Archdiocese of Glasgow
Southern Deanery Newsletter – Issue No. 4 Lent 2025
Dear Friends in Christ,
As we enter the holy season of Lent, we are invited to journey with Christ through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. This sacred time calls us to renewal, repentance, and a deeper relationship with God. During this Jubilee Year, and in these times of global turmoil we are especially conscious of our calling to evangelisation.
This should not be a season for misery and sadness but a time when we set out on our pilgrimage towards the Resurrection and the knowledge of or our faith taking us on a journey of HOPE.
A Time for Prayer
You are encouraged to make space during the days of Lent for reflection and even moments of silence in this busy world, opening your hearts to God’s voice…. Listen quietly…!
There will be parish Lenten acivities, Stations of the Cross, and additional opportunities for confession available throughout the deanery. Please check with your parish for details.
Charity, Almsgiving, and Fasting
Lent is a time to serve others. We encourage participation in parish charitable initiatives, supporting local food banks, and aiding those struggling in our communities.
Fasting reminds us of our dependence on God and our solidarity with those in need. Consider simple acts of sacrifice—reducing distractions, giving up luxuries, or dedicating time to spiritual reading.
Don’t see it as a time of creating misery, but a time when we think of those in need. In families we might want to learn from younger members who often have an instinct to help those in need.
Deanery News
It was reported at the Deanery Council that discussions on future mergers of parishes would be taking place. It would be advantageous to produce a set of general principles which could guide all mergers and developing relationships Each of these needed to be considered individually since the issues were different in each case.
The Deanery Council emphasised the importance of Evangelisation. A sub-committee on evangelisation has been established. The initial discussions centred on why people decided not to attend Mass. It was concluded that there were many reasons, structural, personal and social, etc. The group had considered the formation of communities of practice to be significant. It was also noted that the ecumenical work with other denominations could and should be encouraged and enhanced. The work of the group was applauded and urged to continue its work and report to the next meeting of the Council. This work would lie at the heart of setting work plan for the coming year.
Personnel Changes
During this time since our last Newsletter there have been some changes in parishes of the Deanery. Among them are
Fr Peter Gallagher has retired from Christ the King parish, and Fr Tom Kilbride (recently Rector in Scots College, Salamanca) has taken over duties in Christ The King.
Fr John Carroll, St Mary Immaculate, Pollokshaws has been appointed Rector Scots College, Salamanca, and his place is taken by Fr Anthony Ejikeme
Some Lent Parish Activities
St Margaret Mary’s
Lenten Devotions on on Friday evenings at 7pm. These (mostly Stations of the Cross- themed) will be lay-led. Ecumenical News New Minister for Castlemilk and Carmunock Parish Churches Induction of Rev David McKee on Tuesday 6 March. Both Castlemilk RC Parishes plan to be represented with Fr Sullivan: Thursday 6 March. Jesus prayed: “May they all be one.” World Day of Prayer at Castlemilk Community Church (150 Ardencraig Road) on Friday 7 March at 2pm
St Bartholomew’s
Lenten Devotions on Thursday evenings at 7pm Rosary Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 9.10am, Weekday Mass Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 9:30am, Stations of the Cross Thursday, St Bartholomew’s, 7pm
Our Lady of Lourdes
New Mass Times. From 8th / 9th March, the new time for the Vigil will be 5pm. Confessions - 4.15pm until 4.45pm. The new time for Sunday evening Mass will be 5pm. Our Lady of Lourdes church is open daily now until 5pm.
St James the Great
Mass at St James’ on Saturday mornings at 10am (Confessions 09:30-11am and Stations of the Cross 09:45am)
St Conval’s
Stations of the Cross Friday evenings 6pm St Conval’s
Deanery South Youth Group 7-9 Fridays
Alpha Catholic Youth 6:30-8:30 Mondays
Day of Prayer Saturday 22/3/25 Mass 5pm, prayer, talk, Confession, closing prayer 7:30pm
Walk of Witness procession with Syro-Malabar - Good Friday 12:30pm-1pm
May this Lent be a season of grace for you and your families. Let us walk together in faith, united in Christ’s love
In Christ, Fr Martin Kane and Bart McGettrick On behalf of Deanery South Council
St Robert’s and St Bernard’s:
Stations of the Cross: Each Wednesday during Lent at 7pm in St Robert’s Church and on Fridays at 6pm in St Bernard’s Church.
Lent Masses: Sunday Mass St Robert’s: Vigil (Saturday) 4pm; Sunday 10am.
Confessions: Saturday morning 10.30am—11am. Saturday evening 3.20pm-3.50pm (before Vigil Mass) and on request.
Sunday Mass St Bernard’s: 11.30am.
Confessions: Every 1st Sunday of the Month after Mass and on request.
Weekday Mass St Robert’s: Mon -Wed, Fri and 1st Saturday of the Month 10am.
There will be Mass at 8.30am every Tuesday in St Bernard’s Primary School during Lent. Lenten Prayer Group: Meets at 5.30pm in St Bernard’s Church on Thursdays. St Robert’s Monday – Friday: 9am-9.50am Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Rosary: 9.30am. Novena Prayers to Perpetual Succour: Thursday after the Rosary. Chaplet of Divine Mercy: Friday after 10am Mass.
AGAP Theatre is presenting the Margaret Sinclair Story in St Bernard’s Church on Thursday the 20th March at 7:30pm. Tickets Available from both Parishes.
Day of Prayer: 6th April in St Bernard’s Church: from 10:00- 4pm approx.