BULLETIN                            19 MAY 2019

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER IN YEAR 3



CHURCH SERVICES
Saturday 18 May  

Our Lady's Day for Easter
Holy Mass at 10.00am for Jean McLellan SI and William Sheehan senior A
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Vigil Mass at 5.30pm for for Helen McGee A

Sunday 19 May  

Fifth Sunday of Easter - First Holy Communion Day
Holy Mass at 10.30am for Saint Peter's congregation

Monday 20 May  

Requiem Mass at 10.00am for Ian McCormick

Tuesday 21 May  

Saint Christopher Magallanes and Companions
Holy Mass at 10.00am for Iris Gribben MM and Wendy McGowan MM

Wednesday 22 May  

Saint Rita of Cascia
Holy Mass at 10.00am for Frank McGee A

Thursday 23 May  

Holy Mass at 10.00am for Betty Montgomery RD and Robert and Jane Monan A

Friday 24 May  

Holy Mass at 10.00am for Jan McWinnie RD

Saturday 25 May  

Our Lady's Day for Easter
Holy Mass at 10.00am for William Sheehan senior A and Robert and Margaret A
Sixth Sunday of Easter
Vigil Mass at 5.30pm for Grace Berndt RD

  

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 18 May  
Vigil Mass at 4.30pm
Holy Mass at 10.00am
Sunday 19 May  
Sunday Mass at 10.00am

Sunday Mass at 11.30am

Monday 20 May  
Service of the Word at 10.00am Holy Mass at 10.00am
Tuesday 21 May  
Holy Mass at 10.00am Service of the Word at 10.00am
Wednesday 22 May  
  Holy Mass at 10.00am
Thursday 23 May  
Service of the Word at 10.00am Holy Mass at 10.00am
Friday 24 May  

Holy Mass at 10.00am

Service of the Word at 10.00am
Saturday 25 May  
Vigil Mass at 4.30pm Holy Mass at 10.00am
 
PARISH CENTRE EVENTS
Sunday 19 May  

11.30am

Tea and Coffee after Holy Mass

Monday 20 May  

9.30 to 11.30am
5.30 to 6.30pm
6.30 to 7.30pm
7.00pm

Parents and Toddlers
Rainbows
Brownies
Saint Vincent de Paul Society

Tuesday 21 May  
9.00 to 11.00am
5.00 to 8.00pm

Cardiac Rehabilitation
Irish Dancing

Wednesday 22 May  

9.30 to 11.30am
1.00 to 3.00pm
5.00 to 8.00pm

Parents and Toddlers
Knit and Knatter
Irish Dancing

Thursday 23 May  
   
Friday 24 May  
11.00am Tea, coffee and chat in the Snug after Benediction

PRAYERS
Please remember in your prayers:
Ian McCormick, Betty Montgomery, Jan McWinnie and Grace Berndt who died recently;
William Calvert 1992, Frances Hackett 1997, Harry Andrew 2003, Tommy Coulter 2010, Daniel Cullinane 1971, Mary McKay 1980, Robert McKay 1942, Gwendoline McMullan 2016, Mary Quinn 1978, Ian Waterson 2016, George Wilson 2006, Deborah McFarlane Armstrong 2015, Hugh Cairns 2015, Patricia Butcher 2009, Brian Cairns 2004, James Freer 2018, Nora Ramsay 2007, Ronnie Stewart 1971, Angus Donnelly 2003, Janet Gee 2010, William McCafferty 1920, Susan McKinlay 2012, Mary Brown 2013, James Cairnie 1953, Mary Kelly 2002, Sadie Welsh 2009, Meta McCulloch, John McKibben 2012, Patrick O'Hare 1973, Margaret McAuley 1953, Joe Peppard 1993, Christine Stevens 1996 and Jim McKnight 2018. 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. If members of your family or friends are in need of our prayers, please tell Father Duncan or the parish office. If they are in hospital, Reverend Bill Corbett on 01292 521208 - assisted each week by the priest on call - is the chaplain to Crosshouse Hospital and can be contacted through the ward. Ayr Hospital and the Ayrshire Hospice have an on-call chaplaincy.

