4th Sunday of Lent (b)

4th 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: John Brown, Philip Christie, Michael Manley, Anne McHardy, Michael Mulvaney.
Died: Nora McClory,

Today: 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.
There is also a letter from Cardinal O’Brien and Bishop Moran, concerning SCIAF.
Sunday: The Coffee Morning takes place in the Hall after Mass today with the Vocations Group in charge. All welcome to go round for bacon rolls etc.
The monthly draw for the 200 Club will also take place.
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 fourth 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.
Thursday: The Keep Fit Class takes place in the Hall at 7.00 p.m. All welcome.

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.
26th March: A new documentary ‘The Last Journey of Oscar Romero’ will be shown at the Lauriston Centre at 7.30 p.m. It will be followed by discussion. All welcome.
28th March: Celebration of First Confession with the boys and girls of P3 who have been preparing at 6.30 p.m.
2nd April: Penitential Service in the Church at 7.00 p.m. with at least four other priests and myself to give you the opportunity to go to Confession as part of your Easter preparations.
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 especially to all Mothers
on this their special day
and those who are dear to you
Monsignor Tony.