Parish News

Clergy Appointments: On Thursday 14^th August, Bishop Keenan made clergy appointments. Fr Joe Burke and Fr Ryan Black will remain in St Mirin’s parish and will continue to provide pastoral care of Our Lady of Lourdes parish in Bishopton while the parish priest—Fr Dan Fitzpatrick—administers St Joseph’s parish in Clarkston. Fr Laurent Bahati will remain in St Mirin’s parish to assist Fr Joe and Fr Ryan. For the full list of appointments, visit https://www.rcdop.org.uk/news/clergy-appointments-2025. Please continue to pray for your priests.

Bishopton: Fr Dan Fitzpatrick continues his role as Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lourdes parish. Should you wish to contact him directly, please note that he retains access to the email inbox OurLadyofLourdes@rcdop.org.uk; he can also be reached by telephone on 0141 644 2640.

Prayers: Please pray for those who have died recently, including: Cathie Kelly, Jim Gaughan, Kathleen Wallace, John Callaghan, Margaret Hadden, Kathleen Mulloy, Frances Williamson, Sister Teresa White FCJ, Kenneth Patterson, and Hugh O’Sullivan; and for those whose anniversaries occur around now, including: John Joseph Lynch, Kenny Pollock, Joe Henry, Isobel Currie, Daniel Lafferty, Shaun McGonigle Ruddy, Brian Hessett, Patricia Cumming, Sophie Evangelista Walker, Ian McKay, Julia Duffy, Winifred McGhee, and Catherine Harkins. Please pray also for the sick, especially in our parishes.

Do This in Memory of Me: Today at our 9.30am and 11am Masses, we’ll be launching our parish catechesis program for the children of St Catherine’s, St James’s and St John Ogilvie primary schools who will be receiving their First Holy Communion within the next year. The children will receive a catechesis and a gift from the parish during the Mass. They will also celebrate their Rite of Commitment at these Masses. Please keep the children and their families in your prayers.

Cathedral 40 Hours: NEXT WEEK. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. We will celebrate our 40 Hours devotion again this year, beginning on Sunday 30^th November—the First Sunday of Advent—and ending with 7pm Mass on Wednesday 3^rd December. We need at least two names for every hourly slot. A sign-up sheet is available on the noticeboard at the side door next to Our Lady’s altar. Please be generous with your time to ensure that this important devotion can be celebrated. Alternatively, sign up here: https://www.rcdop.org.uk/40-hours-devotion.

Foodbank Appeal: In response to a general shortage of items for food parcels distributed from Cathedral House, St Mirin’s Parish Pastoral Council is making a monthly appeal for non-perishable foodstuffs (no alcohol). The food parcels are produced by SSVP Our Lady of the Wayside conferences out of St Mirin’s Hall. Please leave all contributions in the cathedral porch next to St John Ogilvie’s shrine and in St James’s hall before Monday 1^st December. Thank you for your support.

Hawkhead Cemetery Mass: TODAY. The annual Holy Mass in Hawkhead Cemetery will be celebrated at 2pm on Sunday 23^rd November. All are welcome to come and pray for the repose of the souls of those buried there. Requiescant in pace.

World Youth Day 2025: CANCELLED. The Celebration of World Youth Day scheduled for today, Sunday 23^rd November, has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. Email VE-Youth@rcdop.org.uk with any queries.

Cathedral Baptism: Please pray for Baby Nwakaibeya Chimezie who will be baptised in the cathedral today, Sunday 23^rd November, and for Baby Francesca Fisher who will be baptised in the cathedral on Saturday.

Bishopton PPC: The next Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Pastoral Council meeting will be held on Monday 24^th November at 7pm. If you have any suggestions or matters you wish to be discussed, please email OurLadyofLourdes@rcdop.org.uk.

SPUC Holy Hour: All are invited to join the SPUC Paisley Branch for a Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament, to pray for the unborn. It begins at 7pm on Tuesday 25^th November in St Mirin’s Cathedral.

St James’s: Please note that there will be no 9.30am Mass on Wednesday 26^th November in St James’s church because the priests will be on a retreat in Carfin with P7 pupils from St James’s PS. Please pray for the children.

Mass for Deceased Parishioners: The annual Mass for deceased parishioners of St Mirin’s parish will be celebrated at 7pm on Wednesday 26^th November in St Mirin’s Cathedral. We will pray for all deceased parishioners of our parish. The names of those whose Funeral Rites have been celebrated in St Mirin’s and St James’s in the past year will be read out. Please try to come along and pray for our beloved dead. Requiescant in pace. Please note that there will be no Confessions before this Mass on 26^th November.

