St Roch's

Seventh Sunday of Easter - A

23rd / 24th May 2020

LITURGY OF THE WORD

1^st Reading: Acts of Apostles 1:12-14

Response:

I am sure I shall see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living

2^nd Reading: Letter of St. Peter 4:13-16

Acclamation:

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

I will not leave you orphans, says the Lord;

I will come back to you, and your hearts will be full of joy

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

St. John 14:15-21

‘I have given them the teaching you gave to me, and they have totally accepted this, that I come from you, and have believed that it was you who sent me. I pray for them; I am praying not for the world but for those you have given me, because they belong to you: all I have is yours and all you have is mine, and in them I am glorified. I am not in the world any longer, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you.'

Recently Dead: Alice McReynolds, Annie Plukett, John Morrison, Isabell Temple, Marie Ruth, Terry McCafferty, Caroline Little, Mary Ann Durkan, William Creggan, Margaret McMillan, Brian McNee, Betty Heron, Danielle Curry, Roseanna McGonagle, Alfie Dickson, Mary Mulligan, Robert McVey.

Anniversary: Harry Kell, James Ward, Patsy Ward Havlin (from Mary Reilly in the USA) Michael and Mary Lamb.

Remembrance: Campbell Alexander.

Sunday at 12.15 BBC Reflections at the Quay, Rebekah Lamb, St. Andrew's University and John Bell of the Iona Community.

BBC Alba Sunday 6.50pm From St. Columba's Cathedral Oban. Mass Recorded in 2005. (might be in Gaelic )

St. Roch's web-page & facebook

www.stroch.rcglasgow.org.uk

www.facebook.com/strochsparish

Please note Mass is available at 10am on our facebook page every day.

Mass available via St. Andrew's Cathedral Live Webcam Stream:-

https://www.mcnmedia.tv/camera/st-andrews-cathedral

Mass Monday to Friday 1pm & 5.15pm.

During the month of May Rosary and prayers at 7pm. Monday to Saturday. 6.15pm on Sunday.

Archdiocesan facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/events/215935279720996

UK National Rosary Rally on Pentecost Sunday

Pope Francis proposed that, in accordance with custom, throughout the month of May, Catholics should pray the Rosary.

In response to the Pope’s proposal, I, along with the Cathedral Clergy have been live-streaming the Rosary each evening from St Andrew’s Cathedral. Similar initiatives are taking place across the diocese in different churches.

On Pentecost Sunday, the 31st and last day of May, I will lead the Rosary from St Andrew’s Cathedral at 6.15pm as part of the UK National Rosary Rally.

The Rosary will be prayed on Pentecost Sunday from 9am-9pm all across the country at different hours in different places and dioceses. The Archdiocese of Glasgow is programmed for the hour beginning at 6.00pm. If possible, you might consider timing your own initiative to coincide with that hour.

The intention of the Rosary is to seek the intercession of Our Lady so that we may overcome the Covid-19 pandemic and so that we may present our own petitions to Mary for her intercession and help.

Please encourage your parishioners to join in the Rosary from their homes on Pentecost Sunday.

Yours devotedly in Christ,

+ Philip Tartaglia Archbishop of Glasgow

‘RCAG Youth’ on Instagram, Facebook and on YouTube by following this link:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwxLftBw5I5W-Khbxzs18CQ

The May edition of the Archdiocesan newspaper FLOURISH is now out. The new edition has features on how parishes are using the internet to reach out to parishioners. There’s a special focus on vocations for the Archdiocese following the success of the recent BBC TV documentary Priest School. Don’t miss the the new Urbi et Orbi column by Vaticanista John L Allen and there is a special feature on art, poetry and prayers to Our Lady to mark the month of May. Check it out here: www.flourishnewspaper.co.uk

Priest School available on BBC iplayer.

The Tablet is available online, to subscribe:-

https://www.thetablet.co.uk/subscribe

Morning Prayer LIVE!

This takes place each weekday morning at 08:45 for fifteen minutes and includes a Morning Offering, the reading of the Gospel of the day, a question to ponder and a decade of the Rosary. This is available for anyone to access on our Facebook page.

Over the coming days, we will be releasing 4 short videos on YouTube to inspire your young parishioners in their journey with the Lord this Holy Week and on Monday, we will be posting our weekly video, Monday Motivation.

Where to find us?

