St. Paul’s News

Communion to the Sick

This week East of the railway line.

Collection

Many thanks for your continuing generosity. Last week’s collection was £860.50.

Toddlers

The Mother & Toddler group meet in the hall on Tuesday and Thursday from 10.30am.  New members welcome.

Readers  at Mass

I think the times appropriate to remind readers of the need to project their voices and not mumble.   You are tasked with proclaiming God’s word and if people cannot hear you or cannot make you out then people miss out on the message.   I don’t want to but I may have to single out individual readers and offer them some assistance.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

The Alpha course has replaced the first part of the RCIA and we will be starting the RCIA programme after Mass on 15th January.  We have one candidate for Baptism and it would be appropriate to have others attending the course in the light of the success of the Alpha Course.

St. John’s Primary Enrolment August 2012

Registration will be held on Thursday 19th and Friday 20th January 9.30am-12noon and 1.45pm-3pm.

Building Fund Collection

This will be taken up this weekend.  Thanking you once again for your generosity especially at a time when many people are feeling the effects of the recession.

Wednesday Evening Mass

Reluctantly I have decided to cancel the Wednesday evening Mass from now on.  This is me attempting to do what the Doctor ordered!

Coffee Morning Rota

The new coffee rota is available in the kitchen in the hall.

Visibility

A visual impairment road-show is covering Ayrshire during the spring time. Please see leaflet in porch for local dates.

Health and Healing Conference

The 11th Health and Healing Conference will take place in Kingcase Church Hall Prestwick on Saturday 18th Feb from 9.30am-12.30pm.  It will be led by Fr. Jim McManus the Rector of the Redemptorist Community at Kinnoul in Perth. If you wish to take part please see me as soon as possible.

Justice and Peace Letter

A letter will be available next Sunday from Bishop Peter Moran concerning the work of Justice and Peace Scotland and a collection will be taken up on the 22nd Jan.

Funerals

Sadly three of our parishioners have died in the last few days.  The arrangements are as follows:

1. Mary Breckenridge of Dalmellington Road Vigil Sunday 6pm and Funeral Mass Monday 10am.

2. Nancy Hartshorn of Thorneyflat Place Funeral Mass Thursday 10am.

3. Annie Dawson formally of Lochlea Drive died in the Carrick Nursing Home Vigil 6pm Thursday Funeral Mass Friday 10am.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families.

Altar Servers

A reminder to all the Altar servers to pick up a copy of the service rota from the conference room. If you cannot make the Mass you are scheduled to serve please arrange a replacement.

 St. Francis Xavier’s News

SVDP

The local conference will now meet on the first Saturday of every month at 4pm before Mass.  Anyone wishing to join the conference should speak to Jim Baird.

Communions to the Sick

This week I’ll be visiting Patna.

Electricity in the Church

Please accept my apologies for the inconvenience of two power cuts in the last two weeks. Scottish Power are aware of the situation but understandably are dedicating their time to the reconnection of domestic properties.

General News

50th Anniversary International Eucharistic Congress 10-16 June 2012

This large international gathering on the theme “The Eucharist: Communion with Christ and with One Another will take place in Dublin on the above dates.  Please see posters for further information.

Christmas Crib

A reminder that you may wish to make a donation to the St. Margaret of Scotland Adoption Society and say their prayer as you visit the crib over the next week or so.

St. Paul’s News

 Collection

£969.00.  Many thanks.

Communion to the Sick

This week West of the railway line.

200 Club

The annual subscriptions are now due.  (£25)  Envelopes are available in the porch.  Please fill in the details on the envelope and hand back in as soon as possible. 1st Angela Brown, 2nd Bill McNaught, 3rd Tom Malloch.  Congratulations and spend the money wisely!

Hospital Admission

No names are coming through the system for the hospital Chaplain and visiting Chaplain.  Both ourselves and the Church of Scotland are taking this up at higher level.  Until the issue is resolved please ensure that either Canon Keegans or myself is informed by one of your relatives that you are in hospital.

The Alpha Course

Alpha literature is available at the back of the church for anyone to pick up.  In a couple of weeks we will be asking people to sign up for a possible Alpha course in September.  I think this will be a very positive move within the parish.

