Newsletter

Twenty-Fourth Sunday of the Year

September 13th 2026

 

My dear parishioners,

 

The following information has been sent by the diocese: it is always worthwhile consulting the diocesan website for more detailed news about what is happening across the Diocese of Motherwell, www.rcdom.org.uk.

 

South Lanarkshire Council – Education Resources Statutory Consultation – proposal to alter the catchment areas of St. Mary’s, St. Paul’s, St. Peter’s and Our Lady and St. Anne’s Primary Schools, 31st August to 23rd October 2026.

A Public Meeting will be held on 22 September 2026 from 6-7pm in St. Peter’s School, Hamilton.

 

Mass for the New Evangelisation: Archbishop Rino Fisichella, Pro-Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelisation will visit Motherwell Diocese on Thursday 24th September to address the clergy of the Diocese in a Day Conference. The archbishop will then celebrate mass at 7pm in the Cathedral. The whole diocesan community is invited to participate in this celebration. Tea and coffee will be served afterwards in St. Bride’s Centre.

 

National Pilgrimage: Join the Knights of St Columba for their National Pilgrimage to Carfin Grotto on Sunday, 13th September. The Rosary will begin at 2.20pm, ahead of the National Pilgrimage at 3.00pm. All are warmly invited to come together at Scotland’s National Marian Shrine for an afternoon of prayer, faith and fellowship.

 

The Beginning Experience are holding a weekend for those who find themselves suffering bereavement through divorce, separation or widowhood. The weekend will take place from 16-18 October at the Conforti Centre, Coatbridge. For details contact Maggie on 07786 687631 or email: beginningexperiencescotland2@gmail.com.  Completed applications must be returned by 2nd October 2026.

 

St. Vincent de Paul members would like to thank everyone who contributed delicious home baking and attended the first St Vincent De Paul Society Coffee Morning. They raised £600 which will be split between Hamilton Foodbank and Drop In Centre.

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Schedule for the Daily Liturgy:

 

Monday September 14th: Mass at 10 am;

Rosary at 9.40am

 

Tuesday September 15th: Mass at 10am;

Rosary at 9.40am

 

Wednesday September 16th: Mass at 10am

Rosary at 9.40am; adoration until 2.30pm

 

Thursday September 17th:

Mass at 10am

Rosary at 9.40am

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Parish Pastoral Council: Please find on the notice board at the back of the church a little summary, prepared by the PPC, of some of the work attended to during the session 2025-2026. Let’s continue to work at making St. Mary’s and St. Paul’s an open and welcoming parish community for all; each one of us has our own special part to play in making this happen. The PPC will meet again on Wednesday 23rd September at 7pm; please speak with one of the Council members or put a note in the box at the back of the church or email PPC1846@hotmail.com

 

The anniversary of the St Ninian Declaration: Christians from across Lanarkshire are invited to come together to celebrate growing ecumenical friendship and consider how we can continue to live and work more closely together. The gathering will include reflection on the St Ninian Declaration, sharing of current ecumenical initiatives, discussion of future opportunities and lunch together. Taking place on 19th September, 10.30am–2.30pm at The Xavier Centre, Carfin Grotto. Please book your place at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/celebrating-a-year-of-the-st-ninians-declaration-tickets-1999110698915

 

Family Conference: The Agency for Marriage, Family and Life of the Bishops' Conference of Scotland have organised a Conference. Married couples and families are invited to a day at Saint Augustine's, Coatbridge on the 24th October 2026. Come along for family adoration, Mass with Bishop John Keenan, formative talks, children's catechesis and more. Please book your place at https://bcos.org.uk/NFC26.

 

Fr. O’Brien will be on annual leave until Friday 18th September; the Spiritan Fathers from Carfin will provide pastoral cover. Please contact Mrs. Mary Hoggan at the church house if any pastoral need arises.

 

Recently Deceased: Brian Baxendale, Leonard McKague, Alan Willianson, Philip Moore, Hugh Guy, Veronica McKale, Victoria Louise Tiernan, Kay Moore, Margaret Cameron, Kathleen Cassidy, Maureen McClaghan

 

Special Remembrance: Elsie Daly, Pat Ward, Marie Stirrat, John and Mary McCaig, Olga Levickis, Mary and Michael O’Brien and deceased relatives, friends and benefactors of our parish.