£917.00 Many thanks.

Church Stall

The Repository has recently taken delivery of new Religious articles and cards for First  Communion. Please feel free to browse around the repository. There is a selection of booklets, rosary’s, candles and cards for all sorts of occasions.  Please support this.

Memorial Garden

Since I mentioned this idea a month or so ago a few people have indicated  they would like to plant a rose bush or shrub to remember a loved one.  Once the area is finally cleared out we will be able to gradually plant Memorial bushes.

Parish Choir

The Choir resumes on Tuesday evenings at 7pm.  All are welcome to join.

Communion to the Sick

No visits this week.

Tuesday Club

Meets on Tuesday at 2pm.   All are welcome.

Week of Guided Prayer

The Diocesan Prayer group will be visiting the parish 16-21st May for our annual week of guided prayer.  Anyone interested in learning more about this should contact Margaret Watson.

St. John’s Primary Induction

The school will be sending out invitations for newly enrolled primary one pupils to attend their induction programme in May and June.  If you have not already enrolled your child for this session please contact the school.

Children’s Liturgy Group

I’d like to meet all the helpers at our children’s liturgy group after Mass on Sunday 2nd May to plan family Masses and other events.

Meeting of Parents for First Communion and Confirmation

Could all parents wait behind after morning Mass today.

Diocesan Youth Forum

Any teenagers in the parish wishing to meet up with other teenagers from across the Diocese are invited to the above forum in St. Matthew’s Kilmarnock on Saturday 5th June. See me for further details.

St. Francis Xavier’s News

Heating in the Church

The exposed copper pipes are very hot so please keep away from them.  After Easter we will have them encased in wood.  A very special thank you to those who have made such efforts to give a thorough clean to the church.  Please note that the Sceptic tank and drawaway pipes are being installed behind the church over the next few weeks.  Please keep away from any works.

Communions to the Sick

No visits this week.

Toilets and Hall Kitchen

In the light of the views expressed at the recent parish meeting we intend to modernise  the kitchen with a few new units sink, fridge and cooker.  We will convert the toilet into a disabled toilet and modernise that.  Francis Rooney is going to draw up a plan for the toilet and kitchen and once the plan is approved we will move on with that work.

Plans for the New School

I’m hoping some time this month to have a copy of the plans for the new school to share with you.  Obviously parents of children in the school will see these first through the school.

First Communion/Confirmation

Ryan and Ewan will be celebrating these Sacraments on Saturday 22nd May.  Could I have a few volunteers to help with a celebration buffet afterwards in the hall.

Parish tidy up day

Now that the outside work has been done around the hall and church I hope that one Saturday afternoon in June we might get a team together to tidy up the grounds.

General Church News

Church Envelopes

The new envelopes for 2010 have started.  These are available in the porch.  Anyone requiring envelopes is invited to add their names to a list at the back of both churches.  Please indicate on the list if you are a UK Taxpayer, therefore allowing us to claim gift-aid on your contribution next year.

Papal Visit

It is now confirmed that Pope Benedict will celebrate Mass around 5.30pm on Thursday 16th September.  I would suggest that the use of private transport is probably not advised so we need to book some buses for the event.  Please let me know the number expecting to go in the next month by adding your name to the list in the porch.  After speaking with the coach company the buses would leave approx between 1.30pm and returning from Bellahouston from 8pm onwards. Over the next few weeks more detailed plans will be worked out concerning the preparations in the Diocese, Deanery and eventually in the Parish.  Presently about 80 from St. Paul’s and 15 from St. Francis Xavier’s have indicated they want to go to Bellahouston.  I have booked two coaches for St. Paul’s and will arrange a separate coach from Dalmellington/Patna.

Queen Margaret Academy Reunion

Did you start QMA in 1983? If you did a reunion is taking place on Saturday 29th May at 7.30pm at Floyds on Maybole Road.  Tickets available costing £5 from Sharon Rae on 289721 or raeshar@googlemail.com or Amanda on 265007 or can be bought at the door.  See letter in porch.