Parish Picnic

Thanks to all who came along to Rozelle Park last Sunday. I hope everyone had a good time.

Parish Census Forms

Please ensure that every family fills in one of the parish census forms.

 Whithorn

Our annual Diocesan pilgrimage to St. Ninian’s cave at Whithorn will take place on Sunday 28th August.  Mass at the cave is at 4pm and Mass for those unable to get to the cave will be in the parish church at 4.45pm.

Readers and Eucharistic Ministers

With the summer holidays coming up could I remind our ministers to try and find replacements if they are away on holiday.  This makes life an awful lot easier.

Galloway Newsletter

The Pentecost edition of the Galloway newsletter is now available in both churches.  Please pick up a copy and take one to any sick and housebound.

Holidays

Safe travels to all who will be going away over the next few weeks.  Have a well earned relaxed break.  A special welcome to all who are holidaying in the Ayr area. We hope you enjoy your time among us.

Quietness in the Church

Many people arrive early before Mass in order to say prayers or reflect on the readings.  There should be a sense of quietness in the church before Mass to enable people to reflect and pray.  Recently the chatting and general noise levels have disturbed people who are trying to pray quietly.  Please could I ask you to create an atmosphere of quietness by not holding conversations in the church.

St. Francis Xavier’s News

SVDP

The local conference will now meet on the first Saturday of every month at 4pm before Mass.  Anyone wishing to join the conference should speak to Jim Baird.

Communions to the Sick

I’ll be visiting homes in Dalmellington.

 General News

Mary’s Meals 23/24 July

Representatives of Mary’s meals will be visiting both parishes that weekend with a view to uplifting clothes which will be either sent abroad or sold in the UK for the benefit of the communities that Mary’s meals visit.  They will also hold a raffle.  For further details see poster in porch.  Prior to the raffle Sr. Veronica has dressed a special doll which along with a few other prizes will be raffled here and the money given to Mary’s Meals.  Tickets will be on sale in June.

Fire Evacuation Drill

I haven’t forgotten I have just put it off until the better weather.  So be on your guard!

New Mass Translation

The Clergy of the Diocese met at St. Paul’s last Thursday to discuss the new translation of the Mass which will come into effect later this year.  The new prayers and responses said by Priests and people will come into effect on the 1st Sunday in September.  The proper prayers  of the Mass and the Eucharistic Prayers will find some changes from the 1st Sunday in Advent.  I have ordered laminated cards for both parishes which will be available at the end of August.  I’m hopeful that we might have an open meeting in both parishes to discuss the changes and the reasons behind the changes.  Other parishes have already had meetings and in general there was a favourable response but some questions remaining.

SPRED—Special Religious Education

Thee SPRED groups meet each week in QMA to offer religious education to children and young adults with learning difficulties.  They provide a tremendous service to the Church.  They are looking for Catechists/faith companions who walk along side them in their own journey of faith.  If you think you would like to see SPRED in action with a view to perhaps joining a group please give your name to either myself or Angela and an arrangement can be made to come along at the start of the new term.

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes

The Diocesan Pilgrimage leaves tomorrow (Monday) for Lourdes.  They will have a very busy week involving themselves in all the services and events of the week.  I’m sure at the Grotto they will remember us in their prayers.  Let us pray for them hoping that the week will bring many blessings to both pilgrims sick and ordinary.  We pray for good weather.  If you think Scotland has unpredictable weather in the summer you have never been to Lourdes!

St. Paul’s News

Catholic Education Week

Just a reminder that Catholic Education week will be celebrated 20-27 February. Teachers from QMA and St. John’s Primary  will address both Masses on weekend 26/27 Feb.  Appropriate materials will soon be distributed.

Collection

£865.50.  Many thanks.

Ministries

I’d like to make a special effort to recruit new readers and Eucharistic ministers, particularly for Saturday evening Mass.  A list is now available.  They will be commissioned into the ministry during Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday.

Diocesan Youth Pilgrimage to Lourdes and World Youth Day Madrid

Some vacancies for older teenagers and young adults on both of these pilgrimages this summer: Lourdes July and World Youth Day in August.  If anyone is interested please contact me as soon as possible. 

