CHURCH OF SAINT PETER IN CHAINS, ARDROSSAN  •  A Family of Parishes  •  SAINT BRIDE'S CHURCH, WEST KILBRIDE

                                                        

Meeting people where they are - leading them to where God calls them to be!


BULLETIN                                          17 JANUARY 2021

SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME IN YEAR 2

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 1:35-42)
As John stood with two of his disciples, Jesus passed and John stared hard at him and said "Look, there is the Lamb of God." Hearing this, the two disciples followed Jesus. Jesus turned round, saw them following and said "What do you want?" They answered "Rabbi" - which means teacher - "where do you live?" "Come and see" he replied, so they went and saw where he lived and stayed with him the rest of that day. It was about the tenth hour. One of these two who became followers of Jesus after hearing what John had said was Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter. Early next morning, Andrew met his brother and said to him "We have found the Messiah." - which means the Christ - and he took Simon to Jesus. Jesus looked hard at him and said "You are Simon, son of John. You are to be called Cephas." - meaning rock.

REFLECTION
If you read through today's Gospel again, you will notice that there is a lot of 'staring and seeing' going on! John the Baptist 'stares hard' at Jesus, and later Jesus does the same to Simon Peter. The somewhat diffident request of the disciples when Jesus sees them is met simply with the words "Come and see!" There is a gentle, almost enigmatic feeling to this 'calling'. It is very unthreatening, almost non-committal. In the modern Catholic programme for prospective converts - the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults or RCIA - the first phase is called the Period of Enquiry or searching or indeed 'looking hard and seeing'. It acknowledges that conversion or commitment is not something that always happens in a blinding flash but is gradual and tentative. We must practise the same gentleness as we proclaim our faith to others - never badgering or insisting but inviting. "Where do you go to Church?" "Come and see!" "How do you pray?" "Come and see!" Perhaps today have a think about how we invite others to 'Come and see' what our faith is all about. Have you ever invited someone to come to Church with you or pray with you - without being threatening or overpowering? Let us pray for the confidence to share our faith with patience and allow people to 'look hard and see what inspires us
.

THE LORD'S DAY AT HOME
If you are housebound or self-isolating at this time, please use these prayers to unite yourself with the worship of the Universal Church, and your own parish, this Sunday. If alone, read or say these prayers quietly to yourself. If with another, or in a family, someone should read the Gospel and others respond. It might be suitable to find a special, quiet place at home for your Sunday prayers.

SAINT PETER'S CHURCH SERVICES
 
All Masses are live-streamed and private unless otherwise stated.

Saturday 23 January  
Second Sunday in Ordinary  Time  

Vigil Mass at 5.30pm for the Gough family, Mary McSpurran who died recently, John and Ann Taggart and Patrick and Sarah Braniff at their anniversaries
Sunday 17 January  
Second Sunday in Ordinary  Time  
Holy Mass at 10.30am for our parishes
Monday 18 January  
Beginning of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Holy Mass at 10.00am for Theresa Conlan who died recently and Robert Montgomery at his month's mind
Tuesday 19 January  

Holy Mass at 10.00am for Harry McKechan who died recently, Stuart's special intention and the Murray family's special intention

Wednesday 20 January  
Holy Mass at 10.00am for Mary Finnigan and Davie McIlroy who both died recently
Thursday 21 January 
Memorial of Saint Agnes 
Holy Mass at 10.00am for Helen Kerr who died recently and Lizzie Paterson
Friday 22 January  
Holy Mass at 10.00am for James Crichton and Isabella McHugh at their anniversaries

Saturday 23 January  
Third Sunday in Ordinary  Time  

Vigil Mass at 5.30pm for the special intentions of Nan Connelly and Currie family

SAINT BRIDE'S, SAINT MARY'S AND SAINT JOHN'S CHURCH SERVICES
Please visit StBridesChurch.co.uk, RCSaltcoats.com and StevenstonStJohns.com for Mass times and information on live-streaming.

