St Joseph’s Church

Cowdenbeath Road,  Burntisland,  Fife KY3 0LJ

 

Parish Priest: Canon James G Tracey            Tel:  01592 872207 

  

e-mail: priest.stjosephsburntisland@staned.org.uk         www.stjosephsburntisland.co.uk

 

 

Bulletin – Friday 24^th September 2021

 

 

Please note there is no 10.00am Mass on Saturday

 

Attendance at Mass

You do not have to book for Mass, but it would be extremely helpful if you could register your attendance at Saturday Vigil/Sunday morning Mass at  St Joseph's Church Burntisland Events | Eventbrite This will help with Test and Protect. If you cannot register online, please  write your details (name/telephone number) on a piece of paper and place it in the box provided or give it to the Passkeepers (not necessary on weekdays).

 

Message from Re-Act Refugee Action Scotland

“All of us at Re-Act wish to send our very grateful thanks for your very generous support of our “Afghan Crisis Appeal.”  All your donations are sorted and packed and will be distributed to the families over the next few weeks. We have already distributed our “Welcome rucksacks” which are packed with an assortment of age/gender essential and recreational items. These have been received with great appreciation. Thank you for monetary donations. These will go a long way towards buying new nightwear for the adults and children. The donation of new underwear and socks is also very much appreciated. With very many thanks again to everyone for your support.”

 

Safeguarding Webinar
The Bishops of Scotland invite clergy, religious, church employees and volunteers across Scotland to a national safeguarding webinar at 11am on Saturday 2 October. It will be a chance to find out more about the safeguarding document In Gods Image v2 and reflect upon on its implications for your safeguarding role. The link to register is: bit.ly/3gQRdPu

Dementia: Hope on a Difficult Journey
An event for those supporting friends or family with dementia will be held at the Gillis Centre, Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, from 2-4pm on Saturday 6 November. A talk will be led by Dr Adrian Treloar, and there will be a chance to share experiences before a time of prayer in St Margaret’s Chapel, onsite. Light refreshments will be served.. The event is organised by the Archdiocesan Marriage & Families Commission. To register please visit bit.ly/DementiaEvent2021

Reflection for the 26^th Sunday of the Year   (Jane Mellett)

In the second reading from St James today we hear of a condemnation of the rich who exploit the weak. This theme carries on into the Gospel where Jesus has harsh words for anyone who would try to bring down 'the little ones'. It is a lesson in tolerance and a call to care for the weak and vulnerable. 
    During this Season of Creation we are reflecting on the call to Restore Our Common Home and care more deeply for God's creation, to live out our vocation to be protectors of God's handiwork. This means being aware of the facts of the crisis so that we can discern where we are being called to act. Scientists tell us that we are now living through the 6th mass extinction of life on our planet because of the catastrophic destruction of biodiversity due to human activity. We have plundered the earth. We are also aware that our world faces a devastating climate crisis. This Autumn, two vital UN conferences are due to take place, the UN Conference on Biodiversity (known as COP15, in China) and the UN conference on Climate Change (COP26 in Glasgow). Catholics all over the world have been invited to sign a petition addressed to the Presidents of these conferences, to raise our voices for God's Creation and encourage world leaders to take the necessary action. The petition is called 'Healthy Planet, Healthy People' and has been endorsed by the Vatican as the main action for Catholics to take during this Season of Creation. It is something we can all easily do by going to www.thecatholicpetition.org and inviting our families and friends to do the same. Parishes, dioceses, universities, businesses, congregations can also sign. By taking part in this way, we are standing in solidarity with young people, with the poor who suffer the most from environmental destruction and with creation. 
    Let us always be conscious of our responsibility to be carers of creation, to connect more deeply with the wonderous world around us, to take action against all that threatens our common home. 

 

(A message from Tríona Doherty and Jane Mellett: This is the final instalment of our column.  If you have enjoyed our reflections, we are delighted to say that our new book is now available through Messenger Publications: The Deep End: A Journey with the Sunday Gospels in the Year of Luke www.messenger.ie.)

 

Children’s Liturgy online:  Resources are available on the Archdiocesan Facebook page and also  https://www.facebook.com/ChildrensLiturgy-during-lockdown-101967264838340/

 

Intercessions for daily prayer:

For the Church: that we may welcome the gift of the Spirit and be transformed by the Spirit’s work in us so that God’s mercy, compassion, and presence may be manifest to our world

For the grace of discipleship: that we may never prefer anything, even our most treasured possessions, to our relationship with Christ

For freedom of spirit: that God will break the chains of jealousy and greed that work to claim our hearts and hold our society in bondage

For a renewed sense of mission: that we may each use our unique gifts and opportunities to share God’s love through words, deeds of healing, hospitality welcome, or cups of water

For all who exercise leadership in the Church: that the Spirit will give them clear insight into the wounds and weaknesses in the hearts of believers so that they may find new ways to connect with God

For openness to the Spirit: that we may welcome all whom God calls to serve the community of faith in ministry and listen for the Spirit’s promptings about new forms and styles of service needed to meet the hungers of human hearts

For all young people: that God’s Spirit will fill them with wisdom and understanding so that they may correctly perceive the values of life and not be seduced by wealth, fame, or power

For all whose faith is weak: that the Spirit will draw them closer to God and protect them from being scandalized by the human failures within and conflicts between communities of faith

For all who have been cheated or defrauded of their income: that God will overturn the injustice and provide for their needs

For a new understanding of money: that God will help us to recognize money as a means to fulfill our responsibilities rather than an end in itself

For all children, particularly those who lack food, homes, or healthcare: that God will guide us in providing for these little ones

For strength: that God will renew and give strength to all who are serving others by caring for the sick or distributing relief supplies

For refugees and immigrants: that God will give them courage as they seek lives free of violence and intimidation, and that they may find a welcome in their new communities

For the sick: that God will renew the gift of life within them and restore them to activity and health

 

Stay safe and well. God bless you. Fr James