Dedication of the Cathedral: This Thursday, 27^th November, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Dedication of St Mirin’s Cathedral. Holy Masses will be celebrated in the cathedral at 8am and 1pm. 1pm Mass will be preceded by adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, from 12 noon.

Bishopton Funeral: A Requiem Mass will be celebrated in Our Lady of Lourdes church at 10am on Thursday 27^th November for the happy repose of the soul of Cathie Kelly, whose mortal remains will be received into the church immediately before Mass. Requiescat in pace.

Guarding Lives Meeting Against the Holyrood Assisted Dying Bill:  Prof. David Galloway, Linwood Gospel Hall, 32 Bridge Street, Paisley, PA3 3DR, Thursday 27^th November at 7.30pm – 8.45pm. Liam McArthur MSP’s assisted suicide Bill only narrowly passed its Stage 1 vote in May. Just eight MSPs need to change their minds to defeat it. This dangerous Bill can be stopped, but we need your help. We have identified key MSPs who may be open to changing their vote 3 and we urge you to come to this meeting.

St Mirin’s Men’s Group: A men’s group in the parish will meet weekly at 7am on Friday mornings in the diocesan office, for faith and fraternity, finishing for 8am. Coffee, prayer and time to reflect. All men aged 18+ are welcome. Email Fr Ryan for details: ryan.black@rcdop.org.uk.

St Andrew’s Academy: The annual Feast Day Mass with the entire school community will be celebrated in the cathedral at 10.30am on Friday 28^th November.

Cathedral Wedding: Please pray for Fabio and Marina who will be wed on Friday afternoon in the cathedral. Please note that there will be no adoration or 1pm Mass on Friday 28^th November.

P4-P7 Advent Retreat Day: NEXT SUNDAY. The diocesan Youth Commission invites children in P4-P7 to an Advent Retreat Day on Sunday 30^th November from 1.45pm-5pm. The theme is “Our Friends, the Saints: The Saints of Scotland.” The Retreat takes place in St James’s church and halls on Greenock Road, Paisley. It will include Holy Mass. A light dinner will be provided. Registration is necessary: www.tinyurl.com/dpy-primary-advent25. Email Fr Ryan for more info: VE-Youth@rcdop.org.uk.

Bishopton Christian Aid: Bishopton Christian Aid is again organising the hand-delivery of Christmas cards throughout Bishopton and Erskine for a minimum donation of 40p for each card. Cards will be specially stamped. We request that cards and donations be put into a bag and placed in our Collection Boxes which are located in a number of Shops, Hairdressers and The Cornerstone.  Cards can also be posted in church after Mass from Sunday 7^th December until Morning Mass on Sunday 14^th December. Please help make it Christmas in the Developing World.

Pre-Christmas Concert: St Mirin’s Cathedral Choir will be joined by musicians from the BBC Symphony Orchestra for a pre-Christmas concert in the cathedral on Saturday 6^th December at 7pm. All are welcome to attend this special evening with entry by donation for Mary’s Meals.

SMFC: We have tickets for sale for each of the following fixtures at the SMiSA Stadium: Dundee Utd (6^th Dec); Livingston (20^th Dec); Kilmarnock (27^th Dec). Reduced price of £20 for adults and £10 for children. Contact Fr Joe or Fr Ryan to book.

Time for Buble: In association with F3 Entertainments, we are pleased to welcome It’s Time for Buble, a Michael Buble Tribute Act, to the Cathedral Hall on Sunday 7^th December. 3-7pm. Fizz on arrival; £15 per ticket. Book your tickets now! Email stmirinscathedral@rcdop.org.uk or call Cathedral House on 0141 889 2404.

Senior Citizens’ Christmas: Senior citizens are invited to the St Mirin’s parish Christmas Party on Saturday 13^th December, from 1-5pm. Limited to 100 spaces for catering purposes. First-come, first served. Someone will be taking names in the porch after Masses this weekend. Alternatively, contact David Conway to book: 07960537905. Notify him of any dietary requirements.

Christmas Quiz Night: Congratulations to this month’s winners, The Mighty Ducks. The Christmas Quiz Night will take place from 7pm until 10pm on Friday 19^th December. Christmas jumpers optional! Entry costs £2 per adult and £1 per child. Bring your own drinks and snacks. A maximum of 8 per team. Raffle prizes will be gratefully received. All are welcome.