PRAYERS
Please remember in your prayers:
Anthony Brennan and Jim Boyle;
Annie Taylor, Mary McSpurran, Theresa Conlan, Edward McLaughlin, Harry McKechan, Mary Finnigan, David McIlroy and Helen Kerr who died recently;
George Agostini 2006, Maureen McKenzie 2014, Janis McSkimming 2010, James Murray 1972, Rena Scullion 2008, Canon Michael Farrington 2009, Margaret McLaughlan 2005, Thelma Carrick 2005, Annie Boyle O'Hare 1967, Celio Staffieri 2017, Mary Catherine Teggart 1999, Frances Vennard 2000, Thomas West 2005, Bessie Brown 1982, Peggy Gray 2010, Addie Hissey 2009, Margaret McMillan 2009, Margaret Jane Brennan 1964, Betty Kelly 2011, Hugh Taylor 2016, John Curran 2013, Annie Monan 1998, James Cunningham 1986, Michael Lynn 2005, James McCormack 1999 and Catherine Welsh 2005 whose anniversaries occur at this time and those who are sick.
If deceased members of your family are not on our anniversary list, please tell Father Duncan
, the parish office or contact WebsiteAuthor@SaintPeterinChains.net. If members of your family or friends are in need of our prayers, please tell Father Duncan or the parish office.

KEEP THE COURAGEOUS SPIRIT GOING
Dear Parishioners! Like most of 2020, this year is already providing more than its fair share of challenges, setbacks and disappointments. As part of suffering humanity, we can be overwhelmed by the experience of fear, helplessness, and discouragement which can lead to a hardening of our hearts. Worse still, we might be distracted or paralysed from engaging in the work of evangelisation we committed to - but we cannot turn from our mission. It would be infidelity to the grace of God and the complete opposite of what he desires for us. The Church of Christ is always marked by those who are willing to go where Jesus leads - so how do we engage in this crazy world? How do we stay the course in witnessing to our life of hope with Christ? Jesus himself gives us sure but straightforward words of encouragement - 'I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.' (John 16:33) We will have trouble. It may look different but every generation faces its challenges of overcoming evil and strife. We all have problems - it is part of our human condition. Humanity will disappoint and circumstances won't always meet our expectations. Being a Christian doesn't make us immune from suffering and trials. Instead, we must be fully present precisely amidst the circumstances bearing witness to our faith and hope in Jesus. Jesus is more significant than our problems. No matter what comes our way today, Jesus can handle it. He is all-powerful and permits everything for his glory. Jesus can do the unimaginable in showing us what he is willing to do to conquer the world. If he can perform miracles and rise from the dead, he can assist us in whatever we need. Find your peace and security in him alone. The closer we are to Jesus, the more peace we will experience. When we make time to pray, read the Bible, pray the Rosary, and if you can, tune in to daily Mass, live-streamed from our Church. Have a look at our websites. My hope is that all the spiritual resources and services we offer will help give and encouragement as we face the ups and downs in life. The more you click around the site, the more aids to spiritual growth you will find - s o please, click away! When you find something you like, share it with someone. Thank you for continuing to support our parishes with your prayers, suggestions and donations. You help us to spread the Good News. Your contributions are very much appreciated.

SAD NEWS AT THE DEATH OF ARCHBISHOP TARTAGLIA
The Archbishop of Glasgow, Philip Tartaglia, has died suddenly at his home in Glasgow. He was seventy years old. Archbishop Tartaglia, who had served as Archbishop of Glasgow since 2012, had tested positive for Covid-19 shortly after Christmas and was self-isolating at home. The cause of death is not yet clear. The Archbishop had served as leader of Scotland’s largest Catholic community since 2012. The Pope’s Ambassador to Great Britain, Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti has been informed. It will be for Pope Francis to appoint a new Archbishop to succeed Archbishop Tartaglia, but until then the Archdiocese will be overseen by an administrator. May Archbishop Tartaglia rest in peace and rise in glory!

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY - 18 TO 25 JANUARY 2021
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in 2021 was prepared by the Monastic Community of Taize in France. The theme that was chosen, 'Abide in my love and you shall bear much fruit', is based on John 15:1-17. We cannot bear fruit on our own. We cannot bear fruit separated from the vine. It is the sap, the life of Jesus flowing through us, that produces fruit. Remaining in Jesus's love, remaining a branch of the vine, is what allows his life to flow through us. When we listen to Jesus his life flows through us. Jesus invites us to let his word abide in us (John 15:7) and then whatever we ask will be done for us. For the eight days of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in 2021, there are eight themes, where we can focus our prayer for the day. These are:
   • Day 1: Called by God - 'You did not choose me but I chose you.' (John 15:16a)
   • Day 2: Maturing internally - 'Abide in me as I abide in you.' (John 15:4a)
   • Day 3: Forming one body - 'Love one another as I have loved you.' (John 15:12b)
   • Day 4: Praying together - 'I do not call you servants any longer … but I have called you friends.' (John 15:15)
   • Day 5: Letting oneself be transformed by the Word - 'You have already been pruned by the word.' (John 15:3)
   • Day 6: Welcoming others - Go and bear fruit, fruit that will last.' (John 15:16b)
   • Day 7: Growing in unity - 'I am the vine, you are the branches.' (John 15:5a)
   • Day 8: Reconciling with all of creation - 'So that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.' (John 15:11).


