Mary’s Meals are pleased to announce their Double the Love campaign. From 1st November 2021 to 31st January 2022, all donations up to a total of £1.6 million will be matched by a generous group of private donors. Every little act of love for the hungry children who eat Mary’s Meals will be doubled during this period, so please consider supporting this campaign and praying for its success. There are many ways to donate, including choosing Mary’s Meals gift cards as a meaningful gift this Christmas, or setting a virtual place at your Christmas table – find out more at Home | Mary's Meals UK (marysmeals.org.uk).

Living Prayer Course – November 2021 – July 2022 A course in contemplative prayer and living – In this innovative nine-month Prayer Course you will learn how to live a deep prayer life that is contemplative and suited to your lifestyle. For more information: www.carmelite.uk.net/livingprayer or contact: ruth.preston@carmelite.org.uk | 07849 596 572 SEE POSTER BELOW.

CONSULTATION RESPONSE DATE: on/before 8th APRRIL 2022 We are asked to submit our thoughts by April 8th; this is to give us time to collate and publish our diocesan “answer” before we submit it with the deliberations of the other seven dioceses in the county, so that the national response is ready and published by August. The full text of the Consultation Document is available to read/download on our Parish web – Synod 2023 page/ side columm - Documents section.

Mary’s Meals are pleased to announce their Double the Love campaign. From 1st November 2021 to 31st January 2022, all donations up to a total of £1.6 million will be matched by a generous group of private donors. Every little act of love for the hungry children who eat Mary’s Meals will be doubled during this period, so please consider supporting this campaign and praying for its success. There are many ways to donate, including choosing Mary’s Meals gift cards as a meaningful gift this Christmas, or setting a virtual place at your Christmas table – find out more at Home | Mary's Meals UK (marysmeals.org.uk).

Living Prayer Course – November 2021 – July 2022 A course in contemplative prayer and living – In this innovative nine-month Prayer Course you will learn how to live a deep prayer life that is contemplative and suited to your lifestyle. For more information: www.carmelite.uk.net/livingprayer or contact: ruth.preston@carmelite.org.uk | 07849 596 572 SEE POSTER BELOW.

CONSULTATION RESPONSE DATE: on/before 8th APRRIL 2022 We are asked to submit our thoughts by April 8th; this is to give us time to collate and publish our diocesan “answer” before we submit it with the deliberations of the other seven dioceses in the county, so that the national response is ready and published by August. The full text of the Consultation Document is available to read/download on our Parish web – Synod 2023 page/ side columm - Documents section.

Mary’s Meals are pleased to announce their Double the Love campaign. From 1st November 2021 to 31st January 2022, all donations up to a total of £1.6 million will be matched by a generous group of private donors. Every little act of love for the hungry children who eat Mary’s Meals will be doubled during this period, so please consider supporting this campaign and praying for its success. There are many ways to donate, including choosing Mary’s Meals gift cards as a meaningful gift this Christmas, or setting a virtual place at your Christmas table – find out more at Home | Mary's Meals UK (marysmeals.org.uk).

Living Prayer Course – November 2021 – July 2022 A course in contemplative prayer and living – In this innovative nine-month Prayer Course you will learn how to live a deep prayer life that is contemplative and suited to your lifestyle. For more information: www.carmelite.uk.net/livingprayer or contact: ruth.preston@carmelite.org.uk | 07849 596 572 SEE POSTER BELOW.

CONSULTATION RESPONSE DATE: on/before 8th APRRIL 2022 We are asked to submit our thoughts by April 8th; this is to give us time to collate and publish our diocesan “answer” before we submit it with the deliberations of the other seven dioceses in the county, so that the national response is ready and published by August. The full text of the Consultation Document is available to read/download on our Parish web – Synod 2023 page/ side columm - Documents section.

Mary’s Meals are pleased to announce their Double the Love campaign. From 1st November 2021 to 31st January 2022, all donations up to a total of £1.6 million will be matched by a generous group of private donors. Every little act of love for the hungry children who eat Mary’s Meals will be doubled during this period, so please consider supporting this campaign and praying for its success. There are many ways to donate, including choosing Mary’s Meals gift cards as a meaningful gift this Christmas, or setting a virtual place at your Christmas table – find out more at Home | Mary's Meals UK (marysmeals.org.uk).

