Welcome to St John Ogilvie's.
This Sunday we celebrate
the 14th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A
We Need You to Re-Open the Church
Unfortunately, we do not have enough stewards or cleaners to be able to re-open the church during Phase 2 of the Scottish Government's route map out of lockdown. If we are to be able to open during Phase 3 when Holy Mass may once again be celebrated publicly, we need more volunteers.
Can you help?
Stewards
Stewards will form part of the "Welcome Ministry". Their main duties are to be a welcoming face of the parish community; to assist people to enter the church safely; to guide people to restricted seating areas in the church; to assist people to exit the church building safely; to be aware that some people might wish to talk to you when they come to church; to be aware that some people might become distressed and need support, caused by their recent experience of lockdown. Stewards will be required at all services held in the church.
Cleaners
Cleaners will ensure that the hygiene safeguards in the church are in place. The church will need to be cleaned and sanitised each time the church is occupied. This will involve cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces (e.g. tables, hard-backed chairs and pews, door handles, light switches, toilets, sinks). The cleaners will be supplied with and should wear PPE - gloves and face coverings. (The gloves should not be used for cleaning any other areas.)
Certain categories of person are not allowed to volunteer: -
- those banned from working with children or vulnerable adults;
- those on the sex offenders register;
- anyone under the age of 18 in the case of stewarding and 16 in the case of cleaning;
- anyone who has underlying health conditions which require shielding; and
- anyone who has a long-term health condition which requires the annual flu vaccination.
But if you can volunteer for one or both of these roles, please contact Father Tony on 0131 453 5035 or email
st.jh.ogilvie@blueyonder.co.uk.
Alternatively, you can volunteer by completing and sending the form below.
A Christian Response to Coronavirus
The first is the move from "I" to "we". This is a frightening situation that we face together. The common good — the good of us all — must be given first place; within the common good, we will find our own good. That is a very Christian virtue.
The second is an attitude of concern and compassion. Even if we must be isolated in our own homes or workplaces, modern communications allow us to stay in touch in a way impossible before. This is a great benefit. But, we need to choose to stay in contact, perhaps with a greater frequency so that people don’t feel abandoned.
The third is a respect for truth. In recent years, the truth has suffered in public discourse, giving rise to a horrible expression, the post-truth era. In these days, we need to pay attention to science and medicine and less attention to opinion-makers and rumours. A society without truth cannot last. Today, right now, we need truth more than ever before.
Lastly, as Christians, we can pray. We can pray in particular for scientists, medical personnel and politicians. These are wonderful people with a huge job of work before them. As we pray for ourselves and our families and friends, we pray too for all who look after the common good.
Prayer
We pray for all those in our country and throughout the world suffering from the Coronavirus. May its victims and their families be strengthened by the support of our community of faith and restored soon to full health. We also pray for our leaders and medical personnel who deal with the virus. May we keep calm and may we join together in solidarity with care and compassion to tackle this scare. This we ask in confidence though Christ our Lord.
And we are asked to pray The Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known
that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help,
or sought thine intercession was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother;
to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions,
but in thy mercy hear and answer me.
Amen.
Please see the readings for Sunday 5 July, the 14th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A, (scroll down to Sunday Readings panel) then read Fr Tony's Homily.
And just so that you don't forget what Fr Tony looks like, here is a picture of him.
Virtual Lourdes Pilgrimage: Catholics across the Archdiocese can sample the special Lourdes experience by taking part in a virtual pilgrimage.
The innovative online idea has been organised by the Pilgrimage & Hospitalité Committees to make up for the disappointment of having to cancel the annual French trip due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
A spokesperson for the committees said: "The Pilgrimage & Hospitalité Committees have put together an experience to re-create our Pilgrimage with Masses, prayers, videos and interactive events. These will take place during the week when we would have been in Lourdes (10-17 July), and we bring this to you virtually by using our website, Facebook and Zoom.
For more information, please click here.
FRESH START STARTER PACKS
As restrictions ease and in line with Phase 2 of the Scottish Government’s route map out of lockdown Fresh Start are planning to start accepting donations of goods to their warehouse again! However, to ensure social distancing and health and safety of their staff and volunteers the way that they accept donations of goods is going to be slightly different for the foreseeable future. The new format for accepting goods donations at their warehouse is set out at the end of this page..