We can be found by searching ‘RCAG Youth’ on Instagram, Facebook and on YouTube by following this link:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwxLftBw5I5W-Khbxzs18CQ

Day of Prayer for Humanity

Dear fellow believers and brothers and sisters in humanity,

Our world is facing at the moment a great danger that threatens the lives of millions of people around the world due to the growing spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. While we reaffirm the role of medicine and scientific research in fighting this pandemic, we should not forget to seek refuge in God, as we face this severe crisis. Therefore, we call upon all peoples around the world to pray according to each one’s, respective religious convictions, to observe fast and to do good deeds to end this pandemic. May each of us, wherever we are, and according to the teachings of our own respective faith traditions and philosophies, seek divine help to rescue ourselves and the entire world from this adversity, to inspire scientists to find a cure for the virus and to save the whole world from the health, economic, and human repercussions of this serious pandemic.

As part of its efforts to realize the objectives of the Document on Human Fraternity, the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity proposes Thursday, 14 May 2020 as a Day of prayers, fasting and works of charity for the good of all humanity. In this regard, the Committee invites all religious leaders and peoples around the world to respond to this call together; to beseech God, the Almighty to safeguard the entire world, to help us overcome this pandemic, to restore security, stability, health, and prosperity, so that, once this pandemic-crisis is over, our world may become a better place for humanity and for human fraternity than ever before.

(Adapted from the Communiqué of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity

LETTER OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS

to the Faithful for the Month of May 2020

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The month of May is approaching, a time when the People of God express with particular intensity their love for and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is traditional in this month to pray the Rosary at home within the family. The restrictions of the pandemic have made us come to appreciate all the more this family aspect, also from a spiritual point of view.

For this reason, I want to encourage everyone to rediscover the beauty of praying the Rosary at home in the month of May. This can be done either as a group or individually; you can decide according to your own situations, making the most of both opportunities. The key to doing this is always simplicity, and it is easy also on the internet to find good models of prayers to follow.

I am also providing two prayers to Our Lady that you can recite at the end of the Rosary, and that I myself will pray in the month of May, in spiritual union with all of you. I include them with this letter so that they are available to everyone.

Dear brothers and sisters, contemplating the face of Christ with the heart of Mary our Mother will make us even more united as a spiritual family and will help us overcome this time of trial. I keep all of you in my prayers, especially those suffering most greatly, and I ask you, please, to pray for me.

I thank you, and with great affection I send you my blessing.

Rome, Saint John Lateran,

25 April 2020 Feast of Saint Mark the Evangelist

FIRST PRAYER

O Mary, You shine continuously on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick Who, at the foot of the Cross, were united with Jesus’ suffering, and persevered in your faith. Protectress of the Roman People,
you know our needs and we know that you will provide so that, as at Cana in Galilee,
joy and celebration may return after this time of trial. Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform ourselves to the will of the Father and to do what Jesus tells us. For He took upon Himself our suffering, and burdened Himself with our sorrows to bring us through the Cross to the joy of the Resurrection. Amen.

We fly to your protection, O Holy Mother of God; Do not despise our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always from every danger, O Glorious and Blessed Virgin.

SECOND PRAYER

We fly to your protection, O Holy Mother of God. In the present tragic situation, when the whole world is prey to suffering and anxiety, we fly to You, Mother of God and our Mother, and seek refuge under Your protection.

Virgin Mary, turn Your merciful eyes towards us amid this coronavirus pandemic. Comfort those who are distraught and mourn their loved ones who have died and, at times, are buried in a way that grieves them deeply. Be close to those who are concerned for their loved ones who are sick and who, in order to prevent the spread of the disease, cannot be close to them. Fill with hope those who are troubled by the uncertainty of the future and the consequences for the economy and employment.

Mother of God and our Mother, pray for us to God, the Father of mercies, that this great suffering may end and that hope and peace may dawn anew. Plead with Your Divine Son, as You did at Cana, so that the families of the sick and the victims may be comforted, and their hearts be opened to confidence and trust.

Protect those doctors, nurses, health workers and volunteers who are on the frontline of this emergency, and are risking their lives to save others. Support their heroic effort and grant them strength, generosity and continued health.

Be close to those who assist the sick night and day, and to priests who, in their pastoral concern and fidelity to the Gospel, are trying to help and support everyone.

Blessed Virgin, illumine the minds of men and women engaged in scientific research, that they may find effective solutions to overcome this virus.

Support national leaders, that with wisdom, solicitude and generosity they may come to the aid of those lacking the basic necessities of life and may devise social and economic solutions inspired by far-sightedness and solidarity.

Mary Most Holy, stir our consciences so that the enormous funds invested in developing and stockpiling arms will instead be spent on promoting effective research on how to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

Beloved Mother, help us realize that we are all members of one great family and to recognize the bond that unites us, so that, in a spirit of fraternity and solidarity, we can help to alleviate countless situations of poverty and need. Make us strong in faith, persevering in service, constant in prayer.