Living Prayer Course – November 2021 – July 2022 A course in contemplative prayer and living – In this innovative nine-month Prayer Course you will learn how to live a deep prayer life that is contemplative and suited to your lifestyle. For more information: www.carmelite.uk.net/livingprayer or contact: ruth.preston@carmelite.org.uk | 07849 596 572 SEE POSTER BELOW.

CONSULTATION RESPONSE DATE: on/before 8th APRRIL 2022 We are asked to submit our thoughts by April 8th; this is to give us time to collate and publish our diocesan “answer” before we submit it with the deliberations of the other seven dioceses in the county, so that the national response is ready and published by August. The full text of the Consultation Document is available to read/download on our Parish web – Synod 2023 page/ side columm - Documents section.

Mary’s Meals are pleased to announce their Double the Love campaign. From 1st November 2021 to 31st January 2022, all donations up to a total of £1.6 million will be matched by a generous group of private donors. Every little act of love for the hungry children who eat Mary’s Meals will be doubled during this period, so please consider supporting this campaign and praying for its success. There are many ways to donate, including choosing Mary’s Meals gift cards as a meaningful gift this Christmas, or setting a virtual place at your Christmas table – find out more at Home | Mary's Meals UK (marysmeals.org.uk).

Living Prayer Course – November 2021 – July 2022 A course in contemplative prayer and living – In this innovative nine-month Prayer Course you will learn how to live a deep prayer life that is contemplative and suited to your lifestyle. For more information: www.carmelite.uk.net/livingprayer or contact: ruth.preston@carmelite.org.uk | 07849 596 572 SEE POSTER BELOW.

CONSULTATION RESPONSE DATE: on/before 8th APRRIL 2022 We are asked to submit our thoughts by April 8th; this is to give us time to collate and publish our diocesan “answer” before we submit it with the deliberations of the other seven dioceses in the county, so that the national response is ready and published by August. The full text of the Consultation Document is available to read/download on our Parish web – Synod 2023 page/ side columm - Documents section.

Pope sends greetings to Taizé youth  Dec. 2021 “The Spirit of God never ceases to work and to give rise to creators of fraternity, solidarity and unity,” writes Cardinal Parolin in a message conveying Pope Francis’ greetings and prayers for young people of the Taizé Community. An eagerly awaited in-person meeting of European youth, led by the Taizé Community, has once again been postponed due to the ongoing covid-19 pandemic, with the meeting now scheduled to take place in July in Turin. “The Holy Father is praying for this intention,” writes Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, but for the present, “he is united in thought and prayer with all of you who are present online, and sends you his warmest greetings.” In a message conveying the Pope’s closeness, Cardinal Parolin commends the Taizé youth for not “giving in to defeatism,” but instead tackling difficult questions head-on, praying about them and listening to God’s word in order “to shed light on the most complex human situations.” The Spirit breathes when we are together Recalling the events of Pentecost, Cardinal Parolin notes that on that day, the disciples “were all together” – and he reminds young people that “it is when we are together that the Spirit of God breathes in a special way.” He goes on to explain that “with the current synod, the Catholic Church, too, is seeking to make itself more open to the work of the Spirit by inviting Christ's disciples to discover how much we need each other.” The Cardinal tells the young people that by choosing to face “human suffering and the pressing emergencies of the moment,” they have been given “the opportunity to participate in the solutions.” Although there is cause for concern and anxiety, he says that it is nonetheless true “that the Spirit of God never ceases to work and to give rise to creators of fraternity, solidarity, and unity.” He assures them that by opening themselves “to the presence of the Risen Christ,” by allowing Him to unify their hearts, they are preparing themselves to be among them. Cardinal Parolin concludes his letter a benediction from Pope Francis: “The Holy Father asks the Holy Spirit to bless you, the young Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants who are joining the European meeting in thought and prayer, and he entrusts you to the protection of the Virgin.”  Christopher Wells

Mary’s Meals are pleased to announce their Double the Love campaign. From 1st November 2021 to 31st January 2022, all donations up to a total of £1.6 million will be matched by a generous group of private donors. Every little act of love for the hungry children who eat Mary’s Meals will be doubled during this period, so please consider supporting this campaign and praying for its success. There are many ways to donate, including choosing Mary’s Meals gift cards as a meaningful gift this Christmas, or setting a virtual place at your Christmas table – find out more at Home | Mary's Meals UK (marysmeals.org.uk).