Passover Meal

We hope to celebrate a Passover Meal in Holy Week.

Belarus Nuns (St Elizabeth  Convent)

Nuns from this convent are visiting parishes across the Diocese to explain their work and show some items made in the Convent.  They will be at St. Paul’s on Wed 23rd Feb for the 10am Mass. The poster in the porch will give you a further explanation.

Family Film Night

The next family film night will take place on Friday 4th March.  The film presentation will be “UP”.  Our popcorn is cheaper than the Odeon!

 Tuesday Club

The Tuesday club meet on Tuesday at 2pm in the hall. New members welcome.

Parish Fete

The parish fete will take place on Sunday 5th June after Mass.  A list will be available for all those who may wish to run stalls.

Pathway to Prayer 2011

An Ecumenical day exploring our relationship to God through Prayer is on Sat 26th March.  See poster

Adult Faith Formation

The third of a series of talks entitled “What is the meaning and purpose of the Church” will be held in St. John’s Hall Cumnock on Saturday 5th March 11.30-3.0pm. See poster in the church.

Sale of Cribs

Ron and Julie Milroy would like to thank everyone for the interest in their cribs last week.  They will be able to present too the Suzy Fund this weekend a cheque for £500. Please see their letter in the porch.

25th Anniversary of present St. John’s School

On Tuesday 1st March there will be a Mass of Thanksgiving in the Cathedral at 7pm to celebrate this wonderful occasion.  Bishop Cunningham will preside and Fr. Phillip Kitchen, Diocesan Religious Education Director will preach the Homily.

Communion to the Sick

This week Nursing homes.

Walk with Me

The popular Lenten book is now available in the porch. Each booklet costs £1

RIP

Please pray for the Repose of the Soul of Helen Malloch who died on Thursday night.  Her Requiem Mass is on Friday at 10am.

St. Francis Xavier’s News

 Catholic Education Week

Mrs Liz Herron Acting Head at St. Xavier’s will address the congregation on the 26th Feb.  Some of the children will participate in Mass.  She will be addressing the wider aspects of Catholic Education and local issues.

Ministries

We do need to recruit new readers and Eucharistic ministers, we are getting rather short on both counts.

SVDP

The local conference will now meet on the first Saturday of every month at 4pm before Mass.  Anyone wishing to join the conference should speak to Jim Baird.

Communions to the Sick

No visits this week.

World Day of Prayer

The annual Prayer day will take place in Patna Parish Church on Friday 4th March.

Collection

£215.00,  50/50 £35.10.  Many thanks for your generosity.

General News

Aim for the  Fairway

Ayr Fairtrade Partnership are holding a meeting for all who may be interested in fairtrade on Thursday 31st March 10-3pm. Lunch and refreshments provided.

Hospitalite De Notre Dame De Lourdes

Mass for the sick and the AGM for the hospitality will take place on Sunday 13th February in St. Matthews, Kilmarnock beginning at 3.30pm.

Fire Evacuation Plan

Copies of the fire evacuation plan for both churches are now available in both churches.  Please look these over and see what recommendations have been made and where to congregate in the event of a fire.  In particular at St. Paul’s please note the comments considering an evacuation whilst the children are through at children’s liturgy. That might give a hint as to when I might call a drill during Mass sometime soon.

Lourdes Pilgrimage

The Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place 4th—11th July.  Full details concerning hotels and travel arrangements are available in the porch.  The Hospitalite is always looking for nurses and adult helpers.  Without their assistance the pilgrimage could simply not take place.  I know the prices are expensive but I’m sure the parish can help in some way.

Paschal Candle for the Home

As last year we are able to order Paschal candles to use at home. Candle and stand cost £11 per set. See poster.

Catholic Education Week

This will be celebrated next weekend in both churches and a special collection for the work of Scottish Catholic Education Services will be taken up at all Masses.

St. Paul’s News

 Mother & Toddler Group

The mother and toddler group meet on Tuesday and Thursday at 10.30 in the hall.  

Collection

£1235.50 Many Thanks.

