This year the Chrism Mass for the Diocese of Paisley will take place in St. Andrew's Church in Greenock. The Mass is on Wednesday 4th April at 7pm. St. Mirin's Cathedral is currently closed for renovation and is due to open again around Easter. Unfortunately the timescale is just too tight to be able to guarantee that the Cathedral will be useable on the Wednesday of Holy Week. St. Andrew's is one of the largest Church's in our Diocese with a very bright and open liturgical space.

Reflecting on the Ten Commandments (First Reading), Bishop Philip relates the crisis in Western civilisation to the human project when it has no place for God.

The Rite of Election took place in St. Charles’, Paisley, on the First Sunday of Lent (26th February 2012). There were 12 Catechumens and 18 other Candidates seeking Baptism and/or the other Sacraments of Initiation, which they will receive at the Easter Vigil. Please pray regularly during Lent for these Elect and Candidates, and for all who are to receive the Sacraments for the first time at Easter.

There will be a Lenten Renewal Meeting at St. John’s, Port Glasgow on Saturday 10 March. It starts in the Hall at 12.30pm for 1pm. Talk by Rev. Deacon Martin Doherty with discussion, prayer and praise, witness and prayer ministry. We will join with the parish community of St. John’s in the church for Sunday Vigil Mass at 6pm, which concludes the afternoon.

Pope Benedict's general prayer intention for March is: "That the whole world may recognise the contribution of women to the development of society". His mission intention is: "That the Holy Spirit may grant perseverance to those who suffer discrimination, persecution or death for the name of Christ, particularly in Asia".