stmarymagdalenes.co.uk

Liturgy & Sacraments

Liturgical life and the celebration of the Sacraments are the heart of our community, nourishing and sustaining us as we walk together in faith

Close-up of two grooms holding hands with wedding rings and bouquet, symbolizing love and commitment.

Marriage

Couples intending to marry in the parish are required to give a minimum of six months’ notice and to participate in a marriage preparation course.
The process begins with registration with Fr Jock, followed by a course conducted by an experienced marriage counsellor. Subsequently, the couple will continue their preparation with the priest who’s marrying them, completing the pre-nuptial enquiry forms and planning the details of the wedding liturgy.
A rehearsal will be arranged in the days immediately preceding the wedding to ensure that all aspects of the ceremony are properly prepared.
 
For enquiries, please call 669 5447

Anointing of the Sick

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is a beautiful and healing gift of the Church. It is offered to strengthen and comfort those who are ill, preparing them spiritually and bringing peace. While traditionally associated with those nearing the end of life, this sacrament can now very much be received at any time of serious illness or before surgery.
Anointing is often administered in hospitals, but it can also be celebrated in the Church or during a home visit. Many request this sacrament before planned treatment or surgery as a source of grace and reassurance.
 
Important Information:
Due to Data Protection Regulations, you will not automatically receive a visit from a Catholic hospital chaplain unless you specifically request it. When admitted to hospital, please make your faith identity known and ask for the Catholic chaplaincy to be informed of your presence.
 
For enquiries, please call 669 5447

Sacrament of Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a profound opportunity to experience God’s mercy and peace. Twice each year, during Lent and Advent, we hold a communal celebration of this sacrament at the start of our weekend Masses.
 
Opportunities for individual confession are available:
After the 10:00 am Mass and the 6:30 pm Vigil Mass on Saturdays
By personal arrangement with Fr Jock or Fr Shaiju
 
We warmly encourage you to take part in this sacrament as part of your spiritual journey.

Christ loves us just as we are—fully and unconditionally. Reconciliation is not about fear or guilt; it is about responding to that love and allowing it to transform our hearts and lives.

Cardinal Martini, the wise former Archbishop of Milan, once suggested three simple yet profound questions to help us prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation:

Since my last celebration of reconciliation or in recent months:

  • What do I most thank God for?
  • What am I most sorry for?
  • Where do I want to ask for help and healing?

We invite you to take some time during the coming week to reflect on these questions. You may find it helpful to write down your thoughts. This prayerful reflection is about asking God to guide you—be open to any surprises!

Questions for Reflection

A. What do I most thank God for in recent months?

  • For whom do I most thank God?
  • How might I show this gratitude?

B. What am I most sorry for?

  • In my relationships with others?
  • In my relationship with myself?
  • In my relationship with God?

C. In what area of my life do I most want to ask for help and healing?

D. To conclude:
What gift or quality would I like to ask God for.
(For example: a deeper sense of wonder and gratitude, time for prayer, or greater patience with those I find difficult.)

Lord Jesus, thank You for loving me as I am. Help me grow in gratitude, healing, and love. Amen.

Mass of Healing

The Mass of Healing is normally celebrated on the first Monday of each month at 2:30 pm at St John’s. This special Mass is for anyone who feels a deep need for physical, emotional, or spiritual healing, for those preparing to go into hospital, and for anyone who simply wishes to join in prayer.
Following the Mass, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is available for those who wish to receive it. Afterwards, we warmly invite you to share in hospitality in St John’s hall.

Exposition & Benediction

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
There is Exposition in St John’s on Fridays from 9.15am to 9.50am.
 
Benediction/Holy Hour
Benediction/Holy Hour, co-ordinated by Deacon Eddie, is celebrated monthly, usually on the first Thursday evening of the month.

Sick & Housebound

If you are unwell or unable to attend Mass, our priests would be honoured to visit you and bring the comfort of the sacraments. During the visit, you will have the opportunity to receive Holy Communion and, if you wish, celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation and/or the sacrament of anointing.
To arrange a visit, please call 669 5447

Altar Servers

Girls and boys in Primary 4 and above are invited to join as servers for the Vigil and Sunday Masses and for other major celebrations. The contacts are Deacon Eddie for St Mary Magdalene’s and John Lauder (669 5447) for St John’s. 

