Sunday 5th January 2020 The Feast of the Epiphany

“Where is the newborn king of the Jews?
We saw his star at its rising
and have come to do him homage.”

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With all good wishes for every peace in the year ahead 2020.
 
Day of Prayer for Justice and Peace– Copies of Bishop Nolan’s letter are available in the porch and on the J&P Scotland website. This takes up the theme of Pope Francis' message for the 53rd World Day of Peace : "Peace as a Journey of Hope" His letter can be found on the Vatican website. 2nd collection will be taken up to support the work of J&P. Follow J&P Scotland on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or check out the website for information on current issues and campaigns. St Andrew’s & St Joseph’s J&P group meets regularly. If you would be interested in joining, email [email protected]
 
Do invite someone you know back to Mass this new year. All of us know someone who has stopped going to Mass, so invite that person to think about coming back.
 
Drumchapel Foodbank. All donations always gratefully received. The collection boxes in porch are delivered every Monday. Church open Mon – Sat 'til 4.45pm & Sun ‘til 1.30pm. 
 
We look forward to all families, who have had a celebration of Baptism within the past year, gathering together for the 10am Mass Sunday, 19th January, 2020. After Mass, there will be refreshments served in the parish hall to which everyone is invited.
 
Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated for P7 pupils of St Andrew's and St Joseph's Parishes in Andrew's Church 7pm 13th May 2020. Enrolment forms, available in the church porch, to be returned, please, by 9th February.  There will be a preparation meeting for all parents on 20th February at 7pm in St Andrew's Hall.
 
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.
First Holy Communion celebrations for our parish will take place at the 12.00 noon Mass on 10th & 17th May. Please keep the first communicants in your prayers. Parents will be advised regarding rehearsals’ arrangements at the 30th Jan meeting.
 
Could God be calling you to serve as a priest? Vocations Discernment Evenings:  Catechesis – Adoration - Fellowship:  31st Jan, 28th Feb, 27th March, 24th April and 29th May. For further info contact Fr. Ross Campbell, [email protected]  or 339 4315
 
The Emmaus Group is a parish initiative. Our main aim is to evangelise each other/others through prayer, support, reaching out and inviting those who have regular, little or no contact with the Church to “Come And See”. Emmaus cards available from the porch and on Facebook & Twitter. INSPIRATION, EVANGELISATION, TRANSFORMATION
 
Adult Faith Formation – the next DVD in Bishop Baron’s Pivotal Players series will be shown on Thursday 23rd January 2020 at 7 pm in the Upper Hall.  The subject of the episode being shown is St Thomas Aquinas who is considered one of the Catholic Church's greatest theologians and philosophers.  Please join us for tea/coffee and Bishop Barron’s insight into this very important figure in the Church.
 
Don’t forget to take part in the East Dunbartonshire Council’s school admission consultation. Visit https://www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/council/consultations/school-admission-and-transfer-arrangements-primary-secondary-school to complete the online form by this Friday, January 10.
 
Cheese & Wine Evening - Tues, 14th Jan, 7 – 9pm for all involved in youth ministry in the parish.   Email [email protected] to register.
 
Church Halls The church halls are used for a huge range of activities. For the New Year, why not make one of your Resolutions to be to support a local business or charity and the church through taking part in one or more of these activities. They include Weekday Wow Factor seniors daytime disco; two slimming classes; two choirs; the University of Third Age; flower arranging classes; puppy & dog training classes; various fitness, Pilates and dance classes for all ages and abilities; carpet bowls; a rugby play programme for 2 – 5 year olds; whist; Bearsden Literary Society; and toddlers and pre-school clubs. Both halls are also free at weekends for birthday parties, christenings, anniversary parties, fund raisers, weddings and funerals. For further details, please visit the web site on http://www.standrewsbearsden.co.uk/church-halls.html or call the Halls Letting Secretary on 07528 425 698. Happy New Year from the Halls Committee.
 
Paper Toilet Products: The Halls Committee has decided to change the paper towels and toilet rolls that are used in the church’s and halls’ toilets with environmentally friendly recycled and recyclable products. Consequently, later in January, you will notice a change in these products. Any feedback is appreciated, either by texting or calling the Halls Letting Secretary on 07528 425 698.
 
Please keep in your prayers Yvonne McCafferty and Jen Wright, who are journeying though RCIA preparing to become Catholic this Easter.
 
Catholic Social Teaching Thought for the Week - 5 January (Nearest Sunday to International Day of Awareness of Human Trafficking (8th Jan))   No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people.   Isaiah 58:6
 
NET Ministry will be returning to our cluster on Sunday 2nd February. NET are ten young Americans who are doing great youth ministry work in many schools and parishes. The team will lead a Faith/Fun Day for the young people of St St Joseph's & St Andrew's beginning with 10am Mass in St Andrew's through to 2pm. For all young people in P6, P7,S1 & S2. Lunch will be provided. We need readers, servers, passkeepers, musicians, and helpers for the offertory. PFFA participants - this would be a good opportunity for some Parish Faith Actions. If you would like your child to volunteer, please email [email protected]
 
Unity Supper. 29th Jan 7.15pm in New Kilpatrick Halls. Tickets £12 from Margaret Sanders. Speaker: Very Rev Dr John Chalmers, Convener, Church of Scotland Assembly Trustees.

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 – 
5th Jan – Justice & Peace; 
2nd Feb – Assisted Parishes.

January Meetings.
Sacristans – 9th Jan – 4pm - House
RCIA – 9th & 23rd Jan 7pm – Hut
Parish Pastoral Council – 9th Jan 7pm - House
Ongoing Faith Formation – 13th Jan 10.30am House
Justice & Peace – 21st Jan 7pm    St Joseph’s
Fabric & Finance – 21st  Jan 7pm – House
Youth Ministry Team – 13th  Jan 7pm – House
Emmaus – 31st Jan 10.30am House
Cluster – 7th Jan 7pm St Joseph’s