Communions to the Sick

This week Nursing Homes

Advent and Christmas Service times

The cards detailing all services in Advent and at Christmas are now available

Advent “Walk with Me” Booklets

These popular booklets are now available in the porch, priced £1

Children’s Nativity Play

Please add your name to the list in the porch or speak to a Children’s Liturgy helper if your child would like to take part in the Christmas Nativity Play at the Family Mass on 24th Dec.

Parish Pastoral Council

The PPC met last Wednesday evening and have adopted new members to the Council. I would like each parish organisation to be represented in the PPC.

 Advent Discussion Group

Only one or two have shown an interest in an Advent Group, perhaps we will wait until Lent when the diocese may came up with something for general use.

Jesse Tree

As in previous years the children will decorate the tree with symbols and signs from the Old Testament which talk of the coming of the Messiah. 

Advent Reflections

Many thanks to the Justice and Peace group who led our advent reflections last weekend.

Children’s Advent books

 Copies of the Advent books for infants and juniors are now available in the hall. Please pick one up today.

SPRED Advent Mass

We are hosting the annual Advent Mass for SPRED “Special Religious Education” today at the 11am Mass.  SPRED will lead the Mass.

200 Club Christmas draw

The special Christmas draw took place last Sunday. the lucky winners are: 1st S Cole No 100, 2nd E Grant No 8,3rd B Hamilton No 130

Advent Penitential Service

The parish penitential service will take place on Tuesday at 7pm.

DVD of the Papal Visit

2 DVD’s of the Papal Visit have now been produced.  One DVD costing £10.99 deals with the Pope’s visit to Scotland only. The other DVD costing £12  deals with the visit across Britain.  A list for ordering the DVDs is now available in both churches

 The Wonder of Christmas

Annual Christmas concert featuring local singers and music from around the world will take place in St. Peter-in-Chains, South Beach, Ardrossan on 19th December at 3.00pm.

Advent Podcasts

A reminder that you can hear a daily reflection from parishioners in the Deanery on www.gallowaypodcasts.org.uk

Sanctuary Lighting

Hopefully on Tuesday a new lighting system will be installed to enhance the lighting in that area.  A special light will also be installed around the Tabernacle.

Film Night

After the successful family film night other family evenings are being planned.  Any suggestions to Kevin McKeown.

St. Francis Xavier’s News

Advent Penitential Service

Our parish Penitential service will take place on Wed at 6pm.

Heating in the Church

The heating is now coming on  twice to maintain the fabric of the building. It is on a little longer on Saturdays. Please let me know if you think a little more heat is necessary.  Please remember that I can’t always respond to late news of a sharp frost.

Christmas/ Boxing Day Masses.

Mass on Christmas Eve will begin with carols at 8.30pm, Mass at 9pm. Mass on Boxing Day will be at 12.30pm.  We will decide tonight on whether to adopt the same timings for New Year.

Christmas Carol Concert

The annual Christmas concert involving the local school’s and churches will take place in Dalmellington Parish Church on Sunday 12th December at 6.00pm.  Please keep a note in your diary.

St. Xavier’s School Christmas Draw

The school Christmas draw will take place after the Christmas play on Friday 17th.   Any donations of prizes would be warmly welcomed.

News from St. Xavier’s School

Jim Campbell phoned me on Friday afternoon to tell me that he has been appointed Head Teacher at Fenwick Primary School sometime early in the New Year.   He will be a great loss at our school and we wish him well.  So lets get on our knees and pray for a suitable replacement

General News

Admission to Hospital

Please remember that if you are going into hospital and would like a visit from the hospital Chaplain, it is very helpful if you fill in one of the hospital admission forms available in the porch.

SCIAF Real Gifts

Copies of SCIAF’s Real Gifts for Christmas catalogues are available in both churches.

Diocesan Carol Service

The Annual Diocesan Carol Service takes place on Wednesday 22nd Dec in the Cathedral at 7.30pm.

St. Paul’s News  

Tuesday Club

Meet in the hall on Tuesday at 2pm New members most welcome.

 Mother & Toddler Group

The mother and toddler group meet on Tuesday and Thursday at 10.30 in the hall.  

