SOLEMNITY OF the EPIPHANY
of the LORD (A)
READINGS FOR THE SOLEMNITY OF THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD (A)
First Reading – (Isaiah 60: 1-6) – The prophet Isaiah foresees the glorious return of the exiles to Jerusalem, but his vision really foresees the coming together of Jesus and the Gentiles, who are represented by the three astrologers.
Responsorial Psalm – All the nations on earth shall fall prostrate before you, O Lord.
Second Reading – (Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6) – St Paul tells us that God invites all, both Jews and Gentiles, to share on an equal footing the salvation brought by Christ.
Gospel Reading – (Matthew 2:1-12) – This tells us how three astrologers arrive in Bethlehem, prostate themselves before Jesus and offer him gifts.
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PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL
(Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord (A)
INTROUCTION: Dear brothers and sisters, we now unite ourselves with the Magi who came before the Lord bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, and with humble trust we offer these prayers.
The response is… Lord graciously hear us.
╬ We pray for leaders of the Church: that they may be strengthened to serve all God’s people and to bring the light of the Gospel to those who cling to darkness and sin. Lord, hear us; Lord graciously hear us.
╬ We pray for the world: that it may come to know Jesus Christ, revealed this day by the light of a star, and rejoice in his love, forgiveness and peace. Lord, hear us; Lord graciously hear us.
╬ We pray for all who are seeking meaning and purpose in their lives: that, at the end of their searching, they may come to recognise Christ as the source of wisdom and light in the world. Lord, hear us; Lord graciously hear us.
╬ We pray for ourselves: that we may, like the Wise Men, eagerly continue our personal faith journeys and recognise that the true path to salvation lies in following the ways of the Lord. Lord, hear us; Lord graciously hear us.
╬ We pray for all the sick of our families and our parish, those in hospital, in hospice or nursing home and those for whom we are asked to pray: that God may be their strength and grant them health, and bless those who care for them. Lord, hear us; Lord graciously hear us.
╬ We pray for the souls of all those whose anniversaries, months mind and birthday remembrances we are asked to recall, as well as those who have recently died: that they may receive the reward of their faith and enjoy the happiness of heaven. Lord, hear us; Lord graciously hear us.
CONCLUSION: God our Father, we rejoice today as we come to your Son with our gifts of prayer and praise. Bless us with your protection and fulfil the needs we have expressed. We make this prayer and all our prayers through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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PLEASE REMEMBER THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE
IN YOUR PRAYERS THIS WEEK
SICK - Sr. Rosemary Reilly, Sheila Gallagher, Jim & Susan Jamieson, Baby Archie Thomson, Alex McLeod, Ron Docherty, Rona McPhee, Rose Gallagher, Thérèse McKeand, Martin McGuire & James Hannaway.
I also ask your prayers for the sick and housebound –
those at home in our parish community, those in hospital,
and those in local nursing and care homes in Halfway,
Cambuslang, Blantyre and elsewhere.
Our prayers for them not only help in their suffering and pain
but also reassure them that they are not forgotten
by our community of faith.
Our prayers help relieve their feelings of isolation and loneliness.
To be remembered before the Altar of God
Almighty and Eternal God, you are the everlasting health
of those who believe in you.
Hear us for your sick servants
for whom we implore the aid of your tender mercy,
that being restored to bodily health,
they may give thanks to you in your Church.
Through Christ our Lord.
Our Lady, Help of the Sick, pray for them.
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RECENTLY DEAD –Very Rev. Thomas Canon Hendry, Jack Ducie (Requiem Mass, Tuesday 6th January 2026 at 12noon), Joseph Doran (Body Reception, Monday 12th January 2026 at 6pm; Requiem Mass, Tuesday 13th January 2026 at 10am) & David O’Hare.
MONTHS MIND – John Murray.
Eternal Rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let Perpetual Light shine upon them.
May they Rest in Peace. Amen.
