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!

To sign up for the Novena click please visit   https://mailchi.mp/rcdop.org.uk/novena-to-st-therese
‘I encourage you to join me in asking the Little Flower’s intercession so that in these unprecedented times, in her words, we may both ‘trust God that we are exactly where we are meant to be’ and, at the same time, ‘not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.’
With every prayer and blessing,
+John

The novena is over 9 days from 22 September until the eve of her feast on 1st October. When you sugn up you will receive an email with a meditation and prayers for that day.

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. 

Season of Creation from 1 September (World Day of Prayer for Creation) to 4 October (Feast of St Francis of Assisi)

The following is an extract from Bishop William Nolan, Bishop of Galloway, President of BCOS Justice and Peace Commission.

It is now five years since Pope Francis published his encyclical ‘Laudato Si’ urging us to care for our common home. The encyclical highlights the urgent need for us to heal our relationship with creation and with each other. As Scotland eases out of lockdown, the Season of Creation runs from 1 September (World Day of Prayer for Creation) to 4 October (Feast of St Francis of Assisi).

This is an opportunity for us to pray, reflect and respond to the challenging words of Pope Francis: “What kind of world do we want to leave to those who come after us, to children who are growing up?” (LS, 160)

Liturgical sources are available online at www.seasonofcreation.org/catholic/. 

SCIAF, Justice and Peace Scotland and SCES have prepared a series of online events to engage with Catholics across Scotland on the themes of Laudato Si and Creation. The full list of programme is given below and also available at www.sciaf.org.uk/events. 

Pope Francis, Bishop John and Father Thomas all call us to pray in these unsettling times. 

Bishop John’s prayers can be found at https://Rcdop.org.uk/news/prayer-of-devotion-to-the-united-hearts-of-jesus-and-mary

https://Www.rcdop.org.uk/news/a-bishop-johns-message-call-for-prayer-for-gods-protection-against-coronavirus

Father Thomas instructs us to pray the Chaplet of the Devine Mercy each day, a simple, but powerful prayer using rosary beads:

Use the rosary beads and begin with Our Father....Hail Mary.... The Apostles Creed

On the large bead before each decade:
Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world