words of my mouth."
Our faiths instruct us not to fear the stranger, but to love our neighbour. We view the desperate situation facing refugees currently seeking sanctuary in Europe with growing alarm. We are compelled to speak out on this issue.
Our faiths in their different ways are rooted in the refugee experience, in what it means to be forced to leave a place where one’s very existence is threatened in search of somewhere safer. Our scriptures teach the importance of love and compassion for all who are destitute. We are concerned by the dehumanising language used to describe people who are so desperate that they risk their lives, and we share the belief that all people have an inherent dignity and right to life.
We welcome the UK and Scottish governments’ willingness to offer a safe haven to these desperate people. We urge them to back this with practical action to help as many refugees as possible, and we call on our communities to support this and make them welcome.
St Andrew's Bearsden now on Facebook. Like us on this link !
Liturgical dates 2015. Now available on this link.
Coffee Morning after 10am Mass today, Sunday 20th September. Please come along and join us for a cuppa, a chat and some delicious home baking. This month we are raising funds for SCIAF’s Syrian Crisis Appeal. Many, many thanks for your continued support, it is very much appreciated.
Altar Servers. Any young member of the Parish (who has made his/her First Holy Communion) who would like to become an Altar Server is invited to contact Chris Sanders (942 7519) or Fr. Mackle, who will gladly take your details. Training sessions are due to commence soon.
Children’s Choir dates - September 20th, November 8th & 15th, December 13th, 20th & 25th. Any queries, please contact Annamaria Strachan 01419429799/07749715514 [email protected]
Primary Three Families - The Sacrament of Penance (First Confession) in Lent 2016, and First Holy Communion in May 2017. Parents intending to present children, who are in primary three, for these sacraments, are required to complete an application/enrolment form available in the porch and return it by 11th October.
Mass of Commitment for Primary Three families will be at the 10am on Sunday 25th October.
Update - Parish Retreat - Sunday 4th October.
The timetable for the afternoon has been agreed as follows:
12noon Mass followed by a lunch break (bring a packed lunch) Tea and coffee will be provided.
1.45 until 4.00pm – Theme - “Abiding Presence.”
The afternoon session will be led by a team of experienced and trained lay-people organised by the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament and under the guidance of a priest-director, Fr. Dowling. The team will include a number of members aged 18-25.
4.00pm-Prayers and time for reflection
4.30pm-Benediction
All members of the Parish are welcome and invited to enjoy a prayerful and uplifting time together. Please indicate your interest on the sign up sheet available in the Porch as soon as possible."
Soup run - Friday 2nd October 7pm in Lower Hall. Donations of soup, sandwiches, soft fruit, biscuits etc most welcome. Any queries, please call Phyllis on 570 1343
World Youth Day – Krakow 2016. A meeting for young people aged 16 – 35 interested in WYD 2016 will be held at 7pm this Monday 21st Sept at the archdiocesan offices, 196 Clyde Street. For more details, call 226 5898 or speak to Fr Mackle. We would like to give many young people from St Andrew’s the opportunity to attend next year’s WYD. Pick up from the porch a prayer card and pray for WYD’s success.
Diary Dates :
25th Sept at 10.30am – Reachout Editorial Team
14th Oct at 12noon – Parish Retreat
5th Oct at 7.30pm - Halls Committee
Macmillan - World’s Biggest Coffee Morning – Friday 25th Sept. 10am – 12 noon at Craigton Industries, Craigton Works, The Loan, Craigton, Milngavie G62 7HF (on road to Milngavie Golf Club). This will be my 12th year of Coffee Mornings for Macmillan and I want to make it the best ever. I would be delighted to see you there and to entice you there will be lots of cakes, scones, jams and cream. Please come along. If you want any further information please contact me. Maria Finnerty 0141 956 6586(office) or mobile 07824 422640.
St Andrew’s Primary are hosting a coffee morning in aid of MacMillan Cancer support on Thursday 24th September from 9 - 11am in the school hall. All welcome.
The Legion of Mary is carrying out visitation in the parish and may call in to visit you. New members always welcome. Meetings – Tuesdays at 7.30pm in the Hut.
The Catenian Rosary Appeal to send rosaries to Aboriginal people in Australia. 125 were handed in and will be posted this week. Many thanks.
Mary’s meals van at all Masses next weekend 26th / 27th September to collect bags of clothes —no bric-a-brac please. A few Black Poly Bags of clothes can help feed a child for a year (approx £12.20). A second collection will be taken up.
Maryhill Foodbank - Non-perishable food items are greatly needed by our near neighbours. Your help is much appreciated. Thank you.
Bookkeeper/s required - Ideally, the parish is looking for two volunteers, who are familiar with the excel spreadsheet bookkeeping system. Please speak to Brian Donnelly or Fr Mackle if you are able to help.
Bearsden Choir are looking for more singers, particularly men. If you enjoy singing and would like to join a friendly 100-strong choir, you will be very welcome on a Wednesday evening at 7.30pm in New Kilpatrick New Halls. We're currently rehearsing Haydn's Nelson Mass and his Te Deum. Special Rehearsal on Weds 23 Sept – for Men only. See Poster on Noticeboard in the Church Porch for more details, or contact Chris on 942 7519.On the 24th of each month, pray for peace in Israel and Palestine at 8pm in All Saints Church, Drymen Road. ACT Alliance and Christian Aid are encouraging this as a world-wide ecumenical prayer vigil. See noticeboard for more details.
Calais--Thank you for your wonderful generosity. All donations have now been forwarded.
Please remember in your Prayers -
Sick—Margaret McGuire, Paul Morton, Mamie Bradie, Dante Biagioi, Peter Crainie, Margaret Merilees, Betty Clark, Hil Black, Paul Connolly, Louise Dolan, Sheila McCallum, Rosemary McLean, Elizabeth McCusker, Stuart Harvey, Sheena Smith, Charlie Melly, Mark Greenlees, Samatha Harkins, Gilbert O’Rourke, Denis Campbell, Ronald Coia, Valentina Colaluca, Christine Turner, Douglas Dalby (Snr), Michael Docherty, Maureen Scott, Christina Jones, Ruth MacKenzie, Patricia Swiatek, Baby Eva Berrey, Maureen Morton.,Marie Moy.
Recently Dead—Vincent Bonner, Diana Ventisei, Paul Dolan, Joe Donohoe, Sister Philomena Janetta, Chrisstopher Burke, Rosaleen Mooney.
Anniversaries—Dermot O’Leary, Filomena D’Aguanno, Bridie Tolland, Vincent Baker