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As a parish we will strive to be welcoming and open to all, fostering a sense of community and belonging, both in our spiritual and in our social lives. By encouraging each other to contribute our gifts to the Glory of God, we hope to become a truly committed and proactive Catholic parish, creating a climate where parishioners feel a true sense of spiritual ownership; a real family, one in which all of us as individuals can bear confident Christian witness in the complex situations we face in our modern world today.
• We welcome all members of our parish family, especially those who only occasionally join us to reflect upon and deepen their faith.
• We welcome those who have renewed their contact with us after baptism, confirmation/first communion, marriage or bereavement.
• We welcome visiting Catholics from our deanery and further afield
• We welcome our fellow Christians in Falkirk and look forward to sharing our faith.
• We welcome those from other faith communities and look forward to sharing understanding of each other.
• We welcome the curious about faith and who would like to know more
This year the Welcome programme invites everyone in the parish to participate in a series of events designed to challenge and help us all reflect and deepen our faith.
Some of the events involve a short service in the Church. Others take the form of discussion or question and answer sessions.
Most events occur during Lent and will form part of our preparation for Easter.
All members of the parish are encouraged to participate as fully as they are able.
Some of the events also will focus on particular groups to participate such as our fellow Christians in Falkirk during a special Stations of the Cross or young families in the Blessing of Babies and Toddlers.
Various groups within the parish will be organising the meetings along with the clergy.
All those groups are looking for others to join them; if you would like to know more or contribute in some way, speak to one of the priests or contact the church house.
Events for Lent
1. Wednesday 8 March at 7.30 p.m. “When did I see you a stranger and welcome you?” is the theme of a talk by Fr. Chris Boles S.J.
A meeting in the hall to learn more about the social teaching of the church and how we can work for peace and justice from our own community.
2. Introducing Adoration and Benediction
Over the days 10 –12 March 2006 there will be the Quarant’Ore, a formal period of Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. During this time there will be the following special short devotional services
Friday 10 March 7pm - an introduction for children and for those preparing or recently received confirmation and first communion. Sunday 12 March 6pm Benediction with a commentary for those unfamiliar with the service.
3. Blessing of Babies, Toddlers and Pre-schoolers Sunday 19 March 3pm
A short service, especially for families with young children, with a special blessing and gift.
Refreshments in the hall afterwards.
4. Healing and wholeness Monday 20 March 7.30pm
Prayer for healing in mind, body and spirit. An opportunity to experience the healing love of Christ.
5. Loved and Lost Monday 27 March 7.30pm
Prayer for our loved ones who have died. A service of comfort and remembrance.
6. Service of reconciliation Thursday 6 April 7.30pm
An opportunity to experience God’s forgiveness and prepare for the great celebration of Easter with the sacrament of Penance (Confession)
7. Stations of the Cross Monday 10 April 7.30pm
A traditional service around the church with participation of the wider Christian community in Falkirk and with special explanations for everyone taking part.
Easter Celebrations The Easter Triduum contains the following special services:
Thursday 13 April at 7.30pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper We reflect in a particular way on the events which occurred the night before Jesus
died on the cross. This Mass contains the washing of feet and ends with the procession of the Blessed Sacrament to the Altar of Repose – he church is open for prayer until after the office of Compline (Night Prayer) at 11.45pm.
Friday 14 April Solemn Liturgy of the Passion at 3pm – after the liturgy of the Word in which the passion story is recounted, we pray for the needs of the whole world – we then venerate the special Good Friday cross, and finally there is an opportunity to receive the Lord in Holy Communion.
Saturday 15 April at 9pm Easter Vigil Mass – the high-point of the Church’s year. The Easter candle is lit from the Easter fire outside the church, we read from the Scriptures about God’s great saving acts, we celebrate the sacrament of baptism with some older children and adults and receive some others into full communion with the Catholic Church with the sacrament of Confirmation. The newly baptised and confirmed make their first communion along with the rest of the community gathered for this first Mass of Easter.
Other events throughout the year
1. Parish Outings – these are always popular and enjoyable. Everyone is welcome! Venues and dates are published in the newsletter, on notice-boards and announced at Sunday Masses.
2. What is the point of religious life? Saturday 6 May 3pm in Carmel
Many might think this but not ask it! A special opportunity to spend time with the sisters in Carmelite Convent in Arnothill, to reflect and understand the contemplative life a bit more. (For reasons of space, you must book on the sheet in the porch of the church – if oversubscribed, this event will be repeated on another date.)
3. Celebrating Life – A service remembering in a special way, babies lost before birth. Sunday 11 June 3pm
We treasure life from conception to death. A service to remember those souls lost prior to their birth and their families.
6. Celebrating Marriage at all Sunday Masses on 26/27 August
Sometimes it’s easy to forget that marriage is a sacrament. A special emphasis on marriage at the normal Sunday masses, synchronising with the readings.
7. Guided tour of the church. Saturday 23 September at 12 noon and 2 and 4 p.m.
Our church is rich with symbolism and meaning. Today their will be special tours of the Church – expect to discover something new.
8. Your questions answered. Wednesday 18th October 7.30pm
Any question you have about the church or its teaching to a panel of priests and lay Catholics. No holds barred and no question out of bounds. There will be an opportunity to place anonymous questions in advance
9. All Souls Day Mass Thursday 2nd November 7.30pm
A traditional time to remember loved ones who have died, especially those who have died over the last year.
10. Islam has nothing to do with us! Wednesday 22nd November 7.30pm
A challenge to our prejudices. Pope John Paul II reached out to other faiths in a spirit of understanding
If you want to know or contribute more………
For those interested in becoming Catholic or want to know more about the Catholic faith…...
For those interested in joining the youth group, the choir, music group . . .
For those interested in reading at Mass . . ..
For those interested in ecumenical activities or finding out about justice & peace issues……
To find out about these or any of our many parish activities and groups, please do not hesitate to contact, in the first instance one of the clergy or the parish secretary and we will put you in touch with the appropriate person.
You will be made very welcome!
Monsignor Philip J. Kerr (parish priest)
Fr. Kevin Murray (assistant priest)
Fr. Bill McGeady (resident in Slamannan
Tel. 851842)
Mrs Jane-Marie McGuckin (parish secretary)
Tel 01324 623567
Fax 01324 617145
e-mail: stfxfalkirk@aol.com
www.stfx.info
ST FRANCIS XAVIER’S CHURCH
1 Hope Street, Falkirk FK1 5AT
Tel. 01324 623567
