DOCSLIB.ORG

By Pope Francis

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
By Pope Francis Pope urges Syrian refugee Generation bravery from families Hope shows Scots in age rescued by how Mary’s of martyrdom. Pope Francis. Meals works. Page 3 Page 6 Pages 4-5 No 5668 VISIT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER ONLINE AT WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK Friday April 22 2016 | £1 BISHOP KEENAN ‘SPIRITUALLY RE-FOUNDING’ PAISLEY DIOCESE BISHOP John Keenan says that the Church is ‘spiritually re-founding’ the diocese through the groundbreaking Paisley Dioce- san Synod, which opened this week. “Convening a diocesan synod is a way of opening up a new and hopeful chapter in our life and history,” Bishop Keenan said at the opening Mass of the synod at St Mirin’s Cathedral on Tuesday. “But before it is about changing things it must be about changing ourselves. Above all any diocesan synod aims to help us recover our iden- tity as God’s people.” The bishop, who was suffering with a sore throat, said he was so optimistic about the synod that even losing his voice seemed ‘an eloquent sign of what is to come, when the bishop speaks a little less and the priests and the people speak a lot more.’ Surrounded by the priests of the diocese, and with the synod delegates in the congregation, the bishop added that the synod ‘shows our trust that the Holy Spirit speaks through the whole body of Christ—clergy, religious and lay faithful, men and women, young and old, married or single, rich and poor, sick and marginalised—not just through the bishop.’ Continued on page 2 PIC: PAUL McSHERRY Scotland helps after Ecuador quake I Former missionary priest Fr Martin Chambers on Missio’s pledge as SCIAF works with Caritas Internationalis By Ian Dunn Chambers—who spent five years as a Kilmarnock, led by Heather missionary priest in Nueva Prosperina, O’Rourke—who have twice been CATHOLIC charities are working to Guayaquil, in the south west of the to Nueva Prosperina—have set up a help the many victims of Sunday’s country—assured the Ecuadorean peo- Justgiving page to raise money for the tragic earthquake in Ecuador. ple that prayers were being offered people have been affected by the earth- Former missionary priest Fr Martin for them. quake, which has already raised in Chambers (right), Missio Scotland’s “After the news of the earthquake excess of £1000. diocesan director for Galloway, has that has affected Ecuador, we are united The Church’s international Caritas assured the people of Ecuador that Scots in prayer,” Fr Chambers said. “Ecuador network is also working to help those will endeavour to support them spiritually and Scotland are friends, united in effected by the quake. SCIAF’s Lor- and financially after an earthquake meas- prayer and in hope.” raine Currie said they were monitoring uring 7.8 magnitude. The Scottish Fr Chambers went on to describe the the situation. Catholic InternationalAid Fund (SCIAF) situation in his missionary diocese and “Our thoughts and prayers are with is also working with the Caritas Interna- explained how one of his former parish- the people of Ecuador and especially tionalis network to aid victims. ioners is embarking upon his own per- those who have lost family and loved So far at least 413 people are thought sonal mission to help those in need. ones in the earthquake,” she said. “We to have died in the tragedy and more than “In Guayaquil one man died when a are in contact with our sister agencies 2500 people are said to have been injured. flyover collapsed in the centre of the in Caritas.” The cost of rebuilding in the country— city,” he added. “Roads throughout the most notably in the towns of Pedernales country are cut off especially in the I [email protected] and Portoviejo, close to the epicentre of affected area. In Nueva Prosperina, the quake—is likely to be billions of dol- there is no electricity, water has been it happened, it was shaking violently, orphanages and offer support and com- lars. The dead include 33-year-old Derry cut off, shops are closed and there is with books flying off bookshelves, fort for the children who are living woman, Sr Clare