St. Joseph's, Greenock

Welcome
 

For over 70 years St Joseph’s has been at the heart of this local community: built up by the hands and the prayers of its people, the Parish has been a home to generations of the Catholic community and given many of its sons to priestly service. That same spirit characterises St Joseph’s Parish to this day: welcoming, generous and good-hearted. We are blessed to be placed under the patronage of the great St Joseph, whose intercession and blessing we invoke upon all visitors to our Parish website!

In both sorrow and joy we heed the counsel ‘Ite ad Ioseph’- Go to Joseph!

St Joseph’s is delighted to welcome Rev. Douglas C MacMillan (retired). Let us wish him well and pray for his happiness, joy and good health!

Our Parish does not currently have online payment facilities but if you wish to make a card payment you can do so through the Diocese at:

https://www.rcdop.org.uk/donate-1

If you let us know how much you have given by emailing Philip McEachen, Diocesan Finance Manager at finance.diocese@rcdop.org.uk the Diocese will ensure we receive your gift.

Also if you wish to make a regular payment then you can download a standing order form at:

https://www.rcdop.org.uk/gift-aid-and-standing-order-forms

There are also Gift Aid forms at this address which if you are a taxpayer would make you gift worth 25% more at no extra cost to you.

Thank you supporting our Parish in these difficult times.

St. Joseph, Greenock: 2nd Sunday of the Year – B 17th January 2021


 

Readings: 1 Samuel 3: 3-10.19; 1 Cor 6:13-15.17-20; Jn 1: 35-42

Reflection: Today’s Scripture readings tell us that we are all called by God to be witnesses for Christ. The first reading describes how Yahweh called Samuel to His service and how the boy Samuel responded to Him, saying, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.” From the life of Samuel we know that he dedicated his life for God and His people. In the second reading, St. Paul explains to the Corinthians that our life is a call to holiness. Hence, we need to keep our bodies pure and souls holy, because by Baptism we have become parts of Christ’s Body and the temples of the Holy Spirit. He says, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, given by God?” In today’s Gospel John the Baptist tells us that, “Jesus is the Lamb of God,” who died for us and, therefore, by leading a life of holiness and purity we promise Him our loyalty and fidelity.

Liturgical Calendar

Monday to Saturday: 8.30am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Rosary; 9.00am Holy Mass(Online)Saturday Vigil-Mass 5.00pm; Sunday 10.00am (online)

The Angelus at 12noon and 6.00pm, The Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3.00pm and The Memorare at 9.00pm everyday are uploaded on our parish Facebook. 

Monday 18th: Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins

Thursday 21st: St Agnes – Memorial

Sunday 24th: Sunday of the Word of God

Diocesan News and Events

Online Alpha

Catholic Erskine would like to invite you to register for your next Online Alpha which commences on Wednesday20th January at 7.00pm. Alpha is a 10-week series of video presentation and informal conversation for people searching for a deeper understanding of their faith and for those who are searching to return to their faith.  To register please visit our website at www.catholicerskine.website. Once registered we will issue you with details of accessing the first session, which will be delivered via Zoom.  Please invitesomeone to come along with you. Relatives and friends are very welcome. 

Adult Education Talks 

You are invited to our next talk on Monday 18th January at 6.30pm on The Teachings of Saint John Paul II by Bishop John. Please click the link below to join the webinar:

https://zoom.us/j/96974935970?pwd=b04ya2pUOElxeXJhRElkdXlHVXlwQT09

Passcode: 758071 

Vocations

Families need blessings of patience, forgiveness, gratefulness and love. Can you bring the Gospel to families in your community? If you think God is calling you to be a priest, deacon sister contact Fr. John Morrison 01418895056 or e-mail  vocations@rcdop.org.uk 

Postponement of Diocesan Lourdes and Youth to Lourdes Pilgrimages to 2022

Unfortunately due to present circumstances and the uncertainty facing us all over the next few months, it is with deep regret that we must inform you that the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes and Youth to Lourdes has now been postponed to June-July 2022. We are fully aware that the shrine of Lourdes means so much to so many in our Diocese and understand and how disappointing this news will be. However we know that we will all work together and look forward to being welcomed back in 2022. If you already have a place on the Pilgrimage carried over from this year on Joe Walsh tours, their representatives will be contacting you in writing in the New Year to confirm our decision to reschedule and to explain how your booking can be carried forward. 

Administrative Changes to Teacher Approval in the Diocese of Paisley

Father Joe Burke, Vicar General, now has the role of overseeing the Approval process. Applications and references for posts in the three local authorities within our Diocese should be returned to: Rev Joseph Burke, Teacher Approval, Diocesan Centre, Cathedral Precincts, Incle Street, Paisley PA1 1HR or email: approvals@rcdop.org.uk

Please note that applications for posts in Our Lady of the Missions Primary School and St Ninian’s High School should be sent to the Archdiocese of Glasgow in whose territory they are located:  Archdiocese of Glasgow, Teacher Approval, 196Clyde Street, Glasgow G1 4JY.  Email: approval@rcag.org.uk   Arrangements for the pastoral care of staff and pupils in these schools will continue to be the responsibility of the Diocese of Paisley.

