no one comes to the Father except through me."
From Archbishop Nolan. Deanery Councils. ~ Difficult decisions lie ahead and deaneries are being asked to give their advice. Looking to the future, we have to discern how best to use our resources, whether that is personnel or property. At present, if we exclude foreign priests and those of a religious order, we have 50 priests working in parishes in the archdiocese. In ten years’ time this number will be reduced to 33. Priests are an invaluable resource, which is why deaneries are being asked to recommend how best that resource can be allocated in their area. Mass attendance is now just over 10,000, half of what it was ten years ago. Again deaneries are being asked to recommend how many buildings we now require and where they should be located.
For Your Information - The priests and lay reps from St Andrew’s and St Joseph’s are meeting this Monday evening to begin to discuss this. Plus, this matter will also be discussed further at our PPC on 21st Sept. A report of all discussions and any decisions will then be taken to a Deanery Council meeting on the 9th October. The Archbishop is looking to hear deaneries’ advice by 30th November.
Ticket only - £5 adult / £2.50 Children on sale at all Masses.
OWNERS BONUS!! Buy your own Horse on the night ONLY £2.50
To Sponsor a Race - speak to Halls Committee or email: [email protected]
Gifts for raffle prizes for the Race Night would be gratefully received. Many thanks
Upper Hall – For the next two weeks the front and rear of the house will be out of bounds to vehicles due to the building works being carried out at the front of the upper hall. Apologies for any inconvenience.
Season of Creation – 1st Sept until 4th Oct. We thank you, God, for the beauty of creation: may the work of humanity not disfigure it, but enhance it to your greater glory.
"Creative Crafternoon" this Saturday 9th September 2p.m. to 5p.m. No need to bring anything. Just come along. Wide range of activities arranged. Chance to pick up a few hints. Pop in even just for a look. Activities for children too. Light refreshments served. It’ll be a great afternoon. All most welcome ~ ‘Make time for Creation’
Season of Creation: a shout out to everyone who enjoys singing and/or playing an instrument!
We know we are blessed with talented musicians who support our liturgies but if you'd like to join a group of people who just fancy the chance to enjoy making music together, please come to an initial meeting on Monday 11 September in the Upper Hall at 7.30pm. Musicals, folk, pop, gospel, rap.....anything is possible! No expertise necessary - just enthusiasm!
If you are interested but can't manage to the meeting, please send a message to [email protected] for more information.
Season of Creation: a date for the diary On Monday 2 October at 7pm there will be a screening of the Laudato si' film, "The Letter" aimed in particular at parishioners in the 18-35 year old age group - the age range invited to Rome for a prayer vigil during the final weekend of the Season of Creation. (together23.net)
The film will be followed by the opportunity for discussion about what we can/should do next to protect our world for our children. If you can't come along but would like to get involved in some way, please send a message to [email protected]
Season of Creation - Week 2 This week, the Scottish Laity Network has organised a Zoom session on Thursday 14th September, 7.00 - 8.30 pm, on “The Reality of Climate Change and Myth Busting”. Register through their website, http://scottishlaitynetwork.org.uk
Laudato Si’ - On Care for our Common Home - We must continue to be aware that, regarding climate change, there are differentiated responsibilities. As the United States bishops have said, greater attention must be given to “the needs of the poor, the weak and the vulnerable, in a debate often dominated by more powerful interests”. (#52)
"We need to go forth from our own communities and be bold enough to go to the existential outskirts that need to feel the closeness of God. He abandons no one, and he always shows his unfailing tenderness and mercy; this, therefore, is what we need to take to all people."
Pope Francis, Message to Pilgrims gathered at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, 16 November 2013
Confirmation. All enrolment forms for Confirmation to be returned, please, by today Sunday, 10th September.
Confirmation Meeting for all Parents and Sponsors ~ Thursday 28th September at 6.30p.m. in St Nicholas'.
All P3 parents intending to present their child for the Sacrament of Reconciliation during Lent 2024, please collect before Mass an enrolment form from the sacristy. Forms to be returned, please, by Sunday, 29th October 2023
P4 parents are not required to re-enrol. Your form and all the details on it from last year (P3) will automatically roll on to the P4 list.
Next Lunch Club ~ Thursday 21st Sept in the upper Hall 12.30pm until 2.30pm. All most welcome. Bring along your friends and have a good time in good company.
RCIA will begin the end of this month. Are you thinking about becoming a Catholic ? Do you know someone who is? Please speak to Fr. Mackle if you would like to know more about the RCIA process.
Children’s Choir Dates at 10am mass St Andrew’s Church. If your child is not at St Nicholas’ and they would like to join the choir, please contact Annamaria ([email protected]/0141942 9799) to arrange rehearsal links. Sept 17th. Oct 8th. Nov 12th. Dec 10th, 17th, 25th
Evening trip to Carfin - Bus will leave from Milngavie Station ~ Wednesday 13th September at 6pm.
Support For Drumchapel Foodbank Non-perishable food items are always gratefully received and can be placed in the House porch. Donations can also be taken straight to the foodbank at Ladyloan Pl Unit 9, G15 8LB. We regularly use cash donations to purchase food items for delivery straight to the foodbank. Our rota is always looking for more foodbank volunteer drivers. If you can help, please get in touch.
It is pleasant to spend time adoring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. The Eucharist is such a priceless treasure ~ by praying before it, we are able to make contact with Christ present in the Most Holy Sacrament. Saturdays 10a.m. until 11a.m. Confessions throughout.
Confessions also on Saturdays 4.15p.m – 4.45p.m & Sundays 9.15a.m – 9.40a.m
The Church is open until 5p.m. Monday to Saturday. Call in and enjoy the peace and quiet, and take time to sit in the stillness in the silence of God.
Tea is served in the hut after daily Mass Monday to Thursday. All most welcome.
Before receiving Holy Communion, we are asked to make some act of reverence such as a bow.
Forthcoming Special Collection : 22nd October ~ Missio Scotland
You can raise FREE donations for the parish every time you shop online. Take a moment to sign up at https://tinyurl.com/StAndrewsBearsden2023
Drumchapel Foodbank - If you are able to take your donation straight to the Foodbank at Ladyloan Pl, G15 8LB, that would be good. If not, do leave your donation, please, in the house porch. Many thanks.
Our soup-run volunteers collect donations every evening from M&S Milngavie for delivery to St Gregory’s Foodbank and Aspire West End. If you are interested in volunteering once or twice a month, please get in touch with Veronica McLaughlin - [email protected].
Parish Bulletin: Items for inclusion should be sent to [email protected] by 6 p.m. on the Tuesday before publication. The Parish Bulletin is available weekly on our website/by email for all those on our Parish database and on the noticeboards in the Church porch and the Church grounds.
Recently Dead: Eileen Brown, Daniel Healy, Margaret Kelly, Molly Lowrie, Pat Lee, Stephen McConnell, Philip McEntee, Catherine McGinness, Mary McLernon, Kathleen McNamara, Anna Nelli Spadoni and Carmen Torrente
Anniversaries: Lisa Flanagan, Grace Jackson and Moira McConville
Six Months’ Mind : Chris Shevlane.