Welcome to St John Ogilvie's
during this, the Season of Easter.
Christ is Risen, Alleluia
Archbishop invites us to pray Novena to the Holy Spirit
Archbishop Cushley is inviting Catholics to prepare for Pentecost Sunday by praying a Novena to the Holy Spirit.
At Mass today, Ascension Thursday, he said: "We enter into the nine days - the original novena of prayer - for the gift of the Holy Spirit, with our Lady and the Apostles. This year we are joined by Christians across the world through a project called Thy Kingdom Come."
"We are all praying for a renewed outpouring of the gift of the Holy Spirit. So as we celebrate this beautiful feast today let's take time to think about setting aside the next nine days to pray that the Holy Spirit be renewed within us."
He also recorded a video to promote the venture and included a prayer to the Holy Spirit which can be viewed by clicking here.
The nine day Novena begins today (Friday 22 May). The Kingdom Come is an ecumenical Christian venture. Its website has resources for Catholics, including a full guide to the Pentecost Novena which you can view and download here.
The Novena will culminate in a National Rosary on Pentecost Sunday (31 May). Archbishop Cushley said: "I invite you to join in this initiative that follows the Pope’s request to pray the Rosary in May. Our Diocese has been asked to pray a Rosary Hour at 1pm and I warmly invite you to take part."
Pentecost Sunday, 31st May 2020
UK Rosary Relay Rally
across Scotland, Wales, England
9.00am to 9.00pm
Pope Francis is encouraging Catholics to pray the Rosary in their family homes during the month of May, especially when the Pandemic is making us aware of the value of our families and making it possible for us to pray together in lockdown at home. He encourages simple Rosaries and joining online Rosary initiatives to pray to Our Lady for deliverance from Covid-19. People across Scotland England and Wales are invited you to join in an initiative that follows on the Pope’s request - the Pentecost Sunday National Rosary Rally, on Pentecost Sunday (31 May 2020) from 9.00am to 9.00pm.
This takes the form of a Rosary relay Rally where each Diocese in Scotland England and Wales has a designated Rosary Hour when the peoples across their Diocese are encouraged to pray the Rosary either, individually, in families, as online prayer groups, parish groups, and where possible led online by their parish priests and Bishop. Our Diocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh has been asked to pray a Rosary Hour at 1.00pm on Pentecost Sunday. It does not matter what time during the specified hour that the Rosary is prayed.
Then at 2.00pm the next Dioceses take up the Rosary relay Rally and so on until 9.00pm.
At 9.00pm the Rosary Rally will end with a Rosary being led by Bishop John Keenan from St. Mirin’s Cathedral in Paisley.
You are invited to join the rest of the Archdiocese and pray the Rosary sometime between 1.00pm and 2.00pm on Pentecost Sunday, 31st May.
Come Holy Spirit and Renew the Face of the Earth.
Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, pray for us.
News From Gillis
A Hopeful Sign!
The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland has established a Covid-19 Infection Control Group. This group will be responsible for drafting infection control protocols and liturgical norms. It has established a working group which includes Sir Harry Burns, the former Chief Medical Officer, which is now drafting the protocols.
It is not known when churches might be re-opened for public worship but the Infection Control Working Group has provided parish clergy with guidance on what can be done now to prepare for the re-opening of churches:
- source the materials that will be needed to use churches safely - materials for cleaning and disinfecting the buildings; masking tape to mark out areas of the church for physical distancing; hand sanitizer; face coverings.
- "density check" the church for a physical distancing of 2m.
- establish a parish "support network".
This news from Gillis provides hope that we may soon be able to gather together again for worship.
Communications Sunday
This Sunday (24 May 2020) is World Communications Day. The Pope’s annual message can be read here. Peter Kearney of the Scottish Catholic Media Office has written a reflection on the message, which can be read or dowloaded by clicking here.
Parishioners can donate online to the collection by clicking here.
You will also find some other News Items further down.
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.
And as this is the month of May,
why not sing a hymn to Our Lady.
Immaculate Mary (4 verses)
(1) Immaculate Mary!
