CHURCH
OF SAINT PETER IN CHAINS, ARDROSSAN • A Family of
Parishes • SAINT BRIDE'S CHURCH, WEST KILBRIDE
BULLETIN 13 DECEMBER 2020
SERVICES
AND GATHERINGS
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, public Church services and gatherings
are limited till further notice. Father
Duncan
will live-stream Holy Mass every day and assures you of his prayers for you
and your family.
A READING FROM THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN
(John 1:6-8,19-28)
A man came, sent by God. His name was John. He came as a witness, as a witness
to speak for the light, so that everyone might believe through him. He was
not the light, only a witness to speak for the light. This is how John appeared
as a witness. When the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask
him "Who are you", he not only declared, but he declared quite openly
"I am not the Christ." "Well then" they asked "are
you Elijah?" "I am not" he said. "Are you the Prophet?"
He answered "No." So they said to him "Who are you? We must
take back an answer to those who sent us. What have you to say about yourself?"
So John said "I am, as Isaiah prophesied - a voice that cries in the
wilderness. Make a straight way for the Lord." Now these men had been
sent by the Pharisees and they put this further question to him "Why
are you baptising if you are not the Christ and not Elijah and not the prophet?"
John replied "I baptise with water but there stands among you - unknown
to you - the one who is coming after me and I am not fit to undo his sandal-strap."
This happened at Bethany, on the far side of the Jordan, where John was baptising.
REFLECTION
Advent is a difficult season to celebrate. By now we are very much in the
midst of the 'secular Christmas'. Trees and lights are up, parties would be
happening if it were not for coronavirus restrictions and the television and
radio schedules have surrendered to festive themes! Keeping Advent can make
you seem a bit of a kill-joy - but did you notice that phrase in the opening
prayer "O Lord, who see how your people faithfully await the feast of
the Lord's Nativity." Are we waiting? Or will we be tired of Christmas
by the 26 December? The priests and Levites in the Gospel seem to be a bit
impatient and not inclined to wait. The way they pressure John the Baptist,
constantly asking who he is, shows they have no patience. They are not going
to wait for something 'still to come'. But this is precisely what John demands
- that they wait for what is 'coming after'. There are no quick fixes, no
short cuts. Yet the wonderful paradox is that what they are demanding, what
they refuse to wait for - the Messiah - is already 'among you, unknown to
you'. Their impatience is blinding them to the very thing they are after!
On this 'middle' Sunday of Advent, let's just pause for a moment, to make
sure that in our busyness, in our anticipation and eagerness to celebrate
Christmas, we are not missing the whole point and failing to recognise the
one who is already among us - Jesus Christ!
Saint
Peter's - All Masses are live-streamed and
public unless otherwise stated. |
Saint
Bride's - All Masses are public
unless otherwise stated. |
|
Saturday
12 December |
Holy Mass at 10.00am for Charlotte
Hutchison who died recently and Jim Mathieson at his anniversary Private Vigil Mass at 5.30pm for Stephen Weideger who died recently and John Hutchison |
|
Sunday
13 December
Third Sunday of Advent |
Holy Mass at 10.30am for our parishes | Holy Mass at 12.15pm for our parishes |
Monday
14 December
Memorial of Saint John of the Cross |
Holy
Mass at 10.00am
for the McMillan family as a special intention, Cathie Slimman as a
special intention, Holly and the Collins family |
|
Tuesday
15 December
|
Holy
Mass at 10.00am
for Margaret Tracey at her month's mind, Stephen Cusack and family and
Julianne and family Private |
Holy Mass at 10.00am |
Wednesday
16 December
|
Holy
Mass at 10.00am for the Ferguson family as a special intention, John
Clarke who died recently and Chap McDonagh and family |
|
Thursday
17 December
|
Requiem
Mass at 10.00am for Alison
Harkness Private |
|
Friday
18 December
|
Holy
Mass at 10.00am
for Elizabeth
and Leo Walsh
at their anniversaries, Eileen Carroll who died recently, George Poole
at his anniversary and Cornelius and Denise McDonagh Requiem Mass at 2.00pm for Matt Donnelly Private |
Holy Mass at 12 noon |
Saturday
19 December |
Holy Mass at 10.00am for the
Sweeney family (Wexford) and Richard Haswell
who died recently Private Vigil Mass at 5.30pm for the Kilbane family at an anniversary and Eric and Dorothy Waters who died recently |
Saturday
12 December |
Vigil Mass at 4.30pm | |
Sunday
13 December
Third Sunday of Advent |
Holy
Mass
at 10.00am |
Holy
Mass
at 11.30am |
Monday
14 December
Memorial of Saint John of the Cross |
||
Tuesday
15 December
|
Holy Mass at 10.00am | Requiem
Mass Private |
Wednesday
16 December
|
Holy Mass at 10.00am | |
Thursday
17 December
|
Holy Mass at 10.00am | |
Friday
18 December
|
Holy Mass at 10.00am | |
Saturday
19 December |
Vigil Mass at 4.30pm |
SAINT
PETER'S NOTICES
MASS
BOOKINGS REQUIEM
MASS FOR MATT DONNELLY PARISH
STEWARDSHIP |
SAINT
BRIDE'S NOTICES
CHRISTMAS
MASS BOOKINGS |
PRAYER
FOR SPIRITUAL COMMUNION
My Jesus, I believe that you are present in this Holy Sacrament of the altar.
I love you above all things and I passionately desire to receive you into
my soul. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come spiritually into
my soul so that I may unite myself wholly to you now and forever. Amen.