Aid to the Church in Need

I received a very kind letter from John Woods thanking both congregations fro their generosity at last weeks special appeal.  The total contributions including donations and sales of books and gifts were as follows:                        St Francis Xavier’s £252.36  St. Paul’s £1136.00  See thank you posters in both churches.

Faith Today

A new monthly publication by the Bishops of England and Wales concerning topical Church issues has been sent to all parishes.  Anyone withing to subscribe should contact me.  The ONLY parish copy is available in the porch for you to look at.  Do not remove.

St. Paul’s News     

 Kits for Kids

Any readers of the Daily Record are invited to collect the kits for kids tokens and save them for St. John’s Primary team.

Parish Summer Fayre

The PPC are now asking for support for the Summer Fayre.  We are looking for donations of books, bric a brac and bottles for the stalls. Anyone wishing to help with the stalls please see a member of the PPC.  A list of all the stalls we hope to have is available in the porch.

200 Club

Numbers are now around the 150 level and we will go ahead with the 200 club.  The first draw will be on the last Sunday of April. Direct Debit slips are available for those who wish them and those who wish to pay yearly by cheque or cash should place these in an envelope addressed 200 club.  Individuals have now been allocated numbers and the list is available at the back of the church.

 Collection

£914.50 Many thanks.

Parish Pastoral Committee

The next meeting will take place on 21st April after evening Mass. Anyone wishing to raise any points should contact a member of the committee.

Church Stall

The Repository has recently taken delivery of new Religious articles and cards for First  Communion. Please feel free to browse around the repository. There is a selection of booklets, rosary’s, candles and cards for all sorts of occasions.  Please support this.

Memorial Garden

Since I mentioned this idea a month or so ago a few people have indicated  they would like to plant a rose bush or shrub to remember a loved one.  Once the area is finally cleared out we will be able to gradually plant Memorial bushes.

Disclosure Scotland

Thank you to those who attended the meeting concerning Child Protection.  However I do have to point out that some of the parents  who take their children into the Children’s Liturgy did not come.  I can only stress that attendance at a Child Protection Meeting and compliance with Child Protection Law is MANDATORY. The Child Protection team will return to the parish in just over a month and I do expect compliance with the Child Protection Policy with the Church in Scotland.

Communion to the Sick

This week I’ll be visiting Nursing homes.

First Communion/Confirmation

The parish will celebrate these Sacraments on Sunday 16th May.  Please pray for the children in their final weeks of preparation.  The photos are now on the notice board beside the organ.  As in previous years there will be an additional Mass that morning at 9.30am.

Aid to Church in Need

This weekend we will have an appeal on behalf of Aid to the Church in Need.  A selection of items from the catalogue will be on sale.

Tuesday Club

Meets on Tuesday at 2pm.   All are welcome.

Week of Guided Prayer

The Diocesan Prayer group will be visiting the parish 16-21st May for our annual week of guided prayer.  Anyone interested in learning more about this should contact Margaret Watson.

St. John’s Primary Induction

The school will be sending out invitations for newly enrolled primary one pupils to attend their induction programme in May and June.  If you have not already enrolled your child for this session please contact the school.

Children’s Liturgy Group

I’d like to meet all the helpers at our children’s liturgy group after Mass on Sunday 2nd May to plan family Masses and other events.

St. Francis Xavier’s News

Heating in the Church

The exposed copper pipes are very hot so please keep away from them.  After Easter we will have them encased in wood.  A very special thank you to those who have made such efforts to give a thorough clean to the church.  Please note that the Sceptic tank and drawaway pipes are being installed behind the church over the next few weeks.  Please keep away from any works.

Communions to the Sick

This week I’ll be visiting Patna.