Our hearts are on fire,
that title so wondrous
fills all our desire.
Ave, ave, ave Maria!
Ave, ave, ave Maria!
(2) We pray for God’s glory,
may His kingdom come!
We pray for his vicar,
our father, and Rome.
Ave, ave, ave Maria!
Ave, ave, ave Maria!
(3) We pray for our mother
the church upon earth,
and bless, sweetest lady,
the land of our birth.
Ave, ave, ave Maria!
Ave, ave, ave Maria!
(4) For poor, sick, afflicted
thy mercy we crave;
and comfort the dying
thou light of the grave.
Ave, ave, ave Maria!
Ave, ave, ave Maria!
Please see the readings for Sunday 24 May, Seventh Sunday of Easter, (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.
Fr. Tommy Greenan: With sadness we learned last Sunday of the death of Fr Tommy Greenan who became a victim of the Coronavirus. Ordained in 1980 for the Diocese of Edinburgh but since 1986 much of his ministry as a priest was in El Salvador and Guatemala. A priest, theologian and poet, he was awarded a PhD for his thesis on St Oscar Romero the Archbishop of San Salvador who was shot by the military while saying Mass. Fr Tommy also suffered deep trauma consequent upon witnessing summary executions of his parishioners either by beheading or bullet on the roadside. He was a priest who always encouraged parishioners to have a questioning mind and a kind heart.
The funeral of Fr Tommy will take place at Seafield Crematorium on Friday 5th of June 2020 at 10.00am. Following current directives for obsequies, the service will be for a small number of family members only, and conducted by the Archbishop. May he Rest in Peace.
Bernard Glasgow: We offer our sincere sympathy and prayers to Agnes Rafferty on the death of her brother Bernard who died in Troon last Monday. The loss of a loved family member is painful at any time but the grief runs deeper during current Lockdown, attendance at the obsequies is restricted and we miss the support and hugs from friends. Please remember Bernard and Agnes in your prayers. May he Rest in Peace.
Cathy Anderson: Also sadly passed away (on 16 May), Cathy Anderson, a long-time parishioner at St John Ogilvie's from the eary days of the parish. Her daughter Diane played the guitar at Sunday Mass. Cathy herself worked for many years with the Blood Transfusion Service. Please pray for Cathy and her family. May she Rest in Peace.
St John Ogilvie's Message Board: You can now send a message to other parishioners through St John Ogilvie's message Board. Check it out below, immediately after Father Tony's homily.
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.
Sr Aelred on the BBC: Sr Aelred, who helps to run the St. Catherine's Homeless Project at Lauriston, appeared on BBC television last week to talk a little bit about the project. If you missed it, you can see it on the Archdiocesan Facebook page by clicking here. (You will need to turn the sound on from the video controls on the Facebook site.)
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
FRESH START STARTER PACKS
As we follow the Government's Guide Lines we are no longer able to receive goods donations and are having to purchase ALL items for our Starter Packs. If you are able to help us by making a financial donation, in lieu of actual goods, so we can continue purchasing items for our vital packs then we would be extremely grateful. You can donate on our Just Giving page by clicking the Donate button.
As ever, a huge thank you to everyone who has and continues to support us at this difficult time.
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.
A Warning from Monsignor Matteo De Mori: "I have been asked by the Secretariat of State (of the Holy See) to draw your attention to a Mr Cristian Eduardo Tictze, possibly a Citizen of Panama, who describes himself as the President of the Foundation "Peace for Life" and claims to be personally close to the Holy Father and to the Holy See.
Please be aware that this individual is not known to the Secretariat of State and it would be appreciated if you could make this information known as appropriate.
With my thanks, prayerful good wishes and warm personal regards, I remain,
Yours sincerely in the Lord
Monsignor Matteo De Mori"
.
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 the 7th Sunday of Easter, 24 May 2020
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 7th Sunday of Easter, Year A
(24 May 2020)
1st Reading
Acts 1:12-14 - The apostles all joined in continuous prayer.