Theresa Crockett (far restriction on movement. People need crockery smashing and such like. through fear. He wants to give them right), a nun with the Servant Sisters of food, water and clothing. “One of my former parishioners, Tito strategies to overcome the pain. And to the Home of the Mother who taught 400 “During my time in the country, there Misionero, who is one of the most do this he will have to take leave from children in the Colegio Sagrada Familia was a 7.1 magnitude earthquake and inspiring people I have ever met, told his job and that will cost him money.” School (more on page 6). although the epicentre of that was some me an inspiring story. 300km north, in Guayaquil, buildings “In the midst of tragedy, he and some Fundraising Missionary insight shook quite badly. It felt like the whole friends are travelling to the areas Closer to home, a group of pupils Speaking after the quake struck, Fr house was in a washing machine when affected by the earthquake to visit formerly of St Joseph’s Academy in SCO, 19 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 6BT I tel 0141 221 4956 I fax 0141 221 4546 I e-mail [email protected] 2 NEWS SCOTTISH CATHOLIC OBSERVER FRIDAY APRIL 22 1016 Paisley synod on future to run for six weeks Royal patron named for Pluscarden pilgrimage Continued from page 1 HRH Princess Michael of “It shows our belief in our Kent has agreed to be the shared Baptismal and Confirma- Royal patron of the Pluscar- tion vocation, where the Holy den Abbey 1230 pilgrimage. Spirit came upon each and every The pilgrimage, which will one of us with His courage, take place over the period June knowledge and wisdom,” he 5 –September 3 2017, will added. “It shows our hope that retrace the steps of the original when the whole Body of Christ is Valliscaullian monks who, in gathered with all its gifts, talents, 1230, walked from their home hopes and fears then the fullness at Abbey Val-des-Choux in of the Holy Spirit is present to Burgundy to set up their new 12 legs of 100 miles and a final guide us and give us collective home at Pluscarden Abbey, in leg of 80 miles. Each leg, less strength to embrace and over- Morayshire, in the North of the final leg, will have a ceiling come the challenges that face us Scotland. Today Pluscarden of 40 participants and will take in our times.” Abbey continues to thrive and six days, Monday to Saturday Synod preparations have been is the home to some 22 Bene- inclusive, and Sunday will be a underway for the past year, with dictine monks. The aim of the day of rest, worship and input from parishes, school and pilgrimage, which is broken changeover of participants and religious groups within the dio- down into 13, approximately sponsors. The final leg will cese. Over the next six weeks 100 mile legs, with a weekly have 60 participants, will cover 160 delegates—clergy, religious changeover of pilgrims, is to 80 miles over five days arriving and laity, from every parish in raise funds for the final restora- on the Friday, and leading to a the diocese and from diocesan tion of the Abbey which was final weekend of worship and groups, will meet and discuss embarked on in 1948. celebration. Each participant, the challenges facing Paisley A documentary covering the on each leg, must achieve a diocese. event is currently in the planning minimum sponsorship of It is the first such synod in fortune raised for us a much big- what is wrong.” Church. Our synod cannot avoid phase and a book will be pub- £1230. The money raised will Scotland for half a century and ger and better challenge which The bishop urges them not to its responsibility to be a forum of lished following completion go towards the £5 million the official synod booklet says was how to begin a renewal of shy away from hard choices. honest correction.” with a view to establishing the required to complete the Plus- that: “After consultation, pas- our diocese so that we could “Where our diocese has gone The bishop said that ‘to all our route as a permanent pilgrimage. carden Abbey South Range toral dialogue and profound dis- spread the Gospel more widely wrong, or sinned even, you have brothers and sisters gathered The idea is the brainchild of Project. A stone from the origi- cernment together we will issue in the decades ahead.’ to point out this fault.” he said. with me this evening, I am look- retired Gordon Highlander, Lt nal abbey will be carried decrees that will genuinely Bishop Keenan asked all pres- “Up until now you have had the ing forward with excitement and Col David Broadfoot MBE. throughout the pilgrimage and engage the entire population ent at Tuesday’s Mass to pray for opportunity only to point this out anticipation to our synod, a won- The draft route, produced fol- will constitute the foundation of our diocese, its needs and the synod delegates. “You are at group or parish level and, while derful instrument of our colle- lowing a meeting in Rome stone of the new South Range. wisdom.” taking on a sacred responsibility some things may have been giality as a diocese—bishop, between David and Professor Details of the South Range Although one of the back- but please do so without fear and resolved, there will have been clergy and people in shared Philip Adamo, author of New Project, the Pluscarden 1230 ground documents for the synod only with trust that the Lord will other weaknesses, failings and communion— such a powerful Monks in Old Habits, an expert Pilgrimage, including details of suggests the diocese would ‘for be close to you to guide and sup- sins that have persisted within our sign of our fraternity as a dioce- on the Valliscaulians, will be all 13 legs, and how to apply the next 15 years at least, have port you,” he said.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Ag/S5/19/18 Parliamentary Bureau Agenda for Meeting
    AG/S5/19/18 PARLIAMENTARY BUREAU AGENDA FOR MEETING ON TUESDAY 21 MAY 2019 12noon: Room Q1.03 1. Minutes (a) Draft minutes of 14 May 2019 (b) Matters arising. 2. Future business programme (PB/S5/19/75) 3. Referral of a legislative consent memorandum (PB/S5/19/76) 4. Referral of a Members’ Bill proposal (PB/S5/19/77) Date of next meeting— Tuesday 28 May 2019 @ 12noon RESTRICTED – POLICY PB/S5/19/MINS/17 PARLIAMENTARY BUREAU MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 14 MAY 2019 AT 12 noon. Attending: Ken Macintosh (chair), Christine Grahame, Graeme Dey, Alexander Burnett, Neil Findlay, Patrick Harvie, Alex Cole-Hamilton, James Dornan (item 2), Ruth Maguire (item 2). Observing: Tom Arthur Apologies: Maurice Golden, Willie Rennie Officials present: Paul Grice, Tracey White, Irene Fleming, Catherine Fergusson, Lewis McNaughton, Kathryn Stewart, Joanne McNaughton, Jennifer Bell, Peter McGrath (item 2), Claire Menzies (item 2). 1. Item 1a: Minutes of last meeting — The minutes of 7 May 2019 were agreed. Item 1b: Matters arising — There were no matters arising. 2. Referral of a Bill at Stage 1 — James Dornan MSP, on behalf of the Local Government and Communities Committee, and Ruth Maguire MSP, on behalf of the Equalities and Human Rights Committee, joined the Bureau to discuss referral of the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Bill. Following discussion, the Bureau agreed to recommend to the Parliament that the Local Government and Communities Committee be designated as lead committee for consideration of the Bill at Stage 1. 3. Future business programme — The Bureau agreed to recommend to the Parliament a programme of business for the weeks commencing 20 and 27 May 2019.
    [Show full text]
  • Business Bulletin Iris Ghnothaichean
    Monday 10 June 2019 Business Bulletin Iris Ghnothaichean Today's Business Meeting of the Parliament Committee Meetings There are no meetings today. There are no meetings today. Monday 10 June 2019 1 Today's Business Future Business Motions & Questions Legislation Other Gnothaichean an-diugh Gnothaichean ri teachd Gluasadan agus Ceistean Reachdas Eile Chamber | Seòmar Meeting of the Parliament There are no meetings today. Monday 10 June 2019 2 Today's Business Future Business Motions & Questions Legislation Other Gnothaichean an-diugh Gnothaichean ri teachd Gluasadan agus Ceistean Reachdas Eile Committees | Comataidhean Committee Meetings There are no meetings today. Monday 10 June 2019 3 Today's Business Future Business Motions & Questions Legislation Other Gnothaichean an-diugh Gnothaichean ri teachd Gluasadan agus Ceistean Reachdas Eile Chamber | Seòmar Future Meetings of the Parliament Business Programme agreed by the Parliament on 5 June 2019 Tuesday 11 June 2019 2:00 pm Time for Reflection: The Reverend Lesley Bilinda, Vicar, St Andrew's Church, Fulham Fields, and Guest Speaker at the National Prayer Breakfast for Scotland followed by Parliamentary Bureau Motions followed by Topical Questions (if selected) followed by Ministerial Statement: Update on P1 Standardised Assessments followed by Stage 3 Debate: Fuel Poverty (Target, Definition and Strategy) (Scotland) Bill followed by Stage 3 Proceedings: Human Tissue (Authorisation) (Scotland) Bill followed by Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee Debate: Changes to
    [Show full text]
  • Pastoral Letter and Statement of Bishops Re. Covid-19
    General Secretariat Tel: 01236 764061 64 Aitken Street Fax: 01236 762489 AIRDRIE Email: [email protected] Lanarkshire ML6 6LT Web: www.bCos.org.uk 18th March 2020 Pastoral Letter and Statement of the Scottish Bishops re. Covid-19 Virus Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, In this time of trial we, the Bishops of Scotland, wish to send you a word of reassurance and encouragement. We are all facing much uncertainty, anxiety and an unpredictable future. This situation touches on every aspect of our lives, individually and collectively. Sacred Scripture calls us repeatedly not to fear and to look to the help that comes to us from above. We are called to support one another in every way we can, especially those who are most vulnerable, through age or underlying conditions. Even in the midst of any necessary “distancing” we must stand by each other. We ask you to pray for the sick, those caring for them, for those in positions of responsibility with difficult decisions to make, indeed for our whole country and the entire human family. Most of all, we are being asked to put our trust in the living God who has created everything to be and to flourish and whose providence guides the course of world events. We put our trust in our Lord Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, and the true physician of our souls and bodies. During this Lent, especially, let us all take the opportunity to deepen our relationship with God. As your bishops and with our priests and deacons, we assure you of our continuing commitment to your spiritual, pastoral and sacramental needs.
    [Show full text]
  • 'Chained Until We Know the Truth'
    As SECONDARY STUDENTS prepare for the HERBERT COUTTS backs bishops’ inaugural Caritas Award ceremony next plans for historical collection in Saturday, the SCO reports that two medals Aberdeen but senior cleric has will be given posthumously. Pages 5, 7 concerns about the move. Pag e 3 No 5468 www.sconews.co.uk Friday May 25 2012 | £1 ‘Chained until we know the truth’ I Former Lockerbie priest backs calls for inquiry after death of Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi By Ian Dunn Government to endorse ‘an independent inquiry into this entire affair’ due to what they say are the THE priest who served Lockerbie when Pan large number of unanswered questions over the Am Flight 103 was blown up in 1988 said conviction of Mr Megrahi, whom Scottish Secre- that, though the man convicted of the incident tary for Justice Kenny MacAskill released on com- had been ‘released from his torment’ by his passionate grounds after he was diagnosed with death, those affected by the tragedy would terminal prostate cancer. remain ‘chained until we know the truth’ Mgr Keegans, who visited Mr Megrahi when he behind the bombing. was held in Greenock prison before his release in Mgr Patrick Keegans, now the administrator of 2009, said that ‘the serious doubts’ over the con- St Margaret’s Cathedral in Ayr, told the SCO this viction meant the Scottish Government had done week that he believes the Scottish Government’s the right thing in releasing him. decision to release Libyan Abdelbaset Ali “I do think his release on compassionate Mohmed al-Megrahi on compassionate grounds grounds was a good thing,” he said.