Eucharistic Ministers

Eucharistic Ministers play a vital role in parish life. Their ministry includes:
Assisting with the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass.
Taking Communion to the sick and housebound, ensuring those unable to attend Mass remain connected to the parish community.
Leading Eucharistic/Communion Services when required.
The Eucharistic Ministers meet twice a year for practical discussions and spiritual formation.
Rotas for taking Communion to the sick and housebound are organised by Una Gallagher for St Mary Magdalene’s Jim Roarty for St John’s. 

Welcomers

At weekend Masses and major events, our Welcomers provide welcome, support and practical advice at the main entrances to our churches. Tom Gallagher, Jennifer Morris and Christina Vinestock co-ordinate this Ministry (669 5447). 

Music Ministry

The music groups, organist and cantors provide music and lead the singing for our Vigil and Sunday Masses, as well for major celebrations. Contact Laura Tweedie (St Mary Magdalene’s), Donna Buchan (St John’s), Frances McDevitt (organist) or Enrico Fertini, the Parishes’ Administrator (669 5447) for more information. 

Holy Bible open on a stand inside a church, symbolizing faith and spirituality.

Readers

The readers proclaim the scriptures and the bidding prayers at our liturgies. Evlynne Roarty prepares the Saturday Vigil Mass rota at St John’s and also the rota for writing the bidding prayers. Dave Connarty prepares St John’s Sunday rota. Jennifer Morris prepares St Mary Magdalene’s Sunday rota. New readers and those interested in writing, on a rota, the Sunday bidding prayers are always welcome. 

Funerals

How to Arrange a Funeral

Do please let us know if a family member has died and you would like a funeral at St Mary Magdalen’s or St John’s. To arrange the timing of the service, families should contact an undertaker of their choice. The undertaker will liaise with St Mary Magdalene’s and St John’s Parish Office and the cemetery or crematorium to confirm dates and times.
Once arrangements are in place, the priest or deacon who will celebrate the funeral will contact the family to help plan the liturgy, including hymns and readings.

The Funeral Liturgy

The usual form for a Catholic funeral is a Requiem Mass, followed by a burial or cremation. If this is felt by the family not to be appropriate or desired, a Catholic funeral service can be celebrated at the church or in the crematorium or funeral parlour by one of the parish clergy.

Times

Funerals at St John’s or St Mary Magdalene’s normally take place at the weekday Mass time of 10:00 am.

Readings

Readings for Catholic funerals are taken from the Bible:
First Reading (from the Old Testament or New Testament))
Responsorial Psalm (or a hymn based on scripture).
Optional Second Reading (New Testament)
Gospel 
Click here to see the various options.
Family and friends may read the readings (though the gospel is read by the priest or deacon), or a parish reader can assist if preferred.

Eulogy

If the family wishes, a Eulogy may be given by a family member or close friend. This takes place after Holy Communion and before the Final Commendation.

Music

A Requiem Mass usually includes five hymns:

Entrance
Psalm/hymn
Offertory
Communion
Recessional

Some examples of appropriate choices are available here.
Please choose religious music only for the funeral liturgy, although we are
normally open to more secular music before the Mass starts and as the coffin leaves the church.

Offertory Procession

Two to four people may bring forward the gifts during the offertory. Please inform the celebrant of your preference.

Blessing at Communion

If anyone doesn’t wish or feel able to receive communion, please feel warmly invited to come up for a blessing.  Simply join the communion queue and place an arm across your chest as you approach the priest or eucharistic minister.

Flowers

Flowers may be arranged by the family and placed on the coffin or in the sanctuary.

Costs

There is no charge for receiving the Sacraments of the Church. However, a donation for the use of the church – and for the organist and cantor – is greatly appreciated.  It is also customary to give an offering to the celebrant.
 
The Funeral Team co-ordinates all aspects of funerals and is led by Chris Vinestock (669 5447).