Please note that donations of appropriate goods should NOT be brought to St John Ogilvie's. They should be taken direct to the fresh Start warehouse (see at end of page).
And you can still make a cash donation through Fresh Start's Just Giving page by clicking the Donate button.
As ever, a huge thank you to everyone who has and continues to support Fresh Start.
FRESH START LOCAL PANTRY
Fresh Start are delighted to announce the first phase of the development of their community Hub with the opening on Monday 29th June of Fresh Start's Local Pantry. The Pantry will give local people the opportunity to do their weekly shop for a fraction of the prices they would pay in the supermarket when they become a member of their exciting new food club!
The Fresh Start Local Pantry is a unique operation and the first of its kind in Edinburgh. For a membership fee of £3.50 per week, shoppers can pick up to 10 items from the Pantry. These items range from cereals, pasta, sauces, crisps, juice and tinned goods - all the basics you need on a weekly basis. There will also be cleaning and toiletries available. Fresh items do not fall into the 10 items to be picked and these can be added as "free" extras!
The Pantry is located at 26-28 Ferry Road Drive, EH4 4BR, next door to the Fresh Start warehouse.
Membership is presntly only available for residents in the north of Edinburgh but given our close connection with Fresh Start we thought you would want to know about this development. And of course, you can always volunteer to help Fresh Start - click here.
Mount Vernon Cemetry:
COVID–19 - CEMETERY RESTRICTIONS
This cemetery is open to the public at weekends -
Friday 4pm-8pm
Saturday 8am-8pm
Sunday 8am-8pm
These temporary conditions are to ensure a safe working
environment for our staff and to conduct burials safely
and respectfully.
We apologise for any inconvenience
and thank you for your patience.
For queries/requests please contact the cemetery manager on 0131 623 8906.
"Lockdowns from Lauriston"
Our friends at Lauriston are taking a break for a few weeks. Watch this space for their return when there will be more events in the "Lockdowns from Lauriston" series.
STRONG IN THE FACE OF TRIBULATION
The Dicastery for Communication of the Holy See has made available a free booklet "Strong in the Face of Tribulation", which contains prayers, supplications and the Holy Father’s homilies. Its purpose is to offer "a support in a time of trial". You may find it helpful. The free booklet comes in PDF format and it can be downloaded by clicking here. In case you want to print it, please be aware that the booklet is 192 pages long.
An Important Message from Fr Oliver Barry OMI
Dear friends,
We hope this message finds you safe and well. We invite you to take a few moments to view a video message of hope and support from Fr Oliver Barry OMI, provincial of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate here in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
You can view the message on our website by clicking here.
We would like to assure you that the Oblates are here to support and accompany you, and to pray with you and for you at this time. We invite you to join us online over the coming days and weeks in prayer, community and solidarity.
God bless,
The Oblate Communications Team
Alcoholics Anonymous goes online during Covid-19 pandemic: Press reports suggest that some people are worried about how they are drinking more than they usually would during this time. We understand that Alcoholics Anonymous, which provides counselling services, are not presently able to offer face-to-face meetings. AA have, however, put in place arrangements so that meetings can take place online. To learn more, please click here.
St John Ogilvie's Bonus Ball suspended from 29th March. If you have paid in advance your credit will be carried forward in the Parish Account until the reinstatement of the Bonus Ball after Scotland has been declared free of coronavirus.
Fraudulent emails: Archbishop Cushley has warned parishes that someone is sending emails claiming to be him and asking for assistance. Please ignore any such email you receive and block the sender whose email address is given as "melissasalstromforever@gmail.com"
Special Prayers to use
when you cannot attend a funeral
My soul is waiting for the Lord, I count on his word.
With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption.
Introduction
Some will find it helpful to have a space as a focus for their prayer. This might include a crucifix, icon or other holy image, and a lighted candle. It might also include an
image of the deceased.
Sign of the Cross: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
We believe that all the ties of friendship and affection which knit us as one throughout our lives do not unravel with death.
Confident that God always remembers the good we have done and forgives our sins, let us pray, asking God to gather N. to himself.
Prayer: (Pause for silent prayer)
God of all consolation, open our hearts to your word, so that, listening to it, we may comfort one another, finding light in time of darkness and faith in time of doubt. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Reading:
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.
