FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT: “Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil” (Matthew 4:1)
SAINT OF THE WEEK: SAINT POLYCARP, BISHOP & MARTYR (d. 155), 23rd February
From Universalis
UPDATE ON PARISH SHRINE TO SS. CARLO, FRANCIS & CLARE: With the help of Eucharistic Cenacle members and a few others in St. Mary’s Parish, we have managed to make good progress on the first steps towards the realization of the Shrine project. 1) After considerable investigation, we identified the iconographer to create the artwork. 2) We submitted to him the general concept of the Shrine (the central Eucharistic message it will convey), some proposals as to the shape of the icons, some photographs and architect’s sketches of the space it will occupy and of the inside of St. Mary’s church. 3) He has accepted to create the artwork and, as is to be expected, will be bringing his expertise and experience to bear on all aspects of it. 4) He has responded with some good suggestions to improve on the proposal submitted. 5) We will shortly discuss the practical aspects, such as the timescale, the cost and what’s necessary for the installation of the finished work on the back wall of the side aisle.
As to the timescale, I said that I would prefer it to take longer if that meant that the quality of the outcome would be better. He has advised me that, since the concept is quite complex, it will probably take at least a year to complete it. While it would be nice to have it in place for the Parish Festival in September, I think all would agree that it’s better to take the time a beautiful piece of sacred art requires rather than be tied to a timeline.
Mgr. Peter Magee, PP, 23rd February 2026.
BISHOPS OF SCOTLAND OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS AND EVANGELISATION: Our Bishops have recently launched this new office to support our common efforts in proclaiming the Gospel and witnessing to the life of the Church in our nation. It is one of the most encouraging initiatives to date coming from the Bishops’ Conference. As part of this mission, Being Catholic TV will now serve as the official digital platform of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland. It will provide video content, livestreamed events, features from around the country, and faith formation resources to assist our parish communities in their work of evangelisation and outreach. To access these resources, visit beingcatholic.org or sign-up to the BCTV social channels.
We are invited to share our parish good news stories by sending them to media@bcos.org.uk We are also invited to consider how digital media can further our own local evangelisation efforts. Parishioners are encouraged to engage with Being Catholic TV and the resources it provides.
ST. MARY’S PARISH INCOME & EXPENDITURE FOR 2025 PLUS SOME COMMENTS:
St Mary’s Income and Expenditure and Bank Balances 2025
St Mary’s, Largs Comments on AFR for 2025
OUR LADY’S PARISH INCOME & EXPENDITURE FOR 2025 PLUS SOME COMMENTS:
Our Lady Income and Expenditure and Bank Balances 2025
Our Lady Millport Comments on AFR for 2025
PASTORAL LETTER OF BISHOP FRANK DOUGAN ON THE UNSUSTAINABILITY OF PARISH STRUCTURES IN THE DIOCESE OF GALLOWAY: PASTORAL LETTER FEBRUARY 2026
PASTORAL LETTER OF THE BISHOPS OF SCOTLAND ON THE FINAL ASSISTED SUICIDE VOTE: Pastoral Letter on Assisted Suicide Stage 3 March 2026
HOW TO CONTACT YOUR MSP ON THE ASSISTED SUICIDE VOTE: How to Contact MSPs incl QR Code
Notices
MRS. AGATHA McALLISTER, RIP (St. Mary’s): I regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. McAllister who died on 20th February fortified by the Rites of the Church. On behalf of the whole parish, I extend our sincerest condolences to her son Gerry and to his brothers and assure them of the support of our prayers at this very difficult time. Funeral details to follow.
MS. MAY HOLLAND, RIP (St. Mary’s): Truly sorry to inform the parish of the death of May Holland. She passed away peacefully, and fortified with the Rites of the Church, at Haylie House early on 16th February 2026. May her kind and gentle soul rest in the peace and joy of Christ and may the Lord comfort and console all her relatives and friends. The Requiem Mass will be in St. Mary’s, Largs, on Tuesday 3rd March, and thereafter to the Greenock Crematorium.
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA) FOR ST. MARY’S, LARGS, AND OUR LADY’S, MILLPORT:
Information page for the 2025-2026 program: https://www.rclargsandmillport.com/rite-of-christian-initiation-of-adults/
Form if you want to sign up for the RCIA course and enter into full communion with the Catholic Church: https://www.rclargsandmillport.com/2025/06/28/rcia-form-for-applicants-to-join-the-programme/
Form if you want to volunteer to assist in the RCIA programme for 2025-2026: https://www.rclargsandmillport.com/2025/06/28/rcia-form-for-volunteers-to-assist-in-the-rcia-programme/
PORNOGRAPHY: The Bishops of the United States have just produced the second edition of their document: “Create in Me a Clean Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography.” It gives a word of hope and healing to those who have been harmed by pornography and raises awareness of its pervasiveness and harm. If you, or someone you know or love is struggling with pornography, this document looks like a great gift to help you. The full text of the document can be found at: https://www.usccb.org/resources/Create-in-Me-a-Clean-Heart-Statement-on-Pornography.pdf
ENCYCLICAL LETTER OF POPE FRANCIS ON THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS:
RELIC OF SAINT CARLO ACUTIS: For information and photos, please click on this link: https://www.rclargsandmillport.com/2024/08/21/relic-of-blessed-carlo-acutis/
PHOTO GALLERY, ST MARY’S PARISH FESTIVAL 2024: St Mary’s Festival Photos
PHOTO GALLERY, ST MARY’S GARDEN 2024: St Mary’s Flower Garden
PHOTO GALLERY, ASSISI PILGRIMAGE OF FEBRUARY 2024: Assisi Pilgrimage 2024
OUR LADY’S PARISH CENSUS: If you are a Catholic who lives within the boundaries of Our Lady’s Parish (Millport), please consider filling out a Census form. Hard copies of the form are available in Our Lady’s church porch. Alternatively, you can fill in one on line by using the following link: https://forms.gle
ST. MARY’S PARISH CENSUS: If you are a Catholic who lives within the boundaries of St. Mary’s Parish (Largs, Fairlie and Skelmorlie), please consider filling out a Census form. Hard copies of the form are available in St. Mary’s church porch. Alternatively, you can fill in one on line by using the following link: https://forms.gle/bViFEJBgCRVjuYnE8
SCOTTISH CATHOLIC SAFEGUARDING STANDARDS AGENCY (SCSSA): The official website of the new Agency can be found at: https://www.scsafeguarding.org.uk/SCSSA
“IN GOD’S IMAGE”, version 2: The Safeguarding Instruction of the Bishops of Scotland. https://www.rclargsandmillport.com/2021/08/28/in-gods-image-version-2-safeguarding-instruction-of-the-bishops-of-scotland/
DIOCESAN WEB-PAGE & FACEBOOK PAGE ON THE SYNOD: https://gallowaydiocese.org.uk/synod https://fb.me/gallowaysynod
Catholic Families For Life Newsletter
VATICAN NEWS: Keep up to date with all news from the Vatican in English at: https://www.vaticannews.va/en.html
LITURGY
– SUNDAYS:
LARGS (live-streamed): Saturday Vigil, 6pm & Sunday 10am; Monday, Tuesday, Thursday (with exception of 2nd Thursdays) and Friday: Mass at 10am. Wednesday: Mass at 8am.
MILLPORT (live-streamed): 12.15pm, Sunday; 10am on 2nd Thursdays.
LIVESTREAM LINKS:
– HOLIDAYS OF OBLIGATION:
LARGS: Vigil Mass at 7pm; 10am Mass on the Day
MILLPORT: 12.15pm Mass on the Day
