From Canon Gargaro, Diocesan Coordinator 

This week the First Minister updated the Scottish Parliament on the current situation. She confirmed the importance of regular testing and ventilation, as we have continued to emphasise for parishes. She also dealt with the issue of extending Vaccine Passports. The full details will be confirmed next week, but it looks likely that they will be extended to cinemas, theatres, and some hospitality venues.

The First Minister specifically said, however, that “exceptions would also be retained for worship, weddings, funerals and related gatherings.” Any extension of the scheme should not therefore affect us directly (although depending on the definition of “some hospitality venues” it may affect some activities in parish halls. I will update you should that occur).

There are no suggestions of further restrictions at the moment, but we see such things happening in other countries so we need to wait and see how things develop.  

Our Christmas Fair will be on again this weekend after the Saturday Vigil Mass only.

Still to get your Christmas cards? Looking for ideas for Christmas gifts?

​A good selection of Christmas cards and a lovely variety of Christmas gifts will be on sale in the upper hall.

The funeral for Monsignor Ryan's brother, Martin, will take place on Friday in his parish in Hampshire. Please pray for Martin and the peaceful repose of his soul, and for Monsignor and for Martin's family that they may be comforted.

A message from Monsignor 
Thank you for all the thoughtful expressions of sympathy and for the Masses offered for my brother, Martin. I am very grateful to all for your kindness and your prayerful support. It is very much appreciated.  

Monsignor Ryan.

This year, we look forward to welcoming as many Parishioners and their families and friends as possible to our series of Christmas Day Masses. The Masses will be at:

• Christmas Vigil – 5:00 p.m.
• (Early) Midnight Mass – 9:00 p.m.
• Christmas Day Mass – 10:00 a.m. (live streamed on YouTube)
• Christmas Day 12:00 noon              

Unfortunately, COVID is still with us, which means we will need to manage numbers in the church and halls. We will have 25% of the church dedicated to social distancing, with a total capacity in the church of between 200 and 225 people. We will be able to accommodate a further 150 Parishioners in the Upper Hall with minimal social distancing. The Lower Hall will provide additional social distanced space and will be able to accommodate about 40 Parishioners with 1 m social distancing in place.

Stewards and Passkeepers will assist in the management of this.

As you will know, Mass at this time of the year can be busy. If you turn up for Mass once these capacities are reached, you will need to either join through live streaming or come to another Mass.

We would also ask that you note that you will not be able to reserve seats for family members and friends who may arrive after you. Consequently, family groups need to arrive together. We would also ask that those who have mobility issues or need more time to get into the church arrive early to miss the rush and to ensure they get a seat.

We will be using QR Codes to help manage access. So to aid entry to the buildings, please download the NHS Scotland ‘Check in Scotland’ app on this link. There will also be Stewards available to take your details if you don’t have the app.

We really look forward to welcoming you to Mass at Christmas at St Andrews. Come early to make sure you get a seat and also to allow a quiet period of contemplation ahead of Mass.

Our popular 29 Club pre Christmas draw will take place at the end of November with a top prize of £1000 and 5 x £100 prizes.   

My thanks to those who have renewed their subscription however we still have small number yet to renew!! Our fundraising is used to support the Parish Development Fund; various Charitable causes  and ...  you can win one of the many cash prizes on offer during the year,  We appreciate YOUR support please!!  

Vacancies are available now for the 2021/22 season with membership at £6 per month by standing order or £65 annual payment.  Interested?? then give pass your nameand contact details to Fr Joe or myself.  

Deadline for entry to the pre Christmas Draw is 26th November 2021.      

My thanks and take care.

Brian Donnelly -Finance & Fabric Coordinator
Email – [email protected]

Real Gifts are SCIAF’s range of ethical Christmas gifts which not only provide joy to those you give them to, but also mean real change for families living in poverty.  

​To find out more, SCIAF’s parish catalogue is now available at the back of the Church, or alternatively you can visit sciaf.org.uk/realgifts or call 0141 354 5555.

The community of St Andrew’s, Bearsden, are deeply saddened and shocked to hear the news today of the sudden death of Provost Alan Brown.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Catherine, and her family at this time.

We have fond memories of Alan’s visits to St Andrew’s, not least during our Golden Jubilee Anniversary year.

​May he rest in peace, and may Catherine and her family find comfort at this sad and difficult time

A couple of people have been in touch asking about the Deputy First Minister’s statement this week about possible increase restrictions and how this might affect churches.

Unfortunately the statement was very vague about details, simply promising more information next week, so the short answer is that we don’t know yet if and how it might affect us, however the Bishops’ Conference’s advisers say that there is no indication – at this stage – that places of worship might be affected by any changes.

For the moment we can just carry on as we are, but obviously I’ll update parishes if anything changes.

I’ve also been asked about Christmas – for just now all I can advise is that parishes keep planning in line with the current guidance, but be ready to change things if needed.

I’m sorry I can’t offer more detail, but if/when we learn more from the Government and/or from our expert advisers I will pass it on to you. Hopefully though I’ll have nothing to say!