5th Sunday of Easter (Year A)
10TH MAY 2020

INTRODUCTION

Still in the season of Easter, we come together to celebrate the goodness and power of our God, made known to us in Jesus’ victory over death and sin. He is our risen Lord and we come to worship him.

SCRIPTURE READINGS

Acts 6:1-7 Today the Acts of the Apostles detail the selection and ordination of deacons in the early Christian community.
1 Peter 2:4-9 Saint Peter uses an image from the building trade and speaks of Jesus as the cornerstone on which all depends.
John 14:1-12 Saint John’s Gospel presents Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the Life.
 

The full Mass readings for today and for the next seven days can be found here courtesy of universalis.com. The Universalis app for Android and iOS provides offline access to all Mass and Divine Office texts for the complete liturgical cycle on your mobile device for a one-off cost of £9.99.

FATHER STEPHEN'S SUNDAY HOMILY

Do not let your hearts be troubled.

Today’s readings speak powerfully of faith, hope and trust in God.
Corrie ten Boom had plenty of cause for worry over the course of her lifetime. During World War II, she, along with her father and sister, provided a refuge in their home for a number of Jewish friends, playing a pivotal role in the Dutch ‘underground’ who sheltered Jewish people. Their home was eventually raided and the entire family arrested, her father dying in prison and her sister in a concentration camp. Corrie was sent to a series of camps but was released, and afterwards told her story in a book called ‘The Hiding Place’. Corrie’s heart must have been troubled, often, but her strong faith sustained her and became the lens through which she viewed her life story: ‘Every experience God gives us, every person he puts in our lives is the perfect preparation for the future that only he can see.’

Today’s readings speak powerfully of faith, hope and trust in God.
Last Thursday The Queen delivered a poignant message to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day - praising the nation’s response to the coronavirus outbreak that has filled empty streets with “love and care”. As she remembered Britain’s Second World War sacrifices and the “joyous celebrations” that followed the end of fighting in Europe, she paid tribute to the positive qualities of our country. The tireless efforts of NHS staff, care and key workers, and communities helping the vulnerable, reflected a nation “those brave soldiers, sailors and airmen would recognise and admire.” She highlighted the message of Victory in Europe Day that resonates with the country’s plight today - “Never give up, never despair”. In her message: ‘The wartime generation knew that the best way to honour those who did not come back from the war, was to ensure that it didn’t happen again. The greatest tribute to their sacrifice is that countries who were once sworn enemies are now friends, working side by side for the peace, health and prosperity of us all. Today it may seem hard that we cannot mark this special anniversary as we would wish. Instead we remember from our homes and our doorsteps. But our streets are not empty; they are filled with the love and the care that we have for each other. And when I look at our country today, and see what we are willing to do to protect and support one another, I say with pride that we are still a nation those brave soldiers, sailors and airmen would recognise and admire’. She delivered a message of hope, saying if we remained resolute in the face of the outbreak “we will overcome it”.

Today’s readings speak powerfully of faith, hope and trust in God.
The majority of us will never have to deal with as desperate a situation as Corrie’s or encourage a nation with hope. But we have our own anxieties, whether big or small, especially during this Covid-19 Virus. I’m sure last week we have all had lots of experiences where we encounter some form of anxiety. Last week my dad took a fall in the bathroom, cut his head and another cut down the side of his face. After a while realised that he had taken a stroke. Sadly, I am not allowed to visit him. I phoned the ward at the weekend, at first the nurse said YES, it was okay to come in but then I was phoned to cancel this request by a senior nurse. We have to accept what they think.

This was really frustrating for my dad, as he can’t understand why there are no visitors, but more alarming for him was not being able to receive the Blessed Sacrament and the anointing for the sick. He had an infection which caused him some confusion, and with a little memory loss he keeps forgetting that the nurses have told him ‘You’re not well so stay in bed, hence he ends up falling as he tries to get out of bed – forgetting what he’s been told! When some of the family phone he is on top form and when others phone he is confused and bewildered! He’s in the best place at the moment. Mum is coping and we all reach out to help her where ever possible. So, as we find ourselves experiencing a sense of uncertainty and vulnerability, that’s where faith comes in –that’s where we have to think positive and raise our heads in belief for tomorrow. That’s where the power of prayer comes in – and what better prayer than the rosary during this month of May.

Today’s readings speak powerfully of faith, hope and trust in God.
As Christ walks before us, giving us the gifts and the graces we need to follow with courage and resolve, we are invited to say – ‘Lord, I do not know where you are going, so how can I know the way?’ None of us knows how the future is going to turn out, and that is precisely why we tend to worry. In today’s Gospel Thomas frets: ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going, so how can we know the way?’ But Jesus has reassuring words. ‘I am the way.’ 

