to the promised land."
Rehearsal for next week’s First Holy Communion will be this Thursday 15th May, 10am Mass followed by rehearsal.
Good Shepherd Sunday / Vocation Sunday – “Sometimes Jesus calls us, invites us to follow him, but perhaps it occurs that we do not realize that it is him, as happened to the young Samuel…. Have you heard the Lord’s voice at some time in a desire, in upheaval, invite you to follow him more closely? Have you heard it? Have you wanted to be apostles of Jesus? Ask Jesus what he wants of you and be courageous! Be courageous! Ask him! Behind and prior to every vocation to the priesthood or the consecrated life there is always someone’s powerful and intense prayer: a grandmother’s, a grandfather’s, a mother’s, a father’s, a community’s... This is why Jesus said: “Pray to the Lord of the harvest,” that is, God the Father, “that he might send workers for the harvest!” (Matthew 9:38). Vocations are born in prayer and from prayer; and only in prayer can they persevere and bear fruit.” Pope Francis
Aid to Church in Need supports 127 students at a seminary in the Democratic Republic of Congo but most of the day they have no electricity and their food is rationed as well. ACN has promised them £13,000, which is enough for the students and their formators to live for one month. On this Vocation Sunday, if you are able to send a donation to ACN, visit www.aidtochurchinneed
Flourish: this month features the Canonisation of Saints John XXIII and John Paul II, attended by pupils from John Paul Academy and the Sisters of the Gospel of Life. Also: Archbishop Tartaglia shares parishioners' concerns in Chrism Mass homily; Cherished memories as St Philip's church closes; NET team upbeat about encounter with Glasgow's Catholic youth; St Joseph's priests join protest at threat to close school
Readers Rota - Stephen Hayes, who has been faithfully looking after the rota, is having to give it up due to increasing work commitments. Our very sincere thanks to Stephen for all his efforts in the time he has been involved in organising the rota and for being a member of both the Liturgy Group and the Parish Pastoral Council. Stephen’s work and ministry has been very much appreciated. We are very grateful to Catherine Dunipace, who is willing to take over and look after the organisation of the lay readers rota.
May Devotions. Rosary and Benediction every Sunday in May at 4.30pm.
Mobile phones – just to remind you, please, to turn off your mobile phone or turn it to silent mode, prior to the start of Mass.
Discerning a Vocation to the Priesthood? If you think God may be inviting you to such a vocation, and for evenings of Catechisis, Prayer and Fraternity to help discern your vocation (2nd Friday of the month) please contact Vocations Director, Fr Ross Campbell, [email protected] (339 4315)
Extraordinary Ministers who take Holy Communion to the sick and the housebound - there will be a meeting in the chapel-house at 7pm this Thursday 15th May.
Fabric & Finance Meeting Tuesday 27th May at 7pm in the chapel-house. If anyone has any matters they would like discussed, please contact Brian Donnelly 942 6085.
Appeal and Rags to Riches Clothing Collection for Mary’s Meals. Please bring any unwanted clothing / bedding to Mass on 24th / 25th May. 2 bags raises £7 – enough to feed a child in Malawi for one year. The 2nd collection will be taken up that weekend for Mary’s Meals.
Brahms’ Requiem will be performed by Bearsden Choir on Sat 17th May @ 7.30pm in Sherbrooke St Gilbert’s Church, Pollokshields. Concert to include short works by Finzi + Card. Newman and by Choir’s President, James Macmillan. Tickets at £18 (£5 concessions) available through Chris Sanders, at the door or www.bearsdenchoir.co.uk. For more details, see poster on Noticeboard in Porch.
Children’s Liturgy - The P1 to P3 Children's liturgy group are looking for a new coordinator from august. The role involves preparing the rota and liaising with the liturgy leaders about the various activities with the children. Anyone can undertake the role as long as they enjoy working with children and are happy to go through PVG clearance. Particularly welcome would be a Mum or Dad who has primary aged children. We are also looking for new leaders and helpers as some of our existing team are looking to "retire" after many years service. Leaders and helpers are on duty about once a month and help the children participate in the liturgy. It is a very satisfying role as well as being useful preparation for anyone considering training as a teacher. No particular experience is required as you will work with an experienced leader for the first few months. Again PVG clearance is required. If you would like to discuss this further please contact Fr Mackle on 942 4635 or Lorraine on 942 1065.
Piety Stall - cards and gifts for all occasions, especially for First Holy Communion. Newly in - a selection of 24 hours devotional candles with prayer on the reverse. £1 each.
The Andrea Kearney Fund is holding its annual dinner on 31st May at the Radisson Hotel in Glasgow. It's always a wonderful event for a very deserving cause and we're delighted to support it, by performing this year. We look forward to seeing you on 31st May so please book your tickets or table now at www.andrewkearney.org. Don't delay as tickets are selling fast! Best wishes Lorraine McIntosh & Ricky Ross
Lego Appeal - St Andrew's Primary School is hoping to set up a Lego Club and would welcome donations of any unused/unwanted Lego sets. They need not be complete. Thank you. If you can, please hand them in direct to the school, or leave in the church porch.
Next Saturday 17th May – A Catholic Youth festival of faith for young people in S3 and above based on Jesus' words "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life". Which way? What is truth? How do I live the life? - Come and see! Mass, catechesis, music, workshops, reconciliation, prayer... presented by the Youth Pastoral Team and NET ministries 10.00am - 7.00pm in the Eyre Hall. For more details, see poster in porch.
Special Collections over the next couple of months – today 11th May for Ecclesiastical Students; 25th May for Mary’s Meals; 1st June for Communications Sunday; 8th June – Day for Life; 15th June for Archdiocesan Assisted Parishes Fund; and 29th June for Peter’s Pence.
Children’s Choir dates – all at 10am Mass. May 11th & 18th, June 8th & 15th. Any enquiries, contact Annamaria Stachan on 942 9799 / 07749715514
Padre Pio Prayer Group – Every Monday at 7 pm. All very welcome. Next Mass will be this Monday at 7.30pm.
Mass Attendance – 3rd / 4th May. Vigil Mass - 146; 10am Mass – 259; 12 noon Mass – 160. Total – 565.