National Pilgrimage to Carfin in honour of St Margaret, Sunday 5^th September. Concelebrated Mass will start at 3pm.

Scottish Bible Society: Thank you for your generosity last week - £785 was collected.

Canon Downey Golf Event: Thanks to all who organised this event and to those who donated monies and prizes. Thanks to Kilsyth Golf Club for their hospitality and especially to the Captain for his generosity.  113 competitors set out in windy but dry conditions. Asked how Andrew was playing a few stated ‘he couldnae win a raffle’, but Andrew confounded the sceptics by winning a prize in the raffle. Thanks to all who took part in the competition - we hope it was an enjoyable day.  Result: Seniors -  1^st and Cup winner: George Reynolds, Kilsyth St. Pats;   2^nd Hugh Blackwood, Kilsyth; 3^rd Thomas Morrison, Kilsyth St Pats;  4^th Billy Bingham, Kilsyth St Pats;  5^th Curtis Egan,  Kilsyth St Pats.  Juniors -  1^st Grant White;   2^nd  Michael Waters Jr;    3^rd  Daniel Comrie Jr. In addition to the money raised for the hall fund, a donation of £232 was forwarded to Strathcarron Hospice through the golf club as part of a joint donation from a local firm.  Total raised for hall fund £1562.

Holy Hour in Preparation for the Pope’s Visit: Sunday 12^th September, 5pm. Please note change of time because of Doors Open Day.

Cardinal O’Brien’s Silver Jubilee Mass of Thanksgiving: Wednesday 8^th September, 7pm. For those who have indicated that they wish to attend, the mini-bus will leave from Low Craigends at 5pm.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament before Mass each weekday 8.45am-9.45am.

Women’s Guild: The first meeting of the new session will take place on Tuesday 7^th September at 8pm in Welfare Community Hall. Current and new members will be most welcome.

Last week’s collection: £1074. Thank you.

Parish Draw on Monday evening. Group B on duty.

Lanarkshire Doors Open Day: The Church will be open next Sunday from 9am-5pm.

Croy Historical Society – Local History Exhibition: “One Decade On” Croy Miners’ Welfare and Community Centre Sports Hall, 12^th-18^th September, 12.30 to 8.30pm. See poster for details of evening talks at 7.30pm 12^th-17^th September.

St Maurice’s School Reunion: Condorrat Social Club, Saturday 11^th September 2010, 7.30pm-1am. Did you, family or friends leave St Maurice’s between 1985-1989? Then this night’s for you! Tickets £5. Contact Gary Dempsey 07709 162623 or Jackie Brown 07977 277274 or contact us both on Facebook.

Important Details for Papal Mass

1. Music Preparation this Sunday evening  (5^th September) 7pm, St Lucy’s, Cumbernauld. All welcome.

2. As you will know, everyone attending the Papal Mass at Bellahouston will be issued with a Pilgrim Pack and a Pilgrim Pass.  For security reasons these will not be issued until the day of the Mass itself. The cost to the parish is £20 per pack. Those who are going are asked to contribute what they can toward this cost, with any shortfall being met from parish funds. Donations can be handed in to the Parish House or at Masses next Sunday. Please put donations in an envelope marked Papal Visit.

3. Photo identification will not be required as a condition of entry to the Park, but it is strongly recommended that pilgrims bring photo ID in case it is required in an emergency situation, for example, you become unwell.

4. As soon as I have details of transport arrangements I will let you know. Updates will be posted on the Parish Website.