THOUGHT
FOR THE DAY DURING
THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
A
message from Father Duncan on Wednesday 18 March 2020
Dear Parishioners
In
recent weeks, the coronavirus outbreak has had a profound impact on countries
around the world - and increasingly, here in Scotland. In light of measures
being taken to contain the outbreak and avoid further illness, many of us may
be hesitant to leave our homes. After
Holy Mass at 10.00am on Thursday 19 March 2020, the Solemnity of Saint Joseph,
services will be suspended in all Catholic Churches. It is at this exact moment
that our faith is most needed. In an effort to continue the practice of our
faith in these trying times, I invite you to participate in the Masses offered
online or on television. For example, Mass is streamed from Saint Margaret's
Cathedral in Ayr every day on http://www.RCAyr.org.uk/live/.
The
Scottish Bishops have asked us to pray the Rosary on Sunday 22 March 2020 -
Mothers' Day - at 12 noon on a National Day of Prayer, asking Our Lady's intercession
for our country and our world in this time of need. If
you cannot participate in Mass online or on television, I encourage you to read
the Gospels, pray with your families, pray the Rosary and join yourself to the
Eucharist - the source and summit of our Catholic faith - by making an act of
Spiritual Communion. Prayer leaflets are available in Church for everyone. I
will celebrate the Holy Mass privately for our Parish every day and the Church
will be open during the day for private visits and prayer. The Parish bulletin
will be available as usual. Please make sure you get your copy to keep up-to-date
with developments. Each day, our Parish website will be updated with a Thought
for the Day and the latest news. The Galloway
Diocese website is also useful for information. Please
don't forget to continue to support the Parish with your Offertory donation
and Maintenance Fund offering by handing them in to the Parish Office. We are
counting on your remembering. Please continue to pray for all those affected
by the coronavirus. God bless, and may our Blessed Lady, the Health of the Sick,
pray for us! Saint Peter, our Patron, pray for us!