3rd Sunday of Lent (b)

3rd 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, John McPartland, Mary McPheely, Annie O’Donnell, Molly Weir, Eileen Kennedy
Anniv: Kenneth Donnelly, David Forbes, Hugh Deery, Catherine McCue, Charles Mulholland.
Died: Henry Livingstone, Una Joyce, Bernard St. John Glen.

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: Lent Lunchtimes at Lauriston begin with ‘Glimpses into Genesis’ – the third 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.
Tuesday: The monthly Mass for Vocations resumes in the Little Sisters of the Poor in Gilmore Place at 7.30 p.m. All welcome.
Thursday: The Keep Fit Class takes place in the Hall at 7.00 p.m. All welcome.
Friday: 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 after the 12.45 p.m. Mass. Silent adoration will then take place until 5.00 p.m. when the period of Exposition will conclude with another Holy Hour lasting until 6.00 p.m. before the celebration of Mass. All welcome.
Next Saturday/Sunday: Retiral collection at both Masses for Papal & Episcopal Charities which includes SCIAF. The amount collected is split with 75% going to SCIAF and 25% being retained in the Archdiocese for the Cardinal to use in responding to local requests for financial assistance which he receives.
Diary Dates:
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.

Are you interested in joining a Pilgrimage to Poland, visiting Krakow, Czestochowa, Auschwitz, among other Christian sites. Father Marcin, Parish priest of St. Kentigern’s, is organising a five day visit in May of this year. Full details are on a poster at the back of the Church. He can also be contacted on 336.4984.

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.
Envelopes are now available for those who wish to use them but do not Gift Aid their contributions. Please come to the sacristy after Mass if you want to collect a set.

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