BULLETIN                          26 NOVEMBER 2017

SOLEMNITY OF CHRIST THE KING IN YEAR 1


CHURCH SERVICES
Saturday 25 November  

Our Lady's Day
Holy Mass at 10.00 am for Roddy Monan
Vigil Mass of Sunday at 5.30 pm for George Hilferty and Francis Brady

Sunday 26 November  

Sunday Mass at 10.30 am for the congregation

Monday 27 November  

Holy Mass at 10.00 pm for Kenneth Donnelly

Tuesday 28 November  

Holy Mass at 10.00 am for Maria Reid

Wednesday 29 November  

Holy Mass at 10.00 am for Mrs A Dowds

Thursday 30 November  

Solemnity of Saint Andrew
Holy Mass at 10.00 am for Pat Sheridan

Friday 1 December  

Holy Mass at 10.00 am for the Dorrian family

Saturday 2 December  

Our Lady's Day
Holy Mass at 10.00 am for Rose McCann
Vigil Mass of Sunday at 5.30 pm for a special intention

The Holy Mass intention list is just over two weeks ahead. Please notify anniversaries as early as you can. Thanks.
Any changes to the above times caused, for example, by a funeral will be notified on the home page of this website.


SAINT MARY'S AND SAINT JOHN'S CHURCH SERVICES
 
Saturday 25 November  
Vigil Mass at 4.30 pm

Holy Mass at 10.00 am

Sunday 26 November  
Sunday Mass at 10.00 am

Sunday Mass at 11.30 am

Monday 27 November  
Service at 10.00 am Service at 10.00 am
Tuesday 28 November  
Service at 10.00 am Service at 10.00 am
Wednesday 29 November  
  Holy Mass at 10.00 am
Thursday 30 November  
Service at 10.00 am Holy Mass at 10.00 am
Friday 1 December  
Service at 10.00 am Requiem Mass at 10.00 am
Saturday 2 December  
Vigil Mass at 4.30 pm

Holy Mass at 10.00 am

 
PARISH CENTRE EVENTS
Sunday 26 November  

11.30 am
2.00 pm

Tea and Coffee after Holy Mass
Training

Monday 27 November  
9.30 to 11.30 am
5.30 to 6.30 pm
6.30 to 8.00 pm
7.30 pm

Parents and Toddlers
Rainbows
Brownies
Saint Vincent de Paul Society

Tuesday 28 November  
9.00 to 11.00 am
3.45 pm

Cardiac Rehabilitation
Irish Dancing

Wednesday 29 November  
3.45 pm Irish Dancing
Thursday 30 November  
6.00 to 7.30 pm
7.30 to 9.00 pm

Brownies
Guides

Friday 1 December  
9.30 to 11.30 am Parents and Toddlers

PRAYERS
Please remember in your prayers:
Tony Kilcoyne (Glasgow), Joy Docherty (Glasgow), David Farrell and Sheena Milligan who died recently;
Declan Kelly 2016, Mary Higgins 1992, James Brodie 2011, Kenneth Donnelly 2008, Hannah Kirk 1989, John Maxwell 2002, Sarah McNamara 1980, Shannon Elizabeth Byrne 2000, Sarah Heaney 1955, Jemima McAuliffe 2001, Eddie McNamara 2014, Lilian Paterson 2011, Maria Reid 2013, Peggy Dorian Smith 1991, Martin Vernon 2011, James Allen 2003, Molly Ball neé Cahill 2011, Ann Hackett 1998, Andy Stevens 1995, Gribben family, Janie McGonigle 2012, Mary Bridget Timmons, Jack Collins 1970, Margaret Hamilton 1992, Collette McKibben 2003, John McNamara 1997, Elizabeth Theresa Walsh 1970 and Jim Wallace 2014 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.

SUNDAY MASS TIMES
Sunday Mass times in Saint Peter's are 5.30 pm Vigil and 10.30 am. Sunday Holy Mass times in other local parishes can be seen here.

SACRAMENT OF FORGIVENESS
The Sacrament of Forgiveness is celebrated on Saturdays between 4.45 and 5.15 pm and at other times on request.

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.

FINANCES
Bankers Orders for the Parish and Parish Centre amount to £3500 per month. We are grateful for your generous support in collections. If you can manage a little more from time to time, it would be a great help. A Standing Order would make the handling of money so much easier. Have you signed a Gift Aid form? If you are a taxpayer the Church would get 25p added to every £1 you donate.

COLLECTIONS
Last weekend's Offertory collection amounted to £556.56 and the Maintenance Fund collection to £240.06 - thanks.

GIFT AID
The Inland Revenue now requires us to use a new style of Gift Aid form. These are available at the back of the Church and on the parish website. If you pay tax, please complete the new form and return it to the box provided. This allows us to provide the additional information required on the Gift Aid claim. Gift Aid is a vital source of income. All that is needed is that you pay tax. You simply declare that you give funds to the Church. We do the rest. Why not sign a form today? We get back an extra 25p for every £1 you give the Church in your weekly collection or by way of a donation. There is no need to cancel or renew it. We simply claim in the income we receive.