    [Show full text]
  • Gaelic Roots of Bishop Bind Him to Diocese
    Pope calls for Ian Dunn meets HOLY FATHER no DEATH FR WALTERS on immigra- PENALTY in from Let the tion and Year of Mercy. Children Live. pregnancy. Pages 6-7 Page 8 Pages 6-7 No 5660 VISIT YOUR NATIONAL CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER ONLINE AT WWW.SCONEWS.CO.UK Friday February 26 2016 | £1 Gaelic roots of bishop bind him to diocese I Episcopal ordination of Bishop Brian McGee for Argyll and the Isles paid homage to Scottish Church’s origins By Liz Leydon THE strong bonds between Argyll and the Isles and the Scottish Church’s origin, between Scotland and Ireland, were celebrated at the Episcopal ordination of the newest bishop in Scotland. St Columba’s Cathedral in Oban was filled to capacity on the evening of February 18 for the consecration of Bishop Brian McGee by Archbishop Leo Cushley, Bishop Joseph Toal and Bishop John Keenan. “Fr Brian is being sent to you, my dear brothers and sisters, precisely to preach the Good News to the poor, to bind up hearts that are broken, anointed as he will shortly be, by the Gift of the Spirit and commissioned by God’s Church to serve you,” Archbishop Cushley said in the presence of Bishop Toal, whom Bishop McGee follows as diocesan bishop, and Bishop Keenan, ‘up until now my boss,’ according to the new bishop who was vicar general in Paisley. The Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh and the bishops of Motherwell and Paisley were joined at the celebration by the Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Antonio Mennini; Cardinal Sean Brady of Ireland; their brother bishops in Scotland, including Bishops’ Conference President Archbishop Philip Tartaglia; the clergy and parishioners of the geographically large Argyll and the Isles Diocese; and the families of the diocese’s bishops, past and present.
    [Show full text]
  • A Pastoral Letter from the Bishops of Scotland
    A PASTORAL LETTER FROM THE BISHOPS OF SCOTLAND 5th June 2020 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Peace be with you! For several weeks now, we have all been living through something we did not expect and for which we had no time to prepare ourselves, no real precedents to guide us, no previous experience to reassure us. A microscopic virus has thrown the whole world into disarray including our normal Catholic life. In these circumstances we the Bishops of Scotland, want to address you as we are reminded that Jesus alone is our great Hope. First of all, we want to express our closeness to those of you who have lost friends or family to Covid-19 and have not been able to grieve for them in our accustomed ways. We think, too of those who have been unwell or have felt the pain of isolation in recent weeks, of their loved ones who have not been able to tend to them because of restrictions and also those whose treatment for other conditions has been delayed. We are mindful especially of those of you who are alone, or in care homes, or in hospitals. We hope you have found comfort and consolation. Though public worship has been suspended, the sacrifice of the Mass has still been offered, and Jesus our High Priest “is always living to make intercession” for us (Heb 7:25). God does not abandon his people. So, even in the midst of all this, we can thank the Lord and you for so many good things.
    [Show full text]
  • Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Peace Be With
    Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Peace be with you! For several weeks now, we have all been living through something we did not expect and for which we had no time to prepare ourselves, no real precedents to guide us, no previous experience to reassure us. A microscopic virus has thrown the whole world into disarray, including our normal Catholic life. In these circumstances we, the Bishops of Scotland, want to address you as we are reminded that Jesus alone is our great Hope. First of all, we want to express our closeness to those of you who have lost friends or family to Covid-19 and have not been able to grieve for them in our accustomed ways. We think, too, of those who have been unwell or have felt the pain of isolation in recent weeks, of their loved ones who have not been able to tend to them because of restrictions and also those whose treatment for other conditions has been delayed. We are mindful especially of those of you who are alone, or in care homes, or in hospitals. We hope you have found comfort and consolation. Though public worship has been suspended, the sacrifice of the Mass has still been offered, and Jesus our High Priest “is always living to make intercession” for us (Heb 7:25). God does not abandon his people. So, even in the midst of all this, we can thank the Lord and you for so many good things. We think of the clergy and religious who have been so assiduous and innovative in keeping care of parishioners, and of the warm response there has been: the participation in online liturgies, the engagement with prayer, the support offered to the elderly and housebound, and much more.