Collection

£976.00.  Many Thanks.

St. Andrew’s Night Ceilidh

The PPC are organising a Ceilidh on Friday 26th November.  Tickets are  on sale costing £10 each.

Key list for hall

The hall is now being used more frequently by groups. Each group has a key to the hall.  I would like to have a full list of all parishioners who have a key to the hall.  Please add your name to the list in the porch.

RCIA

The RCIA programme continues  after Mass this Sunday in the front lounge of the house.  We have two candidates to be received into the Church at Easter but the meetings are open to anyone wishing to deepen their knowledge of faith. The candidates will be presented to the parish on 28th Nov. Mass

 Christmas Cards

The boxes of Christmas cards are selling well and are great value compared to cards in local stores.  Please support the parish by purchasing cards from the church.  If we need to order further cards the request will have to go in soon.

Galloway youth Newsletter

Copies of the first edition of the Youth newsletter are available for teenagers and young adults.

Papal Visit 2010 Souvenir Scrap book

A wonderful booklet for children recalling the Papal visit has been published by “Alive Publishing”.  Copies are available now.

Photos from Bellahouston

All who went to Bellahouston are encouraged to bring in any photos they have and we will have a display of photos in the hall.

Remembrance Sunday

This weekend we will have an Act of Remembrance at both Masses. Anyone with a Service connection is invited to lay the parish wreaths at Mass. A list is available in the porch.

Papal Visit Special Collection

I mentioned last week about the £800k shortfall for Scotland. A special collection will be taken up this weekend.

 Advent “Walk with Me”Booklets

These popular booklets are now available in the porch, priced £1

Advent and Christmas Service times

These cards will be available over the next couple of weekends.

Parish Pastoral Council

Could we put back the next meeting of the PPC until Wednesday Dec. 1st? I will be way on retreat on the last week of November.

St. John’s Christmas Fair

The school is holding A Christmas Fair on Saturday 27th November 10-12noon. See poster in porch for further details. Please support the school funds.

Advent Discussion Group

I intend to offer a discussion group on the Pope’s address in Westminster Hall after the evening Mass on each Wednesday of Advent.  If you are interested please add your name to the list in the porch.

200 Club winners

The winners for October are: 1st Stephen Cole, 2nd  Jan Connelly, 3rd Maria Connetta.

Jewellery Sale

Tuesday 23rd Nov at 7.30 in St. Margaret’s Hall.  Please try to support this event.

St. Francis Xavier’s News

Remembrance Sunday

This Sunday the Remembrance Service will be held at the War Memorial in Dalmellington at 2pm.

Communions to the Sick

No visits this week.

Heating in the Church

The heating is now coming on  twice to maintain the fabric of the building. It is on a little longer on Saturdays. Please let me know if you think a little more heat is necessary.

Christmas/ Boxing Day Masses.

Mass on Christmas Eve will begin with carols at 8.30pm, with Mass at 9pm. Mass on Boxing Day will be at 12.30pm.

Christmas Carol Concert

The annual Christmas concert involving the local school’s and churches will take place in Dalmellington Parish Church on Sunday 12th December at 6.00pm.  Please keep a note in your diary.

St. Xavier’s School Christmas Draw

The school Christmas draw will take place after the Christmas play on Friday 17th.   Any donations of prizes would be warmly welcomed.

Enrolment for the Sacraments.

During Mass this evening the three children preparing for the Sacraments, Hannah, Niamh and Sebastian will be presented to the parish during Mass. Please pray for them all year as they journey towards a deeper understanding of their faith

General News

Admission to Hospital

Please remember that if you are going into hospital and would like a visit from the hospital Chaplain, it is very helpful if you fill in one of the hospital admission forms available in the porch.

SCIAF Real Gifts

Copies of SCIAF’s Real Gifts for Christmas catalogues are available in both churches.

Diocesan Carol Service

The Annual Diocesan Carol Service takes place on Wednesday 22nd Dec in the Cathedral at 7.30pm.

Mass for the Deceased Priests and Laity

This will take place on Thursday 25th November in the Cathedral at 7.30pm.