Toilets and Hall Kitchen

In the light of the views expressed at the recent parish meeting we intend to modernise  the kitchen with a few new units sink, fridge and cooker.  We will convert the toilet into a disabled toilet and modernise that.  Francis Rooney is going to draw up a plan for the toilet and kitchen and once the plan is approved we will move on with that work.

Aid to Church in Need

This weekend we will have an appeal on behalf of Aid to the Church in Need.  A selection of items from the catalogue will be on sale.

Plans for the New School

I’m hoping some time this month to have a copy of the plans for the new school to share with you. Obviously parents of children in the school will see these first through the school.

First Communion/Confirmation

Ryan and Ewan will be celebrating these Sacraments on Saturday 22nd May.  Could I have a few volunteers to help with a celebration buffet afterwards in the hall.

General Church News

Thank you for Holy Week and Easter

I’d like to put into print my sincere gratitude to parishioners in both parishes who did so much extra work in preparing the churches for Holy week and Easter celebrations.  A particular thanks to those at SFX who thoroughly cleaned the church from top to bottom after the mess brought about by the installation of the new heating system.

Church Envelopes

The new envelopes for 2010 have started.  These are available in the porch.  Anyone requiring envelopes is invited to add their names to a list at the back of both churches.  Please indicate on the list if you are a UK Taxpayer, therefore allowing us to claim gift-aid on your contribution next year.

SCIAF “wee boxes”

Please try to bring them back as soon as possible.

Care not Killing

“The end of life assistance (Scotland) Bill” is presently before the Scottish Parliament.  The care not killing campaign has been established in opposition to this bill being passed.  If you wish to express your opposition please pick up one of the cards available at the back of the church.

Papal Visit

It is now confirmed that Pope Benedict will celebrate Mass around 5.30pm on Thursday 16th September.  I would suggest that the use of private transport is probably not advised so we need to book some buses for the event.  Please let me know the number expecting to go in the next month by adding your name to the list in the porch.  After speaking with the coach company the buses would leave approx between 1.30pm and returning from Bellahouston from 8pm onwards. Over the next few weeks more detailed plans will be worked out concerning the preparations in the Diocese, Deanery and eventually in the Parish.  Presently about 80 from St. Paul’s and 15 from St. Francis Xavier’s have indicated they want to go to Bellahouston.  I have booked two coaches for St. Paul’s and will arrange a separate coach from Dalmellington/Patna.

St. Paul’s News     

 Kits for Kids

Any readers of the Daily Record are invited to collect the kits for kids tokens and save them for St. John’s Primary team.

Parish Summer Fayre

The PPC are quite keen to go ahead with a summer fayre in June.  Thank you to those who have volunteered to help run stalls at the summer fayre.  You will be contacted by a member of the PPC in due course!!

200 Club

Numbers are now around the 150 level and we will go ahead with the 200 club.  The first draw will be on the last Sunday of April. Direct Debit slips are available for those who wish them and those who wish to pay yearly by cheque or cash should place these in an envelope addressed 200 club.  Individuals will be allocated numbers before Easter and the list will be published after Easter.

 Collection

£965.00Many thanks.

Parish Pastoral Committee

The next meeting will take place on 21st April after evening Mass.  Anyone wishing to raise any points should contact a member of the committee.

 Church Stall

The Repository has recently taken delivery of new Religious articles and cards for First  Communion. Please feel free to browse around the repository. There is a selection of booklets, rosary’s, candles and cards for all sorts of occasions.  Please support this.

Memorial Garden

Since I mentioned this idea a month or so ago a few people have indicated  they would like to plant a rose bush or shrub to remember a loved one.  Once the area is finally cleared out we will be able to gradually plant Memorial bushes.

Disclosure Scotland

Thank you to those who attended the meeting concerning Child Protection.  However I do have to point out that some of the parents  who take their children into the Children’s Liturgy did not come.  I can only stress that attendance at a Child Protection Meeting and compliance with Child Protection Law is MANDATORY. The Child Protection team will return to the parish in just over a month and I do expect compliance with the Child Protection Policy with the Church in Scotland.