THE SHEPHERD BOY
On a high mountain, there lived an old shepherd and his young son. They longed
for the coming of the Saviour and that the words of the prophets would come
true. They prayed every day that he would come soon. The shepherds looked
after the sheep on the mountains. They lived in a poor hut and they were poor
and lonely. Sometimes the shepherd boy would play his flute. One night, as
the old shepherd was fast asleep, he had a dream. He dreamt that a beautiful
shining star appeared in the sky. He had never seen such a bright star before.
He looked at the light of the star in the darkness and he felt that something
special and good was going to happen. Then the old shepherd saw an Angel.
The Angel came to him and said "Don't be afraid! I have come to bring
you news of great joy! This night in the town of Bethlehem, the Saviour has
been born! Awake, get up and follow the star to the place where you will find
the Christ Child!" The old shepherd awakened quickly from this dream.
He looked up into the sky and saw the beautiful star. Its light shone all
around and filled the skies. The old shepherd ran quickly to his son and shook
him so that he would awaken. The old shepherd said "Shepherd Boy, wake
up, wake up! Look at the star in the skies. Look how beautiful it shines!
Something wonderful is going to happen! Come, let us follow the star. It will
take us to the place where the Saviour is going to be born! Hurry! Hurry!"
They followed this beautiful light across mountains and through valleys. They
came to a wonderful city. It had enormous great walls and lights were shining
out of the windows. Laughter could be heard. People were making merry. The
old shepherd though this must be the place. This is where we will find the
saviour child. However, much to his surprise, the star led them further and
led them away from the beauty and wonder of the city. All of a sudden, they
saw a most spectacular palace. Then again, the old shepherd thought, we have
to find the Child here. But the star led them further and led them away from
the palace. The light of the star seemed to be fuller and brighter. They came
to a lonely field. There was a stable there. The old shepherd thought, we
must have lost our way. He wanted to turn back. But then, to his surprise,
the star bowed down over the stable. Surprised, the old shepherd approached
the hut. There was a child lying in a manger. Mary and Joseph sat quietly
in adoration. The child turned and looked towards the shepherds. Then the
shepherd boy came forward and said "You are the Christ Child. You are
the saviour of the world and you are so poor - born in a stable. You don't
have a cradle to lie in. You're lying here on straw in a donkey's manger!"
The old shepherd took off his cloak. It was made of rough material, but he
placed it gently over the child. Then the Shepherd Boy took out his flute
and played his best tune with all his heart - and the Baby Jesus smiled and
the Shepherd forgot all their poverty and loneliness. Their joy was without
bounds. And the star over Bethlehem shone into the darkness of the night,
bringing joy and peace to the world.
JUST FOR A LAUGH ...
Hamish, from Ardrossan, appeared on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire and towards
the end of the programme had already won £500000. "You've done
very well so far" said Jeremy Clarkson "but, for a million pounds,
you've only got one lifeline left - phone a friend. Everything is riding on
this question. Will you go for it?" "Sure" said Hamish. "I'll
have a go!" "Which of the following birds does not build its own
nest? - A sparrow, B thrush, C magpie, D cuckoo?" "I haven't got
a clue." said Hamish ''so I'll use my last lifeline and phone my friend
Ken in Saltcoats" Ken answers. "That's simple - it's a cuckoo."
"Are you sure?" "I'm sure." Hamish hung up the phone and
told Jeremy "I'll go with cuckoo as my answer." "Is that your
final answer?" asked Jeremy. "That it is." "Hamish, you've
won one million pounds!" The next night, Hamish invited Ken to their
local pub to buy him a drink. "Tell me, Ken? How in Heaven's name did
you know it was a cuckoo that doesn't build its own nest?" "Why
- because he lives in a clock!"
SUNDAY
OBLIGATION
Sunday obligation to attend Holy Mass remains suspended for the time being
and availability is restricted for those wishing to attend. Some of our parishioners
are working during the week and can only attend at the weekend. Therefore,
to make Holy Mass available to everyone we would be grateful if you wish to
attend Mass and are able to attend on a weekday please do so, leaving seats
for those parishioners working during the week. Thank you.
STANDING
ORDERS - PLEASE THINK ABOUT IT
The parishes have taken quite a 'knock' through lockdown when public Mass
was not available for sixteen weeks. This has had a huge impact on our parishes'
finances. Could you consider taking out a Standing Order? It would be of great
benefit to our parish. Forms are available from the Parish Office and here.
Thank you
HOSPITAL CHAPLAINCY
If a member of your family or a friend is sick, please let us know and give
us the details. Deacon Bill Corbett (01292 521208, 07904 248948, Rev.BillCorbett@btinternet.com)
is the Chaplain to Crosshouse Hospital and is assisted by the Priest on call
each week.
ADVERTISER SUPPORT
Our advertisers would welcome your support. We are grateful for their continuing
sponsorship. We are grateful for the support of Mr and Mrs Sohal, Nisa Stores,
Glasgow Street for the weekly donation of tea, coffee and milk for the Sunday
teas.
PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE ADULTS - MISSION STATEMENT
The Catholic Church in Scotland is concerned with the lives, safety, wholeness
and well-being of each individual person within God's purpose for everyone.
It seeks to safeguard the welfare of people of all ages who are involved in
whatever capacity with
the Church and its organisations. As a Church community, we accept that it
is the responsibility of all of us, ordained, professed, paid and
voluntary members, to work together to prevent the physical, sexual, emotional
abuse or neglect of children, young people and vulnerable adults.