Recently I have been posting items on Facebook, on the parish page, and would encourage as many of you as are able, if you are not already signed up to it, to access the parish Facebook Page – it is a much more fluid and current way of keeping in touch, although I quite understand the very reasonable reservations that people have about it. I’m not the greatest fan myself, but I find it quite practical at the moment. There I often have the daily Divine Office with live streamed audio, and also the Holy Rosary, as well as other articles and videos to encourage you in your faith.

Some of you who have not been accessing the parish Facebook Page, or who don’t look regularly at the webpage for the Diocese of Dunkeld may not be aware of the sad death of Mgr. Charles Hendry – latterly Parish Priest of St. Mary Magdalen’s in Perth, and formerly Parish Priest here in St. James’, Kinross. Sadly, Monsignor died on April 30th and his funeral took place yesterday in Perth (at the graveside only as all funerals at the moment). Please pray for the happy repose of his soul and for his family who mourn his loss at this time. Below you will find a link to the Service at the graveside which was recorded for the purpose of many who knew Monsignor being able to “virtually” pay their respects. I think the video will be there for a short while.

https://www.dunkelddiocese.co.uk/

Otherwise, if you haven’t been able to keep up-to-date on Facebook I hope and pray that you and yours are keeping well, and keeping the Faith. Our prayer is our mainstay in these situations, and our assurance of the Lord’s presence with us in these difficult times. I encourage you especially to pray the Holy Rosary in this month of May, the month of Our Blessed Lady, and to keep always close to Her. You continue to be remembered in my daily Mass and, as always, Holy Mass on Sunday is offered for the intentions of all parishioners.

I made a video appeal on Facebook for help with “Broke not Broken” in Kinross, help with non-perishable food items, since their stocks have been drastically depleted with a hugely increased demand for help at the moment. I do know that those who shop at Sainsbury’s can leave items at the door, but you might also wish to leave bags of such items at the double doors of the church hall at St. James’ – whilst respecting the relevant social-distancing measures (which is quite easy in this case). To date twenty-two bags have been handed in, really just since a few days ago, which is a wonderful testimony to your kindness and generosity, so thank you very much.

Also please pray for the repose of the souls of Emma MacDonald and Jacqueline White who have died recently and whose funerals I will celebrate this coming week, remember too their grieving loved ones in your prayers. This is an especially difficult time for those who have had family members who have died, the current restrictions, sadly, make the loss of a loved one often more impersonal and distant.

Please also feel free to use the front garden of the church in St. James’, or the garden at St. Matthew’s for private prayer, respecting the guidelines on social distancing. I know that some people have popped in to pray on their daily walk, for a minute or two at the shrine, and there is no reason why people should not do this if they wish.

Finally, my landline is out of action, if you ring at the moment it may seem as if the phone is constantly engaged – at least I’ve been told so – so please contact me on my mobile phone if urgent, or even by e-mail if it’s not so urgent. (07540534480)

Take care, and God bless you and keep you,

Fr. Martin