15th Sunday of Ordinary Time (YEAR A) Green
16th JULY 2023 – (vol.1, p.675)
The seed, cast by the Sower is simply God’s word. It is pure, sacred, and so, so powerful but we need to keep our souls, the soil, clear of stones, thorns, weeds.
Fr.James Karns
| R 1 | Isaiah 55:10, 11 | The word that goes out from my mouth does not return to me empty. |
| Psalm | 64 | Some seed fell into rich soil and produced its crop. |
| R 2 | Romans 8:18-23 | The whole creation is eagerly awaiting, for God to reveal his sons. |
| Alleluia | Acclaim the Gospel | Alleluia, alleluia! Speak, Lord, your servant is listening: you have the message of eternal life. Alleluia! |
| Gospel | Matthew 13:1-23 | A sower went out to sow. |
| REFLECTION |
| Isaiah emphasises the effectiveness of God’s word, the creative power of God fulfilling His word in the world. Paul reminds us that while we were created in the image of our Father, we are now, also, heirs of God, charged with a greater responsibility to care for His Creation. It is our inheritance too. Matthew describes the obstacles to harvest, which limits the effectiveness of His word in our hearts. However, the seed is a mighty gift from God. See how yours has indeed grown, slowly perhaps, but grown nevertheless, developing into your harvest. Despite all my failures, what can I show to the Lord with pride and gratitude? |
SERVICES THIS WEEK
Tuesday Jul 18 09:30am 15th Week in Ordinary Time. (vol.2, p.194) (White)
Thursday Jul 20 0930 am 15th Week in Ordinary Time. (vol.2, p.198) (Green)
Saturday Jul 22 09:30 am St Mary Magdalene – Feast. (vol.2, p.1108) (White)
INCOME 16th July 2023
Gift Aid 130.00 Offertory SDS 132.00 Special – Sea Sunday 93.00
Next Sunday:
Mary’s Meals Annual Appeal Votives 56.00 Hall ouls 2.00
We remember all those who have died recently: Jane Johnston Jr, and all those whose anniversaries occur at this time, including Alec Cameron, Michael McEneny, Agnes Deighan
Eternal rest give unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.
The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network JULY 2023
For a Eucharistic Life:
We pray that Catholics place the celebration of the Eucharist at the heart of their lives, transforming human relationships in a very deep way and opening to an encounter with God and all their brothers and sisters.
“Although the life of a person is lived in a land full of thorns and weeds, there is always a space in which the good seed can grow. You just have to trust God..”
Pope Francis
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PARISH
THE SUNDAY CAFÉ
All are welcome to the Sunday Café after Mass which continues its great work. Donations. £1.00 for an adult, and 50p for a child enable support to charities.
RIGHT TO LIFE PRAYER 15th Sunday of Ord. Time:
“Let us pray for the ears to hear God’s call to help the vulnerable in our midst, including people with disabilities, people in hospital, those in nursing homes, the housebound, and the unborn. Lord hear us”.
2023 DIOCESAN MARRIAGE PREPARATION DAYS The next preparation day for those approaching matrimony will be held in the autumn on Saturday 16th September 2023. Its location is still to be determined.
SCIAF APPEALOVER DROUGHT IN ETHIOPIA
The Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund launched its emergency appeal for Ethiopia, stating, “Severe and desperate hunger across Ethiopia continues to worsen as the worst drought in recent history has led to severe food and water shortages.” At least 20 million people require food support. Bishop President, Bishop Brian McGee of Argyll and the Isles, was due to lead an online Prayer for Ethiopia on Friday 7 July. He had visited Ethiopia in February to express solidarity with partners coping with the very acute food crisis in the south and the consequences of the civil war which had raged in Tigray for more than two years.
MARY’S MEALS – DIRECT DEBITS TRIPLED FOR THREE MONTHS. Donate by 29th September 2023 by Direct Debit, and generous sponsors have agreed to triple the first three donations you make, thus feeding even more hungry children. Mary’s Meals began by feeding 200 hungry children in a school in Malawi in 2002. Two decades on, they serve a nutritious meal to 2,429, 182 children each, and every day. Prayers are requested, please, for God’s continued blessings on their work. https://www.marysmeals.org.uk/campaigns/direct-debits-tripled
THE LISTENING HEART IN THE EAST END?
A wee reminder that the Sisters of Charity have opened a Drop-In Centre, housed in a property opposite St Michael’s Parkhead, on the Gallowgate. Called ‘Listening Heart’. The Centre is open every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10:30am – 2:30pm. Please feel free to Step in and have a Cuppa and a Chat.
RCAG YOUTH: WALK WITH US TO LISBON
There is less than a month now till World Youth Day commences in Lisbon during the week starting 1st
August 2023. According to journalist Clara Raimundo, it promises to be a huge spiritual and physical event, with 313,000 from 151 countries having already completed the registration process, and 600,000 expected. While over 7,000 families have registered to welcome young pilgrims, nearly 500,000 overnight spaces have been identified and together with participating venues over 3m lunches and dinners are being provided. 700 bishops, 30 cardinals, 9,000+ priests, including 2,600 manning the 150 confessionals for use by pilgrims and mentors. Two tons of Portuguese, prime wheat have been donated for the production of Communion hosts in Lisbon itself.
Help pray for the success of this spiritual opportunity for the young Church. www.walkwithustolisbon.co.uk
SEA SUNDAY APPEAL.
Thanks to your generosity Stella Maris, the charity caring for seafarers, was sent the sum of £93.00 Thank you all. Please continue to remember them in your prayers. Late donations can be made by visiting www.stellamaris.org.uk/donate, or by texting ‘SEA’ to 70460 to donate £5.