News from Scotland 12th March 2011

In and Around Inverness

Ash Wednesday and the Ceremony of Enrolment

The Ordinariate Group from the Inverness area began their preparation to be received into full communion in the Catholic Church on Ash Wednesday in St Ninian’s Church, Culduthel Road, Inverness, under the care of Fr Stuart Chalmers, the Parish Priest. The following day, Thursday, the group were formally welcomed by Fr James Bell, the Highland Dean, representing Bishop Peter Moran, at a 'Ceremony of Enrolment'.

Catechesis

Catechesis for the group also begain at St Ninian’s Church on Thursday 10th March. The first session explored The Church, The People of God and the Universal Sacrament of Salvation, The Church as the Body of Christ: Belonging to Christ, united to Christ, united in Christ, with related discussion on the Sacraments of Initiation. Particular focus on the relationship between the Church and the Eucharist.

Future sessions are: Wednesday 16th March: Scripture, Tradition and Magisterium - Handing on the Deposit of the Faith and Receiving the Deposit of the Faith;
Wednesday 23rd March: God in Christ reconciling the world to Himself - Reflection on Sin and Forgiveness & healing through Christ, and the Sacraments of Healing: Confession/Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick;
Wednesday 30th March: The Universal Call to Holiness in the context of one’s unique vocation, The Nature of Vocation and Sacraments of Commitment: Marriage and Holy Orders, Religious Life and Single Life;
Wednesday 6th April: Catholic Moral Understanding - Fundamental Principles, Formation of Informed Conscience: thinking with the Church (Sentire cum Ecclesia);
Thursday 14 April: The Life in the Spirit: Prayer: Praying the Mass, Eucharistic Devotion, Prayer with Scripture (Lectio Divina), Marian Devotion – the Rosary.

In other parts of Scotland

Although the main Ordinariate group is in the area in and around Inverness, there are a number of other people in other parts of Scotland who, while being cared for by their local Catholic priests, are part of the Ordinariate group in Scotland. Bishop Tartaglia of Paisley will conduct that Act of Recognition for them at the evening Mass in St Mirin’s Cathedral, Paisley, on the Feast of the Aunnunciation of the Lord, Friday 25th March.

Pluscarden Abbey Retreat

The Ordinariate group in Scotland will be present at Pluscarden Abbey near Elgin on the 9th and 10th of April for a short retreat as part of their preparation to be received into full communion in the Catholic Church. Pluscarden Abbey is a very special place and it will good for those from all over Scotland to be together for a quiet weekend.

Holy Saturday

All the members of the Ordinariate Group in SCotland will be received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil in the Cathedral in Aberdeen by Bishop Peter Moran. Further details will be available soon.