BULLETIN                 25 MARCH 2007

FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT IN YEAR 3


CHURCH SERVICES

Saturday 24 March

Confession on request from 4.30 to 5.15 pm
Vigil Mass at 5.30 pm

Sunday 25 March
Sunday Mass at 10.00 am
Sunday Mass at 12.00 noon for a special intention
Monday 26 March
Mass at 10.00 am for Patrick McDonald  
Tuesday 27 March
Mass at 10.00 am for Kelly Smith
Wednesday 28 March
Mass at 10.00 am for Thomas Smyth
Thursday 29 March
Mass at 10.00 am for Jane and Archie McFarlane
Lent Penitential Service at 7.00 pm
Friday 30 March
Stations of the Cross at 9.40 am
Mass at 10.00 am for Tom Adamson
Closing Service for Saint Peter's School at 11.00 am
Saturday 31 March
Mass at 10.00 am for Celia Ralston


PARISH CENTRE EVENTS

Sunday 25 March
10.00 am
10.00 am
11.00 am

Children's Liturgy
Sacramental Preparation
Tea and Coffee after Mass

Monday 26 March
8.00 to 5.30 pm
9.00 to 11.30 am
9.30 to 11.30 am
12.30 to 3.00 pm
2.00 to 3.00 pm
5.30 to 6.30 pm
6.30 to 8.00 pm
7.00 pm
7.00 to 8.00 pm
7.30 to 9.00 pm
7.30 pm

Wrap-around Care for 3 to 5 year olds
Nursery
Parents and Toddlers
Nursery
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Rainbows
Brownies
Saint Vincent de Paul Society
Weight Watchers
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
Legion of Mary  

Tuesday 27 March

8.00 to 5.30 pm
9.00 to 11.00 am
9.30 to 11.00 am
1.00 to 3.00 pm
2.00 pm
7.00 pm
7.30 pm

Wrap-around Care for 3 to 5 year olds
Nursery
Kindergarten
Thursday Club
Ignatian Prayer Group
Saint Anne's Guild
Keep Fit

Wednesday 28 March

8.00 to 5.30 pm
9.00 to 11.30 am
9.30 to 11.00 am
10.00 to 4.30 pm
12.30 to 3.00 pm
5.00 to 6.00 pm
6.00 to 7.00 pm

Wrap-around Care for 3 to 5 year olds
Nursery
Kindergarten
Key Housing
Nursery
 
Street Dance for 13 to 18 year olds 
Burakudo Karate Club

Thursday 29 March
8.00 to 5.30 pm
9.00 to 11.30 am
9.30 to 11.00 am
12.30 to 3.00 pm
1.00 to 2.30 pm
2.00 to 3.00 pm
6.00 to 7.30 pm
7.30 to 9.00 pm

Wrap-around Care for 3 to 5 year olds
Nursery
Kindergarten
Nursery
Kindergarten

Cardiac Rehabilitation
Brownies
Girl Guides

Friday 30 March
8.00 to 5.30 pm
9.00 to 11.30 am
9.30 to 11.30 am
12.30 to 2.30 pm
8.00 pm
Wrap-around Care for 3 to 5 year olds  
Nursery
Parents and Toddlers
Kindergarten
Private Party

PRAYERS
Please remember in your prayers:
   Joseph Farrell, Susan Reid and Nellie McGrattan who died recently;
   Don Foley, Anna Bates 1997, Moira Rafferty, Terry McCabe 2005,
   Devlin McIndoe 1992, Allister Nesbit 2000, Odina Carrino 1987,
   Menotti Carrino 1953, Sarah Anderson 2003, Isa Stuart 2004,
   Sandy Miller 1979, Gus Slimman 1993 and James Kelly 1983
   whose anniversaries occur at this time.

SUNDAY COLLECTION
Last weekend's collection amounted to £631.83 - many thanks.
Banker's Orders amount to an average of £4300 per month. Each month £4000 is repaid to the Diocese for the building loan and levy.

PAPAL AND EPISCOPAL CHARITIES COLLECTION
Last weekend's collection for
Papal and Espicopal Charities including the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) amounted to £776.66 - many thanks.


BANKER'S ORDERS
Paying your collection by monthly or quarterly banker's order makes money handling much safer. Banker's Order forms are available in the porch.


COLLECTION ENVELOPES 2006/2007
Collection envelopes for 2006/2007 are now available at the stall. If you do not use envelopes and you would like to, please leave your name at the stall or put it in the collection bag.

