First Holy Communion
We give a big welcome to the 27 children and their families for the celebration of their First Holy Communion this weekend in St Andrew's ~ a very special moment on their journey of faith.

​We thank all those who have been involved in helping the boys and girls to prepare over the past months at school, at home, and in the parish, and we pray that the blessings of the Eucharist will stay with the children for a long time to come.

Confirmation
All of last year's P7s, who missed out being Confirmed, due to the lockdown, will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation next weekend in St Andrew's. 44 young people have requested the Sacrament.

​A restricted number of family will attend, but the Masses (1.30pm & 3.30pm on 22nd May & 1.30pm & 3.30pm on 23rd May)  will be live streamed, with each family being given a password link, and, of course, we can all participate by remembering to pray for our confirmandi and their families. 

This year's P7s' celebration of Confirmation will be on 5th/6th June.

The apostles prayed in the upper room for the coming of the Holy Spirit during these days. 

I invite you to say the short prayer at the foot of this message at 9pm for nine nights starting tomorrow night, Friday, 14th May.

Invite the Holy Spirit to do something new in your life, in your heart.

As we all wait for Pentecost in these difficult and challenging times, we are waiting for the Holy Spirit to move in us in a new way, to help us, to give us courage, to really trust, to discover more God’s presence in every moment of our lives.

Let us, here in this parish of St Andrew, each in our own home, unite each night in spirit at 9pm in this short time of prayer.

9@9 Prayer
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
And You shall renew the face of the earth. 

O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful,
grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations,
Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.

For more than 30 years there has been a 0-5 playgroup held in St Andrew’s Parish Hall.

​Once the current restrictions are lifted there is a great opportunity for someone to start a new group which would be a great resource for families connected with St Nicholas’ Primary.

If you would like to know more or wish to be updated when a new group starts,
​contact Aura Murphy on 07881 445565 or email: auramurphy@gmail.com.

Pupils preparing for Confirmation are encouraged to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Arrangements have been made for Confessions to be heard in the school for St Nicholas's pupils.

All pupils at schools other than St Nicholas's and all S1 pupils are encouraged to make an effort to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

It's a good way to prepare and be ready to be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

Times of Confessions are Saturdays 4.15pm - 4.45pm & Sundays 9.15am - 9.40am

No changes to the 50 capacity at weddings and funerals.

More than one cantor may sing at religious services. Still no congregational singing, though.

Hugging only applies in private dwellings or gardens between close family and friends. It does not mean that we can begin to shake hands at the sign of peace or as people enter/leave church etc.

he Scottish Government is reviewing social distancing. This might involve changing the 2m distancing.

6 people from 3 households can now meet indoors in church halls or chapel houses.

The funeral for John Prior will take place on Wednesday 19th May at 10am.

Due to the current restrictions, the funeral Mass will be for invited attendees only.

Please pray for John and the peaceful repose of his soul, and for John’s family that they may be comforted. 

John’s Funeral Mass will be streamed on our YouTube channel.

Masses ~ 10am & 7pm (no need to book)

All pupils & staff of St Nicholas' will be participating online at our 10am Mass. 
The pupils have been creating lovely artwork for the feast, which will be posted up on our YouTube channel.  

Congratulations to all the children who made their First Holy Communion at St Andrew’s this weekend.

Our outdoor shrine to sleeping St Joseph is in our top patio.

There’s the opportunity to place a petition underneath St Joseph, so that he can dream about it.
​
Petitions will  regularly be removed and burned. 

 ‘Go to Joseph’