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.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION TODAY
Our Prayers and our congratulations go to all the children who will be making their First Holy Communion this Sunday. We ask the Good Lord to give them a day of grace, joy and blessing.

SOLEMNITY OF THE ASCENSION
The Solemnity of the Ascension this year will be on Thursday 30 May. Ascension Day is a Holyday of Obligation. Holy Mass will be at 10.00am and 7.00pm. The nine days from Ascension to Pentecost is a special time to pray for the coming of the Holy Spirit. We begin the Novena to the Holy Spirit on Friday 31 May.

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 Marade Griffin at 5.30pm and Margaret Brawley 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 Andrena Hughes at 10.30am.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY
Next week's Children's Liturgy helpers are Emma Paterson for the pre-fives, Maria Paterson-Kidd for Primaries 1, 2 and 3 and Claire Sweenie and Linda Martin for Primary 4.


REQUIEM MASS FOR IAN McCORMICK
Please pray for the Repose of the Soul of Ian McCormick who died aged seventy-five years. Ian's Requiem Mass on Monday 20 May 2019 at 10.00am will be followed by interment at Ardrossan Cemetery. May he rest in peace and rise in glory!

PASTORAL VISIT FROM BISHOP NOLAN
We welcome Bishop Nolan this weekend to Saint Peter's for his regular Pastoral Visit. We welcome our Bishop and his message to us.


FACING TRIALS LIKE A BLACKSMITH
You perhaps recall the story of the blacksmith who gave his heart to God. Though conscientious in his living, still he was not prospering materially. In fact, it seems that from the time of his conversion more trouble, affliction and loss were sustained than ever before. Everything seemed to be going wrong. One day a friend, who was not a Catholic, stopped at the little forge to talk to him. Sympathising with him in some of his trials, the friend said "It seems strange to me that so much affliction should pass over you just at the time when you have become a sincere Catholic. Of course, I don't want to weaken your faith in God or anything like that. But here you are, with God's help and guidance, and yet things seem to be getting steadily worse. I can't help wondering why it is." The blacksmith did not answer immediately and it was evident that he had thought the same question before. But finally, he said "You see here the raw iron which I have to make into horse's shoes. You know what I do with it? I take a piece and heat it in the fire until it is red, almost white, with the heat. Then I hammer it unmercifully to shape it as I know it should be shaped. Then I plunge it into a pail of cold water to temper it. Then I heat it again and hammer it some more. And this I do until it is finished - but sometimes I find a piece of iron that won't stand up under this treatment. The heat and the hammering and the cold water are too much for it. I don't know why it fails in the process but I know it will never make a good horse's shoe." He pointed to a heap of scrap iron that was near the door of his shop. "When I get a piece that cannot take the shape and temper, I throw it out on the scrap heap. It will never be good for anything." He went on, "I know that God has been holding me in the fires of sorrows and worries and I have felt His hammer upon me. But I don't mind, if only He can bring me to what I should be. And so, in all these hard things my prayer is simply this - try me in any way you wish, Lord, only don't throw me on the scrap heap."

JUST FOR A LAUGH
A woman's husband had been slipping in and out of a coma for several months, yet she had stayed by his bedside every single day. One day, when he came to, he motioned for her to come closer. As she sat by him, he whispered, eyes full of tears "I would like to propose a toast to you! Darling, you have been with me all through the bad times. When I got fired, you were there to support me. When my business failed, you were there. When I got shot, you were by my side. When we lost the house, you stayed right here. When my health started failing, you were still by my side. And you know what?" "What dear?" She gently asked, smiling as her heart began to fill with warmth. And her husband looked into her eyes and said, "I think you're really bad luck."


COACH TO SCHOENSTATT SHRINE FOR MAY DAY
The coach to the Schoenstatt Shrine will leave Saint Peter's at 1.00pm on Sunday 19 May and return at 6.30pm.

FOLLOWING THE SHEPHERD
The Church in Scotland has published a Novena of Prayer for vocations. Please make sure you get your copy at the end of Holy Mass today.