LENTEN PENANCE SERVICES
There will be Lenten Penance Service in the given Churches at the stated times.
  Saint Palladius', DalryMonday, 26 March at 7.00 pm
  Saint John's, StevenstonTuesday, 27 March at 7.00 pm
  Saint Mary's Church, IrvineTuesday, 27 March at 7.00 pm
  Saint Mary's, SaltcoatsWednesday, 28 March at 2.00 pm
  Saint Brendan's, SaltcoatsWednesday, 28 March at 7.00 pm   
  Saint Peter's, ArdrossanThursday, 29 March at 7.00 pm
  Saint Brigid's, KilbirnieFriday, 30 March at 7.00 pm
  Saint Winin's, KilwinningSunday, 1 April at 6.00 pm
  Saint John Ogilvie's, Irvine   Monday, 2 April at 7.00 pm

SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY
The Ozanam Centre in Glasgow is run by the Saint Vincent de Paul Society to assist homeless men and women. We have been asked to assist in the collection of toiletries during Lent so these might be distributed as a very practical way of assisting those who use the Centre. Saint Peter's parishioners have donated generously to this appeal in previous years and it is hoped that you will do so once again. The Conference thanks you in anticipation of your kind assistance. A box to receive donations of all kinds of toiletries will be available in the Church Porch during Lent.


KITS FOR KIDS
Kits For Kids tokens can be collected from the Sunday Mail and Daily Record and placed in the box in the porch. James Reid School, Saltcoats is this area's school.

SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY CALL LINE
As from Saturday 24 March, requests for assistance from the Saint Peter's Conference of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society may be made directly to mobile phone number 07722 246169. Callers will be invited to leave their name, address and if possible, a telephone number. A member of the Conference will be in touch with them as soon as possible.

SAINT PATRICK'S NIGHT SOCIAL
Thanks to all who attended the Saint Patrick's night social and made it such enjoyable fun.

HCPT THE PILGRIMAGE TRUST
Esther Coulter would like to thank everyone who helped and contributed to this year's fund raising events for HCPT, The Pilgrimage Trust. Three children from the local area will be travelling to Lourdes this Easter. Mass will be offered for all. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us. Saint Bernadette, pray for us.

HOLY WEEK SERVICES
  Monday, 7.00 pmPassover Celebration in the Parish Centre
  Tuesday, 7.30 pmMass of Chrism, Good Shepherd Cathedral, Ayr  
  Thursday, 7.00 pm

Mass of the Last Supper, followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament  

  Thursday, 9.00 pmNight Prayers
   Friday, 12.00 noon  Children's Service 
   Friday, 3.00 pmCelebration of the Lord's Passion
   Friday, 7.00 pmStations and Veneration of the Cross
   Saturday, 8.00 pmEaster Vigil

CHILDREN'S LITURGY ADULT HELPERS
   25 March
      Pre-Fives: Frances and Maria
      Primary 1 to 3: Andrena and Theresa
      Primary 4: Frank and Catherine
   1 April
      Pre-Fives: Frances and Maria
      Primary 1 to 3: Elaine, Eileen and Anne
      Primary 4: Karen and Sharon

PARISH ACCOUNTS 2006
Our financial year runs from January to December and The Office fo the Scottish Charities Regulator and the Diocesan Finance Committee require us to make annual returns. This statement is based on these returns. For the sake of clarity, figures for 2005 have been included. The general income of the Parish has risen from £84567 to £90341 this year. When our ordinary collections go up - and this is generally due to more people attending Sunday Mass - then Gift Aid rises in line. We have, however, spent more than came in and have a deficit of £15000 compared to a surplus of £11140 last year. You will, of course, have noticed that we now have the Presbytery back in operation and it makes a splendid home and office for the Parish Priest. We have it furnished but much of the office equipment, furniture, telephone system and so on were not covered by insurance. Many of you have visited - if not, then call soon. Income from the Parish Centre is lower than last year while expenditure is higher. Part of this is because we had to refuse a number of bookings until we could have the original planning condition 'Church functions only' lifted. This meant no birthday, retirement or private funcitions. This condition was agreed at the time of building. After much correspondence, we got the condition lifted and are now on track to make better use of the Centre. Salaries and office costs are quite high and are being looked at. It is, however, difficult to offer our parishioners the level of service we do and meet the requirements of the Regulator without professional secretarial and book-keeping services. Mainenance costs are frightening as are the heating and lighting costs but there is no way round them as I am sure you will find at home. I can assure your that there is very little waste in these areas and we make full use of insurance claims for any damage to the Church or Parish Centre. Of course, we run at a loss. That is what Churches do but we help the poor, support Africa and the Missions, provide resources for the children and music at Mass - currently a headache. All that we do is only possible through your Sunday collection. We have no investments or other income and are still paying £36000 a year in debt repayments. Please continue to give what you can afford. If it has fallen behind, please make an increase. Can I continue to urge you to use a standing order and, if you pay income tax, Gift Aid? Thank you for all that you do for our Parish and for your very warm personal support of your Priest. Our Parish is rich in its people but we could do with a little more cash.