THE SACRAMENTS - SORELY MISSED!
'The purpose of the sacraments is to sanctify men, to build up the body of Christ and, finally, to give worship to God. Because they are signs, they also instruct. They do indeed impart grace but, in addition, the very act of celebrating them most effectively disposes the faithful to receive this grace in a fruitful manner, to worship God duly and to practice charity.' - Sacrosanctum Concilium, 59. My favourite sacrament is baptism. Words cannot really express the wonderful joy at witnessing the rebirth of a new person in Christ. Through the grace of God dispensed in that beautiful sacrament, one who is 'dead in sin' becomes an adopted heir in Christ Jesus. Sometimes the sacraments are seen as 'way stations' in life, events that occur at certain moments in our life story. Although that is true in a sense, it is an incomplete view. The sacraments are where we engage in a relationship with the Trinity. They are more than 'mile markers' on the path of life. They form the core of Christian life itself. We are sensible creatures and our senses are engaged in the sacraments. Our bodies need food to grow and be healthy - so too, do our souls. We need spiritual nourishment for our faith and we receive this 'nutrition' through the sacraments. Through his gift of the sacraments, the Lord allows us to share in his life. Strip away the sacraments, and one is left with an incomplete faith. I think we would appreciate the sacraments more if we spent time contemplating what our faith life would be like without them.

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.

I CANNOT PRAY
I cannot say OUR if my faith has no room for others and their needs. I cannot say FATHER if I do not demonstrate this relationship in my daily life and trust him as his child. I cannot say WHO ART IN HEAVEN if all my interests and pursuits are in earthly and material things. I cannot say HALLOWED BE THY NAME if I, who am called by his name am not holy and don't try to be holy. I cannot say THY KINGDOM COME if I am unwilling to give up my own sovereignty and accept the will and wishes of God in my life. I cannot say THY WILL BE DONE if I always do everything my way. I cannot say ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN unless I am truly ready to give myself to his service here and now. I cannot say GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD without expending honest effort for it or by ignoring the genuine needs of the people around me. I cannot say FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US if I continue to harbour a grudge against anyone and refuse to forgive. I cannot say LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION if I deliberately choose to remain in a situation where I am likely to be tempted. I cannot say DELIVER US FROM EVIL if I am not prepared to fight in the spiritual realm with the weapons of prayer and the sacraments. I cannot say THINE IS THE KINGDOM if I do not give the King of my heart and life the joyful obedience of a loyal subject. I cannot say THINE IS THE POWER if I fear what my neighbours and friends may say or do if I truly follow God's Plan. I cannot say THINE IS THE GLORY if I am seeking my own glory and advantage first. I cannot say FOREVER if I am too anxious about each day's affairs and forget the gift of eternity. I cannot say AMEN unless I can honestly say "Cost what it may, this is my prayer."

DID YOU KNOW?
    What is the shortest chapter in the Bible? - Psalms 117
    What is the longest chapter in the Bible? - Psalms 119
    Which chapter is in the centre of the Bible? - Psalms 118
    There are 594 chapters before Psalms 118.
    There are 594 chapters after Psalms 118. Add these numbers and you get 1188.
    What is the centre verse in the Bible? - Psalm 118:8
Does this verse say something significant about God's perfect will for our lives? The next time someone says they would like to find God's perfect will for their lives and that they want to be in the centre of his will, just send them to the centre of his Word! Psalm 118:8 reads 'It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.' Now isn't that odd how this worked out - or was God in the centre of it? When things get tough, always remember - faith doesn't get you around trouble, it gets you through it!


JUST FOR A LAUGH ...
Ten Things You Will Never Hear in Church
    1  Hey! It's my turn to sit in the front seats!
    2  I was so enthralled, I never noticed, Father, that your sermon went twenty-five minutes over time.
    3  Personally, I find going to Mass much more enjoyable than watching football.
    4  I've decided to give our parish the £60 a month that I pay regularly for Sky TV.
    5  I volunteer to be a permanent helper for our Sunday children's liturgy.
    6  Forget the official clergy allowance. Let's pay our priest so he can live like we do.
    7  I love it when we sing hymns I've never heard before!
    8  Since we're all here, let's start the Mass early.
    9  Father Duncan, we'd like to send you to this new Bible Seminar in the Bahamas for two weeks.
  10  Nothing inspires me and strengthens my commitment like supporting our fundraising in the parish!

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.