Monday 24h August 2026. Please read on for a selection of items from this week’s parish newsletters in the Diocese of Dunkeld, offering a snapshot of life around our diocese.
Diocesan Vocations
“Do you have what it takes to be a Diocesan Priest?” To comfort people in their sorrow, to bring God’s love to the suffering or deprived, to be a light in the darkness, to welcome the children, to speak eloquently about God and His Mercy? Are you humble enough to handle the Body and Blood of Jesus, and to speak God’s word of forgiveness? If so, come along to the Vocations Evening in St Andrew’s Cathedral Hall on Sunday 30th August from 7 to 8pm?”
Annual Vocation Mass: Thursday 17th September at 6pm in St Andrew’s Cathedral, Dundee; led by St Paul’s Academy. Please come along and pray for vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and the religious life.
Our Lady of Lourdes, Perth, and St Mary Magdalene, Perth
Alpha Course Review & Next Steps: There will be an Alpha Course debrief with Paul Allaker in the church hall on Tuesday 25th August after Mass, to reflect on the recent course and discuss next steps for both parishes. Tea and coffee will be available.
Holy Family, Dunblane
Weekly Update: The Priests Deanery monthly recollection meeting that was held last Monday (17th August) here at Holy Family was a success and the Deanery Priests appreciated our hospitality. The Reparation and Adoration Prayer to the Holy Eucharist takes place every Thursday from 9:30-10.00am.
St Stephen, Blairgowrie, and St Luan, Alyth
Mary’s Meals upcoming events – request for helpers: Lynne Fryer (email: lynnef39@outlook.com) has asked for volunteers to help at a number of events happening before December 2026. Details are on the notice boards at the back of both churches. If you’d like to help at any of these events, please contact Lynne directly or speak to Margaret (Young) in St Stephen’s or Daria (McDowall) in St Luan’s. Lynne thanks you all for your continued support for Mary’s Meals.
SS Leonard & Fergus, Dundee, and St Columba, Kirkton
Appreciation: SS Leonard and Fergus would like to appreciate the decades of selfless services to the Parish by Janice Dobin. As Janice resigns from the Parish Council, we appreciate her invaluable contributions towards the subsistence of the parish. Janice continues to organise the Children’s Liturgy and SCIAF and we can’t thank her enough.
St Fergus, Forfar, and St Anthony, Kirriemuir
Children’s Liturgy: Please note that the Children’s Liturgy will take place on the following dates: September 13th, October 10th, November 8th and December 6th. As is usual, this will provide a story from the Bible in a form more understandable to children. A parent can also be present if that allays any nervousness felt by the child.
St Mary, Lochee, and St Clement, Charleston
Catholic Education Matters: Beautiful new banners in St Mary’s Primary School! Wonderful to see the school investing in items to create sacred spaces around the school. Also, at the start of the school year Mass on Friday, each class had a new statue of Our Lady blessed. Thanks to Head Teacher Ali Curran for making sure the school is bedecked in Catholic beauty. For more info on the school click https://sway.cloud.microsoft/U8b5weuPZ76Sqq2Z. May God bless all those in our associated Catholic Schools.
A Night on the Tiles: Live music courtesy of Demi McMahon and Friends. Friday August 28th Door Open 6.30pm. Tickets £10 call 07806777157. St Clements parishioners can obtain tickets from Bernadette Dailly.
St Bride, Monifieth, and St Anne, Carnoustie
Sacramental Preparation: the schools have opened again after the summer holidays, and so too our parish Catechism Class opens again for those young children who are preparing for the Holy Sacraments of the Church. Our class begin on the first Thursday of September in St Bride’s Church Hall at 4.30pm to 5.30pm. Please contact us if you have children of that age and wish to prepare them for these Sacraments.
St Mungo, Alloa
Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) Discernment Group: Last Tuesday, the PPC discernment group met for the first time with Paul Allaker from the diocese. It was a very fruitful meeting and my thanks to those who accepted my invitation to attend. Paul has provided a summary of the meeting, which I will now read and reflect upon in prayer I will also meet with the other priests in the diocese who are also engaging in this process. Once I have done this, Paul will return to facilitate a Parish Vision Day, which will be open to the whole parish, to allow them to hear what has been discussed so far, and if they have anything they might wish to add to the ongoing discernment process.
Knights Of St Columba Race Night: In aid of the Social Events Group on Friday 4th September. Tickets on sale now only £10 including your own horse in a race, with a chance to win a prize. Hot Dogs, BYOB, fun for all and an auction.
Diocesan Vacancy: Children’s Choir Director