Pope Francis has called on all Christian leaders and every Christian community around the world to recite the Our Father at noon in Italy on Wednesday 25 March, the Feast of the Annunciation as 'humanity trembles at the threat' of the Coronavirus pandemic 'in these days of trial.' Addressing the faithful through the media from the Apostolic Palace after reciting the Angelus, the Pope said that as the prayer will take place 'on the day when many Christians remember the annunciation to the Virgin Mary of the Incarnation of the Word, may the Lord hear the unanimous prayer of all his disciples preparing to celebrate the victory of the Risen Christ.' You can join Pope Francis here in the Our Father at 11.00am, our time, on Wednesday 25.
Bishop Nolan has sent the following Ad Clerum letter to the Priests of the Diocese.
You will be aware of the new restrictions that have been introduced by the government to combat the spread of Covid-19. For our own health and the health of others it is important that we fully comply with what is asked. Places of worship are now to close. Churches should now no longer be open for prayer. Priests should continue to say a private Mass but this must be celebrated by the priest alone. Weddings, baptisms and other ceremonies are not to take place. This includes the initiation of the Elect at the Easter Vigil. Funerals are still permitted. However, it is best that these are reduced to one short ceremony, either at the graveside or at the crematorium. Only immediate family members may attend. We have no idea how long these restrictions will last, and they greatly hinder our attempts to give spiritual support to our people. It is great, though, to see what everyone is trying to do online, but we will all miss meeting with our people face to face. May our faith keep us strong, and may we by our prayers support one another.
Father Duncan urges parishioners to make an Act of Spiritual Communion and give financial support with this letter.
A Banker's Order form and Gift Aid Declaration form have been uploaded to the Documents page.
Saint Joseph's Church and Saint Matthew's Church, both in Kilmarnock, have been added to the list of Churches that stream services.