BAPTISM: We welcome Logan Strawhorn, Cian Turnbull and Jody Spence who will receive the Sacrament of Baptism this weekend.

Enrolment Ceremony: Welcome to the children who are preparing for the sacraments of Confirmation and First Communion. They will be enrolled as candidates during TODAY’S Sunday Mass. This is a special moment in which we pray for our children and their families.

HOMELESS LUNCHES: There will be a meeting TODAY (Sunday) after Mass to prepare for the next homeless lunch.

RCIA: Please pray for the five candidates from our Parish who will be formally enrolled in the Diocesan ‘Rite of Election’ Mass at St. Margaret’s Cathedral, Ayr TODAY Sunday 21st February (3pm). If any parishioner wishes to travel to Ayr, please see Fr. Martin.

20/40 GROUP: This spirituality group for 20-40 year olds will meet this Tuesday, 23rd February at 7pm in the Church House.

Stations of the Cross: This prayer will take place on the Thursdays of Lent at 6.30pm before Evening Mass.

JUST CHURCH: This 6-session course will THIS Thursday, 25th February after evening Mass. It is a faith development course which will look it issues of Church and poverty and how Gospel values can influence everyday life. The first talk will be given by Fr. Martin. Perhaps a way of committing yourself during Lent?

ECUMENICAL SERVICE: This Prayer Service will take place in St. Matthew’s NEXT Sunday 28th February at 4pm where Fr. Martin has been invited to lead a talk on the missionary work in Ecuador.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER: The Annual Prayer Service will take place at St. Joseph’s, Hill Street on Friday, 5th March at 2pm

SOCIAL COMMITTEE: This group will meet on Friday 5th March at 7pm in the Church House. Since this group is starting up again, please consider coming along as a new member.

FIRST RECONCILIATION: The children preparing for Communion and Confirmation will celebrate First Reconciliation on Tuesday, 9th March at 7pm in the Church.

PRIZE BINGO: This will take place on Sunday, 14th March at 7pm. All the usual ‘fun of the fayre’. This is the first event from the renewed Social Committee. Your support is needed.

ECUMENICAL PRAYER: Why not take part in a LENTEN PRAYER GROUP organised by the Fellowship of Kilmarnock Churches. Details on poster in Church.

HALF MARATHON: In preparation for his running of the full Marathon later in the year, Fr. Martin will run a Half Marathon on Saturday, 6th March in aid of HCPT which takes disabled children to Lourdes. Can you guess how long it will take him? Each guess costs £1 with the winning guess receiving £50

PRIESTS FOR SCOTLAND: A competition has been set up looking for Contemporary images of the Diocesan Priest. Over £1,000 is available in prizes. For more information see www.priestsforscotland.org.uk

GONZAGA LECTURES: These lectures examine the relationship between religion and society from a historical and current perspective. They take place at St. Aloysius’ College, Glasgow. Details on poster in porch

DISCUSSION QUESTION: With our SCIAF Campaign beginning now that Lent has begun, our question this week looks at Poverty and Social Exclusion in Britain. Does the growing gap between rich and poor in this country concern you? And if so, what can be done to change it? Should we endorse the bonuses being given to the bankers?

WARNING: If anyone comes to your door asking for donations to St. Matthew’s SCIAF campaign, please note they have NO AUTHORITY to do so. Refuse to give them money.

YEAR OF PRIESTS: In this special year for priests, we pray for God’s blessing on the priests of our own Diocese. Today we pray for Father Gerald Donnelly, Parish Priest of St. Palladius’, Dalry and Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Beith