The White Mass for Catholic Healthcare Professionals and the intention of healthcare work in Scotland will take place on Sunday 12th February 2023 at 11am in St. Mirin’s Cathedral, Paisley and will be celebrated by Bishop John. There will be a reception in the diocesan office foyer following the mass. Please RSVP if attending the Reception and for more details please email: scottishcma@gmail.com
The diocesan Office for Pastoral Formation of Young Adults is organising a pilgrimage to coincide with the Diocesan and Youth to Lourdes pilgrimages in 2023, from 30th June until 7th July. The cost will be a maximum of £500 per person. If you’re aged 18-35 and would like to know more, or if you would like to register your interest, please email Fr Ryan (ryan.black@rcdop.org.uk) or Fr Joe (joe.mcgill@rcdop.org.uk). Deposits of £100 should be paid before the end of January 2023.
I was both disappointed and saddened to hear of the proposed closure of Amazon’s facility in Gourock and the high number of local job losses this will entail. Even at this late stage, I would encourage Amazon to reconsider the proposal which will have such an impact on so many local families in already challenging times. Inverclyde has suffered greatly in recent times and this is another severe blow to families and the local economy. I hope that the Scottish Government will work to bring new jobs to the area and I am confident that Inverclyde Council will do what it can to help improve the work situation in Inverclyde. My heart is with the people of Inverclyde and, as a Church, we offer the support of our prayers to anxious families as well as our practical help, if needed, through the various agencies in our local parishes.
The Diocesan Communications Commission (which meets every 2-3 months) is responsible for all diocesan communications, to ensure a frequent, consistent and synodal message. We wish to increase the number of representatives, especially recruiting people who are/have been engaged in media & communications. If interested or want more information, please contact Canon Danny McLoughlin at standrew@rcdop.org.uk.
The Papal Synod timeline has now been extended, by a year, to 2024. The document for the Continental Stage has now been published and is available on the diocesan website homepage. This will be the focus of the European Assembly in February 2023. Please send any comments to Synod23@rcdop.org.uk