SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER (DIVINE MERCY), YEAR C
GOD’S WORD FOR US TODAY
Reading 1: Acts 5:12-16 (The numbers who came to believe in the Lord increased steadily)
The early Christians regularly gathered together in joy to remember and worship Jesus, and they brought the healing of the Risen Lord to all who sought it.
Resp. Ps. (117): Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his love has no end.
Reading 2: Rev 1:9-13 (I was dead and now I am to live for ever and ever)
The Risen Lord is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and End of all things. He stands with us in all the circumstances of our lives, and encourages us not to be afraid.
Gospel Acc: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Jesus said, ‘You believe because you can see me. Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe.’
Alleluia . . . . . . .
Gospel : Jn 20:19-31 (Eight days later he appeared to them)
The disciples were hiding after Jesus’ death, confused and afraid. Jesus appeared to them after eight days and accepted them in their confusion and fear. He even dispelled Thomas’ doubts by inviting him to touch his wounds. Thomas replied with a great act of faith: My Lord and my God. Reflect: What words of encouragement do you need to hear from Jesus? Tell him. Listen to his reply. Respond in your own words, or with the words of Thomas.
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LITURGICAL CELEBRATIONS and INFORMATION
Tuesday Apr 26 9:30 am Second Tuesday in Eastertide
Thursday Apr 28 9:30 am Second Thursday in Eastertide
Saturday Apr 30 9:30 am Second Saturday in Eastertide
Sunday Apr 24 10:00 am Third Sunday of Easter, Year C
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PARISH INCOME, APRIL 17, 2022
Gift Aid £ 155.00
Collection £ 467.00
Holy Places £ 157.00
Hall £ 7.00
TODAY’S SPECIAL COLLECTION
Assisted Parishes
PARISH INCOME, APRIL 17, 2022
Gift Aid £ 155.00
Collection £ 467.00
Holy Places £ 157.00
Hall £ 7.00
TODAY’S SPECIAL COLLECTION
Assisted Parishes
RECENTLY DECEASED ANNIVERSARIES
Suzanne Ndangang Antoine Nji
Eternal rest give unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light upon them.
May they rest in peace. Amen.
ARCHDIOCESE
COVID AND LATERAL FLOW TESTS
The Scottish Government has confirmed that lateral flow tests are available for free “for pastoral carers who visit care homes and hospitals, or volunteers and those providing spiritual care support.” The portal is available at Order coronavirus (COVID-19) rapid lateral flow tests – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
SCIAF WEE BOX APPEAL
On behalf of SCIAF and the Scottish Bishops, Archbishop Cushley and Bishop Toal thank everyone for their Wee Box Collections duringLent. These help SCIAF, on behalf of the Catholics of Scotland, to meet the needs of vulnerable people across the world, especially those suffering from starvation and all forms of injustice, particularly in war-torn countries. Archbishop Cushley and Bishop Toal encourage us to return all ‘wee boxes’ as soon as possible. If anyone still has a wee box to return, please give it to Fr. Francis this week. Thank you.
MARRIAGE PREPARATION
The Archdiocese offers Marriage Preparation Courses twice a year. If you or someone you know plans to get married within the next year, please contact Fr. Francis for details about the courses. There is one in May and another in September.
JOB VACANCY: ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, St. Vincent de Paul Society (Scotland)
Job description and Personal Specification is available at www.ssvpscotland.com. 20-hour week. Salary £12,798 to £13,771. Closing date for applications, Sunday, May 8th 2022. Interviews, Thursday, May 19th 2022.
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PARISH
JUSTICE AND PEACE GROUP: THANK YOU
The justice and Peace Group would like to thank you for your most generous response to the Parish’s Lenten Project: Afghanistan. This has raised a magnificent £1,150.00, as follows:
£ 568:28 Dehydrated and Starving Children
£ 314.96 Emergency Food Rations for Families
£ 266.76 Blankets for families
LENT SPECIAL COLLECTIONS: THANK YOU
Thank you for the diocesan special collections:
£ 607.00 Support for 40 sick and retired priests.
£ 440.00 SCIAF Ukraine Collection & Wee Boxes
CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
The Circle of Friends for children preparing to make their First Holy Communion, and for their parents, began last Thursday, and will continue until May 12th. It is important that both children and parents attend these sessions. Please pray for them as they engage in these special weeks of preparation. Thank you.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD
We welcome all children back to the Children’s Liturgy of the Word, particularly those who have made their First Confession and those preparing for their First Holy Communion and for Confirmation.
THE SICK AND DECEASED
We continue to pray for the sick members of our parish that God will grant them strength and peace; and for those who have died, that God will bring them to the fullness of eternal life.
PRAYER for PEACE BETWEEN RUSSIA and UKRAINE
O Prince of Peace, once more we hear the guns of war and see the faces of frightened children. We pray for the people of Ukraine, that they may be granted peace; for the people of Russia, that they may demand peace; and for our own country, that we may be a positive part of peace-making in this world. O Prince of Peace, lead us from this dark time to a deeper understanding of the global human family, so that all may break bread together in the secure embrace of peace. Amen.
SAINT OF THE WEEK
Tomorrow, Monday, April 25th, the Church celebrates the feast of St Mark, the Evangelist. Mark wrote the first of the four Gospels. He spent a lot of time with St. Peter, who obviously shared with him his experience of Jesus, and he accompanied St. Paul on the first of his three missionary journeys. About the year 49 AD he went to Alexandria in North Africa, where he is still regarded by all Christian groups as their founder. He died in 68 AD.
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OTHER
RIGHT TO LIFE, UK
Prayer for final week of April: As we mark 54 years since the 1967 Abortion Act came into effect (Wednesday of this week), we pray for an end to abortion. We pray especially that our Government will increase support for vulnerable pregnant women and will anchor themselves in a desire to protect all human life.”
Saint Gianna was a 20th century wife, mother, and doctor, remembered for her sacrificial love for her unborn daughter. She is a patron for mothers, physicians, and unborn children. As an expression of our intercession on behalf of pregnant women and their unborn children, a statue of St. Gianna will be unveiled at Carfin Grotto this Thursday, April 28th, at 7:00 pm. Mass will follow at 7:30 pm, with refreshments afterwards. The event will be live streamed @ https://m.facebook.com/carfingrotto/
DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY is being marked today at St. Brendan’s Parish, starting at 2:30 pm. All are welcome
COME TO THE CEILIDH
Barlanark Community Centre is holding two ceilidhs this Wednesday, April 27th, at 1:30 pm and 6:30 pm in the centre. The events are free and all are welcome!