Scouts Centenary: This year, the Scouts are celebrating 100 years of Scouting at St Mirin’s! To honour this occasion, they’ve set up an exhibition of memorabilia and photographs in the parish hall (ground floor). All are welcome to explore their rich history. They’re also launching Squirrels, a new section for children aged 4-6, joining their vibrant programme of weekly activities and exciting outings. This year includes trips to the coast, a day at the farm park, an overnight at the Science Centre, and a festive visit to the Paisley Panto. New members and volunteer leaders are warmly invited to join them. For more info, go along on a Tuesday at 7pm or email stmirinscubs@gmail.com.

Cathedral Crafts: Interested in joining the Cathedral Crafts group? They meet every Thursday afternoon, after 1pm Mass. All are welcome to drop in for a chat and cuppa. Crafts new and old including knitting, crochet, embroidery, card making, hand sewing, machine sewing, water colours painting, patchwork, etc. For more info, pat_murdoch@hotmail.com or drop in any Thursday.

Vocations: Come and pray before the Blessed Sacrament for vocations to the priesthood. In St Mirin’s, on Fridays, from 12 noon until 1pm; in Bishopton, on Mondays and Fridays, from 9.25am until 10am.

Beaver Scouts: There are now spaces available for some more girls and boys (aged 6-7) to join the St Mirin’s Beaver Scouts on Tuesdays from 7-8pm in the cathedral halls. Beavers believe that fun, friendship and adventure are what matter most. If you enjoy being creative, playing games, going on visits and discovering the world around you then you will love what we do. Young people aged 7 ½ can join the Cubs. Come along on a Tuesday or email stmirinscubs@gmail.com for more info.

Card Readers: Two new card readers have been installed in the cathedral. You can now donate to St Mirin’s parish with the tap of a bank card or phone! These donations can be Gift Aided for those who pay tax. One card reader can be found in the porch; the other, at the side door leading to the car park. Thank you for your support.

OLOL Exposition: All are invited to pray for vocations to the priesthood in the Diocese of Paisley before the Blessed Sacrament exposed in OLOL church on Monday and Friday mornings.

Bulletin: Notices and names for the bulletin should be submitted no later than Thursday each week. Parishioners in Bishopton can continue to pop names and offerings through the letterbox at the Chapel House, or they can give them to Fr Joe or Fr Ryan after Masses.

Contact: Should anyone from either parish wish to speak to a priest, please contact Cathedral House (details above).

Sick List: Given the complications associated with Data Protection regulations—and the length of sick lists in both parishes—we do not publish the names of the sick in the bulletin. The practice in Our Lady of Lourdes of presenting the Sick List during the Offertory Procession will continue. Please keep all sick and housebound parishioners in your prayers.

Supporting the Parish: The best way to make recurring weekly or monthly donations is by setting up a standing order; you can set this up with your online banking or by calling in at a branch of your bank with the Parish bank details (from Fr Joe/Fr Ryan). Alternatively, parishioners can use PayaCharity (for single and repeat donations) but please note that PayaCharity receives 5% commission from all contributions. Following recent changes to the PayaCharity scheme, the new QR code you can scan to support the parish can be found at the top of the bulletin. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Cathedral Choir: If you are interested in joining the choir and meeting new people, speak with Pat Murdoch after 11am Mass or email pat_murdoch@hotmail.com.

Cathedral Crafts: Interested in joining the Cathedral Crafts group? They meet every Thursday afternoon. New members always welcome. Email pat_murdoch@hotmail.com.

Sacred Silence: At recent Parish Council meetings, the level of noise in the cathedral before and after Holy Mass has been discussed. It is worthwhile to reflect upon what the Church says about the importance of sacred silence, in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal: “It is commendable that silence to be observed in the church, in the sacristy, in the vesting room, and in adjacent areas, so that all may dispose themselves to carry out the sacred action in a devout and fitting manner.” We should all try to enter into a sacred silence in preparation for—and in thanksgiving after—Holy Mass.

Holy Communion at Home: In such a large parish, it is only natural that the list of housebound parishioners should be so long. With the recent growth of the cathedral parish, this list will no doubt grow. Fr Joe and Fr Ryan are appealing for parishioners who are interested in bringing Holy Communion to the housebound. If you are interested, please email or speak with Fr Joe or Fr Ryan. All who bring Holy Communion to people’s homes must be PVG-checked by the Church.