INCOME
2006
2005
Collections
      £
      £
Sunday Collections   
39107  
34183  
Bankers Orders   
38747  
38434  
Inland Revenue Gift Aid   
12487  
11950  
 
90341  
84567  
Building Fund   
Sunday Collections   
17058  
13365  
Bankers Orders   
12916  
12811  
Donations   
500  
0  
Inland Revenue Gift Aid   
4162  
4367  
 
34636  
30543  
Fees, Stall, Candles and Advertising   
9144  
10517  
Bank Interest   
801  
806  
50/50 Club   
2000  
2000  
Special Collections   
7047  
7158  
Insurance Claims   
43009  
88803  
Specified Donations   
0   
930  
Blessed Sacrament Altar   
2950  
0  
Fund Raising   
0  
335 
Parish Centre   
13750  
17638  
 
78671  
128187  
TOTAL INCOME
203648  
243297  
EXPENDITURE  
House Management   
17013  
10735  
Church Management   
10837  
7491  
Parish Centre   
20146  
16057  
Salaries and Supply Costs   
23270  
23723  
Council Tax, Telephone and Insurance   
10128  
10013  
Grounds and Security   
7106  
635  
Stall   
2861  
2782  
Administration Expenses   
4603  
4197  
Office Equipment   
9645  
5344  
Travelling Expenses   
3053  
2532  
Parish Development and Education   
4350  
5802  
Special Collections   
7616  
6836  
Diocesan Loan   
36000  
36000  
Diocesan Levy   
12000  
12000  
Fees and Subscriptions   
3735  
3023  
Miscellaneous   
0  
63  
Insurance Replacements   
46606  
84924  
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
218969  
232157  
DEFICIT / SURPLUS
-15321  
11140  

BE STRONG
Never allow anyone to rain on your parade and thus cast a pall of gloom and defeat on the entire day. Remember that no talent, no self-denial, no brains and no character are required to set up in the fault-finding business. Nothing external can have any power over you unless you permit it. Your time is too precious to be sacrificed in wasted days combating the menial forces of hate, jealously, and envy. Guard your fragile life carefully. Only God can shape a flower but any foolish child can pull it to pieces.



   We seldom attribute common sense except to those who agree with us.  

   One can pay back the loan of gold but one  
   lies forever in debt to those who are kind.  



READINGS
The readings for this weekend's Masses are shown below in English. They are available in eleven other languages
including French, German, Italian, Polish and Spanish by clicking on this link.

First Reading           Isaiah 43:16-21
Thus says the Lord, who made a way through the sea, a path in the great waters; who put chariots and horse in the field and a powerful army, which lay there never to rise again, snuffed out, put out like a wick: No need to recall the past, no need to think about what was done before. See, I am doing a new deed, even now it comes to light; can you not see it? Yes, I am making a road in the wilderness, paths in the wilds. The wild beasts will honour me, jackals and ostriches, because I am putting water in the wilderness (rivers in the wild) to give my chosen people drink. The people I have formed for myself will sing my praises.

Second Reading           Philippians 3:8-14
I believe nothing can happen that will outweigh the supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For him I have accepted the loss of everything, and I look on everything as so much rubbish if only I can have Christ and be given a place in him. I am no longer trying for perfection by my own efforts, the perfection that comes from the Law, but I want only the perfection that comes through faith in Christ, and is from God and based on faith. All I want is to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and to share his sufferings by reproducing the pattern of his death. That is the way I can hope to take my place in the resurrection of the dead. Not that I have become perfect yet: I have not yet won, but I am still running, trying to capture the prize for which Christ Jesus captured me. I can assure you my brothers, I am far from thinking that I have already won. All I can say is that I forget the past and I strain ahead for what is still to come; I am racing for the finish, for the prize to which God calls us upwards to receive in Christ Jesus.

Gospel           John 8:1-11
Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At daybreak he appeared in the Temple again; and as all the people came to him, he sat down and began to teach them. The scribes and Pharisees brought a woman along who had been caught committing adultery; and making her stand there in full view of everybody, they said to Jesus, "Master, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery, and Moses has ordered us in the Law to condemn women like this to death by stoning. What have you to say?" They asked him this as a test, looking for something to use against him. But Jesus bent down and started writing on the ground with his finger. As they persisted with their question, he looked up and said, "If there is one of you who has not sinned, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." Then he bent down and wrote on the ground again. When they heard this they went away one by one, beginning with the eldest, until Jesus was left alone with the woman, who remained standing there. He looked up and said, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" "No one, sir," she replied. "Neither do I condemn you," said Jesus "go away, and don't sin any more.".