Living Prayer Course – November 2021 – July 2022 A course in contemplative prayer and living – In this innovative nine-month Prayer Course you will learn how to live a deep prayer life that is contemplative and suited to your lifestyle. For more information: www.carmelite.uk.net/livingprayer or contact: ruth.preston@carmelite.org.uk | 07849 596 572 SEE POSTER BELOW.

CONSULTATION RESPONSE DATE: on/before 8th APRRIL 2022 We are asked to submit our thoughts by April 8th; this is to give us time to collate and publish our diocesan “answer” before we submit it with the deliberations of the other seven dioceses in the county, so that the national response is ready and published by August. The full text of the Consultation Document is available to read/download on our Parish web – Synod 2023 page/ side columm - Documents section.

Pope sends greetings to Taizé youth  Dec. 2021 “The Spirit of God never ceases to work and to give rise to creators of fraternity, solidarity and unity,” writes Cardinal Parolin in a message conveying Pope Francis’ greetings and prayers for young people of the Taizé Community. An eagerly awaited in-person meeting of European youth, led by the Taizé Community, has once again been postponed due to the ongoing covid-19 pandemic, with the meeting now scheduled to take place in July in Turin. “The Holy Father is praying for this intention,” writes Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, but for the present, “he is united in thought and prayer with all of you who are present online, and sends you his warmest greetings.” In a message conveying the Pope’s closeness, Cardinal Parolin commends the Taizé youth for not “giving in to defeatism,” but instead tackling difficult questions head-on, praying about them and listening to God’s word in order “to shed light on the most complex human situations.” The Spirit breathes when we are together Recalling the events of Pentecost, Cardinal Parolin notes that on that day, the disciples “were all together” – and he reminds young people that “it is when we are together that the Spirit of God breathes in a special way.” He goes on to explain that “with the current synod, the Catholic Church, too, is seeking to make itself more open to the work of the Spirit by inviting Christ's disciples to discover how much we need each other.” The Cardinal tells the young people that by choosing to face “human suffering and the pressing emergencies of the moment,” they have been given “the opportunity to participate in the solutions.” Although there is cause for concern and anxiety, he says that it is nonetheless true “that the Spirit of God never ceases to work and to give rise to creators of fraternity, solidarity, and unity.” He assures them that by opening themselves “to the presence of the Risen Christ,” by allowing Him to unify their hearts, they are preparing themselves to be among them. Cardinal Parolin concludes his letter a benediction from Pope Francis: “The Holy Father asks the Holy Spirit to bless you, the young Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants who are joining the European meeting in thought and prayer, and he entrusts you to the protection of the Virgin.”  Christopher Wells

Living Prayer Course – November 2021 – July 2022 A course in contemplative prayer and living – In this innovative nine-month Prayer Course you will learn how to live a deep prayer life that is contemplative and suited to your lifestyle. For more information: www.carmelite.uk.net/livingprayer or contact: ruth.preston@carmelite.org.uk | 07849 596 572 SEE POSTER BELOW.

CONSULTATION RESPONSE DATE: on/before 8th APRRIL 2022 We are asked to submit our thoughts by April 8th; this is to give us time to collate and publish our diocesan “answer” before we submit it with the deliberations of the other seven dioceses in the county, so that the national response is ready and published by August. The full text of the Consultation Document is available to read/download on our Parish web – Synod 2023 page/ side columm - Documents section.