Jesus said to his disciples: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God still, and trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s house; if there were not, I should have told you. I am going now to prepare a place for you, and after I have gone and prepared you a place, I shall return to take you with me; so that where I am you may be too. You know the way to the place where I am going." Thomas said, "Lord, we do not know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus said: "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through me."
The Gospel of the Lord.
Prayers
For all those who mourn the death of a loved one at this time. May we all be comforted in our grief. Lord in your mercy ... hear our prayer.
For those who care for the sick, especially those living with Coronavirus. May they be cared for and supported during their illness. Lord in your mercy ... hear our prayer.
For all our dead especially N. (include the name of the deceased) May the light of heaven shine on them today. Lord in your mercy ... hear our prayer.
Hail Mary, full of grace …….
Prayer
God of loving kindness, listen favourably to our prayers: strengthen our belief that your Son has risen from the dead and our hope that your servant N. will also rise again.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Eternal rest grant unto him/her, O Lord.
And let perpetual light shine upon him/her.
May he/she rest in peace.
Amen.
May his/her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.
May the love of God and the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ bless and console us and gently wipe every tear from our eyes:
In the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Our Father, who art in heaven ….
Conclusion
You may wish to follow your time of prayer by playing a favourite piece of music of the deceased, if you are with others sharing some memories and may be even raising a glass of something.
Prayer to Mary, the Mother of Jesus
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known
that anyone who fled to your protection,
implored your help, or sought your intercession
was left unaided.
Inspired with this confidence,
I fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother.
To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
despise not my petitions,
but in your mercy, hear and answer me. Amen
Prayer of St John Henry Newman
O Lord, support us all the day long
until the shadows lengthen, and the evening comes,
and the busy world is hushed,
and the fever of life is over, and our work is done.
Then, Lord, in thy mercy,
grant us a safe lodging, a holy rest,
and peace at the last. Amen
You can dowload these Special Prayers as a PDF document (without images) for printing - click here.
Streaming Live from Various Churches
Holy Mass for Sunday, 5 July 2020,
the 14th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A.
Mass celebrated by the Archbishop: 9.00am
and Polish Mass: 10.00am, both on Facebook
St Mary's Star of the Sea: 10.30am
St Francis Xavier, Falkirk: 10.00am, 12 noon and 1.30pm (Polish Mass)
St Andrew's Cathedral, Glasgow: 10.00am, 12 noon and 5.15pm
St Mary's, Ballyhea, Cork: 8.30am, 11.00am
Alternatively, you may wish to join a recorded Mass. Click a button to find a recorded Masses.
First, a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Cushley,
and second, a Polish Mass.
Mass Readings for the 14th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A
(5 July 2020)
1st Reading
Zechariah 9:9-10 - See now, your king comes humbly to you.
2nd Reading
Romans 8:9,11-13 - If by the Spirit you put an end to the misdeeds of the body, you will live.
Gospel
Matthew 11:25-30 - You have hidden these things from the wise and revealed them to little children.
We cannot publish the readings here for copyright reasons but they can be found in full on Universalis.
Click button to go to Universalis.
14th Sunday of Ordinary Time
A Homily from Fr Tony
A Time for Rest
Holding high her beacon of welcome, Lady Liberty stands on America’s shore at New York Harbour with the inscription:
"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore,
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
St. Matthew Ch. 11: 25 – 30:
"Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light."
These texts, from the New World and the New Testament, are encouraging and hope-filled. The Gospel text carries a Divine Eternal guarantee, the New York inscription is dependent on the will of the US president.
The Gospel is a virtual summary of Matthew’s theology. Jesus is the one who reveals the very nature of God. He invites people to take up his yoke, the yoke is a collar worn by a pair of horses, it joins them together and so the burden of the load they carry is shared. Jesus wishes to join with us as we walk life’s journey.
The yoke also refers to those who in the time of Jesus, suffer under the burdens of religious obligations imposed by officials who "tie up heavy burdens and lay them upon peoples’ shoulders" (Mt. 23:4) while neglecting the weightier things of the law: "justice, mercy and love" (Mt. 23:23).
Jesus came to a people laden down with burdens; the law of Moses gave them 10 Commandants their own leaders introduced 613 laws. Burdens of poverty, social neglect, stifling social customs; burden of religious law and practices. Instead of freeing people they enslaved them. Religion was a yoke that did not fit. Jesus enters - perhaps his most memorable words: Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened and I will give you rest, reveal the mind of God. ..... Jesus is the image of the love, the care, the concern, the warmth of the Father. He brings healing/ forgiveness and newness of life. He is available to heal, listen, soothe bring courage to his people. And so sinners felt at home with Jesus and he spent time with them. He gave them kindness and compassion. It is an invitation to come into his presence, which is a loving presence. It’s not just an invitation to enjoy a restful time, but to rest in the presence of love.
