TWENTY-SEVENTH ORDINARY SUNDAY: “Let your requests be made known to God” (Phil 4:7)

 

 

SAINT OF THE WEEK: SAINT JOHN HENRY CARDINAL NEWMAN (1801-1890)

 

Saint John Henry Newman was born on 21 February 1801 in London, England. As an Anglican clergyman for over twenty years he won renown as a preacher and theologian. A Fellow of Oriel College, Oxford, he became one of the leaders of the Oxford Movement and a prominent figure in the Church of England. On 9 October 1845 he was received into full communion with the Catholic Church by Blessed Dominic Barberi of the Passionist Congregation. After a period of study in Rome he was ordained priest on 30 May 1847. Returning to England he established the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri in Birmingham. He was an influential writer on many subjects, most notably the development of Christian doctrine, the true understanding of conscience, faith and reason, the role of the laity, and university education. In 1879 he was created Cardinal by Pope Leo XIII and given the title of San Giorgio in Velabro. He died in the Birmingham Oratory on 11 August 1890. He was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI on 19 September 2010 and canonised by Pope Francis on 13 October 2019. He was given the title of Doctor of the Church by Pope Leo XIV on 1 November 2025.

A Meditation

(by John Henry Newman)

God knows me and calls me by my name.…
God has created me to do Him some definite service;
He has committed some work to me
which He has not committed to another.
I have my mission — I never may know it in this life,
but I shall be told it in the next.
Somehow I am necessary for His purposes…
I have a part in this great work;
I am a link in a chain,
a bond of connection between persons.
He has not created me for naught. I shall do good,
I shall do His work;
I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth
in my own place, while not intending it,
if I do but keep His commandments
and serve Him in my calling.
Therefore I will trust Him.
Whatever, wherever I am,
I can never be thrown away.
If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him;
In perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him;
If I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him.
My sickness, or perplexity, or sorrow may be
necessary causes of some great end,
which is quite beyond us.
He does nothing in vain; He may prolong my life,
He may shorten it;
He knows what He is about.
He may take away my friends,
He may throw me among strangers,
He may make me feel desolate,
make my spirits sink, hide the future from me —
still He knows what He is about.…
Let me be Thy blind instrument. I ask not to see —
I ask not to know — I ask simply to be used.
from Universalis

 

 

 

UPDATE ON PARISH SHRINE TO SS. CARLO, FRANCIS & CLARE: With the help of an architect in the parish, we have now settled on the exact size of the three icons for the triptych which will form the central feature of the shrine. This will enable the iconographer to begin work once the wood required has been supplied from the source he uses in Serbia. We are now working on determining the accessories that will be needed for the shrine, e.g. specialised glass coverings for the icons (non-reflective, UV-proof, etc.), lighting, the display for the first class relic of St. Carlo, kneelers, etc..). A list of these, together with an overall description of the project as well as some initial attempt at costing, has been submitted to the Diocese for approval. This is required for two reasons: first, any expenditure over £10k must receive diocesan approval; second, Bishop Frank has taken a personal interest in this project and so is pleased to be updated on its progress. With St. Carlo’s help, then, things are now beginning to take shape, but again it will be next Spring before we see the work completed and the shrine dedicated and blessed by the Bishop.

Mgr. Peter Magee, PP, 21st March 2026.

Most Recent News: The wood on which the icons will be painted (originating from Serbia) has now been cut and the carver has carved out the size and shape agreed between myself and the iconographer for the three icons. The items are currently in transit to the UK. – Fr. Peter, 20.06.26

 

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.

 

PASTORAL LETTER OF BISHOP FRANK DOUGAN ON THE UNSUSTAINABILITY OF PARISH STRUCTURES IN THE DIOCESE OF GALLOWAY: PASTORAL LETTER FEBRUARY 2026

 

Notices

 

 

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA) FOR ST. MARY’S, LARGS, AND OUR LADY’S, MILLPORT:

Seeking Christ in faith and witnessing to Him, as and when we find Him, lies at the heart of a truly fulfilled human existence. The RCIA is intended to assist those who believe Jesus is calling them to enter the Catholic Church by taking them through the content of the Catholic Faith in a systematic and straightforward manner.

The aim is not to fill the head with concepts, but to stir a love for Christ and His Church born from a deeper and truer knowledge of them. So, if you feel a pull to Catholicism, or if you are just curious to see what it’s about, come and see! Any adult in the Largs area with a sincere desire to seek and find is most welcome!

Information page for the 2026-2027 programme, including the full schedule of meetings and subject matters can be found by clicking this link:

https://www.rclargsandmillport.com/rite-of-christian-initiation-of-adults

 

If you already know you want to apply, here is the form to fill out and return to St. Mary’s parish in Largs:

SIGN UP FORM

Or if you are already a Catholic and want to volunteer to assist in the RCIA programme for 2026-2027, here is your form:

VOLUNTEERS FORM

 

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/

 

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

 

 

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

RC Largs and Millport Twitter

May a holy conspiracy of all the Guardian Angels present in our parishes draw every heart, no matter how broken, sad, dark or lost, to the liberating light of Christ’s eternal love!

Our face conceals more than it reveals. Our hidden face can only come to light when reflected in the face of Christ. Let us seek His Face with St. Therese of Lisieux.

Roughly a year after the canonization of Carlo Acutis — the first millennial saint — an official documentary about him is set to premiere worldwide. “Carlo Acutis: The Young Saint” premiered at the Vatican on Sept. 30, featuring never-before-seen footage.

Jesus never promised us an easy life as His followers. Au contraire. But He did promise us a full and fulfilling life. But we can’t have our Christian cake and eat it!

Load More

Our Location

St Mary, Star of the Sea
28 Greenock Road
Largs, KA30 8NE

Tel: 01475 740 019
largs@gallowaydiocese.org.uk

Our Lady of Perpetual Succour

College Street, Millport,
Isle of Cumbrae KA28 0BG
Tel: 01475 740 019
millport@rcdg.org.uk