CLERGY ANNIVERSARIES – JANUARY
Very Rev. James Canon McKenna 30/01/1949
Rev. William J. Smith 16/01/1961
Rev. Patrick Plunkett 20/01/1963
Rev. Peter Aloysius Murie 11/01/1964
Rev. Thomas McGhie 13/01/1965
Rt. Rev. Patrick Monsignor McGonagle 20/01/1970
Rev. Daniel McGlinchey 21/01/1972
Rev. Thomas Sheehan 22/01/1975
Rev. Anthony Donnelly 30/01/1982
Rev. Gerald B. McColgan 25/01/1987
Very Rev. James Canon Kilpatrick 04/01/1989
Very Rev. Bernard Canon Keenan 02/01/1992
Rev. James Quinn 10/01/1994
Rev. James Boyle 31/01/1998
Very Rev. John Canon Sheridan 06/01/1999
Very Rev. George Canon Fryer 20/01/1999
Rev. Isaac McLaren 11/01/2001
Very Rev. John Canon Gallagher 22/01/2003
Rev. James Small 14/01/2014
Rev. Jeremiah O'Riordan 11/01/2006
Very Rev, Thomas Canon Barry 26/01/2006
Very Rev. Henry Canon Allison 03/01/2013
Very Rev. George Canon Boyd 22/01/2013
Rev. Joseph Brannigan 02/01/2014
Rev. Henry Canon McGinn 14/01/2014
Leo Muldoon 27/01/2014
Very Rev Edward Canon Glackin 18/01/2016
Rev. Brian Donnelly 26/01/2016
Rev. Patrick McGovern 17/01/2017
Very Rev. Noel Canon Carey 09/01/2018
Very Rev Joseph Canon Clements 05/01/2023
May the Lord who chose them to serve him as priests,
number them among his chosen in heaven.
Requiescant in Pace.
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the epiphany OF the LORD
Today is one of the most ancient feasts in the Church’s calendar, dating from the 3rd century. The word Epiphany comes from the ancient Greek language, and means manifestation or revelation. We celebrate Christ’s epiphany to the Gentiles, represented by the Magi or three kings. According to tradition their names were Melchior, Gaspar and Balthasar, and they travelled from Persia or Chaldea (modern-day Iran). The gifts which they brought with them are symbolic of Christ’s life: Gold for king, Incense for a priest, and Myrrh for someone who would suffer and die.
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THANK YOU MOST SINCERELY
At this time of year I (Fr. Jose Cirilo Rodrigues) would like to thank once again all those who have treated me so kindly with greetings, gifts, food, prayers and best wishes during the Christmas week. I also extend my thanks to all (too numerous to mention) who have contributed to make our Advent special by their prayerful sharing in our seasonal liturgies and the feast of Christmas meaningful by their faithful participation. The simple beauty of our liturgical environment and our community prayers come together because of the rich personal gifts, talents and dedication of many in our parish. As the priest of the parish, I would like to emphasise how much I appreciate and depend upon your continued help and support in the smooth running of the parish throughout the year.
Daily I pray for every member and well-wisher of St. Cadoc’s. Over this Christmas season, you and your families, especially those, who may be struggling, will continue to be an important part of my prayer. May God bless you and your loved ones with prosperity, good health and happiness in the New Year 2026.
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SECOND COLLECTION FOR CHURCH BUILDING
& MAINTENANCE FUND
This Sunday (4th January 2026), being the first Sunday of the month, the normal second collection will be taken up at all Masses to help support our Church Building and Maintenance Fund for the month of January. A box intended for the Church Building & Maintenance Fund Collection will be situated at the back of the church for the next two weeks beginning today. Please be generous towards our second collection as this greatly helps pay for essentials such as continued maintenance and much needed repairs to our parish buildings and existing facilities.
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CHILDREN’S LITURGY
We will resume the Children’s Liturgy sessions on the 1st Sunday February 2026 at 10am Mass.
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CALENDAR
The Christmas Season continues this week. Wednesday is the memorial of the Mallorcan priest, St. Raymond of Peñafort (+1275). He balanced careers as preacher, expert in Canon Law and confessor to Pope Gregory IX. His treatment of Canon Law was pivotal in the development of the Church’s discipline. He died aged 100. Next Sunday is the feast of the Baptism of Our Lord, and the end of Christmastide.
