Newsletter

Second Sunday of Advent

December 8th 2024

 

My dear parishioners,

 

I hope this finds you and your families well as we make our Advent journey towards Christmas. On this Second Sunday of Advent, I offer these words from Pope Benedict for your reflection:

 

“On this Sunday the Liturgy presents to us the Gospel passage in which St. Luke prepares the scene into which Jesus is about to enter and begin his public ministry. The Evangelist focuses the spotlight on John the Baptist, who was the precursor of the Messiah, and with great precision outlines where and when the Baptist begins his preaching. The Evangelist evidently wanted to alert those who read or hear about it that the Gospel is not a legend but the account of a true story, that Jesus of Nazareth is a historical figure who fits into that precise context. After this simple historical introduction, the subject becomes the ‘word of God’, presented as a power that comes down from heaven and settles upon John the Baptist. (Pope Benedict XVI)

 

John the Baptist invites us ‘to prepare a way for the Lord’ by entering a period of repentance. It’s clear that this goes beyond a simple confession of wrongdoings. It involves a profound change of the whole person, a type of turning our backs on all that does not belong to Jesus and his gospel. There is something intriguingly joyful in this invitation, perhaps it’s an invitation we have been longing to receive, the opportunity to leave old ways behind and set off again on our own unique spiritual journey. Little wonder then that the church looks on Advent as a type of Spring-time in the life of the church. We could say then that Advent is a time for planting, for planting bulbs or sowing seeds that will lead to a new harvest in our lives. May the remaining days of Advent be a blessing on us all.

 

Faith in Action for Young People: in line with the Wellspring Project, this new parish initiative hopes to engage teens and young adults in their local community, while exploring faith together. We would need a team of interested adults to support this project. If you have an interest in exploring this further please contact Claire Moinar on 07906 832201

 

As a parish and school community we offer our sincere condolences to the family of

John Rimmer, who died last Monday afternoon at St. Andrew’s Hospice, Airdrie; John was a much loved teacher at St. Mary’s Primary School for over twenty years, requiescat in pace.

 

I offer here the Schedule for the Daily Liturgy:

 

Monday December 9th: Requiem Mass for Mr. Andrew Montgomery at 11.30am

Confessions at 6.30pm; Novena at 7pm

 

Tuesday December 10th: Mass at 10am; Rosary at 9.40am

We will celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

 

Wednesday December 11th: Mass at 10am

Rosary at 9.40am

 

Thursday December 12th: Funeral Service for Mr. Robert McArthur at 11.30am

 

Friday December 13th: Reception of Mr. John Rimmer RIP at 6.30pm

 

Saturday December 14th: Requiem Mass for Mr. John Rimmer at 10am

Cortege will proceed to South Lanarkshire Crematorium for the service at 12 noon

*********************************************

 

Christmas Liturgy at St. Mary’s and St. Paul’s

December 24th Christmas Eve

Mass at 4pm and 8pm

 

December 25th Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord

Mass at 9am and 10.30am

*********************************************

 

Santa’s Sausage Sunday: the Parish Council invites you to the hall for a roll and sausage and a hot drink after both Masses this Sunday; Santa will visit the children after the 10.30am Mass; there will be an opportunity to purchase Fairtrade goods as well as items from the parish stall.

Proceeds will be donated to Kilbryde Hospice.

 

Staff and pupils of St, Mary’s Primary School warmly invite senior citizens and parishioners of St. Mary’s and St. Paul’s Parish to the Christmas Nativity on Wednesday 11th December at 1pm; if you would like to attend, please write your name and contact details on the sheet at the back of the church.

 

Vocations Evening: a meeting will take place on Tuesday 17th December at 7pm in Motherwell Cathedral for those in our diocese who feel called to the priesthood. This informal evening will begin with a short time of prayer and it will provide an opportunity to ask questions, come together and learn a bit more about priesthood and the discernment process. If you cannot make this meeting and are interested in learning more then please email Fr. Sean Wylie, Diocesan Vocations Promoter on frwylie@rcdom.org.uk

 

CREDO, the parish faith-sharing group will meet this week; the group will meet as normal next Tuesday at 1 o’clock in the parish meeting room; all are welcome to take part and to enjoy some tea and biscuits afterwards.

 

The Parish Defibrillator is located in the first confessional and is clearly visible on the wall as you open the door.

 

Please pray for all who are ill: Jim Breslin, Jim Strachan

 

Recently Deceased: John Rimmer, Helen Mallagh, Robert McArthur, Andrew Montgomery, Pat Ross, Joseph Cairns, Theresa Dunn, Daniel Coffey, Theresa Carlton,  Janette Farrell, Robert Carty, Maria Mascio

 

Special Remembrance: Edward and Minnie Morgan, Cornelius (Neil) McMurray, Ellen and Daniel Gallacher,

Jim Cox and our own deceased relatives and friends and all the benefactors of St. Mary’s and St. Paul’s.