    [Show full text]
  • Last Farewell for Bishop Murray Aguilar Said He Had Been Andrews and Edinburgh Told There Was a Chance the Archdiocese Said They Pope Could Attend
    SCIAF WEE BOX 40 DAYS FOR CARDINAL launch and Ian LIFE vigil WINNING Dunn’s second begins after LECTURE at Ethiopia report. US founder’s Glasgow Uni- Pages 5, 6-7 visit. Page 5 versity. Page 4 No 5658 BISHOP KEENAN ON THREATS TO HEALTHCARE AND LIFE, WHITE MASS IN PAISLEY, PAGE 5 Friday February 12 2016 | £1 Pontiff invited to visit St Andrews in September By Ian Dunn POPE Francis has been invited to an interfaith anti-extremism event at St Andrews University this September and is said to be ‘considering’ the invitation. Professor Mario Aguilar, director of the Centre for him to be in St Andrews.” the Study of Religion and The Pope is unlikely to Politics at St Andrews be able to attend the Scot- University (right), who has tish event, however. He written a biography of the already has a full schedule Pope, said he hoped the for that weekend—a series Holy Father could join other of special Jubilee Year of religious leaders in signing Mercy events for Catechists a declaration of humanity, are due to take place at the PIC: PAUL McSHERRY at the conference from Vatican including a Papal September 23-25. St Mass in St Peter’s Square, Andrews University although the Friday would accordingly issued an be possible. invitation and Professor A spokesman for the St Last farewell for Bishop Murray Aguilar said he had been Andrews and Edinburgh told there was a chance the Archdiocese said they Pope could attend. ‘congratulate St Andrews I Pope sends condolences to bishops, clergy, parishioners at Oban funeral “You can always hope, University for issuing this you can always invite and invitation and would be By Liz Leydon James MacNeil, the Apostolic administrator bishop was most significant to him.
    [Show full text]
  • St Anthony's and St Mark's 11Th April
    St Anthony’s and St Mark’s 11th April 2021 2nd Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy) Acts 4:32-35 The whole group of believers was united, heart and soul Psalm 117 Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his love has no end 1 John 5:1-6 Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ has already overcome the world John 20:19-31 Jesus cane again and stood among them Sick Baby Emma Burnett, Robert Blair, Thomas McKell, Jon Land, Margaret Harris, Tommy McKenzie, Moira Boyce, Baby Harris Little, Mary Husband, Chris Wetson, Anne Robertson, David Currie, Henry McPhee, Willie McIntosh, Lynsey Alexander, Helen Carroll, James Shields Recently Dead Maisie Linstrum, Betty Robertson (funeral Mon 9.30am), Liz Gray (funeral Thurs 2pm), Michael Smith (funeral Mon 19th Crematorium only), Archie Cameron, Peter Sweeney Anniversaries Betty McGranaghan, Adam and Annie Simpson, Mary Quinn, Roderick MacPherson, Jim and Celia Docherty, Bunty Cooney, Con Reynolds, Jim McGee, Bridget McCaig, Billy Fallon, James McCurdy, Sheena McCurdy, Lucia Maria Chambers, Ruth Campbell Reflection on the Readings Today, faith breaks through closed doors: hearts closed through fear, minds closed through persistent doubt. To the fearful disciples the risen Jesus says, “Peace!” and to doubting Thomas, “Give me your hand!” Luke, in Acts, ideally depicts the whole group of believers as “one heart and souls”. Shalom reigns! Praying the Psalms (Ps117/118) This is a psalm of praise, giving thanks for the many great things that God has done. In the Acts of the Apostles, the line “The stone which the builders rejected has become the corner stone” is taken as a direct reference to Christ’s death and resurrection.
    [Show full text]
  • Scotland's Geodiversity Charter: Geodiversity Is an Integral Part of the Natural Environment That Cannot Be Taken for Granted
    Scotland’s Geodiversity Charter 2018–2023 1 Scotland’s Geodiversity Charter Scottish Geodiversity Forum 2 Foreword Introduction From the familiar granite buildings of Aberdeenshire, to the sweeping Scotland has world-class geodiversity that provides the foundation of our landscapes painted by Horatio McCulloch, the Scotland we know has been remarkable geoheritage and essential benefits for people and nature. It has Geodiversity is the hugely influenced by its exceptional geodiversity. Indeed Scotland is the a profound influence on landscape, the economy, historical and cultural variety of rocks, birthplace of modern geology, for it was following a visit to Siccar Point in heritage, habitats and species, education, health and well-being. landforms, sediments, Berwickshire, in the late 18th Century, that James Hutton put forward his soils and the natural world-changing ideas on the origin and age of the Earth. This Charter encourages the promotion and management of Scotland’s processes which form geodiversity and better integration of geodiversity into policy and guidance, and alter them. Thanks to Hutton’s insights, we now know that 3 billion years of consistent with the economic, social, cultural and environmental needs of geomorphological processes have worked to shape Scotland’s land and Scotland. This will help to protect a crucial aspect of our natural heritage and culture. Of course, such long timescales can be a challenge for many of us deliver more sustainable management of Scotland’s natural resources. to relate to. But it is clear that we live in a dynamic environment where we can already see the effects of climate change happening around us.
