the LORD raises up those who were bowed down.
The LORD loves the just;
the LORD protects strangers."
Advent Day of Confessions - Thursday 19th December priests will be available all day in Saint Andrew's Cathedral (from 7:45am – 5:45pm) for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Festive Teas and Coffees -Please join us for mince pies and tea/coffee/mulled wine in the Upper Hall after 10am Mass. We will be raising funds for the St Nicholas Care Fund. Your support to this charity:-
Changes lives of children living in poverty;
helps parents bring up their families;
helps families to stay together by supporting grandparents as Kinship Carers.
We take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued support and generosity and to wish you all, the compliments of the season. Veronica and David Maguire
St Joseph's invites parishioners from St Andrew's and St Benedict's to an Advent evening of music and candlelit reflection in St Joseph's on Tuesday, December 17, at 7.30 pm. It will be followed by mulled wine and mince pies in the hall.
Christmas Masses – Christmas Eve 5pm and 9pm (Carol Service 8.30pm). Christmas Day – 10am & 12noon.
Christmas Mass at Midnight 12pm for the cluster is in St Joseph's.
Confessions for Christmas
16th Dec – 9.30am – 9.50am
17thDec – 9.30am – 9.50am
18thDec 9.30am – 9.50am
19thDec – 9.30- 9.50 & 6pm-7pm
20th Dec 9.30am – 9.50am
21st Dec – 10.30-11.00am & 5.15-5.45pm
22nd Dec 9.15 - 9.40am
23rd Dec 9.15am-9.40am & 6pm-7pm
Christmas Eve – 9.15-9.40am
Christmas Day - 9.15 - 9.40am. Confession in Advent leaflets available from the porch.
Advent Appeal - Drumchapel Foodbank. The number of families now dependent on the foodbank, and the number of emergencies, are rising fast. All donations always gratefully received. The collection boxes in St Andrew's church porch are delivered to the Foodbank every Monday. Church open Mon – Sat 'til 4.45pm & Sun 'til 1.30pm.
Children's Choir – Dec 15 & 25 at 10am. St Nicholas' Christmas concerts 17th and 19th Dec. Any queries, please contact Annamaria Strachan 0141-942-9799 or 07749715514--[email protected]
Archdiocese of Glasgow Vocations Discernment Evenings: Catechesis – Adoration - Fellowship: These will take place on 31st January, 28th February, 27th March, 24th April and 29th May. For further information contact Fr. Ross Campbell, [email protected] or telephone 0141 339 4315
Please keep in your prayers Yvonne McCafferty and Jen Wright, who have begun the RCIA journey of preparing to become Catholic at Easter.
Invitation to all involved in youth ministry in the parish. Cheese & Wine Evening - Tues, 14th Jan, 7 – 9pm. A great opportunity to get to know other leaders, share ideas, pray together and, of course, enjoy the cheese and wine! Archdiocesan Youth Team look forward to meeting you. 196 Clyde Street, Glasgow, G1 4JY. Email [email protected] to register.
Visit https://www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/council/consultations/school-admission-and-transfer-arrangements-primary-secondary-school to complete the online East Dunbartonshire Council's school admission consultation form. Please do take part in the consultation. It is of the utmost importance. The closing date has been extended until January 10.
Passkeepers – Due to some people standing down, we are now short of passkeepers for the 5pm Vigil and the 10am Sunday Masses. If you feel you can help, please contact Fr Mackle or Michael Sheerin on 943 093
Christmas 5pm Vigil Mass is the most enjoyable and busiest Mass in our calendar. As the church is extremely busy, to help ease congestion and from a health and safety perspective it would be very much appreciated if those in attendance could adhere to the following: a) Wheel chair users will be asked to sit at the rear of the main church with their carers seated in the blue chairs b) Prams, buggies and walking frames should be stored in the Upper Hall (passkeepers will ensure their security). Passkeepers will be on hand to assist with these changes which will hopefully add to the enjoyment of the Mass and your co-operation will be greatly appreciated.
2020 edition of the Western Catholic Calendar now on sale in the Piety Stall, priced £3.20.
Primary Three Parents- First Confession Parents Meeting - 16th January 2020 at 7pm in St Nicholas' Primary.
Primary Four Parents- First Holy Communion Parents Meeting 30th January 2020 at 7pm in St Nicholas' Primary.
Primary Seven Parents- Confirmation Parents Meeting 20th February 2020 at 7pm in St Andrew's Hall.
St. Andrew's Whist Drive Christmas Party will take place on Monday December 16th, beginning at 7.30pm, in the Lower Hall. Everyone is welcome regardless of ability. Someone will be on hand to help if you are a beginner. It is, essentially, a social night. £3 includes admission, raffle ticket and tea/coffee. Come along for a great night. We'd love to welcome you! For more details contact Susan Morrison.
Catholic Social Teaching Thought for the Week - 15 December Christmas is built upon a beautiful and intentional paradox; that the birth of the homeless should be celebrated in every home. G.K Chesterton
Real Gifts that Change lives The Catechism of the Catholic Church (no. 1397) states that "The Eucharist commits us to the poor. To receive in truth the Body and Blood of Christ given up for us, we must recognise Christ in the poorest, his brethren." SCIAF's Christmas Real Gifts make great presents for family and friends while helping people in poverty to build a better future. Parish catalogue now available at the back of the church. Alternatively you can visit www.sciaf.org.uk/realgifts to find call 0141 354 5555.
Save the date – We look forward to the NET Team returning to St Andrew's on 2nd Feb 2020 to lead a youth retreat day.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is each Saturday from 10.30am until 12.30pm. Please consider coming to spend some time in prayer.
The church is open Monday to Saturdays until 4.45pm, and 2pm on Sundays. 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. All most welcome.
Special Collections for Advent and Christmas –
15th Dec Caring Sunday;
28th Dec– Pro-Life White Flower Appeal;
5th Jan – Justice & Peace;
2nd Feb – Assisted Parishes.
Recently Dead--Mary Silcock, Abbie O'Rourke, Danny McKendry, Stephen Kelly, Iain Sinclair, Anne Cairns, Anne McSherry
Anniversaries--Margaret Ward, Rae Russell..