2nd Sunday of Lent (b)

2nd Sunday of Lent. (b)

Times of Mass and Confession:
Sundays: Vigil Mass (Saturday) 6.00 p.m. & 10.00 a.m.
Weekday: 9.00 a.m. (Monday – Friday)
10.00 a.m. (Saturday)
Confessions: After 10.00 a.m. Mass on Saturday
Other times by arrangement.

Please remember the following parishioners, relatives and friends in your prayers:
Sick: Sally McDermott, Catherine Wilson, Patricia Mechan, John McPartland, Henry Livingstone, Mary McPheely, Annie O’Donnell, Molly Weir, Eileen Kennedy
Anniv: Nancy Atherton,
Died: Christopher Hoban, Michelle Stephen, Leon Weston.

Sunday: The Coffee Morning takes place in the Hall after Mass today with the Fair Trade Group in charge. All welcome to go round for bacon rolls etc.
Sunday: Stations of the Cross and Benediction at 4.00 p.m. This provides an opportunity for some time to be spent in prayer as part of your Lenten effort. If anyone or group of people wish to lead the Stations please let me know.
Monday: Meeting of the Parish Pastoral Council at 7.30 p.m. in the house. Please note the slightly later start due to me being at another meeting previously. My apologies for any inconvenience this may cause. The agenda and minutes of the previous meeting are available in the sacristy after Mass
Monday: Lent Lunchtimes at Lauriston begin with ‘Glimpses into Genesis’ – the second of a series of five reflections looking at some of the stories in the Book of Genesis, led by Father Jim Crampsey S.J. Each session lasts one hour beginning at 1.30 p.m. with soup available from 1.00 p.m. and takes place in the Lauriston Jesuit Centre.
Monday: The Lauriston Jesuit Centre hosts an evening led by Father Felix Korner S.J. on the official dialogue of the Catholic Church with Islam. Father Korner is a member of the theological faculty of the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.
Tuesday: Meeting for the parents of P3 children who are currently preparing to celebrate their First Reconciliation. It is at 7.00 p.m. in the Hall and hopefully every child will be represented. The children do not need to be present.
Wednesday: Meeting of Parents of ‘Do This in Memory of Me’ parents’ group to plan the next celebration for the children preparing for Confirmation and First Communion. It is at 7.00 p.m. in the Hall.
Thursday: The Keep Fit Class takes place in the Hall at 7.00 p.m. All welcome.
Saturday: Lenten Retreat, lasting from 10.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. and organised by the Diocesan Justice and Peace Commission, on the theme ‘Take of your shoes, for you stand on Holy ground.’ Fuller details and booking contact on the poster in the porch.

Diary Dates:
16th March: Deanery Station Mass for the City of Edinburgh Deanery in the Cathedral at 7.30 p.m. During this Mass those who are becoming full members of the Church at Easter receive their copy of the Creed. The Mass will be preceded by prolonged period of Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament beginning at 12 noon with a Holy Hour until 1.00 p.m. Silent adoration will then take place until 6.00 p.m. when the period of Exposition will conclude with another Holy Hour lasting until 7.00 p.m. before the celebration of Mass. All welcome.
23rd – 25th March: The Beginning Experience is holding a weekend for those who find themselves alone again through, bereavement, divorce or separation. It will take place in St. Mary’s, Kinnoull, Perth and more details are available from Ros at roz25@hotmail co.uk.
6th July: The Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes leaves Edinburgh Airport. Booking is now open and forms for hotels can be obtained from the agents – Access Travel, The Hillock, Astley, Manchester M29 7GW – Telephone 01942.888844. I have a limited supply in the sacristy. Booking for the Saint-Frai Centre must be done through the Hospital Booking Secretary, 61 Hailes Gardens, Edinburgh EH13 0JN – Tel 0131.441.1939. Fuller information is on the notices in the church porch and on the Hospitalité website at www.edinburgh-lourdes.com which is worth a visit if you have access to the web. Early booking is advised since there are limited places available especially in the Saint Frai centre

Gift Aid: The new packs of envelopes for those who gift aid their offertory collection are available in the sacristy after Mass. They come into effect on 8th April after which none of the old ones should be used. Please collect your new set today.
Do you pay income tax ? Would you consider gift aiding your contribution if you do not already do so ? Last year the parish benefitted by £9972.67 in the tax refunded from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs. You don’t need to give any more than you give already. Why not think about it and then get the necessary form before the new tax year begins.

With every best wish and blessing
to you, your families
and those who are dear to you
Monsignor Tony.