1st Sunday of Advent (c)
1st Sunday of Advent. (c)
Times of Mass and Confession:
Sundays:
Vigil Mass (Saturday) 6.00 p.m. & 10.00 a.m.
Weekdays:
9.00 a.m. (Monday – Thursday)
9.30 a.m. (Friday, with school children present)
10.00 a.m. (Saturday)
Confessions:
After Mass on Saturdays
By arrangement.
Please remember the following parishioners, relatives and friends in your prayers:
Sick: Caroline McNeish, Patricia Allison, Elizabeth Brown.
Died: Michael Malone, Barbara Buda.
Anniv: Jim Fallon, Margaret Fitzgerald, John Collins.
Today marks the beginning of the new Liturgical Cycle. Readers please note we move to Cycle C for Sundays and Year 1 for weekday readings.
The Advent Wreath will be blessed. If you would like to light the candles as the weeks progress please let me know.
The Advent Tree is in place along with the baskets of tags from you can choose a task you would undertake in the course of the week.
As in past years, we will collect for two charities. The first two weekends we will be collecting gifts for the children of prisoners in Saughton Prison. These are gifts for children up to the age of 12 and, if possible, should be clearly marked with the age and sex of the child. Often children of prisoners suffer as a result of their mother or father being in prison at this time. Last year there was a difficulty meeting the demand for boys’ presents in general, but particularly older boys. Music or book tokens would be very welcome or even gift cards that could be put towards PlayStation or Xbox related items. These can be purchased in most supermarkets. Thank you in anticipation of your kindness.
Lists are at the back of the Church for readers, Eucharistic Ministers, Passkeepers and volunteers to assist at the social events in the Hall after the Christmas Masses, to indicate their availability over the Christmas and New Year period. The social events in the Hall are in particular need of helpers.
Altar servers please come to the sacristy and tick on the appropriate list about their availability for serving Mass over Christmas and New Year.
Sunday: There will be a celebration of the Children’s Liturgy during the 10.00 a.m. Mass. During Advent, the Children’s Liturgy will be celebrated every Sunday along with some practical activities in the Hall after Mass. The team have come up with lots of exciting ideas for the children so parents please encourage your children to go along and take part.
Sunday: The coffee morning takes place in the Hall after Mass. The Fair Trade group will be in charge today. Why not go round to the Hall after Mass and sample the goods on offer.
Sunday: The Blessing of the Crib in St. Andrew Square Gardens will take place at 3.00 p.m. involving Archbishop Cushley. All welcome
Sunday: The Archbishop will be leading the first of three sessions for young adults on ‘Faith, Hope and Love’ in the Gillis Centre. Booking is needed and the contact address is on the fliers or poster as you leave Mass.
Friday: The Dovecot Singers will be leading an Advent evening of reflection through poetry and music in St. Catharine’s Convent at 7.30 p.m. All welcome.
Next Saturday: As part of our Advent Preparation, there will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament after the 10.00 a.m. Mass until 12 noon. During this time I will be available for Confession.
Next Sunday, we will continue the collection of gifts for the children of prisoners in Saughton Prison.
Next Sunday the schedule for the Christmas and New Year Masses will be available.
Diary Dates:
11th December: The Newman Society lecture will take place in Mayfield Salisbury Church on the theme “For see, the winter is over – The Advent herald of Hope and Life”. It will be given by Fr. Jim Lawlor, Parish Priest, Glasgow. All warmly welcome to come along. A donation is requested to cover our costs.
13th December: Penitential Service in Our Lady’s at 7.00 p.m. This gives an opportunity for Confession before Christmas. Father Tom and I will be available.
17th December: Penitential Service in St. Cuthbert’s at 7.00 p.m. At least five priests will be available for individual confession and absolution as part of our preparation for Christmas.
20th December: The daily Mass will be at 7.00 p.m. and following on the efforts in previous times there will be Big Clean of the Church in preparation for Christmas. It would be tremendous to see a big crowd both at the Mass and also staying on to help with the clean up.
Very many thanks to all who came along for the Big Hall Clean up. It was great to see so many there. Many thanks also to those who organised and planned the St. Andrew’s Night social event whether by playing, cooking working or coming along to enjoy yourself. Again it was great to see so many there. A final figure is not to hand yet but will be in the bulletin for next weekend.
With every best wish and blessing to you,
your families and all those who are dear to you
Monsignor Tony.
