Dear Parishioners,

I am writing a word of encouragement to you, during this time of uncertainty. I can only imagine that many of you, and your loved ones, are experiencing fear and anxiety at this time.  There is so much uncertainty, and confusion.   I am sure some of you are feeling the loss of things that we so often have taken for granted, such as visiting family, sporting events, social gatherings and even travelling abroad.

Added to this now, is the loss of being able to come together as a community of believers to celebrate the Eucharist on a Sunday and weekdays as of the 19th of March, the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary.  We turn to his intercession and that of the Blessed Virgin, as we pray for ourselves and all those who are suffering because of COVID-19.  These are preventative measure offered to us by the Bishops’ of Scotland on advice from the Scottish Government and health professionals.  I know that they have issued their Pastoral Letter  (reproduced below) with a heavy heart.  Please pray for our Bishop John and all the Bishops’ of Scotland.

At this unprecedented time, we can feel at a loss as to how we, as followers of Jesus, should react.

I would like to offer you three concrete responses that we can engage in proactively:

1. Pray: This may sound trite, but fear turns us inwards. We need to fight the urge to merely self-protect and go before God for all who are sick, dying, and all who are caring for them. Let’s renew our confidence in the power of prayer!

2. Protect: By this I mean that we should be attentive to guard the health of the most vulnerable in our community, including those who are 60 years or older - a significant portion of our parish. Social distancing through limited physical contact and self-quarantining, as needed, can be a gesture of love at this time.

3. Pursue: We remain parishes that are on mission! This is an opportunity for us to turn our gaze outwards. Please think of creative ways to support one another, especially those most isolated and lonely, through phone calls, video chats, etc.
 
I would be very keen to have our churches open for you to come and pray privately.  Therefore, beginning on Monday 23 March, between the hours of 12 midday until 6pm, both churches will be open.  I will be available for confessions on Friday mornings between 10am and 11am in St. John Bosco's and again on Saturday morning between 10am and 11am in St. Bernadette’s.  Please also contact me if you require the Sacrament of the Sick.

I am currently working to set up the capability for Livestreaming Mass and we will offer other Spiritual events on-line.  Please keep checking our website Catholicerskine.website, Facebook and Twitter account where we will keep you up to date.

It is a great sadness for me personally, that I will not be able to celebrate the Eucharist with you, but please be assured that I will celebrate Mass privately each day and you will all be in my heart and my prayers.
 
Every blessing in Christ
 
 
Fr. David Boyd
Parish Priest