Newsletter

Fifth Sunday of Easter

May 18th, 2025

 

May dear parishioners,

 

I hope this finds you and your families well and happy at the election of our new Pope, Leo XIV. I thought you might like to read and reflect on his first words to the church and the world from St. Peter’s Balcony in Rome:

 

Peace be with you all! Dear brothers and sisters, these are the first words spoken by the risen Christ, the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for the flock. I would like the greeting of peace to resound in your hearts, in your families, among all people, wherever they may be, in every nation and throughout the world. Peace be with you!

It is the peace of the risen Christ. A peace that is unarmed and disarming, humble and persevering. Pope Leo XIV

Let us, as a parish, stay close to the Bishop of Rome, source of unity for the church!

 

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Bishop Toal has written a letter to the parishes of the diocese, and I offer here an abridged version of his letter; the full text can be read on the diocesan website:

 

Since early last year we have been running and promoting the Wellspring Programme in the Diocese. A lot of good work has been done through parish renewal initiatives and through the five Diocesan Priority Missions, namely, JoaAdult Formation, Education, Youth Ministry, Liturgy and Care of the Poor. It is felt that the Marriage, Family, and Life Mission should be designated as a priority, and I agree that this happen under the leadership of Deacon David Harper, who will now dedicate his diaconal ministry to the Marriage, Family and Life Mission. He will seek opportunity to explain and promote it in the parishes.

 

There has been much interest in the new Pope’s choice of name. He himself has linked it to Pope Leo XIII, and in particular his desire at the end of the 19th century that the church relate to the social issues of the time, notably regarding labour and capital. Leo XIII’s encyclical Rerum Novarum, is often seen as the beginning of Catholic Social Teaching. With this important area of the Church’s Mission in mind, and now with encouragement from Pope Leo XIV, it is most appropriate that we take steps to re-establish a Diocesan Justice and Peace Commission.

 

 To achieve this, there is an Open Meeting in the Diocesan Offices on Thursday May 22nd at 7.30pm; I invite you to come along, particularly if you agree that it is important that the Church takes a strong interest in the problems of our times, both at home and abroad; Pope Leo has already referenced some of them. The political choices being made here and in other countries do merit the Church’s Christian perspective and accumulated human wisdom. The meeting will be preceded by the Thursday evening Mass in the Cathedral at 7pm and those coming for the meeting are encouraged to attend.

 

We will celebrate a Diocesan Mass in Thanksgiving for the Election of Pope Leo XIV in Our Lady of Good Aid Cathedral, Motherwell on Monday 26th May at 7pm. All are most welcome to attend.

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I offer here the Schedule for the Daily Liturgy:

 

Monday 19th May: Mass at 10am

Rosary at 9.40am; Confessions at 6.30pm; Novena at 7pm

 

Tuesday May 20th: Mass at 10am

Rosary at 9.40am

 

Wednesday May 21st Mass at 10 am

Rosary at 9.40am

 

Thursday May 22nd: Mass at 10am

Rosary at 9.40am

 

 

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Please come to the hall this Sunday after the 10.30am Mass for Cofffee/Tea

 

The Parish Pastoral Council met recently and discussed the possibility of establishing a befriending group in our parish. We would take advice from other organisations which are experienced in running such groups and of course training would be provided. If you are interested in taking part in such a group or if you wish to find out more about what is involved, then please phone Justine Docherty on 07951397616.

 

Credo, the parish faith sharing group, meets this Tuesday in the meeting room at 1 o’clock; members enjoy some tea and biscuits after their meeting.

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Recently Deceased: Marie McCallum, Joan Hart, Michael Fitzpatrick, Iain MacPherson, Jim Breslin

 

Special Remembrance: Edward McGeary, Christopher Grant, Jackie Carroll,

Moira Douglas, Bella Holland Murray, Denis and Rose McCann, Elizabeth Flynn, John and Elizabeth Fulton, James Fulton, Benny and Rosaleen Mournian and all our own deceased relatives and friends, and all the benefactors of our parish.