Mary, Consolation of the Afflicted, embrace all Your children in distress and pray that God will stretch out His all-powerful hand and free us from this terrible pandemic, so that life can serenely resume its normal course.

To you, Who shine on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope, we entrust ourselves, O Clement, O Loving, O Sweet Virgin Mary. Amen.

Also available on the Vatican website.

Covid-19 FAQs

What if I can’t get to Confession

If you cannot get to Confession then do not be afraid – God’s love and mercy overcomes even the current restrictions. Just tell God the sins you have committed, tell Him that you truly love Him and that you are truly sorry for what you have done, tell Him that you intend not to commit these sins again and that you intend to go to sacramental Confession as soon as matters return to normal.

Can I go to Confession by telephone or using a video messaging app?

The confessor and the penitent need to be both actually present for the Sacrament. This is true of every Sacrament – just as a priest cannot consecrate the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ by phone so he cannot absolve sins by phone.

What if a relative gets sick and cannot receive the Sacrament of the Sick?

In the present circumstances, when the Sacrament of Anointing is not able to be celebrated, the priest can pray with the sick person and relatives by telephone. If it is appropriate, the priest may help the sick person to make a perfect act of contrition, through which our sins are forgiven. Pope Francis has also offered a Plenary Indulgence for these circumstances. (For more information about the indulgence you can click here)

What about my Sunday Obligation?

Since we are unable to attend Mass due to the restrictions closing churches, banning gatherings, and keeping people at home, it is genuinely impossible to fulfil our Sunday Obligation. In these circumstances we are dispensed from our Sunday obligation and it is not a sin to miss Mass. We should, however, still try to keep Sunday holy by spending time in prayer and avoiding unnecessary work.

Good Friday Fast & Abstinence

Despite the present circumstances, we should make the effort to fast and to abstain from meat on Good Friday (under the usual conditions – only those over 14 are obliged to abstain and only those over 18 and under 60 are obliged to fast – although people outside those age-ranges are encouraged to join in as much as they can).

If however your health, or your inability to get to the shops, or your need to care for others, etc., makes it impossible or very difficult for you to fast or abstain from meat, you can choose some other form of penance instead.

What about my Easter duties?

All Catholics who have made their First Communion should Confess and receive Holy Communion at least once a year. Although this would normally take place around Easter time, a just cause allows us to fulfil it at some other point in the year. The current crisis is definitely a just cause that allows us to go to Confession and Communion later in the year and still fulfil this obligation.

Marriages

The Government has prohibited any marriages from taking place and the Registrar will not issue a Marriage Schedule, which is the document that is required before a wedding can take place. For most couples, this will mean having to postpone their weddings until the current situation eases. Please speak to the priest or deacon who is organising your wedding about this. Obviously, at this point, it would be unwise to set a date until such time as the situation is clearer.

Baptisms

Baptisms (both adults and children) will normally have to be postponed until after the current restrictions are lifted.

If the person to be baptised is in real danger of death, then anyone, even a non-baptised person (e.g. a nurse or doctor, if family members or chaplains cannot access the person), can baptise them (if asked by an adult or if asked by the parents of a child). In such a situation of danger of death, the person who baptises must pour water over the candidate’s head whilst saying at the same time, “I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”. A note should be made of this and the parish priest informed. If the person in danger of death survives, the parish priest will celebrate the other parts of the Rite of Baptism once the current restrictions are lifted.

Funerals

Priests or Deacons can lead funeral services at the graveside or crematorium, and Priests will privately offer Mass for the deceased. The numbers attending the crematorium are limited. Your undertaker will advise you about the restrictions in effect in your area at the time of the burial or cremation.

After the current restrictions are lifted, parishes will offer public opportunities for prayer for all those buried or cremated during this time.

First Confessions

First Confessions are postponed until after the current crisis. Local parishes, in consultation with schools, will decide how and when to reschedule them.

First Holy Communion

First Holy Communions are postponed until after the current crisis. Local parishes, in consultation with schools, will decide how and when to reschedule them.

Confirmations

Confirmations are postponed until after the current crisis. In due course the Archbishop will issue advice about rescheduling.

Prayer to St. Roch

O God, who promised Saint Roch by an angel,

That all who have recourse to him should

Have nothing to fear from illness and disease.

Grant, we beseech you, that through his

Intercession, we may be delivered from all dangers of soul

And body. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen

(Cf. St. Roch’s Prayer book) To be prayed at all parish Masses

Our Father … Hail Mary… Glory be…

St. Michael Archangel defend us in the day of battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil; may God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen

https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2018/09/29/18092