St. Paul’s News     

 Collection

£833.05.  Many Thanks

Communion to the Sick

I will be visiting the sick and the housebound west 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.

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 phone numbers available in the Sacristy.

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

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.

Summer Holidays

We hope that everyone will manage sometime off during the summer to recharge batteries.  Our prayers go with our parishioners who are travelling on holiday and a very warm welcome to people who are visiting this area or family and friends.

Arrangements for the Papal visit

You may have heard some further details in the press concerning the timetable for 16 September eg. Papal Motorcade along Princes St in Edinburgh. However at the time of writing I have no further information.

Canon Eugene Mathews

Please remember in your prayers Canon Eugene Mathews, retired Parish priest of Girvan who is very seriously ill in Girvan at the moment.

 Learn to Dance 

Just to let you know we do everything for you at St. Paul’s.  We are now hosting a beginners class on cool Ballroom or Hot Latin on Tuesday evenings at 7pm from 27th July.  See posters in church and hall.  Also this group offers dancing lessons for those about to get married so they can strut their expertise at the first dance at the wedding.

Sacred places in Scotland

A new series of books looking at Sacred buildings across Scotland is being printed by the St Andrew Press.  One of the titles is Sacred South West Scotland. If you wish to order please see the order form in the porch.

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.

Fire Evacuation Plan

An officer from Ayr fire station has visited and offered some very useful advice to assist us in drawing up a fire evacuation plan.  When this is done we will put it to the test.

Special Collection

This weekend we have a special collection for Church Students.

St. Francis Xavier’s News

Communions to the Sick

No communions 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.

Fire Procedures

Please see the item in St. Paul’s section and be advised a similar visit will be planned for St. Francis Xavier’s.

Special Collection

This weekend we will take up the special collection for Church Students.

St. Paul’s News     

RCIA

This Sunday the Candidates who are to be received into Full Communion with the Church at Easter will celebrate “The Scrutinies” and will leave the church after those celebrations.

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.

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!!

Eucharistic Ministers

The new rota is available at the back of the church.  Please pick up one.

Ministries in the Church

A reminder that all ministers will renew their commitment during the Mass of the Lord’s Supper.  Any new minister will make the commitment at the same Mass.

 Lenten Family Prayer Group

The family prayer group will run every Sunday during Lent 3.00pm-5.00pm.  If your are interested please contact the McKeown’s 266124 or McGinley’s 283929.

 Collection

£980.00 SCIAF £680.00.Many thanks.

Church Stall

The Repository has recently taken delivery of new Religious articles and cards for Easter and 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.

Lenten Discussion Groups

No meeting this week.  We will conclude the course on the Wednesday of Holy Week.

Parents meeting for Confirmation

A reminder there will be a meeting in St. John’s School at 7pm for the parents of all the children preparing for First Communion and Confirmation. The photographs of the children are now displayed by the organ.  Please pray for each one of them.

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.

 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.

Lily Patterson at 100

Lily who lives in Inverkar Road will celebrate her 100th birthday on April 1st.  A small family Mass will be celebrated that morning for her friends and we will present her with a Papal Blessing.  A very Happy Birthday.

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.

Holy Week Ministries

Please sign up as readers, Eucharistic Ministers and for the Washing of the Feet.  Lists are in the porch.

St. Francis Xavier’s News

Heating in the Church

The new heating is now installed and after the church has been cleaned this weekend we hope to move back into the church next Saturday.  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 communions 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.

Eucharistic Ministers/Readers

We are looking for new volunteers in these ministries to augment our present number.  Any volunteers will be Commissioned into the Ministry at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday.

General Church News

Holy Week Services

A card containing timings for all Holy Week Services is now available in both churches.  Please take one home today.

QMA Fashion Show

QMA are having a fashion show in the school on Wednesday 31st March in aid of Badagry.  Tickets cost £5 and include refreshments.  Contact QMA on 01292 268379.   See poster in porch.

Penitential Services for Lent

Troon Sunday 21st March, Prestwick Monday 22nd March, Mossblown and Drongan Wednesday 24th March, St. Margaret’s Thursday 25th March, Maybole Sunday 28th March,

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 will be available next week in both churches.  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 either before or after Easter. 

On-line

Please note both parishes can access our website on www.ayrstpauls.com. Please use that site and add any comments.

 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.

Hispanic Studies

I will be pursuing my annual course in Hispanic Studies in one of the cultural hotspots of Andalucia until 26th.  I will think of you.  Bishop Taylor will cover St. Paul’s on 285865 and Fr. Kinsler will cover St. Francis Xavier’s on 520204.

