Join us for our next event on Wednesday 26th January. Conor and Naomi Gildea will speak on The Sacrament of Matrimony from 7pm in St Mirin's Cathedral. The event is preceded by Holy Mass at 6pm and followed by adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction. The opportunity to meet for drinks after our event is subject to restrictions. More details will follow. To keep up to date with our schedule of events, connect with us on social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram).

The Diocesan Choir are starting their rehearsals on the 27th January, at 7pm in St Mirin’s Cathedral. We would like to extend a warm invitation to anyone who wishes to join our ranks. If you are interested please contact our Diocesan Director of Music, Michael, at director.music@rcdop.org.uk confirming your attendance.

Building on the guiding principles of his papacy, Pope Francis has invited Catholics both in the mainstream of church life and on the margins to express their dreams, ideas and concerns in preparation for the Synod of Bishops in 2023. The pope's invitation to discern a path forward for the church stems from his belief that the Holy Spirit inspires all members to be missionary disciples, sharing core Christian beliefs by going out to the world. The diocese wants to hear YOUR views, and a consultation document with questions that may help direct your response can be found on www.rcdop.org.uk . Please send any responses to Synod23@rcdop.org.uk before 8th April 2022 – all responses will be acknowledged.

Thinking about Diocesan Priesthood in 2022? The Catholic Church in Scotland is now inviting enquiries from those considering applying for seminary. For more information please contact Fr. John Morrison tel: 01418895056 or email vocations@rcdop.org.uk

We will be launching a new Alpha Experience on Wednesday 19th January online from 7.00pm. What is Alpha some of you may be asking. Alpha is a course used for bringing people to a deeper understanding of God in their life. Alpha is a series of 14 sessions carried out over a 10 week period. The format of each session is always the same. Part 1: informal get together; Part 2: watch a video; Part 3; short period of discussion. The topics covered in Alpha are: Is there more to life than this? Who is Jesus? Why did Jesus die? How can I have faith? Why and how can I pray? Why and how should I read the Bible? How does God guide us? Who is the Holy Spirit? Does Jesus heal today? If you are interested in taking part in the Alpha Experience please register on our website: catholicerskine.website or email alpha@catholicerskine.info.

On Thursday 13th January, we will mark the first anniversary since the death of Archbishop Tartaglia, the fourth Bishop of the Diocese of Paisley. The 10am Mass at St Mirin’s Cathedral will be celebrated by Bishop Keenan on Thursday. All are welcome to attend.

RECRUITMENT ADVERT PAISLEY DIOCESAN OFFICE Counsellor for Paisley diocese marriage counselling service for couples married in the Catholic church. Paisley Diocese Marriage Counselling service is looking for a counsellor (self-employed) to provide counselling sessions for clients using the service. The applicant will be a therapist with proven expertise in working with couples. The service supports couples married in the Catholic church and the service is underpinned by the Christian tradition. See the link below for further details on this opportunity. It is essential that applicants: • Are currently registered with either BACP/COSCA/UKCP or equivalent. • Have proven experience working with couples and either have/are working towards a relevant couple work qualification. The service was set up 4 years ago and is managed by the current counsellor, with whom the successful applicant would liaise. Referrals currently are mainly taken from within Paisley diocese with a significant minority from neighbouring dioceses. Sessions have resumed in the Curia offices (within the grounds of St Mirin’s Cathedral in Paisley) and, to date, have been held on Saturdays when the offices are quieter. Delivery of the sessions is not restricted to a Saturday: specific times can be determined between counsellor and clients. The diocese provides guidelines for the counselling session fees which are currently paid directly to the counsellor by the clients. The counsellor is responsible for the maintenance of all relevant records within the requirements of their governing body, have relevant professional insurance and to meet their supervision requirement as set out by their governing body. The counsellor is also responsible for managing all necessary administration involved in organising clients’ sessions. To obtain an application pack for this post please either email recruitment@rcdop.org.uk or write to Recruitment, Paisley Diocese, Diocesan Centre Cathedral Precincts, Incle Street, Paisley, PA1 1HR.