Bishop Taylor’s 60th Anniversary of Ordination

A Deanery Mass to celebrate Bishop Taylor’s Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood will take place in the Cathedral on Tuesday 16th  November at 7.00pm.

Retreat and visit up North

I’ll be visiting a good friend Fr. Tom Keyworth in his “but and ben” near Huntly for a few days this week and making a final visit to RAF Kinloss and on my way back I will be taking my annual retreat with the Redemptorists at Kinnoull in Perth.  Bishop Taylor will cover St. Paul’s 285865 and Fr. Kinsler will cover St. Francis Xavier’s 520204.

St. Paul’s News  

Rosary in October

Rosary will be said at 9.40am each morning

Tuesday Club

Meet in the hall on Tuesday at 2pm New members most welcome.

Feast of All Saints

All Saints day is a week on Monday and is a Holiday of Obligation.  Masses at 10am and 7pm.

Mass of Thanksgiving for the Papal Visit

St. Mary’s Cathedral Edinburgh Sunday 7th November at 11.30am.

Mother & Toddler Group

The mother and toddler group meet on Tuesday and Thursday at 10.30 in the hall.  

Collection

£ 1006.35.   Many Thanks.

Communions to the sick

No visits this week.

St. Andrew’s Night Ceilidh

The PPC are organising a Ceilidh on Friday 26th November.  Tickets will be on sale soon costing £10 each.

Sunday 24th October

The welcome to Primary 1 pupils and enrolment of Primary 4 for Sacraments will take place during the Sunday morning Mass. 

Building Updates

The PPC has approved the installation of stained glass windows.  The final sizing of each window will take place this week.   When they are in place we will be in a position to replace the carpet and the flooring throughout the church.  I will be speaking to the electricians about new lighting within the Sanctuary and Jim Wilson Builders from Mauchline (who did the toilets) are working on costings for extending the bottom step at the Altar and enhancing the wood panelling around the Sanctuary.

Key list for hall

The hall is now being used more frequently by groups. Each group has a key to the hall.  I would like to have a full list of all parishioners who have a key to the hall.  Please add your name to the list in the porch.

Parish Theatre Outing

It has been suggested that we might try a parish theatre outing to Glasgow in the new year.  We will get brochures for the Kings and Theatre Royal.

RCIA

The RCIA programme continues  after Mass this Sunday in the front lounge of the house.  We have two candidates to be received into the Church at Easter but the meetings are open to anyone wishing to deepen their knowledge of faith.

Bishop Taylor’s 60th Anniversary of Ordination

Advance notice that a Deanery Mass to celebrate Bishop Taylor’s Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood will take place in the Cathedral on Tuesday 16th November.

Christmas Cards

The boxes of Christmas cards are selling well and are great value compared to cards in local stores.  Please support the parish by purchasing cards from the church.  If we need to order further cards the request will have to go in soon.

Lourdes Hospitalite Dance

The Diocesan Lourdes Hospitalite are holding a Supper dance in St. John’s Hall, Stevenston on Friday 12 November. See poster for details.

Parish Finance Committee

Meeting on Tuesday at 7pm.

Galloway youth Newsletter

Copies of the first edition of the Youth newsletter are available for teenagers and young adults.

Souvenir of Papal visit booklet

The Universe booklet will be available as of next weekend.

November Lists

The November lists will be available as of this weekend.

St. Francis Xavier’s News

Communions to the Sick

No visits this week.

Renovations in the Hall

Just to keep  you up to date on work around the church and hall.  The septic tank is now installed and up and running and the tidying up of the back of the yard at the hall is almost complete.  Unfortunately two manhole covers have gone missing so please keep well away from those areas.  The dry rot is being tackled in the hall and the appropriate area re-floored.  We are in the process of deciding whether to upgrade the single toilet by the old stage or the double toilet by the front door.

Collection

£173.20, 50/50 £18.10.  Many thanks for your continuing generosity.

Heating in the Church

At present it is not necessary to have the heating on each day in the church.  That day will come soon enough!  Until then we are relying on putting the heating on manually on Saturday afternoons and Wednesday mornings.  Unfortunately that depends on what time Jim Allen or myself get to the church.