CONGRATULATIONS TO SAINT MATTHEW'S ACADEMY
Saint Matthew's Academy has just completed its school inspection. The official report has been published and reflects well on the work of everyone involved in the achievements of the school. The report, which has been sent to all parents, has been placed on the Church notice boards. Sincere congratulations to Saint Matthew's Academy for a superb report!

STATEMENT ON THE EUROPEAN UNION (EU) SETTLEMENT SCHEME
The Catholic Church in Scotland is committed to supporting all EU citizens who have made their home here. The Church has experienced first-hand the extensive contribution that people from across Europe have made to our society. They are an integral and valued part of our parishes, schools and communities. As the majority of EU citizens are Catholic, raising awareness of the EU Settlement Scheme is a special pastoral responsibility. The UK Government has launched the EU Settlement Scheme offering EU citizens living here a legal route to remain. EU, European Economic Area and Swiss citizens living in the United Kingdom must apply if they are to protect their existing rights and their place in our society. Irish citizens or those with valid indefinite leave do not need to apply. It is free to apply and the scheme will remain open until 30 June 2021. We ask all Catholic parishes, schools and organisations to bring the settlement scheme to the attention of all who need to avail of it and also to be aware of vulnerable people who may not realise they need to apply. In particular, we encourage you to signpost people towards the official website page on the settlement scheme at https://eucitizensrights.campaign.gov.uk and the official helpline for the settlement scheme on 0300 123 7379. Finally, we urge the whole Catholic community to take up Pope Francis' call to welcome, protect, promote and help to integrate everyone who has made their home here.               Bishops of Scotland

REFURBISHMENT OF THE CHURCH ORGAN
Saint Peter's has a very fine organ, called a Walker Organ. It desperately needs a complete refurbishment and repair. At the moment, it is not working. The costs are extensive and will include an entire month of work. The estimate is around £9000. If any parishioner would like to make a special contribution to the Church organ, please add it to the second collection at the weekend Masses or hand it in to Father Duncan or the Parish Office, marked Organ Collection. Thank you in anticipation for all your support and generosity.


CHURCHES' HOMELESS ACTION NORTH AYRSHIRE (CHANA)
The need for help for homeless people continues with over seventy people presenting as homeless each month in North Ayrshire. To give practical help, local churches have undertaken to provide specific cleaning materials and toiletries. Saint Peter's has been allocated shower gel and all-purpose cleaner. Please put any donations in the CHANA basket in the foyer of the church. Thank you for your ongoing generosity. For further information on the work of CHANA, please call 07585 665751.

PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK SHRINE
There will be a fully-escorted pilgrimage to the Knock Shrine in Ireland starting on 17 June 2019. The cost is £649 per person sharing. The price includes flight, with ten kilograms of hand luggage, from Edinburgh, transfers in Ireland, four nights in the Knock House Hotel with full Irish breakfast each morning and a four course dinner each evening. All entertainment, excursions and guided tours are included. Wheelchair rooms are available on request. The single room supplement is £100. Please contact Patricia on 01268 762278 or 07740 175557 or email KnockPilgrimages@gmail.com. Knock Pilgrimages is a member of the Travel Trust Association and is fully protected by Air Travel Organiser's Licence T7613.

SPECIAL INVITATION TO ALL CURRENT AND RETIRED GALLOWAY DIOCESE PRIMARY HEADTEACHERS
You are cordially invited to attend the annual Bishop's Mass, lunch and mini conference on Tuesday 28 May 2019. Bishop Nolan will celebrate Mass at 12.15pm in Saint Joseph's Church, Hill Street, Kilmarnock and this will be followed by lunch and speakers in the Church hall. Please reply to the Diocesan Office on Kate@GallowayDiocese.org.uk.


NEW EMAIL ADDRESSES
To comply with the recent changes to Data Protection Act, Saint Peter's has two new email addresses. If you are contacting the Parish Office, please use Ardrossan@GallowayDiocese.org.uk. If you wish to contact Father Duncan personally, then use Duncan.McVicar@GallowayDiocese.org.uk - thanks!

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 £867.46 and the and the Maintenance Fund collection to £337.87 - thanks very much.


SUNDAY TEAS
Tea and coffee will
be served after the 10.30am Mass next Sunday in the Parish Centre by Sharon McLaughlin'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 10.30am 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.