BULLETIN               16 DECEMBER 2018

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT IN YEAR 3



CHURCH SERVICES
Saturday 15 December  

Our Lady's Day for Advent
Healing Mass at 10.00am for Tommy Milligan RD
Third Sunday of Advent
Vigil Mass at 5.30pm for the deceased members of the Kilbane family

Sunday 16 December  

Third Sunday of Advent
Sunday Mass at 10.30am for Saint Peter's congregation

Monday 17 December  

Holy Mass at 10.00am for Anne Ward MM

Tuesday 18 December  

Holy Mass at 10.00am for Mrs Dorrian SI

Wednesday 19 December  

Holy Mass at 10.00am for Jack Collins A

Thursday 20 December  

Holy Mass at 10.00am for John Hayes RD

Friday 21 December  

Holy Mass at 10.00am for Sadie Ford RD and George and Agnes Scott A

Saturday 22 December  

Healing Mass at 10.00am for Elizabeth Northcote RD
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Vigil Mass at 5.30pm for Theresa and Lawrence Tumilty A

  

Abbreviations - A anniversary, MM month's mind, RD recently deceased, SI special intention

The Holy Mass intention list is just over two weeks ahead. Please notify anniversaries as early as you can. Thanks.
Any changes to the above times caused, for example, by a funeral will be notified on the home page of this website.


SAINT MARY'S AND SAINT JOHN'S CHURCH SERVICES
 
Saturday 15 December  
Vigil Mass at 4.30pm
Holy Mass at 10.00am
Sunday 16 December  
Sunday Mass at 10.00am

Sunday Mass at 11.30am

Monday 17 December  
Service of the Word at 10.00am Holy Mass at 10.00am
Tuesday 18 December  
Holy Mass at 10.00am Service of the Word at 10.00am
Wednesday 19 December  
  Holy Mass at 10.00am
Thursday 20 December  
Service of the Word at 10.00am Holy Mass at 10.00am
Friday 21 December  
Holy Mass at 10.00am Holy Mass at 10.00am
Saturday 22 December  
Vigil Mass at 4.30pm
Holy Mass at 10.00am

PARISH CENTRE EVENTS
Saturday 15 December  
3.30pm Celebration of Christmas Concert
Sunday 16 December  

11.30am
7.00pm

Tea and Coffee after Holy Mass
Choir Teas

Monday 17 December  

9.30 to 11.30am
12.30 to 3.30pm
7.00pm

Parents and Toddlers
Private Function
Saint Vincent de Paul Society

Tuesday 18 December  
9.00 to 11.00am

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Wednesday 19 December  
9.30 to 11.30am

Parents and Toddlers

Thursday 20 December  

 

Friday 21 December  
9.30 to 11.30am
11.00am
Parents and Toddlers
Tea, coffee and chat in the Snug after Benediction

PRAYERS
Please remember in your prayers:
Mary Magee 1997, Robert McKay 1993, Denis McLaughlin 2008, Harry McNamara 2002, Sally Quigg neé Gilmour 1984, Anne Warden neé McNamara 2012, Chris Casey 2006, Susan Jones 1996, James Kernahan 1998, Frances Kilbane 1978, Roseanne Kirkwood 1991, Esther Madden 1981, Jimmy Robertson 2017, Mark Shanks 2008, Mary Catherine Wishart 2002, Margaret Bennie, Annie Boyle, Kitty Boyle 2007, John Campbell 1997, John Carolan 2017, John Dolan 2007, Sheila Douglas 2014, Annie Farmer 1984, Pat Haggarty 2015, Rose Leonard, William Martin 1974, Jean McCluskey 2015, George Poole 1991, Maureen Adamson 2014, Bobby Edwards 2014, Manus Gallagher junior 2016, Alice Grogan 2003, Father Peter Sweeney 2001, May Wilson 2006, Theresa McGuire 1989, Gwen Body 1966, Janet Chapman 2004, Charles Fisher 2014, Jane Gallagher 2011, Sister Hilda CP 2000, Edward Keogh 2007, John McCourt 2010, Josephine McGeachy 2003 , Ellen Barrett 1984, Ted Boyle 1975, Tom Braniff 2003, Gerry Coogans 2015, Doris Coulter 2012, Jenny McAree 2003, Andrew McAteer 1983, David Mills 2014 and Jean Orr 2008 whose anniversaries occur at this time and those who are sick.
If deceased members of your family are not on our anniversary list, please tell Father Duncan
, the parish office or contact WebsiteAuthor@SaintPeterinChains.net.

SUNDAY MASS TIMES
Sunday Mass times in Saint Peter's are 5.30pm Vigil and 10.30am. Sunday Mass times in other local parishes can be seen here.

SACRAMENT OF FORGIVENESS
The Sacrament of Forgiveness is celebrated on Saturdays between 4.45 and 5.15 pm and at other times on request.

READERS
Next weekend's readers are Harry Sammons at 5.30pm and Robert Cooper at 10.30am.

ALTAR SERVERS
Next weekend's altar servers are Group 1 at 5.30pm and Group 2 at 10.30am.