Christmas Carol Concert

The annual Christmas concert involving the local school’s and churches will take place in Dalmellington Parish Church on Sunday 12th December at 6.00pm.  Please keep a note in your diary.

Feast of All Saints

Next Monday is the Feast of all Saints. There will be Mass in the school at 10am and all are invited to that Mass.  The parish Mass will be next Sunday evening at 7pm.

General News

Missions Week

The annual Mission appeal was due last weekend but due to the Papal visit the Missions week with special collection for Pontifical Missions will begin on 24th October.

Fire Evacuation Plan

Both churches were inspected last week.  An evacuation plan will be devised for both churches—and tested at some point in the future.

Admission to Hospital

Please remember that if you are going into hospital and would like a visit from the hospital Chaplain it is very helpful that you fill in one of the hospital admission forms available in the porch.

Westminster Hall Address

A copy of the address made by Pope Benedict to both Houses of Parliament in Westminster Hall is now available at the back of both churches.  I believe this was the most significant of the Pope’s addresses and should be essential reading for every Catholic.  Please pick up a copy today.

SCIAF Real Gifts

Copies of SCIAF’s Real Gifts for Christmas catalogues are available in both churches.

Day Pilgrimage to Lourdes on December 8th

Details of this pilgrimage are in both churches.

St. Paul’s News     

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.

SCIAF parish update

Sometime in the next few weeks one of our parish SCIAF representatives will give us a very short address updating us on SCIAF work.

Scottish Marriage Care

SMC are looking for individuals who may join their team of counsellors, after some training. These helpers would mainly assist the FOCCUS scheme in running pre-marriage courses. See the poster in the church for more details

Annual Mission Appeal

The Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Africa will make the annual Mission appeal next weekend 28/29 August.

Tuesday Club

Resumes on 31 Aug 2pm-4pm. New members most welcome.

Mother & Toddler Group

The mother and toddler group will resume on Tuesday at 10.30.  

Collection

£895.00. Many Thanks

Communions to the sick

No visits until September.

Youth for Lourdes

The Diocesan youth pilgrimage to Lourdes 3-13 July 2011 will coincide with the Diocesan Pilgrimage.  If anyone is interested in going please see me as soon as possible.  Further details concerning the pilgrimage are on the poster in the porch.

Queen Margaret Academy Class of ‘89’

A reunion has been organised for Sat 4th Sept at Shoot Super Soccer in Whitletts.  All pupils and partners welcome. Tickets £10 each, all proceeds donated to McMillan Cancer Trust.  For  details contact Suzanne Scott on suziescott@hotmail.com or Franki McIndoe on frankie2525@hotmail.com or facebook.  Raffle prize donations welcome.

Musical Minis

Learning made fun for pre-school children here in the hall on Mondays starting 23rd August 11am—12 noon. See poster in porch for further details.

Fire Evacuation Plan

The fire risk assessment will take place on Tuesday 24th August.

Whithorn Pilgrimage

The annual Whithorn Pilgrimage is on Sunday 29th August.  Mass will be celebrated at the cave at 4pm. 

Papal Visit forms

Any individual or family group must fill in the forms which are available for the Papal visit.  This is compulsory.  Please hand them back in as soon as possible. As you will now be aware there is a cover charge of £20 per person which will be levied on the parish.  I believe the fairest thing to do is to say there will be no charge for children but adults are encouraged to pay the £20 if they can afford it or less if they cannot afford it. Envelopes will be collected prior to departure.  If you require any other information contact Celeste Teenan on 283674.

Adult Education

As part of the Papal Visit preparations in the diocese, a presentation by Fr. W McFadden will be held here in the hall on Saturday 4th Sept from 11.30-3.00pm to look at the role and position of the Pope and Bishops within Church teaching.  It is hoped that the day will help to present Church teaching on the Magisterium, and so outline what realistic expectations we might have about the pope and bishops.    Tea & coffee will be provided but bring a packed lunch.

Parish BBQ

Unfortunately the annual BBQ due to take place today has been cancelled. Another date will be arranged soon.

St. Francis Xavier’s News

Communions to the Sick

No visits until September.

