fourth SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (a)
READINGS FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (A)
First Reading – (Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13) – This reading talks about the life-style of those who walk in the ways of God. Even if they are few, and from a worldly point of view, poor and lowly, they are fortunate for they will enjoy the shelter of God’s care.
Responsorial Psalm – How happy are the poor in spirit;
theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Second Reading – (1 Corinthians 1:26-31) – This reading tells us that God does not pick people who are wise or powerful or of noble birth, but rather those who are poor and weak and lowly, so that no human being could possibly boast before him.
Gospel Reading – (Matthew 5: 1-12) – In this Gospel we have the qualities, the attitudes, and the values Christ preached and lived, and which he wants to see in his followers.
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PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL
INTROUCTION: Dear brothers and sisters, Jesus has called us to be poor in spirit, which means to be rich in the things of God. Let us now pray to God the Father for those qualities and values Jesus wanted to see in his followers, so that we may experience some of the joy and peace he promised.
The response is… Lord graciously hear us.
╬ We pray for the Church: that we may live in the spirit of the Beatitudes and measure our lives by the Gospel, not by the standards of the world. Lord, hear us; Lord graciously hear us.
╬ We pray for peacemakers who promote dialogue and understanding within families or between nations: that God may bless them and make fruitful their efforts. Lord, hear us; Lord graciously hear us.
╬ We pray for those who are mourning, victims of violence, or suffering in despair: that they may find comfort, strength and healing in Christ. Lord, hear us; Lord graciously hear us.
╬ We pray for our parish community: that we may always give faithful witness by reflecting Christ’s gentle mercy in our daily living. 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 give them strength and fortitude, 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, you want to see in us the qualities you saw and loved in your Son Jesus. Give us the grace to follow him faithfully. 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 – 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 Cambuslang, Halfway
& 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
brings them comfort and consolation.
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 – Sr. Rosemary Reilly, Hugh Leonard, William Brownlee & George Morris, Claire McMillan & Michael Hartley.
ANNIVERSARIES – Gerald Hastings (First Anniversary), James (Jim) McEwan (First Anniversary), Ruby Rice (First Anniversary), Thomas & Betty McEwan, Joseph McEwan, Catherine McEwan Black, Bobby Black, Lena Mochan, Patrick Coyle, Colin & Elsie Bell.
BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE – Helen Theresa Boyle.
Eternal Rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let Perpetual Light shine upon them.
May they Rest in Peace. Amen.
CLERGY ANNIVERSARIES - FEBRUARY
Rev. Bartholomew Flynn 25/02/1949
Rev. Dermott McMullan 01/02/1960
Rev. Michael Maher 02/02/1970
Rev Richard Lillis 12/02/1973
Rev. Joseph Martin 28/02/1991
Rev. James J. Keegan 03/02/1999
Rev. Walter Scott 01/02/2013
Very Rev. Kieran O’Farrell 17/02/2014
Rev. Sean O’Shea 19/02/2018
Very Rev. Andrew Canon Reen 16/02/2019
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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CALENDAR
Monday is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. It traditionally marks the true end of the Christmas season, and commemorates as it does a significant moment in the infancy gospels. On Tuesday we have the possibility of two saints, St Anskar, the missionary who in the 9th Century strove with limited success to bring Christianity to the Scandinavian peoples, and St Blaise, apparently a 4th-century Armenian bishop & martyr, whose later legend gave rise to his being invoked for disease of the throat; we observe the custom of blessing throats today. The 3rd century virgin and martyr St Agatha, whose name appears in the first Eucharistic prayer, is remembered on Thursday. Friday is the feast of the Japanese Martyrs, Saint Paul Miki and his twenty-five companions (priests, religious and laity) who crucified by the local Shogun at Nagasaki in 1597.
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daily weekday mass
Please note the following changes in our weekday Masses. There will be a weekday Mass at 10am from Tuesday to Friday. This arrangement will be in place from Tuesday 3rd February 2026 until Wednesday 11th February 2026. No Daily Mass on Monday and Saturday mornings during this period.
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SECOND COLLECTION FOR CHURCH BUILDING
& MAINTENANCE FUND THIS WEEKEND
This Sunday (1st February 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 February.
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 this weekend. 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.
Our monthly Church Building and Maintenance Fund Collection, which is specifically for the upkeep and repair of the church buildings itself, has been experiencing quite a sharp decline over the last few months, well below the average of £700 a month. The Church Building and Maintenance Fund Collection is dedicated to ensuring the structural integrity and safety of the church building.
This includes things like roof repairs, heating system, electrical work, and other essential maintenance tasks. The usual weekly offertory collection helps us cover the day-to-day costs of running the church, such as utilities (electricity, heating, water), insurance, church services, general maintenance of church properties, administrative needs and various sundry expenses. On the other hand, the undertaking of any of the major repair works previously mentioned, when needed, plus other essential costs associated with the running of the parish, would not be possible without your additional help and support. Your parish church dedicated to St. Cadoc’s very much depends on your contributions and generosity. Once again, I thank all those who, over the years, have attended this church of St. Cadoc’s and I appreciate the many contributions that have been and continue to be made to the parish, and I look forward to your ongoing assistance in the future.
