Newsletter

Third Sunday of Lent

March 8th 2026

 

My dear parishioners,

The Lenten journey of 2026 is taking place amid the great human anguish of so many of our brothers and sisters throughout the world. I offer for your reflection the following message from Justice and Peace Scotland: As a member Commission of Justice and Peace Europe, we fully support and echo the following Statement issued by the Co-Presidents of Justice and Peace Europe on March 2nd, 2026:

 

“We wish to express our profound concern over the ongoing spiral of violence currently afflicting Iran and the broader Middle East region. We particularly hold in our hearts the affected populations of Iran and across the region, who now undergo yet another trial, following years of tribulation and distress.

 

No country, however powerful, should place itself above the core principles of International Law and the Charter of the United Nations. Mutual threats and the use of powerful weapons can never constitute a lasting solution to conflicts. On the contrary, they only amplify them: they deepen resentment and hatred, destabilise entire regions and erode the very foundations of global peace and security. In the face of tragedy of immense proportions, the present escalation reflects a confrontational logic that increasingly dominates global politics, rather than adherence to the principles of legitimate defence, which require that all possible peaceful means be exhausted before recourse to force as a last resort.

 

We Join Pope Leo XIV in his heartfelt appeal to all the parties involved, to assume the moral responsibility of halting the spiral of violence and to return to the path of reasonable, sincere and responsible dialogue. Only diplomacy that safeguards the well-being of peoples who yearn for peaceful existence, founded on justice. can sustain hope for a future grounded in mutual respect, cooperation and stability.

 

We call upon the European Union and the International Community to engage in tireless and united efforts towards de-escalation and the full respect of international humanitarian law. Respect for the inherent dignity of every human person and particular concern for the poorest and most vulnerable must remain at the heart of these efforts. The good of the people – those living in the Middle East, those temporarily present there, and all who suffer the wider consequences of this conflict – must prevail over every political, strategic or economic consideration.

 

 

In this time of Lent, let us especially pray for peace: a peace that is both disarmed and disarming, capable of touching the hearts of those entrusted with responsibility for the common good, May the Middle East, and indeed the entire world finally embark upon the path that leads to justice, reconciliation and lasting peace.

+Bishop Antoine Herouard

Maria Hammershoy

Co-Presidents, Justice and Peace Europe

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Schedule for the Daily Liturgy:

 

Monday March 9th: Mass at 10am

Rosary at 9,40am; confessions at 6.30pm; Novena at 7pm

 

Tuesday March 10th: Mass at 10am

Stations of the Cross at 9.40am; confession after Mass

 

Wednesday March 11th: Mass at 10am

 Rosary at 9.40am; adoration until 2.30pm

 

Thursday March 12th: Mass at 10am

Rosary at 9.40am; confession after Mass

 

Friday March 13th Mass at 10am

Stations of the Cross at 9.40am                                    

 

The church’s daily liturgy is a wonderful way of making the Lenten journey in the company of others; the daily Eucharist offers us the opportunity to contemplate the great mystery of Christ day by day; we can be a source of encouragement to one another. Please join us if you are free.

 

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Young Adults Cathedral Night, 8th March at 7.30pm in Motherwell Cathedral.

For all S6’s and 16-30 yr olds. An evening of Talks, eucharistic Adoration, Confession, Live Music and Social. For more information email frreilly@rcdon.org.uk

 

RCIA: please remember our six candidates in your prayers, Hannah, Yvonne. Reece, Paul, Robert and Andrew, who will be presented with the Creed at the 10.30am Mass this Sunday; this is a further step on their journey to becoming a member of the Catholic Church. We meet as usual on Thursday at 7pm.

 

Recently Deceased: Mary Fitzpatrick, John Cornish, Sadie Green, Michael Cassidy, Bernadette Boyle, James Cassidy, Geraldine McAuley

 

Special Remembrance: Philip Wilson, Annie and John Donnachie, Moya McDermott, Frank Docherty, Eilidh McHugh, Gerard Falsey, Marie McCallum, Mary Casserley, John and Elizabeth Fulton, James Fulton and our relatives and friends and all the benefactors of our parish.

 

Diocese of Motherwell Website:

for good and reliable information about events across our Diocese

please consult www.rcdom.org.uk