    [Show full text]
  • Scottish Parliament Election 2021 - Putting Human Life and Dignity at the Centre
    Scottish Parliament Election 2021 - Putting Human Life and Dignity at the Centre A letter from the Catholic Bishops of Scotland Catholic Parliamentary Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Office This election presents us with an opportunity to play our part in putting human life and the inviolable dignity of the human person at the centre of Scotland’s political discourse. We often see politics through a party prism, which can create a divisive, and occasionally fractious, political environment. Whilst party politics can be an important consideration, particularly in the Scottish Parliament list system, it is individuals who will make up the parliament and form a government; and some of the most important issues, including abortion and assisted suicide, are commonly decided by a conscience, or free, vote. Therefore, it is critical to ascertain candidates’ personal values and opinions and not concentrate solely on party policies. As Catholics we have a duty: to share the Gospel and to help form the public conscience on key moral issues. It is a duty of both faith and citizenship. This election is an opportunity to be the effective witness our Baptism calls us to be. The new parliament and government will be tasked with leading the recovery from the damage wrought by the current health crisis and to tackle the significant impact it has had on many aspects of life including health care, mental health and wellbeing, religious freedom, and care for the poor. It must also build on the positives arising from the Pandemic, including caring for the most vulnerable, and a renewed sense of respect for human life, human dignity, and the value of community.
    [Show full text]
  • Ag/S5/20/4 Parliamentary Bureau Agenda for Meeting
    AG/S5/20/4 PARLIAMENTARY BUREAU AGENDA FOR MEETING ON TUESDAY 28 JANUARY 2020 12noon: Room Q1.03 1. Minutes (a) Draft minutes of 21 January 2020 (b) Matters arising. 2. Future business programme (PB/S5/20/13) 3. Timetabling of a Bill at Stage 1 (PB/S5/20/14) 4. Timetabling of a Bill at Stage 2 (PB/S5/20/15) Date of next meeting— Tuesday 4 February 2020 @ 12noon RESTRICTED – POLICY PB/S5/20/MINS/3 PARLIAMENTARY BUREAU MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 21 JANUARY 2020 AT 12 noon. Attending: Ken Macintosh (chair), Linda Fabiani, Christine Grahame, Graeme Dey, Maurice Golden, Mark Griffin, Patrick Harvie, Willie Rennie. Apologies: Elaine Smith. Officials present: David McGill, Tracey White, Irene Fleming, Catherine Fergusson, Lewis McNaughton, Kathryn Stewart, Emma Cameron, Stephen MacGregor, Joanne McNaughton, Gail Grant, Andrew Howlett, Bill Ward. 1. Item 1a: Minutes of last meeting — The minutes of 14 January 2020 were agreed. Item 1b: Matters arising — There were no matters arising. 2. Future business programme — The Bureau agreed to recommend to the Parliament a revised programme of business for the week commencing 20 January 2020 and a programme of business for the weeks commencing 27 January and 3 February 2020. The Bureau noted that Members’ Business on Tuesday 28 January 2020 would be motion S5M-20306 Sandra White on Alasdair Gray, a Creative Force, on Wednesday 29 January 2020 would be motion S5M-19252 David Stewart on Right to Full Care to Die at Home and on Thursday 30 January 2020 would be motion S5M-19810 Keith Brown on Public Works Loan Board Rate.
    [Show full text]