Legalism appears again and again in the Church when the first council is called in Jerusalem to decide if new converts have to obey the 613 Laws. It is Peter who settles the matter by arguing against those who insist that the Gentile converts must fully obey the law: "It would only provoke God’s anger by putting a yoke on the neck of the Gentiles which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear." (Acts 15:10) Peter admits honestly that the disciples of Jesus could not bear the yoke of the Law: "why should they demand of others what they have never managed to do themselves?" Peter concludes by focusing on the person of Jesus: "Remember we believe that we are saved in the same way as they are: through the grace of the Lord Jesus."
Now they have a new Law that is found in the person of Jesus himself. That is why all of Peter’s preaching directs his hearers to the person of Jesus. Jesus did not say: "Come to the Law, and you will find rest for your souls." He said "Come to me…learn from me…and you will find rest.
"Any notion we have of Jesus that is harsh is FALSE: he is gentle and humble of heart. This is the atmosphere he asks us all to spread. Once we have received the refreshment and comfort of Christ, we are called in turn to become refreshment and comfort for our brothers and sisters, with a meek and humble attitude, in imitation of the Master." [Pope Francis July 2014]
The church is a place of rest for the weary; the place where we find encouragement in the ordinary situations in our lives, where we are called to respond to those who suffer through poverty, homelessness, isolation in coronavirus and many other unjust social and painful situations that are part of our world, near and far. It is noticeable that during these past 100 days during which we have not been able to meet for community worship in St. John Ogilvie’s how parishioners keep in touch through WEB, email, phone and script – living church.
Help us live as New Testament people with a New World invitation.
St John Ogilvie's Message Board
Why not send a message to your friends at St John Ogilvie's? We will print them on the website so that everyone will see them. Use the form below. (Your surname won't be printed on the website nor will your email address but please enter these on the form so that we know who you are.)
Some Good News from Fresh Start
We are delighted to share with you all that as restrictions ease and in line with Phase 2 of the Scottish Government’s roadmap out of lockdown we are planning to start accepting donations of goods to our warehouse again! However, to ensure social distancing and health & safety of our staff and volunteers the way that we accept donations of goods is going to be slightly different for the foreseeable future. The new format for accepting goods donations to our warehouse is as follows: -
- From the 1st of July we will be able to accept donations of goods to our warehouse on a Tuesday and Thursday ONLY between 9am-3pm.
- We will ONLY be accepting HARD goods that can be easily cleaned such as small electricals, pots/pans, crockery, food, unopened & sealed toiletry and cleaning items.
- We will NOT be able to accept any soft furnishing such as bedding, towels, curtains or other items at this time due to Covid-19 restrictions.
- We would also ask that especially during this time where our warehouse is very limited on space due to our Emergency Packs that ONLY items that are in good condition and clean should be donated.
- On delivery of donations we will ask that items are placed outside the front of the warehouse, the buzzer should be pressed then the person delivering items should step back 2 metres so a staff member can open the door and place the items in a cage for a period of quarantine.
- If you are collecting and delivering items on behalf of other people we recommend that you also follow the above guidelines, keeping to social distancing and should wear gloves when handling any donated goods from another household.
If you or a member of your household are currently shielding, we advise that you should not be involved in the collection/donation of Starter Pack goods at this time. If you are in a vulnerable group or simply do not feel comfortable collecting items for others currently then please just ask people to bring their own items down to the Fresh Start warehouse themselves.
We are really looking forward to getting this service up and running again but are conscious that we need to be cautious and that it needs to be done in stages to ensure health and safety of all involved.
As ever and especially during these challenging times, we would like to thank all of our fantastic church members for your ongoing support, your understanding and your patience is really appreciated as we navigate this new way of working.
Jen
Please note that donations of approriate goods should NOT be brought to St John Ogilvie's. They should be taken direct to the fresh Start warehouse at 22-24 Ferry Road Drive, Edinburgh EH4 4BR.
We support these organisations. You can help too.
Click the buttons to learn more.