Pope sends greetings to Taizé youth  Dec. 2021 “The Spirit of God never ceases to work and to give rise to creators of fraternity, solidarity and unity,” writes Cardinal Parolin in a message conveying Pope Francis’ greetings and prayers for young people of the Taizé Community. An eagerly awaited in-person meeting of European youth, led by the Taizé Community, has once again been postponed due to the ongoing covid-19 pandemic, with the meeting now scheduled to take place in July in Turin. “The Holy Father is praying for this intention,” writes Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, but for the present, “he is united in thought and prayer with all of you who are present online, and sends you his warmest greetings.” In a message conveying the Pope’s closeness, Cardinal Parolin commends the Taizé youth for not “giving in to defeatism,” but instead tackling difficult questions head-on, praying about them and listening to God’s word in order “to shed light on the most complex human situations.” The Spirit breathes when we are together Recalling the events of Pentecost, Cardinal Parolin notes that on that day, the disciples “were all together” – and he reminds young people that “it is when we are together that the Spirit of God breathes in a special way.” He goes on to explain that “with the current synod, the Catholic Church, too, is seeking to make itself more open to the work of the Spirit by inviting Christ's disciples to discover how much we need each other.” The Cardinal tells the young people that by choosing to face “human suffering and the pressing emergencies of the moment,” they have been given “the opportunity to participate in the solutions.” Although there is cause for concern and anxiety, he says that it is nonetheless true “that the Spirit of God never ceases to work and to give rise to creators of fraternity, solidarity, and unity.” He assures them that by opening themselves “to the presence of the Risen Christ,” by allowing Him to unify their hearts, they are preparing themselves to be among them. Cardinal Parolin concludes his letter a benediction from Pope Francis: “The Holy Father asks the Holy Spirit to bless you, the young Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants who are joining the European meeting in thought and prayer, and he entrusts you to the protection of the Virgin.”  Christopher Wells

Catholic Erskine: 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.

Living Prayer Course – November 2021 – July 2022 A course in contemplative prayer and living – In this innovative nine-month Prayer Course you will learn how to live a deep prayer life that is contemplative and suited to your lifestyle. For more information: www.carmelite.uk.net/livingprayer or contact: ruth.preston@carmelite.org.uk | 07849 596 572 SEE POSTER BELOW.

CONSULTATION RESPONSE DATE: on/before 8th APRRIL 2022 We are asked to submit our thoughts by April 8th; this is to give us time to collate and publish our diocesan “answer” before we submit it with the deliberations of the other seven dioceses in the county, so that the national response is ready and published by August. The full text of the Consultation Document is available to read/download on our Parish web – Synod 2023 page/ side columm - Documents section.

Pope sends greetings to Taizé youth  Dec. 2021 “The Spirit of God never ceases to work and to give rise to creators of fraternity, solidarity and unity,” writes Cardinal Parolin in a message conveying Pope Francis’ greetings and prayers for young people of the Taizé Community. An eagerly awaited in-person meeting of European youth, led by the Taizé Community, has once again been postponed due to the ongoing covid-19 pandemic, with the meeting now scheduled to take place in July in Turin. “The Holy Father is praying for this intention,” writes Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, but for the present, “he is united in thought and prayer with all of you who are present online, and sends you his warmest greetings.” In a message conveying the Pope’s closeness, Cardinal Parolin commends the Taizé youth for not “giving in to defeatism,” but instead tackling difficult questions head-on, praying about them and listening to God’s word in order “to shed light on the most complex human situations.” The Spirit breathes when we are together Recalling the events of Pentecost, Cardinal Parolin notes that on that day, the disciples “were all together” – and he reminds young people that “it is when we are together that the Spirit of God breathes in a special way.” He goes on to explain that “with the current synod, the Catholic Church, too, is seeking to make itself more open to the work of the Spirit by inviting Christ's disciples to discover how much we need each other.” The Cardinal tells the young people that by choosing to face “human suffering and the pressing emergencies of the moment,” they have been given “the opportunity to participate in the solutions.” Although there is cause for concern and anxiety, he says that it is nonetheless true “that the Spirit of God never ceases to work and to give rise to creators of fraternity, solidarity, and unity.” He assures them that by opening themselves “to the presence of the Risen Christ,” by allowing Him to unify their hearts, they are preparing themselves to be among them. Cardinal Parolin concludes his letter a benediction from Pope Francis: “The Holy Father asks the Holy Spirit to bless you, the young Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants who are joining the European meeting in thought and prayer, and he entrusts you to the protection of the Virgin.”  Christopher Wells

Catholic Erskine: 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.