MUSIC MINISTRY
Next weekend's musicians are the choir at 5.30pm and George McGrattan at 10.30am.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY
Next week's Children's Liturgy helpers are Emma Paterson for the pre-fives, Jacqueline Waugh and Andrena Hughes for Primaries 1, 2 and 3 and Frances Gemmell for Primary 4. The Children's Liturgy needs some more volunteers. If you have a child or grandchild currently in the liturgy programme or you would just like to help with these wonderful groups, we need your help. We are having a short meeting in the Lesser Hall of the Parish Centre on Sunday 2 December after 10.30am Mass - everyone is welcome. We would like to ask all current volunteers to attend too as we will discuss the new activities for the Children's Liturgy programme. Come along and find out what's involved and how you can help.

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS
Please make sure you get the times of Services and Holy Mass at Christmas before you leave Church today. You could invite neighbours and friends and family to the Christmas Celebrations or put an invitation through the letter box. Catholics can always come home at Christmas!

SIX NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS FOR THE CATHOLIC NEW YEAR
Happy New Year! You may think that we're jumping the gun but if you're a Catholic, you're gearing up for a brand-new year whether you know it or not. Advent began two weeks ago and brings with it the beginning of Year C, a brand-new liturgical year. So, like we said, Happy New Year! So even though this Catholic New Year starts off without fireworks and countdowns, there's no reason you can't make a few resolutions for the liturgical year ahead. Here are some things you might consider for your interior life in the New Year.
    1 - Head to confession. What better way to celebrate a new year than with a clean soul? Check out the local confession times in your area and make a plan to make a good confession before Christmas comes.
    2 - Take time for daily reflection. The first part of this Catholic new year is a season of preparation for Christmas. Advent invites us to pause, despite the seasonal rush and spend time in reflection. Resolve to not give into the hustle and bustle of the upcoming holidays and simply abide with the Lord in this time, preparing your heart to receive him as a little baby born in Bethlehem.
    3 - Give generously. This year, donate your time with an organisation that you're passionate about. Regardless of what your gifts and talents are, there is a way to share them and your time with the world and your community. Spend time researching the options out there for you and commit to one during this new year!
    4 - Ask a saint to walk the journey with you. Do you need some special help for the Catholic new year? Maybe you're looking ahead to major life changes, new job or trips. Perhaps this upcoming year will be full of opportunities to trust the Lord. Regardless of what your new year will look like, you don't have to go at it alone. You're surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses and the saints are an incredible source of help. Pick a patron for your upcoming year and start getting to know them and including them in your daily prayer.
    5 - Pray the rosary. Are you looking for some Heavenly help, protection against temptation and an opportunity to receive strength, grace and healing? Look no further than adding a Rosary to your daily prayer life this new year!
    6 - Take a look at your media. It can be easy to think that what we consume on social media, television, and our smartphones won't affect our relationship with the Lord, but we'd be fooling ourselves to think that the media we consume doesn't make a difference in our lives. This new year, take a good long look at your Netflix queue, Spotify playlists, iTunes podcasts and the social media accounts you're following. Do they lead you closer to the Lord? If the answer is no, replace them with media choices that inspire you to grow deeper in your relationship with God.

JUST FOR A LAUGH …
The parish priest saw a little boy examining a big wooden plaque on the wall of the Church. The plaque was engraved with a long list of names and flags hung on both sides of it. "Father" asked the little boy, "what is this?" The priest replied "It is a memorial to all the men and women who died in the service." They stood looking at all of the names in silence. A few moments later, the little boy asked him "Father, was it at the 5.30pm or the 10.30am Mass?"
Here are some classic bulletin bloopers:
   • Bertha Belch, a missionary from Africa, will be speaking tonight at Calvary Methodist Church. Come hear Bertha Belch all the way from Africa.    • The Parish Priest will preach his farewell message, after which the choir will sing Break Forth Into Joy.
   • Low Self-Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 to 8.30pm. Please use the back door.

THE O ANTIPHONS FOR ADVENT
The Roman Church has been singing the O Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from 17 to 23 December. They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfilment, not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well. Their repeated use of the imperative "Come!" embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah. These are the prayers for each day leading up to Christmas.
    • 17 December - O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love, come to teach us the path of knowledge!
    • 18 December - O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai, come to rescue us with your mighty power!
    • 19 December - O Root of Jesse's stem, sign of God's love for all his people, come to save us without delay!
    • 20 December - O Key of David, opening the gates of God's eternal Kingdom, come and free the prisoners of darkness!
    • 21 December - O Radiant Dawn, splendour of eternal light, sun of justice, come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death.
    • 22 December - O King of all nations and keystone of the Church, come and save man whom you formed from the dust!
    • 23 December - O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law, come to save us, Lord our God!

BLESSING OF THE MANGER AT HOME
Make the Sign of the Cross and then say this prayer and sprinkle the Manger with Holy Water. God of every nation and people, from the very beginning of creation you have made manifest your love. When our need for a Saviour was great, you sent your Son to be born of the Virgin Mary. To our lives he brings joy and peace, justice, mercy and love. Lord, bless all who look upon this manger. May it remind us of the humble birth of Jesus and raise our thoughts to him who is God-with-us and Saviour of all and who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.