Papal Visit

It is now confirmed that Pope Benedict will celebrate Mass on the afternoon/early evening of 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.  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 and I’m in the process of booking buses.

British Summer Time

A reminder that the clocks go forward next Saturday evening.

St. Paul’s News     

RCIA

The candidates for reception into the Church continue their journey after Mass today. For the next 3 Sundays we will celebrate the “Scrutinies” at the beginning of Mass.

200 Club

Numbers are now around the 150 level and we will go ahead with the 200 club.  Those who have added their names to the list may pay in the following ways: Direct Debit, Cheque or Cash (annually or monthly).  We aim to begin now on Easter Sunday.

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!!

SCIAF Lent Day

On the 4th Sunday of Lent (SCIAF Sunday 14th March) our J & P group is organising quiet reflection after Mass until 3pm.  SCIAF materials will be available in the hall and a soup lunch will be made available by the     J & P group.  There will also be a SCIAF fast day on Friday 12th March.  More details later.

Collection

£877.21. Many thanks.

Building Fund

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

Lenten Family Prayer Group

The family prayer group will run every Sunday during Lent 3.00pm-5.00pm.  If your are interested please contact the McKeown’s 266124 or McGinley’s 283929.

Lenten Discussion Groups

Since 4 people have signed up for the discussion group this will take place each Wednesday after Stations of the Cross.  The course we are following is called “By his wounds”. 

St John’s School—Fairtrade fortnight

Children of primary 4 are holding a fairtrade coffee morning this Friday 9.30-10.30.  Cost of entry £1 with tea/coffee/cakes included. All monies raised will go to SCIAF

 Disclosure Scotland

With new readers and Eucharistic Ministers as well as parents going into the children’s liturgy we need to update our list of individuals requiring to be approved by Disclosure Scotland.  With that in mind this Sunday  there will be a short signing up session and brief look at the issues led by the Diocesan Child Care Co-ordinator.  It is important that every effort is made to be at this session. please bring 3 forms of identification, at least one of which must be photographic, passport, driving licence, bus pass, birth certificate and utility bill with current address.

Communions to the Sick

This week East of the Railway line.

General Church News

SCIAF Boxes

The SCIAF boxes are available at the back of the church.  Very few were lifted last week so please make an effort after Mass this Sunday to pick up your SCIAF box.

Book corner in Holy Trinity Church Ayr

Each Wednesday from 10-4pm Holy Trinity church (Next to bus station) has a book corner with books, c’ds and tradecraft gifts.  See poster and cards in porch.

Fairtrade Open Days

Open day at Nazim and Sheila Merchant’s, 23 Park Circus, Ayr  Friday 5th March 2pm-4.30pm and Saturday 6th March 10am-12 Noon. Tickets £2, Coffee/tea/biscuits/home-baking. Tradecraft’s Spring/Summer 2010 range has something for everyone.

Gonzaga Lectures

The annual Gonzaga Lectures held at St. Aloysius College Glasgow start on the 23rd February.  The theme this year is “Change, Challenge and the Church”.  See poster for further details.

QMA Fashion Show

QMA are having a fashion show in the school on Wednesday 31st March in aid of Badagry.  Tickets cost £5 and include refreshments.  Contact QMA on 01292 268379.   See poster in porch.

Galloway Newsletter

The latest edition of our Diocesan Newsletter is now available in both churches.

Taming the Tiger

This is the story of a renowned Kung Fu champion, Tony Anthony and his life changing story from the depths of Hell to the heights of glory.  He appears at the Citadel this Sunday at 7pm.  See posters in porch.

Penitential Services for Lent

Waterside Friday 12th March, St. Paul’s Tuesday 16th March, Troon Sunday 21st March, Prestwick Monday 22nd March, Mossblown and Drongan Wednesday 24th March, St. Margaret’s Thursday 25th March, Maybole Sunday 28th March.

 Marriage Preparation

The Priests of the Deanery have long been trying to have a common policy on Marriage Preparation courses.  This was discussed recently at the Diocesan Council of Priests. At the same time a National initiative on Marriage Preparation is being offered to all the Diocese of Scotland.  Anyone interested in learning more about the course materials for marriage preparation and who may be willing to participate in the programme is invited to a Diocesan meeting in St. Joseph’s Church Hall Kilmarnock on Thursday18th March at 7pm.  Anyone interested in going should let me know as soon as possible.

St. Joseph’s Catrine

After lengthy consultation with parishioners and local Clergy the Bishop has decided to merge St. Joseph’s with St. Patrick’s Auchinleck, and closing St. Joseph’s building.  We keep the parishioners in our Prayers and hope that the amalgamation will not be a difficult one.