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LITURGY ROTA
Liturgy rota for Readers (January – March 2026) for 5pm (Saturday) &10am & 11.30am (Sunday) Masses is available in the sacristy. Please collect a copy before or after any of the Sunday Masses. Thanks to Mrs Anne Moran for giving her time to prepare the readers rota. If you are able to be part of this important ministry, then please contact Mrs. Anne Moran or Fr. Cirilo.
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CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
Thank you for your offerings and donations for the upkeep of your church and parish’s ministry during Christmas period. I know there are many demands placed on you at this time of year, especially financial ones, and so I appreciate all you give to support the smooth running of the parish. Thank you for your ongoing generosity to the parish during the Christmas Season and the rest of the year. All your offerings and donations are greatly appreciated. May the peace and joy of the Infant Lord be with you and all your loved ones.
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ADVENT & CHRISTMAS
I want to express my sincere gratitude to all those who contributed to the pastoral service of our community during Advent and Christmas, and to all those who help me during the year. Your dedication and hard work have been much appreciated and valued.
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MANY THANKS
Our gratitude to the Parish Offertory Counting Team for giving of their time to count our offertory collections during the Christmas week in spite of their family commitments and for depositing the money in the bank.
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PASTORAL PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING
Our next pastoral planning committee meeting will take place on Wednesday (21st January 2026) at 7pm in the church house. Minutes of the last meeting and the agenda for the next meeting can be found on the notice board at the back of the church.
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FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO HELP WITH RISING
ENERGY BILLS (GAS & ELECTRICITY)
We are well into the cold season now. Keeping warm over the winter months is vital for our well-being and to protect the fabric of the building from both surface and interstitial condensation, no matter how full the pews. And that means high heating bills. Irrevocably this means high heating bills.
Since the aftermath of Covid-19, the cost of living, from buying groceries to heating our church and presbytery, has been on the rise sharply every day. Overall, our expenditures have increased faster than income. Our parish relies entirely on your contributions to pay our bills. I kindly appeal to your generosity to add an extra pound or two to your weekly contributions to help defray, in particular this winter, the high costs of energy bills. A big thank you to those of you who have already increased your regular giving to help defray the rising energy bills.
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DO YOU WANT TO JOIN THE GIFT-AID SCHEME
AND HELP THE PARISH
It’s so simple. If you are a tax payer, normally come to Church, and are prepared to put your money offering in a confidential numbered envelope (or pay by Standing order) and sign a simple form, then the parish can (at no cost to yourself) reclaim the tax you have already paid on that offering. For every pound you give, your parish will get back an additional 25 pence from the Inland Revenue. Thanks are extended to all those who have answered our appeal and have committed to gift-aid their offerings. Anyone wishing to join the scheme, please contact Jim Cunningham, our parish Gift Aid organiser or Fr. Cirilo. Alternatively, you can contribute to the Sunday Mass collections via a direct debit or standing order arrangement with your bank. Thank you once again for your enduring generosity and support.
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RIGHT TO LIFE UK: PRAYING FOR THE UNBORN
AND WOMEN FACING CRISIS PREGNANCIES
4th January 2026: “As we begin this New Year, we pray for all who may be considering an abortion. We pray that we will see a decrease in cases of abortion, and instead a year of increased support, both practical and emotional, from all of us in society, bettering the care for all expectant mothers.”
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AN ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION
(St. Alphonsus Liguori)
(This is a simple and loving act of Spiritual Communion we are called to make in these times,
while we are unable to attend Mass and receive the Eucharist)
My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the
Most Holy Sacrament.
I love you above all things, and I desire to receive you into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace you as if you were already there
and unite myself wholly to you.
Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.
PRAYER TO ST. MICHAEL
St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in the day of battle.
Be our safeguard against the wickedness
and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Hosts,
by the power of God, cast into Hell Satan, and all the evil spirits
who prowl the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Holy mary, mother of god,
st. Joseph,
st. Michael and holy angels,
ST. CADOC,
Pray for us