Communion to the Sick

This week I’ll be visiting homes East of the railway line.

First Communion/Confirmation

The parish will celebrate these Sacraments on Sunday 16th May.  Please pray for the children in their final weeks of preparation.  The photos are now on the notice board beside the organ.  As in previous years there will be an additional Mass that morning at 9.30am.

Lily Paterson at 100

Lily celebrated her 100th birthday with a Mass in her living room on Thursday surrounded by family from Glasgow and Manchester and a few parishioners who have brought her Communion over the years.  She was delighted to receive her Telegram from the Queen but even more delighted when the Parish presented her with a Papal Blessing to mark her birthday.  Ad Multos Annos

Aid to Church in Need

Each year one Catholic charity is  invited to make an appeal in each parish.  Last years appeal was late in the year. This year on the 17/18 April we will have an appeal on behalf of Aid to the Church in Need.  A selection of items from the catalogue will be on sale.

Building Fund

A gentle reminder the Building Fund collection will be taken up today.

St. Francis Xavier’s News

Heating in the Church

The exposed copper pipes are very hot so please keep away from them.  After Easter we will have them encased in wood.  A very special thank you to those who have made such efforts to give a thorough clean to the church.  Please note that the Sceptic tank and drawaway pipes are being installed behind the church over the next few weeks.  Please keep away from any works.

Communions to the Sick

This week I’ll be visiting Dalmellington.

Toilets and Hall Kitchen

In the light of the views expressed at the recent parish meeting we intend to modernise  the kitchen with a few new units sink, fridge and cooker.  We will convert the toilet into a disabled toilet and modernise that.  Francis Rooney is going to draw up a plan for the toilet and kitchen and once the plan is approved we will move on with that work.

Collection

£214.00 Many thanks for your continuing generosity

Aid to Church in Need

Each year one Catholic charity is  invited to make an appeal in each parish.  Last years appeal was late in the year. This year on the 17th April we will have an appeal on behalf of Aid to the Church in Need.  A selection of items from the catalogue will be on sale.

Plans for the New School

I’m hoping some time this month to have a copy of the plans for the new school to share with you.  Obviously parents of children in the school will see these first through the school.

General Church News

Society for Protection of the Unborn Child

The Ayrshire branch of SPUC are trying to organise door to door leafleting in various areas to highlight Pro-Life issues in their political debate leading up to the General Election.  The Church in England and Wales has already highlighted Pro-Life issues in their recent document concerning “The CommonGood”- a 10 page document issued to help us cast our votes.  If you are interested in helping with the distribution of these leaflets please sign up today.

Church Envelopes

The new envelopes for 2010 start on the Sunday after Easter.  These are available in the porch.  Anyone requiring envelopes is invited to add their names to a list at the back of both churches.  Please indicate on the list if you are a UK Taxpayer, therefore allowing us to claim gift-aid on your contribution next year.

SCIAF “wee boxes”

Please try to bring them back as soon as possible.

Care not Killing

“The end of life assistance (Scotland) Bill” is presently before the Scottish Parliament.  The care not killing campaign has been established in opposition to this bill being passed.  If you wish to express your opposition please pick up one of the cards available at the back of the church.

Papal Visit

It is now confirmed that Pope Benedict will celebrate Mass around 5.30pm on Thursday 16th September.  I would suggest that the use of private transport is probably not advised so we need to book some buses for the event.  Please let me know the number expecting to go in the next month by adding your name to the list in the porch.  After speaking with the coach company the buses would leave approx between 1.30pm and returning from Bellahouston from 8pm onwards. Over the next few weeks more detailed plans will be worked out concerning the preparations in the Diocese, Deanery and eventually in the Parish.  Presently about 80 from St. Paul’s and 15 from St. Francis Xavier’s have indicated they want to go to Bellahouston.  I have booked two coaches for St. Paul’s and will arrange a separate coach from Dalmellington/Patna.