Please remember in your thoughts and prayers members of our parish community who have been affected by the impact of the COVID-19 virus; for all who are sick, for the medical staff caring for them, for family members and friends of colleagues who have died and all who mourn their passing; for a speedy resolution to the current pandemic. Hand in hand with Jesus, we can walk the road ahead.

As ever, please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any prayers or support. Enjoy a peaceful and restful holiday weekend.

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

Priest: As we gather in prayer as a community we ask the Lord to listen to our prayers.

Reader:
1. We pray for those who preach the Gospel in the Missions at this time of pain and unease.
Lord, hear us. R/

2. We pray for the children who would have made their First Holy Communion around this time, and for senior pupils sitting exams.
Lord, hear us. R/

3. Let us pray for our medical staff - but also the staff in our shops, chemists, the council workers, bin and postal people, as well as the many volunteers, home helps reaching out to our elderly & housebound and all our front line services who are keeping our country going.
Lord, hear us. R/

3. We pray for our sick:
Susan Mercer, Mhairi Ferguson, Betty Noble, Gerry Sampaio, Agnes Brown, John Patterson, Michael Mulhern, Frank McCartney, Tom Devlin, Margaret Rooney, Grace Murphy, Matthew McKinnon, Jan Namespetra, Mairi Lawrie, Sheila Tierney, Douglas Walker, John McLintock, Stefan Svitek, William MacMillan, Margaret Darroch, William Gill, Stephanie Darling, Mhairi Scott, David O’Hagan, ** Rita Harkin, **Scott Douglas, Tom McGoughan, Pat Power, Jim Shields, Suzanne Brett, Rosa Hashani, Eileen Lynn, Josephine McLaughlin, Dillon Newton, Mary Burke, Florence Myles.
Lord, Hear us. R/

4. We pray for those who have died recently, especially those from the Coronavirus 19 and:
Alec Kelly, Margaret Hamilton, Ursula Craig, Jim Maguire, Lynn Barr, Mary Stevenson, Ignatius Sweeney, Mary McLaughlin, Paul McCaffrey, May Fossett, Jamie Clark, Cathy McCormack.
Lord, Hear us. R/

5. and for the anniversaries of:
William McVey, Marie Campbell, Alex McBride, Jackie Moohan.
Lord, hear us. R/

Priest: We thank you, Father that we are born anew, set free to live with the dignity of your beloved children. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

CHURCH CLOSURE

Obviously the Church is closed during this period of the Coronavirus. I realise there is a shutdown from the government to "Stay at Home", which is so important to observe. However, if you are out for your walking exercise, shopping or medicines and are passing the Church on Sunday remember to bless yourself and give thanks for the gift of our faith. The Spiritual Communion Prayer is on the doors; remember to pray it until we pray together as a community. Please take time to pray for our medical staff, the staff in our shops, chemists, the council workers, bin and postal people, home helps and the many volunteers reaching out to our elderly & housebound and all our front line services.

SPIRITUAL COMMUNION

MASSES

All Masses are suspended. Father Stephen will offer Mass on Easter Sunday for all your intentions both living and dead. He will continue to offer a daily Mass privately remembering you and your families. 

PARISH WEBSITE

SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER

BRENDAN COYLE

As you may already know, Brendan has been accepted to do NET in the USA (www.netusa.org). He is grateful for all the support and generosity he has received so far. He had planned a race night in the hall on 17th May as a fundraiser, but this is no longer possible. So he has come up with an alternative - a raffle!! - 1sT Prize is a beautiful Cross Quilt cover, made by his mum. 2nd Prize a 75cl bottle of Bollinger Champagne and 3rd prize a Chocolate Easter Egg. Tickets £2 for 1 or £5 for 3. If interested please contact Brendan 07483251695 or coylebrendan492@gmail.com and he will give you details of how to donate and will put your name in a hat. The draw will be via ZOOM on 17th May.

COLLECTIONS

Last week’s collections realised £561 and £800. Please post all donations to the Church House.

FUTURE COLLECTIONS

Some parishioners have enquired if they could set up standing orders for the parish in light of the loss of our public Sunday Masses and collections. We are aware that this is an anxious time for all our people, who are concerned for themselves, the well being of their loved ones and the security of their families livelihoods. These forms are available online for those who are able in the circumstances by clicking here for Saint Josephs, and by clicking here for Saint Bridget's.

NEW GIFT AID ENVELOPES

MONTH OF MAY

MISSIO SCOTLAND

SCIAF

Thank you for your SCIAF box to help women in the DR Congo. Please return these before 20th May to be matched by the UK government. Either hand them into the Chapel house or post to SCIAF.    

HELP AND SUPPORT

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR DELIVERENCE

EASTER BLESSINGS AND THANKS

GIFT AID

If you pay tax, please consider signing a Gift Aid form so that the parish can claim an extra 25% on your contribution. The Parish only requires your NI number and address; no other information is required. If you are interested, please speak to Father Stephen.

LEGACIES

When making a will, have you thought of leaving a legacy to the parish or diocese?