2nd Reading
1 Peter 4:13-16 - It is a blessing for you when they insult you for bearing the name of Christ.
Gospel
John 17:1-11 - Father, it is time for you to glorify me.
We cannot publish the readings here for copyright reasons but they can be found in full on Universalis.
Click button to go to Universalis.
7th Sunday of Easter
A Homily from Fr Tony
Today is the 7th Sunday of Easter. It falls between Ascension Thursday and Pentecost Sunday. Jesus has returned to heaven and we await the coming of the Holy Spirit. These 10 days we call "Liminal Space". In our life’s journey we need both physical and mental liminal space.
In Lockdown you may have decided to decorate your living room. You prepare by moving the furniture, the chattels and the clutter to the kitchen or hallway. With a clear space you carry out the painting and decoration. Job completed! Some furniture will be returned to a different part of the room, some ornaments will be discarded, a new carpet or lampstand may be introduced. Liminal space afforded you an opportunity to make these decisions to change.
Lockdown also affords us an opportunity for personal changes. To reach our potential as a human being we need liminal space. After 2nd level education we move into liminal space. Our immediate options will be employment or college. We can no longer act as the rebellious, hormonal teenager. We are faced with taking responsibility for ourselves. If we continue to act as a teenager in an adult body, we halt our personal development. There is a danger that we may become dysfunctional, continue to live in our make-believe world. This can be the path to addiction and a danger that we become dependent on drugs or looking at the world through the bottom of a glass. We didn’t use the liminal space to grow up.
Liminal space is an opportunity to rid ourselves of our biases and prejudices and look anew at life. The prayer of Jesus in today’s Gospel is: "Father the hour has come: glorify your Son, let him give eternal life to all those you have entrusted to him. And eternal life is this: to know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent."
The single objective of the Father here on earth is to continue to build up a family where justice, equality and solidarity reign. This is the way to create a world that is increasingly human, where all may live with dignity. Anne Frank in her diary writes "How wonderful it is that nobody needs wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." The gift of the Holy Spirit is given to us to help us plumb the depths of the mystery of life to make the world a better place.
"The Glory of God is the human being fully alive." (Oscar Romero)
The best thing that we can do in this time of isolation and confinement, or ‘monastery-living’ as some have dubbed it, is to enter more deeply into the narrative that shapes and gives meaning to the Kingdom.
The streaming of daily Mass and prayer has introduced God into homes, where perhaps religion was not easily shared among the members of the family. Watching the streaming of Mass may help us keep in touch. However, watching the Prayer or Mass on the computer doesn’t gather the community together to support each other and take decisions for the wellbeing of the group and the world. As a community/church, we in St John Ogilvie’s, over the past 12 months, contributed to Jakub Kolek’s medical care, supported the homeless project at St Catherine’s, brought Christmas gifts to long-term residents at the RHE, supported Fair Trade, Fresh Start, SCIAF, provided a food bank plus we helped a number of individuals who were faced with situations with which they couldn’t cope. To respond in this way requires action as well as prayer.
Our time away from the parish Mass may be an opportunity for us and perhaps a nudge from God, to make the Word central in our lives. By doing this, we will enter more fully into the Mass. Paradoxically, the bread of the Word can reshape us and give new meaning to the bread of the Eucharist. If we make use of this opportunity to sit with the Scriptures, we may rediscover the power of God’s Word and so our time of deprivation can become a very enriching experience.
In keeping with the sentiment of looking on the bright side, Father Tony has provided this cartoon:
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 but please enter it on the form so that we know who you are.)
Send a Message to
St John Ogilvie's
Please also visit the Archdiocesan website for up-to-date information from the Archbishop.
Here is a little "taster" from the Archdiocesan website.
Archbishop Cushley today (23 March) highlighted on national radio how people are rising to the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic with "acts of selfless love".
He spoke on BBC Scotland's Good Morning Scotland, to discuss how examples of good deeds and self-sacrifice are providing inspiration to millions of people across the world.
We support these organisations. You can help too.
Click the buttons to learn more.
