Reflection –
The idealised community Luke describes in Acts would have represented in the first century AD, just as in the 21st, the fulfilment of much human longing and the desires of all the great thinkers. In human terms it is impossible: only the Gifts of the Spirit bring it about.
Mass readings.
Second Sunday of Easter, 11th & 12th of April, 2026
1st Reading: Acts 2:42-47
Responsorial Psalm. Give praise to the Lord, for he is good, his mercy endures for ever.
Second Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia. You believed, Thomas, because you have seen me, says the Lord. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. Alleluia
Gospel: John 20: 19-31
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PARISH UPDATES:
Coffee Morning – Please note there will be Teas and Coffees in the Hall after Mass today. Please come along!
Mass Bookings. We are reminded that the booking of mass for our special intentions, wedding anniversaries, Birthday thanksgiving, Death anniversaries of our loved ones and general prayers is highly recommended. The mass stipends (Donations) are part of our contribution towards the good of the church and support of our priest.
Gift Aid – Gift Aid envelopes for the new tax year will be available from Sunday at the back of the church. We are very grateful for your contributions to the Parish of Our Lady Mother of the Church. The Church can claim back a significant amount of money when your gift aid envelopes are used, including the “special collection” and “Christmas and Easter” offerings. We ask, if possible, you continue to use these extra envelopes. If you wish to set up a standing order our bank details are as follows-
‘Our Lady Mother of the Church, sort code: 83-06-08, Acc no: 21271708
and then you only need to put in an envelope if there is a special collection.
Volunteer to Support Adults with Special Needs in Edinburgh – Five new faithful adult volunteers are needed to commit to our George Square Thursday evening SPRED (Special Religious Development) group. The spiritual programme for adults with special needs fosters communion with Jesus Christ within the Catholic community of faith. Please contact Sister Mary Benedicta Maier, RSM, at srmary.benedicta@staned.org.uk if you are interested in learning about becoming a SPRED volunteer catechist for this Edinburgh group.
Lourdes summer pilgrimage – There are some spaces available on the Archdiocesan Summer Pilgrimage to Lourdes for supported pilgrims and their carers, as well as nurses. Supported pilgrims are those who are ill, disabled or infirm, and they will fly out with the Archdiocese from Edinburgh and stay in the Saint Frai supported accommodation. Please email enquiries@edinburgh-lourdes.com. Demand for spaces on the plane for hotel pilgrims is high, but they can still take part in the pilgrimage. Contact Tangney Tours to be placed on a waiting list or to ask about alternative travel arrangements. Visit https://www.tangney-tours.com/
Save the Date – The annual Archdiocesan Mass for Married and Engaged Couples takes place at 7:00pm on Friday 19 June in St Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh.
Young Adults Pilgrimage to Rome – The Edinburgh Jesuit Church of the Sacred Heart invites Young Adults to join them on pilgrimage in Rome from 1 – 4 May 2026. Contact Fr David Stewart SJ at ejcyoungadults@jesuit.org.uk
Catechesis for First Holy Communion – Classes will start on the 25th April. If you would your child to attend, please fill in a request form you will find at the back of the church and hand it to Father Francis or one of the Passkeepers.
Catechist formation: First Reconciliation
Join the Catechetics Commission on Saturday 18 April, 9am-1230pm, for a morning focused on preparing children for the sacrament of reconciliation. Morning will include Mass, a testimony, and presentations on engaging children & parents. Location: the Gillis Centre 100 Strathearn Rd, EH9 1BB. Register: https://bit.ly/3O4eC3z Let the little children come…for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven!
Our Lady’s Offertory Collections.
Last Sunday’s collection: £659
Month total collections (Bank & Cash) £659
Special Collections: £-
Bank Total (month) £778
Mass Bookings.
We are reminded that the booking of mass for our special intentions, wedding anniversaries, Birthday thanksgiving, Death anniversaries of our loved ones and general prayers is highly recommended. The mass stipends (Donations) are part of our contribution towards the good of the church and support of our priest.
MASS TIMINGS
MASS INTENTIONS
MASS DONOR
Wednesday, April 15th, 10.00am
- Karen & Archibald - Full Recovery
- Alice
Friday April 17th, 10.00am
- Diana Richardson
- Archibald - Full Recovery
- Alice
Sunday, April 19th, 11.30am
- Arthur Higgins
- SSVP
Blessings to you, your families and those who are dear to you in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Divine Mercy Sunday
John 20:19-31
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.’ And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.’
Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord’. But he said to them, ‘Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.’
Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.’ Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