PARISH RECORDS
Our parish records are covered by the Data Protection Act and are for parish use only. We cannot give out phone numbers or addresses. Please help us to keep our records up to date using the cards provided.

READERS
Next weekend's readers are Katrina Pollock at 5.30 pm and Alfie Agostini at 10.30 am.

ALTAR SERVERS
Next weekend's altar servers are Group 1 at 5.30 pm and Group 4 at 10.30 am.


MUSIC MINISTRY
Next weekend's musicians are George McGrattan at the Vigil Mass and Saint Peter's Primary School Choir at 10.30 am.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY
Next week's Children's Liturgy helpers are Jacqueline Waugh for the pre-fives, Claire Sweenie andLinda Martin for Primaries 1, 2 and 3 and Maria Paterson-Kidd and Emily Tarbet for Primary 4.

SUNDAY TEAS

Next Sunday's teas will be served by Sharon McLaughlin's team.

ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS
Next Sunday is the beginning of Advent. Advent and Christmas time are always busy, busy, busy. They come and go so quickly and when the New Year arrives, we always feel like we should have lived them better. We should have given more time and effort to the simple things, the spiritual things, the real meaning of these important liturgical seasons. Our Advent Retreat this year is 'The Hidden Treasures of Christmas'. The hidden treasures are the rich liturgical celebrations that happen in the twelve days of Christmas but because of the busyness and fullness of the season, we almost never allow ourselves to enjoy them. This Advent is our chance to savour some of those liturgical feasts that the Lord has placed, so to speak, under the Christmas tree. Each of them gives us a fresh and uplifting take on the great mystery of salvation linked to Christ's birth. We will contemplate the dramatic lives of two saints whose feast days are celebrated during the Christmas season - Saint Stephen and Saint Thomas Becket; then the Christmas value of family life: the Holy Innocents and the Holy Family; and then finally our Christian vision of how to organise human society for peace and prosperity - a vision linked to the Catholic way of celebrating New Year's Day, which the Church recognises as the World Day of Peace, as well as the liturgical memorial of Mary, the Mother of God. Let's begin by opening our souls to God and humbly asking him, in the quiet of our hearts, for the grace to live this Advent better than ever by savouring the hidden treasures of Christmas.

SUNG EVENING PRAYER FOR ADVENT
Evening Prayer of the Church will be sung to mark the beginning of Advent at Saint Margaret's Cathedral, Ayr, on Sunday 3 December at 6.00 pm. All are welcome.

PLANNING MEETINGS
There will be meetings of the
   - Readers on Tuesday 28 November
   - Eucharistic Ministers on Wednesday 29 November
   - Altar Servers' Leaders on Saturday 25 November
   - Children's Liturgy Volunteers on Wednesday 6 December
Each meeting will start at 7.00 pm and be held in the Presbytery Conference Room except the Altar Servers' Leaders' meeting which will start at 11.00 am.

VISIT FROM THE COMBONI SISTERS
The Missionary Sisters will be coming to Saint Peter's next Sunday to sell their special calendars for the New Year in support of their mission. Please bring along some 'extra pennies' and give the Sisters your generous support. God bless!

APPEAL FOR TOYS AND GIFTS AT CHRISTMAS
The group looking at homelessness in North Ayrshire is appealing for toys and gifts for needy children aged between birth and eighteen years. There is a greater need for gifts for teenagers. The toys and gifts will be distributed by Social Work. They should be unwrapped as they will be wrapped centrally. The toys and gifts should be brought to the Church by Sunday 10 December for distribution in time for Christmas. We had an amazing response to this appeal last year. Thank you.


CONFESSION - GIFT OF GRACE
Why don't you come and meet the Lord Jesus by confessing your sins and receive the Lord's forgiveness and peace? Confessions at Saint Peter's are on Saturdays from 4.45pm until 5.15 pm. Leaflets are available in the sacristy for adults and children to help prepare and get the most out of this special sacrament. Let us open our hearts to the love and mercy Christ so generously gives. Confession is a gift of grace. It's up to you! He is waiting …

