In the next parish Reachout and in our social media we would like to include photos of parishioners which tell something of the story of parish life during this time of pandemic, restrictions and recovery. 

A photographer will be taking photographs this weekend 5th / 6th June before and after the Masses.  If anyone has any objection to being photographed, please let the photographer or the clergy know.  

​Many thanks. 

As you will have seen on the news, from just after midnight on Saturday morning (5th June), and so applying to Masses next weekend, the following levels will apply:

Glasgow, East Dunbartonshire, and North Lanarkshire will be in level 2. 

Argyll & Bute and West Dunbartonshire will be in Level 1. 
Obviously for East Dunbartonshire & North Lanarkshire there is no change to the current situation.
​
For parishes in Glasgow the main change that affects churches is that small choirs can now sing and small bands/groups can now play.

For the parishes in Argyll & Bute and West Dunbartonshire the main changes that affects churches are

1. that congregational singing will now be allowed. It is not mandatory to start congregational singing – you should only do so if you risk assess that it is safe to do so, ensuring good ventilation. We have been told that the congregation also need to keep wearing masks whilst singing, so if it is restarted it may be somewhat muffled! Hymnbooks should still be avoided and if you are using sheets make sure you are complying with the copyright requirements.
2. 100 people can attend weddings and funerals, but only if your church has sufficient socially-distanced space (otherwise the limit will be whatever lower number you can safely hold). You still need to collect all the names and phone numbers for track & trace, so you will need to ensure that your procedures and stewarding can cope with the higher numbers.  

Those areas changing levels may find that the changes affect how many can meet up together, how alcohol can be sold in a hall, etc.
See https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-protection-levels/pages/protection-levels-by-area/ for more details of what can be done.  
With best wishes
Canon Paul Gargaro
Diocesan Coordinator

We look forward to another celebratory weekend of Confirmations when 56 young parishioners will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.

All four Masses will be live streamed - each family will have a private link, and, of course, we can all participate by remembering to pray for our confirmandi and their families.
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​As part of the pupils' preparation, there will be the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the P7s this Thursday and Friday in St Nicholas'. 

Calling all next year’s P6s, you are invited to think about becoming a candidate for the Pope Francis Faith Award. Invitations to enrol will be going out in the new school term, and parish sign up in St Joseph’s and St Andrew’s will be arranged at that time too. 

P7s' PFFA ceremony is being arranged to take place in St Nicholas’ before the end of term.  
St Nicholas' have passed on their sincere thanks to the PFFA team in both parishes for supporting the candidates with their endeavours.  

Volunteers are still wanted, please. 

St Andrew's parish soup run volunteers continue to collect supermarket surplus donations 7 mornings a week from M&S Milngavie and Byres Rd and deliver to St Gregory’s foodbank, the Wayside and Aspire, west end.

In order for this good and daily service to those in need continuing, extra volunteers are needed to allow our helpers to take a well earned break.

​We are looking for occasional cover as we move into the summer months. If you are able to help,  please email Veronica McLaughlin - veronicamcl@sky.com.  

Many thanks.      

Fr Mackle 

We look forward to P7s' celebration of Confirmation next weekend 5th/6th June. 

The Masses will be live streamed with each family given a password link and, of course, we can all participate by remembering to pray for our P7 confirmandi and their families.

The BBC is broadcasting a Mass from St James' in St Andrew's this Sunday.

Details at the link below. 

Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh (@archedinburgh) / Twitter

Have you ever wondered about the work of SPRED in support of parishioners who have learning disability? 

Have you ever wanted to know about volunteering with SPRED or how SPRED could help someone you know?

Please join us on Zoom for one of our open hours on Tuesday 15th and Wednesday 16th June at 7 p.m. when we will share with you what we do, introduce you to some of our volunteers and answer any questions you may have. 

​To receive your zoom invitation please email lisbeth.spred@btconnect.com or send a Facebook message to @GlasgowSPRED.