Newsletter

Twenty-Seventh Sunday of the Year

October 4th 2026

 

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.

 

Lourdes 2027 Pilgrimage Mass: Thinking of joining the Diocese of Motherwell Lourdes Pilgrimage from 12th to 19th July 2027? Join us for Mass on Sunday 4th October at 3pm in St Francis Xavier Church, Carfin, as preparations begin for next year’s pilgrimage. There will be refreshments afterwards and a chance to chat with others planning to travel. If you’ve been before or are considering your first pilgrimage, please come along. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us; St. Bernadette pray for us.

 

Fairtrade Fortnight 20 September-4 October: What is Fairtrade all about? Fairtrade is more than just a label; it means fair prices and decent working conditions, environmentally friendly farming practices, a strong voice for farmers and workers; gender equality and a better future for young people. So, the next time you see the Fairtrade mark in the shop, please know that it is an assurance of the far-reaching positive impact of your purchase. To celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight please come along to our coffee morning this Sunday, October 4th after both morning Masses. As well as tea, coffee, juice, toast and home-baking, a selection of Fairtrade goods and crafts will be on sale. Donations of home-baking will be welcome; proceeds to the Society for the Protection of the Unborn Child (SPUC).

 

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

 

This Sunday at our 10.30am Mass we will welcome our new Primary 1 pupils from St. Mary’s Primary and St. Paul’s Primary, along with their parents and families.

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Schedule for the Daily Liturgy:

 

Monday October 5th: Mass at 10am;

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

 

Tuesday October 6th: Mass in St. Paul’s Primary

No public Mass at St. Mary’s

 

Wednesday October 7th: Mass at 10am

St. Mary’s Primary School will be with us for Mass

 

Thursday October 8th:

Mass at 10am

Rosary at 9.40am

 

The daily liturgy is a wonderful gift to the church and a beautiful way to begin the day; you are always welcome to join us for the prayerful recitation of the Rosary and for morning Mass.

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Parish Pastoral Council: The PPC will meet again on Wednesday 21st October at 7pm; the Council is there to serve the parish community; your comments and suggestions are very welcome and we will do our best to respond; 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

 

Be Still and Know that I am God Retreat: Step away from the noise and rediscover the stillness in which we become attentive to God. Led by Fr Roger Dawson SJ, Liz Lord and Steve Noone, this residential retreat explores mindfulness, psychology and the Christian spiritual life. The weekend (20th–23rd November 2026) includes talks, contemplative prayer, Mass, Adoration and time to walk, rest and reflect in the peaceful surroundings of the Stonyhurst estate. Find out more and book:

https://christianheritagecentre.com/events/be-still-and-know-that-i-am-god/

 

Wrap Up Lanarkshire Appeal: Donate your spare winter coats or anoraks to The Rotary Club of Hamilton, help support many local charities and community organisations who care for people who are homeless, escaping domestic violence, living in poverty and refugees. Drop off your coats in the box at the back of the Church. Please donate a coat or jacket during the month of October.

 

The Defibrillator is kept in the first confessional and is clearly visible on the wall; a wheelchair is also stored here. There will be further training in the use of the Defibrillator on Saturday 31st October, 10am to 12 noon in the parish hall.

 

St. Vincent de Paul Conference sends thanks for the generous amount raised at the recent coffee morning: we have donated £300 of foodstuffs and toiletries to both Hamilton Foodbank and Hamilton Drop-in-Centre. Thank you for your support.

 

Recently Deceased: Jim O’Mullen, Lina Gallo, Maureen McLagan, Pauline Hillier (Manchester), Michael Murphy, Barbara Sampson, Brian Baxendale

 

Special Remembrance: Rose Terrett, George Terrett, Catherine Lynas Sheerin, Stephen McQuillan, Joseph Lally, John and Mary McCaig, Jim and Mary Neary, John Allen, John Mallon and our own deceased relatives and friends, and the benefactors of our parish.

 

For reflection:

“Stay close to anything (and anyone) that makes you glad you are alive.”

Hafez