Parish Directory
St Francis Xavier’s is a very vibrant parish with lots going on. There are many groups which cover all aspects of parish life from Liturgical groups such as sacristans and readers to social groups such as the walking group.
If you are interested in joining one of these groups please contact the named person for each group or let us know at the parish office. [email protected]
Readers at Mass: Readers proclaim the Word of God in the readings at Mass (apart from the Gospel) and announce the intentions for the Bidding Prayers or Prayers of the Faithful. The Readers have a special importance as the readings at Mass are among the most important elements of Liturgy. “When the sacred scriptures are read in Church, God himself is speaking to His People, and Christ, present in his word, is proclaiming His Gospel.”
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults): Every year there are adults who wish to be received into the Catholic Church. Normally, this is celebrated publicly in various liturgical ceremonies on certain Sundays, culminating at the Easter Vigil, marking the stages of the process of becoming a Catholic. The RCIA Team meets weekly with the candidates in order to share their Catholic faith with them and help them come to a deeper understanding of what it means to be part of the Church. Meetings are on Wednesday at 7. 30 p.m. in the church hall at St Mary of the Angels, Camelon.
Bible study Group. St Jerome says quite bluntly “Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ.” The Bible Study Group exists to support, guide and promote deeper knowledge and love of the Scriptures. No previous studies are necessary. The group meets, as announced in the Parish Newsletter, on Tuesdays at 7. 30 p.m. in the Church House.
The Bereavement Group. The bereavement group provide a presence at the reception of the body and at funerals to help families feel welcome and at ease at a difficult time. Members of the group can help out with readings at mass. The bereavement group also helps to organise the annual memorial mass for all those who have died. Contact: Fred Duffy: 01324 562096.
The choir of St. Francis Xavier’s Falkirk: Established 1962, the choir strives to assist the congregation in raising their hearts and minds to God in prayer through music in the Liturgy. We rehearse Thursdays at 8pm in the church and sing at 10am Sunday Mass. Prerequisites: a willingness to sing and a good sense of humour. Speak to Kathleen if interested in joining
The Legion of Mary meets every Monday at 5.00pm in the presbytery. The devotional outlook of the Legion is reflected in its prayers. Members participate in the life of the Parish, visiting the sick, housebound, lonely and the nursing homes and hospital. We also distribute Holy Communion where needed. We circulate the Fatima Statue and recite the rosary in St. Mungo’s School. Evangelisation is undertaken with ‘Light a Candle, say a Prayer’ Services. New members are most welcome also Auxiliary Members (praying members). Contact Clare Cheape 612947
THE UNION OF CATHOLIC MOTHERS
The Union of Catholic Mothers was established in Falkirk over 60 years ago
Our objective is to assist Catholic women to bring up their children as practising Catholics and public spirited citizens.
To teach and defend Christian values in family life and to ensure for their children a catholic education.
To work and pray for the promotion of vocations to the priesthood and religious life. We meet in St Martha’s Hall every 2nd Wednesday at 7pm and enjoy talks by people from different walks of life.
We have tried this session for the first time to hold our Winter meetings in the afternoon at 1pm and this is proving very successful.
Members no longer have to be a mother or married.
Our current President is Aileen Carr Tel. no 621274
The Padre Pio Prayer Group meets on the first Friday of every month in the Sacristy At 6pm. The prayers consist of the Holy Rosary, Litany and Novena to Padre Pio. The main intentions each month are for Priests, the Holy Fathers intentions and for babies in danger of abortion. Also we receive many requests for prayers for the sick , lapsed family members, and various urgent needs.Also the not so urgent, i.e. jobs, sale of houses, safe journeys etc. Padre Pio is interested in all our little worries too.! We have had so many prayers answered! We are a small group and would love to have more members. Contact Clare Cheape 612947.
“The Walking Group meet on Tuesday morning at the Church Hall from 09.00 hrs for a 09.30 start. Walks can anything from 5 miles to 10 miles, usually with little ascent. Sometimes we walk from the hall or take cars to an appointed place to walk. For more information contact Neil on 01324637937 or 07718625511.”
Mothers Prayers is a small group who wish to pray together for their children and grandchildren who may be causing concern. During our meetings we unite in prayer with one another and place the names of our children into a basket at the foot of the cross offering them into Jesus care. We have had some positive answers to our prayers. Contact – Pam McNelis 01324 637937 mob, 07564515054
SPRED exists to nurture and nourish faith in people with learning difficulties through experience and friendship. It invites us to share our faith together. We meet in the Hall fortnightly, on Wednesday 7.00 – 9.00 pm (during term time) with a preparation session the week before (in Church house). Contact: Anne McKean 622401
The Catholic Men’s Society in Falkirk meets on the last Saturday of the month in St Francis Xavier’s hall at 9am where we have the opportunity to discuss our faith. Contact James Gallagher. You can use my name James Gallagher 623886
The Word of Life group is part of the worldwide Focolare Movement: Join us as we reflect on a monthly Scripture passage as a guide and inspiration for our everyday lives. By sharing our experiences of putting the Word of Life into practice we help each other to stay on track in living the Gospel and evangelizing. We meet on the 3rd. Wednesday of each month as a house group. Contact Jacqueline Thomson – Mob: 07803703808 or Angela Marr Mob: 07843731868 for more details. www.focolare.org.uk