News

Here is a link to this week’s newsletter:  4th Sunday of Lent (Year A) Newsletter Anything to share? Then write in the book in the porch or e-mail mcfarrell@btinternet.com or pm the Facebook page.  The deadline is 10.00am on Thursdays. Coronavirus restrictions UPDATE: • Please ensure that you pay attention to proper use of hand sanitisers, especially before using Holy Water. • Face masks remain optional. • Please respect the wishes of those who are continuing to be extra careful. Welcome! to all our new parishioners and visitors. Sacrament of Reconciliation: Thursday morning before Mass, also available on request, just ask. Sick and Housebound: Please let Deacon Graeme know if you are aware of anyone who would like to receive Holy Communion at home. Lenten Retreat: Sunday March 26th at 12pm (after teas) in St Thomas’ hall till 3:30. “An afternoon of prayer, meditation and reflection on the crucifixion”. Lunch will be provided. To register (for catering purposes) or ask any questions, please email 700321@live.stmarys.ac.uk. Daffodil Teas: You are invited to St Thomas Primary's Daffodil Tea on Thursday 30th March at St Thomas Church Hall. Performances are either 10.30 am or 1.45 pm. RSVP: Mrs Byrne 01542 882256. Both performances will include a variety of songs, instrumentalists and poetry from Primary 1 to 7. PVG updates: URGENT anyone carrying out a ministry within the church community who has had a PVG check done in the past should speak to Elizabeth Danby as soon as possible to arrange an update. Weekday Masses in Fochabers: during the colder months, Mass on Wednesday & Friday will be in the Children’s Liturgy Room, accessed via the side door. Lent: during Lent, Stations of the Cross will take the place of Adoration on Thursdays before Mass, Confession will be available after Mass on request. Station Masses etc: the traditional Lenten Station Masses in our Deanery will be as listed on the Dates for Diary page, and the Chrism Mass will be in St Peter’s, Buckie on Thursday 30th March at 6.00pm. Please note, there will not be Thursday morning Mass in St Thomas’s on 30th March due to these. Second Collections in March: 18th/19th SCIAF; 25th/26th Easter Flowers SCIAF Annual Lenten Appeal: The traditional SCIAF “Wee Box” campaign begins at the beginning of Lent. The 2023 appeal focuses on families in Kabwe, Zambia and the effect hunger has on their daily lives – and their futures. Lantern of the North: the next stop on this pilgrimage will be St Ninian’s, Tynet on Saturday 22nd April, with Mass at 12 noon. Prayer Group: on Zoom, Mondays 7pm. Contact Elizabeth Danby for the link. Collection Last week: £291 Maintenance Fund: £28 Pope’s prayer intention for March: For victims of abuse: We pray for those who have suffered harm from members of the Church; may they find within the Church herself a concrete response to their pain and suffering. PRAYER FOR THE SICK & HOUSEBOUND AND ALL THOSE IN NEED Father in Heaven; grant them comfort in their suffering. When they are afraid, give them courage, When afflicted, give them patience, When dejected, afford them hope, And when alone, assure them of the support of your holy people.  We ask this through Christ our Lord.  Amen.