SAINT PETER'S PRIMARY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Our Primary School will be coming to Church for their Christmas Celebrations on Tuesday 18 December 2018 at 11.00am. The children singing make our journey to Christmas really special. Everyone is very welcome!

DIAMOND WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
Sincere congratulations and God's richest blessing on Moira and Matt Donnelly who celebrate their Diamond Wedding Anniversary. We wish them a day of joy and blessing for all the family.

CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS
A beautiful festive concert featuring the North Ayrshire Schools' Junior and Intermediate Choirs and guest musicians will be held in Saint Peter's on Sunday 16 December 2018 at 3.30pm. Tickets costing £5 and £3 for concessions will be available at the door.

BOILERS UPDATE
The new boilers have now been installed and are fully functional. We would like to offer a massive thank you to the parishioners who have handed in donations for the new boilers. The total to date is £10805.28! I would like to thank you all again for your support. It is very gratefully received.

APPEAL FOR CHRISTMAS GIFTS
Churches Homeless Action North Ayrshire (CHANA) is appealing for unwrapped Christmas gifts for those in need. They would like toys for children,but not fluffy - gift cards for teenagers and the usual adult gifts - socks, pyjamas, gloves, scarves et cetera - mainly small to medium sizes please. Thank you again for your continuing generosity.

CHERNOBYL CHILDREN'S LIFELINE
Can you make a difference in a child's life. Ayrshire Link is looking for families to host two children for two or four weeks in June or July 2019. This is a very rewarding experience and you will be supported twenty-four hours a day. The children will take part in a full four week program. If you would like more information, please phone 07813 650411.

KNIT AND KNATTER
The Knit and Knatter group stopped on Wednesday 12 December and recommence on Wednesday 9 January.

THANK YOU
John Foran, BDS, would like to thank all his patients over the years as he begins his retirement. We wish him a long and happy retirement and thank him for his support of the parish over the years.

MUSIC MINISTRY
We are looking for a few new helpers for the music and singing at the Sunday Mass. If you can help in any way, please speak to Father Duncan. Thanks.

HELP OUR PARISH GROW
If you have filled in a parish Gift Aid Form in the past, could we ask you to complete the new version? Please speak to Margaret when you get the chance. Thank you!

HOSPITAL CHAPLAINCY
If a member of your family or a friend is sick, please let us know and give us the details. Deacon Bill Corbett (01292 521208, 07904 248948, Rev.BillCorbett@btinternet.com) is the chaplain to Crosshouse Hospital and is assisted by the priest on call each week.

FINANCES
Bankers Orders for the Parish and Parish Centre amount to £3500 per month. We are grateful for your generous support in collections. If you can manage a little more from time to time, it would be a great help. A Standing Order would make the handling of money so much easier. Have you signed a Gift Aid form? If you are a taxpayer the Church would get 25p added to every £1 you donate.

COLLECTIONS
Last weekend's Offertory collection amounted to £693.96 and the Maintenance Fund collection to £261.36 - thanks.

SUNDAY TEAS
Tea and coffee will be served after the 10.30am Mass next Sunday in the Parish Centre by Sadie's, Marie's and Phyllis's team.

GIFT AID
The Inland Revenue now requires us to use a new style of Gift Aid form. These are available at the back of the Church and on the parish website. If you pay tax, please complete the new form and return it to the box provided. This allows us to provide the additional information required on the Gift Aid claim. Gift Aid is a vital source of income. All that is needed is that you pay tax. You simply declare that you give funds to the Church. We do the rest. Why not sign a form today? We get back an extra 25p for every £1 you give the Church in your weekly collection or by way of a donation. There is no need to cancel or renew it. We simply claim in the income we receive.

VISITORS
Are you visiting us for Holy Mass? Please know that you are very welcome. During the 10.30 am Holy Mass outwith holidays, there is a Children’s Liturgy provided for preschool children, children in Primaries 1 to 3 and a Sacramental Programme for children in Primary 4. After the 10.30 am Holy Mass, tea, coffee cakes and buns are available in the Parish Centre. At both of our weekend Holy Masses, we have a second collection for Church maintenance.


ADVERTISER SUPPORT
Our advertisers would welcome your support. We are grateful for their continuing sponsorship. We are grateful for the support of Mr and Mrs Sohal, Nisa Stores, Glasgow Street for the weekly donation of tea, coffee and milk for the Sunday teas.

PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE ADULTS - MISSION STATEMENT
The Catholic Church in Scotland is concerned with the lives, safety, wholeness and well-being of each individual person within God's purpose for everyone. It seeks to safeguard the welfare of people of all ages who are involved in whatever capacity
with the Church and its organisations. As a Church community, we accept that it is the responsibility of all of us, ordained, professed, paid and voluntary members, to work together to prevent the physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect of children, young people and vulnerable adults.