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CHILDREN’S LITURGY
We will resume the Children’s Liturgy sessions from this weekend (Sunday 1st February 2026). I encourage parents, guardians & carers to bring their children to the church to participate in our children’s liturgy. Our young ones are the future of our parish. Their participation in parish activities, such as the children’s liturgy, is an important step in their faith formation. It is my humble and hearty request to parents, guardians & carers that you bring your children to a Sunday Mass on a regular basis.
We currently have a dedicated team of five Children’s Liturgists (Elizabeth Gray, Marie Claire Faller, Anne-Frances McLaughlin, Bernadette Sheppard & Lucy Murdoch) who lead the Liturgy of the Word discussions with our young people on a weekly basis. Two Liturgists attend each week to work with our young ones. We are looking for more volunteers. If any of you are interested in helping with the Children’s Liturgy Ministry on a Sunday, please contact Fr. Cirilo.
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COMPASSIONATE COMMUNITIES
A partnership between Kilbryde Hospice and MacMillan improving the Cancer Journey (CJ) is now offering free, local drop-in support in the Halfway area for anyone effected by cancer, long-term conditions, bereavement, frailty or social isolation. No appointment is needed. Local sessions will take place at the Halfway Hall, 26 Graham Avenue, on alternative Wednesdays, 10am – 2.30pm, starting 28 January 2026. Everyone is welcome to come along for friendly, practical and emotional support.
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FIRST CONFESSIONS
Please pray for the young people of our parish whose parents are offering them for First Reconciliation on Tuesday 3rd of March 2026 from St. Charles’ Primary School at 6.30pm and Thursday 5th of March 2026 from St. Cadoc’s Primary School at 6.30pm in St. Cadoc’s Church.
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SCIAF WEE BOX LENEN APPEAL 2026
SCIAF Lenten boxes are now available at the back of the Church. During this year’s Lenten appeal SCIAF will be focusing on the country of Ethiopia, where decades of progress is being undone by conflict, droughts, floods and cuts to international aid. Millions are being pushed back into poverty, essential services are collapsing, children are going hungry, and clean water – the most vital resource for life – is becoming harder to access. Yet there is hope. Through SCIAF and our local Church partners, your generosity can make a real difference. Water sources bring life to communities, help young people receive an education, and support families recovering from conflict and disasters. Beyond water, SCIAF support families to grow food, rebuild homes and access healthcare.
Pope Leo XIV reminds us that the poor are at the heart of the Church’s mission; that faith and love for the poor cannot be separated.
As we enter the season of Lent in February 2026, SCIAF is asking you once again to help those who are less fortunate by supporting their WEE BOX LENTEN APPEAL. Please make sure that you collect a 'WEE BOX' for SCIAF Lenten donations for you and your family on your way out after Mass. The boxes should be handed in at the end of Lent.
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wellspring project
You will well remember that two years ago the Diocese of Motherwell launched a renewal project entitled ‘Wellspring” to encourage us respond with fervour to our baptismal calling by involving ourselves in the different ministries of our parish. The Parish needs your help to respond. Can you help us realise the vision of the wellspring project? I continue to encourage as many parishioners as possible to become involved in the day to day running of the parish. Current volunteering opportunities include Parish Pastoral Council, Finance Committee, laundering the altar linens, arranging flowers and decorating the church, as altar servers, sacristans, help in cleaning the church, readers at Mass, ministers to help distribute Holy Communion, SVDP, as pass keepers, offertory collection organisers, children’s liturgy helpers, safe-guarding co-ordinators, website co-ordinators, crib builders, volunteers to help maintain church grounds and open and close the church, etc. We are fortunate we are a parish community that lends itself to getting involved. However, opportunities exist for more parishioners to give of their time to participate in some aspect of parish life.
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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 also to protect the fabric of church from both surface and interstitial condensation, no matter how full the pews. And that means high heating 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. If I could remind you once again, please be mindful of closing the main door of the church to keep the heat in, and the cold out.
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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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NEW PARISHIONERS
We would ask those who are new to the parish, or who are moving house within the parish, to record their name, address and telephone number on the registration card provided in the porch of the church. I would greatly appreciate your involvement in the parish. If you have any spare time, talents, or skills to share, I rely on the kindness and support of parishioners like you to help us grow and serve our community better. It is also very helpful if those moving from the parish let us know, so that our statistics can be kept up to date. Please be assured that any data we have (including the parish survey I undertook in 2016) will be held in a secure way and will never be shared or given to anyone else.
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parking in the streets
surrounding the church
Unfortunately, parishioners of St. Cadocs’ who drive to church are in a situation where there is no private parking within the church grounds. The streets surrounding the church therefore invariably become congested with parked cars especially at weekend Mass times. Whilst acknowledging the limitations of parking in relation to the church, I would ask those drivers attending services to consider the needs of local residents to have unimpeded access to their properties when choosing where to responsibly park. You can also use our car park which is situated behind the church. It can accommodate 6 cars. Thank you for your kindness and cooperation.
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right to life uk: praying for the unborn
& women facing crisis pregnancies
Sunday 1st February 2026 - “As we celebrate the Presentation of the Lord on Monday, let us pray for all new parents and pregnant mothers. During this transitional time, amidst the challenges, may they too see the light their child brings and find the support they need in our community.”
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Holy mary, mother of god,
st. Joseph,
st. Michael and holy angels,
ST. CADOC,
Pray for us