Online Marriage Counselling available during Covid 19 Crisis

Our diocese has a Counselling Service for Catholics Married in the Catholic Church with our dedicated Catholic Marriage Counsellor.  If you are concerned about your relationship and feel you are both unable to reach a conclusion alone, it is likely that you will benefit from marriage counselling.  The counsellor is there to maintain a neutral, non-judgmental position. For information or advice please email in confidence counselling@rcdop.org.uk

Community Circle of Prayer

Every Friday evening people gather on line at 7pm for The Community Circle of Prayer. This half hour event simply consists of a little music, some readings and the opportunity to share our prayer petitions and support others in theirs. Each week there is a different broad theme; we have explored The Call to Discipleship, Care of our Sick, Forgiveness, Guardian Angels, The Faithful Departed, The Way of the Cross to name but a few. Last week was our 6 month anniversary!

Why not spend half an hour with us this Friday in community and fellowship? You would be most welcome! To join please use the Zoom link below

https://zoom.us/j/8510142970?pwd=UUtVa2ZhOFUxa2NSZmJCckZOek0rUT09                                                                                                                                                                      

Beware Phone Scam about Vaccines

If you receive the following message on your phone it is a scam.  We advise you to delete it.  NHS: We identify that you are eligible to apply for you vaccine. For more information and to apply, follow here:  uk-application-form.com  If you click on the link mentioned it then asks for your bank account number, sort code and your bank card number.  This is a scam.

Beware Protect Scotland App Scams

If you are contacted by NHS (test and protect) it will be by phone on a single national telephone number 0800 030 8012.  Scammers are contacting the public advising them that they have been in near contact with someone who has tested positive with Coronavirus and must get a test and self- isolate.  They then ask for payments for various services.  If the call is not from the above number please ignore it. 

The Cloister Blog – St Andrew’s Foundation for Catholic Teacher Education

St Andrew’s Foundation for Catholic Teacher Education has launched a brand new blog called The Cloisters. The aim is to stimulate discussion, debate and collaboration in the area of Catholic Religious Education and Catholic Education more widely. Contributions to the blog are invited from academics, teachers, alumni, students, parents, clergy, and all interested in the mission of Catholic Education. The blog can be found at https://thecloisters.blog

Urgent-respond to scottish government consultation on DIY abortions to save lives

I am writing about an urgent matter. The Scottish Government (along with the Westminster Government) introduced the practice of sending women pills in the post so that they can perform a DIY abortion at home. This was supposed to be a temporary measure during the pandemic, but now the Scottish Government is holding a consultation on whether to make this practice permanent.

We need as many pro-life people as possible to complete the Scottish Government’s questionnaire in order to stop dangerous DIY abortions becoming permanent.

Every pro-life voice counts in this consultation, and it is vitally important that Catholics across Scotland speak out against DIY abortions, which kill unborn babies and harm women.

Thank you for your attention.

With kind regards,

John Deighan, CEO, SPUC Scotland

Respond to Scottish Government consultation to stop home abortions!The Scottish Government is holding a consultation on whether to continue the practice of sending dangerous abortion pills to  women to undergo abortions at home. We need as many pro-life people as possible to complete the Scottish Government’s questionnaire in order to stop dangerous DIY abortions becoming permanent. SPUC has prepared a briefing which gives a step by step guide to completing the questionnaire. Please go to www.spuc.org.uk/Scottish-Consultation

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Every year St. Joseph Church Greenock used to pray the novena to St. Peregrine Laziosi, the Patron saint of cancer patients at this time of the year for nine weeks. This year, however, due to unprecedented situation we are not able to hold it. We can pray at the same time wherever we are. The prayer is given in summary form below. Let us earnestly remember and pray for the suffering people all over the world. 

*O God, our loving Father, You love us. We thank you for the many blessings you have given us. In loving trust we place ourselves before you. Let your healing love fill our lives. 

Give us the strength to understand our illness. Forgive our neglect to help carry the crosses of others. In St. Peregrine, you gave us an outstanding example of one who prayed for others. 

Supported then by his prayers, we ask that the suffering we endure and the suffering endured by our loved ones, may be a source of new life and health. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen. 

*St. Peregrine, you have prayed for God’s people in the past; so once again we ask for God’s help through your powerful prayers. With your confidence we pray not only for our own wants but also for people suffering today.

That the Church of Jesus Christ scattered throughout the world might witness everywhere God’s commandment to love one another.

R/ We pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer.

That all those suffering from any illness of mind, body and spirit; from any life-threatening illness Such as cancer, heart and kidney diseases, or Aids, may be given the help of recovery and the help of God’s Spirit of peace.

R/ We pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer. 

*O God, graciously hear the prayers which we present to you in honour of St. Peregrine, your beloved Servant and Patron of those with cancer and any other serious illness. Grant that we may receive help in our needs through the intercession of himwhose life was so pleasing to you. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

*Loving God, in spite of all that you give us, we still find suffering in our lives. You generously offered healing to our brother Peregrine. Following his example, we turn to you with our troubles. Strengthen those who suffer from cancer and other serious diseases. Look kindly upon all and heal us. Give health to our bodies, that our lives may be long and happy.Give us comfort in the troublesome moments of our personal lives. Heal us of hurt and of resentment. Give grace and joy to our spirit that we may continue to praise you. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

St. Peregrine, pray for us. 

We are still discouraged from distributing items from the church, so if the faithful could download and complete the attached November list and then return it in an envelope to the boxes at the door of the church or through the door of the presbytery. Alternatively you could simply complete your list on a sheet of paper and put it in an envelope then drop it off.