Renovations in the Hall

Just to keep  you up to date on work around the church and hall.  The septic tank is now installed and up and running and the tidying up of the back of the yard at the hall is almost complete.  Unfortunately two manhole covers have gone missing so please keep well away from those areas.  The dry rot is being tackled in the hall and the appropriate area re-floored.  We are in the process of deciding whether to upgrade the single toilet by the old stage or the double toilet by the front door.

Fire Procedures

The risk assessment takes place on the same day as St. Paul’s.

Scottish Catholic Observer

For the next two weeks copies of the SCO are freely available at the back of the church for you to take away with you.  If you are interested in getting the Scottish Catholic Observer each week subscription forms are available or let me know on my return and I can add numbers to the St. Paul’s order.

St. Paul’s News

Summer Fayre

Many thanks to all who came along to join in the fun of our Summer Fayre. The sun came out during mass so that some of the activities could go ahead outdoors, the children and youngsters ( and those who should know a little better!) joined in the fun. Thanks to all the stallholders for their sterling efforts. The total raised was just over £1800, but the real winner was the parish itself.

200 Club

A gentle reminder to those who have yet to pay their subscription that your numbers will not be valid if drawn in the June Summer Draw which will take place this Sunday after mass.

 Collection

£833.18.  Many thanks.

Communion to the Sick

East of the Railway line.

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.

Building Fund Collection

A gentle reminder we have our building fund collection next weekend.

Church Internal Renovations

Please excuse the delay in coming up with a timetable for the internal alterations in the church.  A significant number of people have suggested that we don’t lower or move forward the Altar.  I’m happy to leave it as it is.  Some work will be done on the panelling on the Sanctuary and a little work around the Tabernacle.  The next phase (avoiding weddings) is to install the secondary stained glass. Once that is done we will carpet and tile the church.

Ministers on Holiday

If you are due to minister when on holiday please arrange for someone else to take your turn.  List of numbers available in the Sacristy.

Family Picnic

Some of our families are meeting this Sunday 27th June in Rozelle Park.  Meet up near the Rugby pitch at 1pm.  There will be games for the children. All are welcome no need to sign up! This is for all ages.

Booklets for the Papal Visit

The Catholic Truth Society have produced a booklet describing a range of materials for all ages to help us prepare for the Papal visit. A few copies of this catalogue can be viewed at the back of the church. Please do not take them home. If you wish to order   please add to the list.

 Afternoons of Prayer for the Papal visit

I intend having a couple of prayer afternoons on Sundays after Mass in September as we lead up to the visit. Reflections will be on Caritas in Veritate.

Annual Collection for Peter’s Pence

The annual collection for the Papal Charities will take place this weekend. The Church under the title “Caritas” is one of the biggest providers of aid in the Third World. Please be as generous as you can.

Feast of Sts Peter and Paul

This feastday takes place 29th June with masses at 10am and 7pm. This feast is a Holiday of Obligation.

Scottish Marriage Care

Scottish Marriage care requires volunteers to welcome couples having counselling in Ayr (Holmston Rd) on a Thursday evening.  The present chaperones/doorkeepers are on a rota system and are not expected to give more than 2 hours per week.  If you can help please phone 01294 551210.

Canon Keegans 40th Anniversary of Ordination

Canon Keegans has a Mass of thanksgiving on Friday July 9th at 7pm followed by a buffet.  All are welcome to attend.

St. Francis Xavier’s News

Communions to the Sick

No visits this week.

Feast of St. Peter & Paul

The vigil Mass for this feast will be on Monday at 7pm.  Mass will also be celebrated in the school on Tuesday at 10am.

Renovations in the Hall

Just to keep  you up to date on work around the church and hall.  The septic tank is now installed and up and running and the tidying up of the back of the yard at the hall is almost complete.  Unfortunately two manhole covers have gone missing so please keep well away from those areas.  The dry rot is being tackled in the hall and the appropriate area re-floored.  We are in the process of deciding whether to upgrade the single toilet by the old stage or the double toilet by the front door.   Our Diocesan Estates Manager is coming down after Mass on Wednesday to discuss these issues.