To advance the work of the Paisley Synod, the Diocese is exploring a partnership with the Maryvale Institute in Birmingham to deliver some distance learning courses to support our laypeople in various aspects of Parish ministry. We hope to run a course leading to the Certificate in Parish Mission and Ministry. If you think this would be of interest to you, please speak to your Parish Priest.

Katie Ascough said that she accepted the award on behalf of “the pro-life generation” and all people who find themselves in difficulty because they support the right to life of the unborn child. “I accept it not only on behalf of myself, but of all students and right-to-lifers more generally who suffer unjust discrimination because of their beliefs, in the teeth of bigotry and illiberalism from abortion advocates on campus or in wider society. “I urge such people to stay strong, and to follow the courage of their convictions. It may be difficult, but ultimately, I can assure them, it’s absolutely worth it.”

Planned Parenthood CEO Cecile Richards plans to resign from her position after overseeing more than 3 million unborn babies’ abortion deaths, liberal news outlets reported Wednesday. The abortion chain has not confirmed Richards’ resignation yet; however, two separate, anonymous sources told BuzzFeed about her plans to resign. “Cecile plans to discuss 2018 and the next steps for Planned Parenthood’s future at the upcoming board meeting,” a spokesperson for the abortion chain said Wednesday.

In his message for the World Day of Social Communications, published Wednesday, Pope Francis said that in a world of lightning-fast communication, there is a responsibility to combat falsehood and misinformation with truth, treating journalism as a people-oriented mission. “In today’s world, [the work of journalists] is, in every sense, not just a job; it is a mission,” the Pope wrote in his message released Jan. 24. “Amid feeding frenzies and the mad rush for a scoop, they must remember that the heart of information is not the speed with which it is reported or its audience impact, but persons.” “Informing others

Warsaw, Poland, Jan 15, 2018 / 12:46 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Lawmakers in Poland proposed pro-life legislation last week that would outlaw abortions performed because of a congenital disorder or deformity in the unborn child.

St Paul’s entire life can be explained in terms of one experience—his meeting with Jesus on the road to Damascus. In an instant, he saw that all the zeal of his dynamic personality was being wasted. Perhaps he had never seen Jesus, who was only a few years older. But he had acquired a zealot’s hatred of all Jesus stood for, as he began to harass the Church:

Jim Caviezel’s powerful and impassioned speech to young people... He made an appearance at SLS18 in Chicago lastweek—promoting his new movie about the life of St. Paul and delivering a rousing speech about faith, conversion and courage. " indifference - set yourself apart!"

Three quarters of Scots support a change in the law on assisted suicide that will allow doctors to help terminally ill people end their lives, according to a poll for The Times.

Bishop John's Vocations Message 2018 - " I want to invite you our young people especially, men & women, to ask God what he wants you to do with the rest of your lives? "

Third Sunday of Ordinary time (Jonah 3: 1-5 1Corinthians 7: 29-31 Mark1: 14-20) Change of lifestyle Jonah the prophet and Jesus call us to repent, to a change of lifestyle. When we married there was a radical change in our lifestyles. He became husband, she became wife and together we became a flesh and blood ‘sacrament of marriage’. This is our continued call to each other - live a new life of love in the Lord.

The theme for Catholic Education Week 2018, “Serving The Common Good”,  is taken from Developing In Faith, the document at the heart of evaluation and  planning in the Catholic school.  A team of teachers and R.E. advisers have been working hard over the past months to create a host of resources to support schools as they mark CEW.  Assembly resources, sermon notes, classroom activities and prayers that look at the themes of Catholic Social Teaching and the school are all available on the SCES website for you to download and use across the year.

SPUC Communications Academy - Are you 18-35, a committed prolifer and a passionate communicator? In 2018, SPUC Scotland are seeking to identify and empower Communication Champions to build a better society. We are offering sponsored places at our Communications Academy on 2nd and 3rd March in Dumbarton, where you will learn advanced techniques in communications and media skills. To apply please send your CV and a short covering note to michael@spucscotland.org by 2nd February

Youth to Lourdes 2018 - Our next meeting will be on Sunday 28th January at 1.30pm at the St. Mirin’s Chaplaincy Center, 45 High Street, Paisley. There are still some places available. Applicants should be in the present s3 to s6. The pilgrimage departs for Lourdes on Thursday 28th June 2018. We will arrive back in Scotland on Friday 6th July 2018. The cost is £550.00. For further information please contact Fr. John Morrison on 01418895056 or e-mail vocations@rcdop.org

Anthony Gielty – ‘Out of Darkness’ - Once one of Scotland's most violent prisoners, Anthony's life changed through a chance encounter with a priest. After a recent and extremely popular talk, Anthony will be returning to give his incredible testimony the St. Mirin’s Chaplaincy Centre, 45 High Street, Paisley. Tuesday 23rd January beginning at 7pm.

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 29th June -6th July'18 - There are still places available on the pilgrimage to Lourdes. The pilgrimage is open to all. Volunteers are needed to help pilgrims throughout the week. In order to comply with the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy please contact Anne Louise before the 28th February to register as a helper/ nurse. If you will be in Lourdes at the same time as the pilgrimage and would like to participate then contact Anne Louise for the Diocesan programme. Contact Anne Louise at 01475 638132

Mass at St. Mirin’s Chaplaincy Centre by UWS: Mass will be celebrated at St. Mirin’s Chaplaincy Centre, 45 High Street, Paisley every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Mass will commence at 12.45pm. Please feel free to join us.

THE idea of free speech being curtailed in our universities and society at large is a disquieting thought. The policy of “no platforming” is at the epicentre of an increasingly heated debate on the right to express views deemed uncomfortable or unacceptable. The policy, in effect, means that people or groups on a banned list for holding racist, fascist or other discriminatory views are not allowed to speak on student union premises. Emanating from the campuses of American universities, it has taken root in the UK much to the chagrin of some university authorities and, more recently, the UK Government.

Come New Year’s, most people find themselves making resolutions they plan to keep. Some have high hopes of slowing down some of the recent chaos, others want to shed some of those newly gained holiday pounds. Most will mention a desire to establish new, better habits to live a happier, healthier life. Generally, most people focus on exercising more, eating healthier, maybe staying more organized, and making time for friends or family in an intentional way. But, just as we focus on bodily health and mental order, so too should we give ourselves a chance to improve and grow spiritually in the new year. Here are five faith based resolutions for the new year to consider.

Every year, Catholics gather outside the front doors of their home, chalk in hand. Perhaps you’ve seen the chalking above a church door, or above the front door to a friends home. But just what does the chalking mean? What do the letters and numbers symbolize? Read on to discover the tradition of chalking, celebrated on the Feast of the Epiphany. It offers a beautiful opportunity to bless your home for the upcoming year.

Praying for the unity of the Church involves a recognition not only of the brokenness of Christian relationships but also how injustice in the world at large rends asunder Christian communities and impedes our participation in God’s mission. History too plays a part, casting a shadow over how we live our lives together in community.