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.