Living Prayer Course – November 2021 – July 2022 A course in contemplative prayer and living – In this innovative nine-month Prayer Course you will learn how to live a deep prayer life that is contemplative and suited to your lifestyle. For more information: www.carmelite.uk.net/livingprayer or contact: ruth.preston@carmelite.org.uk | 07849 596 572 SEE POSTER BELOW.

CONSULTATION RESPONSE DATE: on/before 8th APRRIL 2022 We are asked to submit our thoughts by April 8th; this is to give us time to collate and publish our diocesan “answer” before we submit it with the deliberations of the other seven dioceses in the county, so that the national response is ready and published by August. The full text of the Consultation Document is available to read/download on our Parish web – Synod 2023 page/ side columm - Documents section.

Pope sends greetings to Taizé youth  Dec. 2021 “The Spirit of God never ceases to work and to give rise to creators of fraternity, solidarity and unity,” writes Cardinal Parolin in a message conveying Pope Francis’ greetings and prayers for young people of the Taizé Community. An eagerly awaited in-person meeting of European youth, led by the Taizé Community, has once again been postponed due to the ongoing covid-19 pandemic, with the meeting now scheduled to take place in July in Turin. “The Holy Father is praying for this intention,” writes Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, but for the present, “he is united in thought and prayer with all of you who are present online, and sends you his warmest greetings.” In a message conveying the Pope’s closeness, Cardinal Parolin commends the Taizé youth for not “giving in to defeatism,” but instead tackling difficult questions head-on, praying about them and listening to God’s word in order “to shed light on the most complex human situations.” The Spirit breathes when we are together Recalling the events of Pentecost, Cardinal Parolin notes that on that day, the disciples “were all together” – and he reminds young people that “it is when we are together that the Spirit of God breathes in a special way.” He goes on to explain that “with the current synod, the Catholic Church, too, is seeking to make itself more open to the work of the Spirit by inviting Christ's disciples to discover how much we need each other.” The Cardinal tells the young people that by choosing to face “human suffering and the pressing emergencies of the moment,” they have been given “the opportunity to participate in the solutions.” Although there is cause for concern and anxiety, he says that it is nonetheless true “that the Spirit of God never ceases to work and to give rise to creators of fraternity, solidarity, and unity.” He assures them that by opening themselves “to the presence of the Risen Christ,” by allowing Him to unify their hearts, they are preparing themselves to be among them. Cardinal Parolin concludes his letter a benediction from Pope Francis: “The Holy Father asks the Holy Spirit to bless you, the young Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants who are joining the European meeting in thought and prayer, and he entrusts you to the protection of the Virgin.”  Christopher Wells

Catholic Erskine: 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.

Living Prayer Course – November 2021 – July 2022 A course in contemplative prayer and living – In this innovative nine-month Prayer Course you will learn how to live a deep prayer life that is contemplative and suited to your lifestyle. For more information: www.carmelite.uk.net/livingprayer or contact: ruth.preston@carmelite.org.uk | 07849 596 572 SEE POSTER BELOW.

CONSULTATION RESPONSE DATE: on/before 8th APRRIL 2022 We are asked to submit our thoughts by April 8th; this is to give us time to collate and publish our diocesan “answer” before we submit it with the deliberations of the other seven dioceses in the county, so that the national response is ready and published by August. The full text of the Consultation Document is available to read/download on our Parish web – Synod 2023 page/ side columm - Documents section.