Standing Orders: The bank accounts of St James’s parish have now been closed. Any Standing Orders that were paying into those accounts will have been cancelled, and new Standing Orders will have to be set up. This gives us an opportunity to remind all parishioners that Standing Orders are a secure and reliable way to support your parish. Standing Order and Gift Aid forms will be available after all Masses this weekend. Thank you for your continued support.

Gift Aid: If you pay tax and you haven’t already signed a Gift Aid declaration for the parish, please do so. All your contributions will be augmented by 25% at no cost to you. In the year 2022-2023, the Gift Aid on contributions to the cathedral parish amounted to £18,000+.

Parish Register: We have established a register of parishioners with contact details, enabling us to email bulletins and other important information from the parishes. To register, please visit the website. We would appreciate it if as many people as possible would register.

Receiving Holy Communion: Receiving the Eucharist is the greatest gift imaginable. Before receiving Christ in the Blessed Sacrament, we are asked to make an act of reverence. After the priest, deacon or extraordinary minister of Holy Communion says, “The Body of Christ,” each communicant responds, “Amen,” before receiving the Sacred Host. This response is a sign of our belief in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Please consume the Host in front of the priest, deacon or extraordinary minister. If you are receiving the Host in your hand, please be careful to ensure that no particles remain on your hands.

Diocesan and Other News

Safeguarding Thought for the Month: It is our shared responsibility to protect children and vulnerable adults from harm (Nov 2025).

Advent Quiet Morning: All are welcome to attend a Quiet Morning for Advent: Seeking Hope, Love, Joy and Peace, at St James’s in Renfrew on Saturday 29^th November, beginning with Holy Mass at 10am, and continuing in the hall until 1pm. 

St Nicholas is Coming to Town: The Diocesan Marriage, Family & Life Commission and Catholic Mothers (Barrhead) invite families to celebrate the feast day of St Nicholas on Saturday 6^th December in St John’s hall, Barrhead, from 3-4.30pm. Crafts & activities for children; talk for parents; teas, coffees and cakes for everyone; and a special guest! No fees but donations appreciated. Please register by 1^st December at: www.rcdop.org.uk/st-nicholas-celebration.

Explore Paris with Diocese of Paisley Youth: S4-S6 pupils are invited to join us in Paris in Autumn 2026 for a pilgrimage filled with faith and friendship. Opportunities for Holy Mass, prayer, time for retreat, catechesis, sightseeing and much more (including a trip to Disneyland!). Register your interest at: www.tinyurl.com/dpy-paris. For more info, email kerry.miller@rcdop.org.uk.

Grief to Grace: A healing retreat for victims of abuse will take place in Perth from 7^th – 12^th February 2026. Grief to Grace is a specialised 5-day programme of spiritual and psychological healing for anyone who has suffered from sexual, physical, or emotional abuse or neglect in childhood, adolescence or adulthood, including those abused by a religious or member of the clergy.  If you are interested in this confidential healing retreat, please contact Grief to Grace (Scotland) at margaret.clarke@grieftograceuk.org.

Bible Study: Join Fr Matthew for Bible Study in St Aidan’s, Johnstone on Mondays at 7pm in the parish house. Using a course called “Genesis to Jesus,” we will learn about the story of God’s covenant with His People, especially in the Old Testament. Please bring a Bible if you have one, but don’t worry if you don’t!

Diocesan e-Bulletin: This weekend, the diocesan Communications Commission is launching the Diocese of Paisley e-Bulletin. The bulletin does not replace individual parish bulletins but adds to them by allowing news and events from across the diocese to be shared with the wider diocesan community. In order to receive the e-Bulletin each week by email, please subscribe at rcdop.org.uk/diocesan-bulletin.

Think Vocation: If you feel a stirring in your heart for a more profound commitment to the Church, consider a vocation to the priesthood. It is a path of service, love, and profound joy. For more info, contact our diocesan Vocations Director, Fr Eoin Patten: vocations@rcdop.org.uk.

Podcast: The Diocese of Paisley Podcast is celebrating its first anniversary, with over 5,000 downloads in 40 countries and more than 25 episodes featuring voices from across our Diocese. Now we’ve been nominated again for an award! Listen at rcdop.org.uk/podcast or on major platforms.

Mailing List: The diocesan Youth Office seeks to provide opportunities for children and young people from the ages of 5-35 to foster faith and develop friendships. Parents/guardians and young people can complete an online form to sign up to a mailing list and stay informed about events for young people in the Diocese of Paisley. Access the form here: www.tinyurl.com/dpy-mailing.