GOD'S WHISPER
Not long ago, I heard a story about a young man and an old priest. The young man had lost his job and didn't know which way to turn. So he went to see the old priest in his Parish Church. Pacing about the priest's study, the young man ranted about his problem. Finally, he clenched his fist and shouted "I've begged God to say something to help me. Tell me, Father, why doesn't God answer?" The old priest, who sat across the room, spoke something in reply - something so hushed it was indistinguishable. The young man stepped across the room. "What did you say, Father?" he asked. The priest repeated himself but again in a tone as soft as a whisper. So the young man moved closer until he was leaning on the priest's chair. "Sorry" he said. "I still didn't hear you, Father." With their heads bent together, the old priest spoke once more. "God sometimes whispers" he said "so we will move closer to hear Him." This time the young man heard and he understood. We all want God's voice to thunder through the air with the answer to our problems. But God's is the still, small voice ... the gentle whisper. Perhaps there's a reason. Nothing draws human focus quite like a whisper. God's whisper means I must stop my ranting and move close to Him until my head is bent together with His. And then, as I listen, I will find my answer. Better still, I find myself united to God. Most sweet Jesus, Redeemer of the human race, look down upon us humbly prostrate before you. We are yours and yours we wish to be; but to be more surely united with you, behold each one of us freely consecrates himself today to your Most Sacred Heart. Many indeed have never known you; many, too, despising your precepts, have rejected you. Have mercy on them all, most merciful Jesus, and draw them to your Sacred Heart. Be King, O Lord, not only of the faithful who have never forsaken you, but also of the prodigal children who have abandoned you; grant that they may quickly return to their Father's house lest they die of wretchedness and hunger. Be King of those who are deceived by erroneous opinions or whom discord keeps aloof and call them back to the harbour of truth and the unity of faith, so that soon there may be but one flock and one Shepherd. Grant, O Lord, to your Church assurance of freedom and immunity from harm; give tranquility of order to all nations; make the earth resound from pole to pole with one cry: Praise to the divine Heart that wrought our salvation; to it be glory and honour for ever. Amen.                also known as Iesu Dulcissime, Redemptor

AND JUST FOR A LAUGH …
A bishop, a priest and a deacon were lined up and about to be executed for preaching the Gospel in a foreign country. The executioners brought out the bishop first and when the guard shouted "Ready … aim … ", the bishop suddenly yelled, "EARTHQUAKE" and when everyone looked around, he made a run for it. They brought the priest out next. The guard shouted, "Ready … aim … " and suddenly the priest yelled "TORNADO" and when everyone ducked, he too, ran off. The deacon, of course, had it all figured out by then. When they brought him out and the guard shouted"Ready … aim … ", the deacon suddenly yelled "FIRE."


POPE FRANCIS'S MONTHLY INTENTION FOR NOVEMBER
Pope Francis's monthly intention for November is for Christians in Asia - that Christians in Asia, bearing witness to the Gospel in word and deed, may promote dialogue, peace, and mutual understanding, especially with those of other religions.

SAINT PETER'S BURNS SUPPER
The 2018 Burns Supper will take place in the Parish Centre on Saturday 3 February at 7.00 pm. Patrons are asked to be seated by 6.50 pm for a prompt start. The Immortal Memory will be delivered by Drew Cochrane, for forty years the Editor of the Largs and Millport Weekly News. Former parishioner, Martin Cosgrove, will propose the Toast to the Lassies and our parishioner, Julie Coldwell, will reply. Other participants are
Father Duncan, Bill Andrew, Aidan and Bethany McGrath, George McGrattan and Ciaran Sinclair. Tickets cost £15 and can be booked in advance though the Parish Office on 01294 464063. Patrons can request group seating arrangements to be with friends. The meal will be prepared and served by Michael and Fiona Brown, family and friends. Vegetarian meals are available with notice as an alternative to the traditional Burns Supper main course. There are more details on the Church website. Your support is appreciated.

CHRISTMAS QUIET TIME
You are invited at this busy time of year to take some time out and enjoy the peace and quiet being offered in
Saint John’s Church, Stevenston. The church will be available with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on Saturday 16 December from 12 noon till 4.00 pm. Reconciliation will also be available between 12 noon and 2.00 pm for those wishing to receive this beautiful, healing sacrament in preparation for Christmas arranged by Embracing Change Spirituality Group.

HOLY MASS AT ARDROSSAN CEMETERY
The annual Mass at Ardrossan Cemetery for all the deceased parishioners and clergy who are buried there will take place on Sunday at 2.00 pm. Please pass the word around all interested parties. Thank you!


SAINT MATTHEW'S ACADEMY CHRISTMAS FAYRE
Staff and pupils of Saint Matthew's Academy, Saltcoats, are organising a Christmas Fayre for Saturday 2 December 2017 from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm. The event is set to provide festive fun for the whole family. A number of activities to entertain the family will be available as well as a range of stalls selling a host of Christmas gifts, from jewellery to reindeer dust, Christmas cards to stocking fillers. There will also be a teddy tombola stall, bottle stall, craft stall, a raffle and a home baking stall, as well as our much-loved Santa's Grotto. We hope you can join us on Saturday 2nd December for what we are sure will be a fantastic day for all!

COME AND JOIN ME
Every Sunday after 10.30 am Mass there is tea, coffee, juice and home baking served for a small donation in the Parish Centre. I would like to invite you to join me for a cuppa and a chat as I get to know the parish of Saint Peter's.                       Father Duncan

INFORMATION SHEET
A small information sheet with useful contact telephone numbers and email addresses for the Parish is available in Church.

VISITORS
Are you visiting us for Holy Mass? Please know that you are very welcome. During the 10.30 am Holy Mass outwith holidays, there is a Children’s Liturgy provided for preschool children, children in Primaries 1 to 3 and a Sacramental Programme for children in Primary 4. After the 10.30 am Holy Mass, tea, coffee cakes and buns are available in the Parish Centre. At both of our weekend Holy Masses, we have a second collection for Church maintenance.


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.