Pope sends greetings to Taizé youth  Dec. 2021 “The Spirit of God never ceases to work and to give rise to creators of fraternity, solidarity and unity,” writes Cardinal Parolin in a message conveying Pope Francis’ greetings and prayers for young people of the Taizé Community. An eagerly awaited in-person meeting of European youth, led by the Taizé Community, has once again been postponed due to the ongoing covid-19 pandemic, with the meeting now scheduled to take place in July in Turin. “The Holy Father is praying for this intention,” writes Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, but for the present, “he is united in thought and prayer with all of you who are present online, and sends you his warmest greetings.” In a message conveying the Pope’s closeness, Cardinal Parolin commends the Taizé youth for not “giving in to defeatism,” but instead tackling difficult questions head-on, praying about them and listening to God’s word in order “to shed light on the most complex human situations.” The Spirit breathes when we are together Recalling the events of Pentecost, Cardinal Parolin notes that on that day, the disciples “were all together” – and he reminds young people that “it is when we are together that the Spirit of God breathes in a special way.” He goes on to explain that “with the current synod, the Catholic Church, too, is seeking to make itself more open to the work of the Spirit by inviting Christ's disciples to discover how much we need each other.” The Cardinal tells the young people that by choosing to face “human suffering and the pressing emergencies of the moment,” they have been given “the opportunity to participate in the solutions.” Although there is cause for concern and anxiety, he says that it is nonetheless true “that the Spirit of God never ceases to work and to give rise to creators of fraternity, solidarity, and unity.” He assures them that by opening themselves “to the presence of the Risen Christ,” by allowing Him to unify their hearts, they are preparing themselves to be among them. Cardinal Parolin concludes his letter a benediction from Pope Francis: “The Holy Father asks the Holy Spirit to bless you, the young Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants who are joining the European meeting in thought and prayer, and he entrusts you to the protection of the Virgin.”  Christopher Wells

Catholic Erskine: 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.

Living Prayer Course – November 2021 – July 2022 A course in contemplative prayer and living – In this innovative nine-month Prayer Course you will learn how to live a deep prayer life that is contemplative and suited to your lifestyle. For more information: www.carmelite.uk.net/livingprayer or contact: ruth.preston@carmelite.org.uk | 07849 596 572 SEE POSTER BELOW.

CONSULTATION RESPONSE DATE: on/before 8th APRRIL 2022 We are asked to submit our thoughts by April 8th; this is to give us time to collate and publish our diocesan “answer” before we submit it with the deliberations of the other seven dioceses in the county, so that the national response is ready and published by August. The full text of the Consultation Document is available to read/download on our Parish web – Synod 2023 page/ side columm - Documents section.

Pope sends greetings to Taizé youth  Dec. 2021 “The Spirit of God never ceases to work and to give rise to creators of fraternity, solidarity and unity,” writes Cardinal Parolin in a message conveying Pope Francis’ greetings and prayers for young people of the Taizé Community. An eagerly awaited in-person meeting of European youth, led by the Taizé Community, has once again been postponed due to the ongoing covid-19 pandemic, with the meeting now scheduled to take place in July in Turin. “The Holy Father is praying for this intention,” writes Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, but for the present, “he is united in thought and prayer with all of you who are present online, and sends you his warmest greetings.” In a message conveying the Pope’s closeness, Cardinal Parolin commends the Taizé youth for not “giving in to defeatism,” but instead tackling difficult questions head-on, praying about them and listening to God’s word in order “to shed light on the most complex human situations.” The Spirit breathes when we are together Recalling the events of Pentecost, Cardinal Parolin notes that on that day, the disciples “were all together” – and he reminds young people that “it is when we are together that the Spirit of God breathes in a special way.” He goes on to explain that “with the current synod, the Catholic Church, too, is seeking to make itself more open to the work of the Spirit by inviting Christ's disciples to discover how much we need each other.” The Cardinal tells the young people that by choosing to face “human suffering and the pressing emergencies of the moment,” they have been given “the opportunity to participate in the solutions.” Although there is cause for concern and anxiety, he says that it is nonetheless true “that the Spirit of God never ceases to work and to give rise to creators of fraternity, solidarity, and unity.” He assures them that by opening themselves “to the presence of the Risen Christ,” by allowing Him to unify their hearts, they are preparing themselves to be among them. Cardinal Parolin concludes his letter a benediction from Pope Francis: “The Holy Father asks the Holy Spirit to bless you, the young Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants who are joining the European meeting in thought and prayer, and he entrusts you to the protection of the Virgin.”  Christopher Wells

Catholic Erskine: 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.