NEWTON MEARNS WEST COMMUNITY COUNCIL holds monthly meetings - on the 2nd week of the Month on a Tuesday. All the local residents are welcome to attend to the Community Council meetings at Albertslund Hall. The next meeting is on Tuesday 13th February at 7pm. 

 The next Mass will be offered in The Little Sisters of the Poor, Greenock, on Friday 2nd February at 7 pm; Adoration & Confession from 6 pm. 

The most recent Synod document, the Synthesis Report, can be found on the Diocesan website, along with a list of suggested Proposals. Please send any comments on these documents to [email protected] or Synod Response c/o Diocesan Offices by 23rd February 2024. All responses will contribute towards the official Diocesan response. 

DIOCESAN CHOIR- New Members The Diocesan Choir are looking to expand their ranks in the weeks ahead. We will start rehearsals for the Chrism Mass in a few weeks and are looking for new members to join us as we learn new repertoire. We rehearse on Thursday evenings from 6.30- 8pm in the Diocesan offices. There will be an initial workshop for all new members that wish to join on the 8th February, 6.30-8pm in the Cathedral. Although being able to read music would be beneficial, it is not an absolute requirement to join our choir. If you are interested in joining, please contact Michael Hepburn, our Diocesan Director of Music, at [email protected] 

CLASSROOMS FOR MALAWI is holding a fundraising Ball at the Redhurst Hotel at 7.00 pm on Saturday 24th February 2024. The ticket cost is £55, it includes a sparkling wine reception, 3 course dinner and a live band. They can be purchased by contacting [email protected] . A great night of entertainment is guaranteed and funds will be used to help lift children in Malawi out of poverty through education.  We are based in St Columbkille’s Parish Hall in Rutherglen. https://classroomsformalawi.co.uk

The reign of God is now. Are you willing to drop what you are doing to follow Jesus’ call? Believe that God will give you what you need. (Mark 1: 14-20). If you think God is calling you to be a priest speak to our Diocesan Vocations Director, Fr. John Morrison – tel: 01418895056 or email [email protected].

THEOLOGY THURSDAYS This programme of seminars is aimed at non-experts and beginners. Each seminar has a particular theological focus; lasts for one hour; and is taught by an expert in the field at the University of Glasgow. Find out more / register at: https://rcdop.org.uk/news/theology-thursdays.

The Scottish Government is consulting on banning so-called “gay conversion therapy” with a view to bringing forward legislation. The Scottish Bishops are not alone in raising concerns that, as it stands, it will have the effect of criminalising sensitive conversations between parents and their children as well as mainstream prayer, preaching and pastoral conversations which uphold church teaching on sexual ethics and gender. The Christian Institute is hosting an open meeting at 10am on Saturday 17th February 2024, Newton Mearns Baptist Church, 2 Greenfarm Road, G77 6FA. Come along to find out how to respond to the Government’s plans which could impact our ability to share the Gospel and raise our children in the Faith. Further information at https://letuspray.uk

This Diocesan retreat takes place on Sunday 18th February, from 2-5.30pm, in St Mary’s, Paisley. It will start in the church hall. The retreat day will include activities, Mass and the chance to meet new friends. All participants must bring a signed consent form, which can be obtained from your parish or primary school, or by contacting Fr John Morrison at [email protected] or on 0141 889 5056. Forms available soon on the Diocesan web.

27th January 2024

dRC PRODUCTIONS THEATRE COMPANY will be presenting a modern classic drama in January 2024, in collaboration with the Jewish Community and East Renfrewshire schools. “KINDERTRANSPORT” by Diane Samuels, is a powerful tale set just before WWII and the present day. Almost 10,000 children under 17 years, mostly Jewish, were sent by their parents from occupied Europe to various locations in Britain to ensure their safety. Some settled here in East Renfrewshire and many people living now are the descendants of those who arrived during that time. Performed around the world and recorded by the BBC, the play portrays the relationship between a mother and her daughter, the mother as a young girl having arrived in Manchester by Kindertransport from Germany. She renounces her background and has never spoken of her past life. It is only when her daughter is leaving their family home does the truth begin to emerge. As we approach International Holocaust Remembrance Day on 27th January 2024, we are very pleased to offer two performances. The afternoon performance will be at Glasgow Reform Synagogue function suite, 147 Ayr Road Newton Mearns G77 6RE on Wednesday 24th January from 1.00 - 4.00 And the evening performance will be at the Banqueting Suite, Giffnock and Newton Mearns Synagogue, 222 Fenwick Road Glasgow G46 6 UE. All tickets are £10 and seating is unreserved. Please contact me on 07505129584 or email [email protected] if you would like to come along.” Eileen Carroll (Life President Glasgow Reform Synagogue )

CHILDREN’S ROSARY in St. Cadoc’s Church at 6pm every second Friday. Next meeting: 2nd February. For details, please contact Síle Hessett - 07882037314.

Please note: this service is no longer available.

Tuesdays at 7pm - 12th March; 7th May; and 11th June.

Aged 18-35? Come along to learn more about the Faith and to meet other young Catholics. The ‘Christ in the Covenants’ series continues at 7pm in the diocesan office on Wednesday 7th February 2024. It will end with Adoration and Benediction, followed by time to socialise. Email Fr Ryan ([email protected]) to join the WhatsApp group.

 Wednesday, 17th January at 7.30pm at Holy Cross, 113 Dixon Ave, G42 8ER. Adoration begins at 6.15pm. Tea in the hall afterwards – all welcome. The celebrant will be Fr Charles Coyle. 

Thursday 18th January at 6.30pm and Saturday 20th January at 10.30am in the Diocesan Offices.  If you are available to attend ONE of these dates, please contact Sarah Jane on  0141 847 6138 or [email protected] and note which date you would like to attend. Thank you. 

Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ?”  Is the Holy Spirit leading you to share your gifts as a priest? Speak yop our Diocesan Vocatiuons Director, Fr. John Morrison tel: 01418895056 or email [email protected] 

Following their recent meeting, the Social Committee have planned the following events for the first half of this year: St. Patrick's Night Family Ceilidh - Friday 15th March 2024 Race Night (for adults only) - Saturday 27th April 2024 Family Fun Day & Barbecue - Sunday 23rd June 2024. We anticipate these events will be very popular. Please therefore, note the above dates in your diary now! Tickets will be on sale, and further information will be advised, nearer the time of each event. In the meantime, if you require any further details please do not hesitate to contact Catherine Senior (Mobile: 07555 094304 or by email: [email protected]).