Sunday Mass Obligation: "At the beginning of Advent the Bishops of Scotland looked forward to welcoming the faithful back to Holy Mass and anticipated that the restoration of the Sunday Obligation might be possible as we begin the New Year. Sadly, there has been a serious worsening of the situation and the restoration of the obligation will be postponed until a more favourable time. For us, Sunday is always a Holy Day and we invite those who are unable to be with us in person to continue to join with us in prayer and spiritual communion either by personal or family prayers or by online celebrations of Mass. We ask everyone to continue to pray for a speedy end to the Pandemic and for the good health of you and your loved ones in 2022. We also pray for all those who passed during 2021 and those who grieve. May Our Lady Health of the Sick pray for us and may Saints Andrew and Margaret protect us."

National Safeguarding Newsletter

St. Conval’s in Linwood has, through the generosity of local Parishes managed to send out 100 meals each week and a way of supporting local families in the St. Benedict’s Cluster who are in need. We intend again to provide 100 Christmas Dinners cooked in our Hall Kitchen and a goody bag of toys and Gifts also and so we appeal for your support. Any donations of food, toiletries new Toys or Cash will be gratefully received (Outer door of Church House Porch is unlocked and donations can be left in the Porch). Any we cannot use ourselves we will pass on to local Foodbanks. Thank you for your support!

Catholic Church appoints former judge as Chair of new independent Safeguarding agency

This collection supports the Scottish Catholic Education Service (SCES) which promotes and protects our Catholic schools in issues of national significance, and supports our schools, parishes and dioceses.  The national office supports three employees and we also employ four part-time local members of staff to work in our schools and on the RE curriculum.  In 2020 this collection and our Friends Campaign raised £9,447, which represents 16% of our expenditure of £57,485, resulting in a deficit of £48,038. Pre-Covid-19 (in 2019) the income was £18,529 and expenditure was £38,488 resulting in a deficit of £19,406. Our 2019 education income therefore was 48% of our expenditure. You can donate easily to this collection by visiting our ‘Online Parish Offertory’ page.  This allows you to donate to any of the causes or parishes of your choice.  Many thanks

Advent Reflections from the Scottish Laity Network

Holy Mass will be celebrated at Hawkhead Cemetery on  Sunday 21st November, for the happy repose of the souls of those buried there at 2pm. Booking is necessary. Attendees should park on Scotts Road and enter on foot via the side gate; a limited number of Blue Badge holders may enter in vehicles using the main gate. To book, visit https://hawkhead-nov21.eventbrite.co.uk; those who cannot book online can call Fr Joe or Fr Ryan on 0141 889 2404.

St Mary’s Cathedral, Aberdeen is seeking to employ a Youth Worker. Further details on the attached document

Migrant help are looking for donations of the following items. If you feel you can help we will be collecting from Monday 8th November until Monday 6th December. Migrant help support potential victims of human trafficking and asylum seekers.   Toiletries Winter Clothes for men & woman – a range of sizes Rice cooker Shoes Gifts Socks, underwear (new only) Hats, scarfs Umbrella’s Please drop off from Monday 8th November until Monday 6th December  - please call ahead to check opening hours/availability St Joseph's church, Bow Road, Greenock PA16 7DY - 01475 720 789 Diocesan Offices, Incle Street, Paisley PA11HR -0141 847 6130

It is with sadness that the decision has been taken to postpone our Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage from 2022 until 2023. This has not been taken lightly. Although the world is opening up ever more to travel, there are still some unresolved factors to be clarified over the next few months. As it takes many months to prepare for a Pilgrimage, it was thought better to take the decision now and focus our efforts on Lourdes 2023. Fr Gerard McNellis Pilgrimage Director, Fr John Morrison Youth Director, Anne Louise Buchanan Secretary Lourdes Hospitalite.

beginning of the Synod 2023 Process

Click here to see the latest edition of "Safeguarding Matters"

Missio Scotland is the Scottish branch of the Catholic Church’s mission aid agency. This enables missionaries to help communities in need through grassroots projects. They build and maintain hospitals, schools and seminaries, care for people in need and act for justice in the developing world, regardless of race, stigma, religion or gender. In 2020 this collection was affected by the Covid-19 restrictions so raised £15,305 (2019: £30,705) which is fully remitted to Missio Scotland.