St. Andrew

Parish life

The parish has a Music Director, a Parish Liturgy Coordinator, Cantors, a Children's Choir and an Instrumental (Folk) Group. The parish has a Bereavement Support group and an Association of Bearsden Churches affiliation.

St Andrew's and St Joseph's run a joint Youth Ministries Team that arranges events and retreats for young people. The parish considered holding another Mission Week, possibly with The Dominicans leading as in a previous mission. Tea is served in the hut after daily Mass or Services from Monday to Thursday.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The Children Liturgy, St Andrew's squad and Catechists team have amalgamated into one new group to prepare the children of St Andrew's for the Sacraments. A cross-parish visiting team is up and running, with visits carried out in pairs. Discussed suggestion made to potentially join RCIA Groups for both Parishes as well as whether an application could be made to the Archdiocese Evangelical fund to support this. Discussed holding another Sign Up Sunday event to raise awareness of various groups working within the Parish and to seek new volunteers.

J&P – noted the continuing high level of activities in the joint J&P group. Lunch club urgently need a volunteer to help set up and clear away tables. The Archbishop has raised the question of whether the Archdiocese can be reduced by 2025 to 50 parishes from the current level of around 90. Discussion took place on the current arrangement between the parishes of St Joseph's and St Andrew's which appear to be working quite well.

Our parish group is a place of welcome, a small group of people travelling together in mutual support on their spiritual journey and would warmly welcome new members. Non-perishable food items are always gratefully received; please place in the box in the Church porch during usual opening times. Our rota is always looking for more foodbank volunteer drivers. The parish lottery has a guaranteed jackpot of at least £1,000 twice a year.

Visiting

Holy water can be taken from a container in the porch near the entrance to the church. An induction loop system is fitted in the church for hearing aid users.