Mark Hamid writes:
Dear Friends,
Preparations for the launch day of the Confraternity of St Ninian are now well under way and I very much hope that you will be able to join us and bring friends and family too. In the hope that you will attend please note the following important information below:
Itinerary
From 10:45: Gather outside Holy Spirit Church, McGrigor Road, Stirling, FK7 9BL;
11:00: Procession begins;
12:00: Mass at Our Lady & St Ninian’s Church, Quakerfield, Stirling, FK7 8HZ;
Mass will be immediately followed by devotions to Our Lady of Fatima and lunch;
14:00 Inaugural Meeting.
Please note that due to parish events beyond our control we regret that the Holy Hour before the procession has had to be cancelled.
Procession
The procession route is mainly on paths and pavements; some sections are on grass which may be boggy so please therefore ensure you have suitable footwear and note that some parts of the route may not be suitable for buggies if it has been wet beforehand. Hymn sheets will be provided and there will be a selection of flags for people to carry.
Mass
The Mass will be a sung Mass of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Please bring a missal if you require one to follow the Mass (The Proper can be found at 22 August). Those unable to participate in the walking are still very welcome to attend the Mass and the events afterwards.
Mass will be immediately followed by the Veneration of Our Lady of Fatima. A plenary indulgence can be obtained for participation in the veneration under the usual conditions.
Lunch
Immediately after Mass we will have a pot luck lunch in the church hall so please bring some food to share with others. I will arrange for access to the church hall at Bannockburn for dishes to be left between 10:00 and 10:30. Access to the hall and car park is by Station Road. This will give plenty of time for the short drive to the start of the walk at Holy Spirit.
Parking
There is free parking both in the vicinity of Holy Spirit Church and Our Lady & St Ninian’s. At the end of the day we will arrange for drivers parked at Holy Spirit to be given a lift back to collect their cars.
Meeting
At the meeting we will formally constitute the society, adopt an constitution and appoint a committee to serve until the first AGM which will be in September. If you would be interested in joining the committee, which will primarily be concerned with organising the 2017 Two Shrines Pilgrimage, please let me know.
To join as an inaugural member it will be necessary to pay the membership fee on the day, which I am proposing to be £10 (£25 for a family).
Volunteering
If you would be willing to assist on the day from around 10:00 please let me know; we will be extremely grateful for all help offered.
Prayers
Thank you for your continued prayers for the success of this venture. Now would be an excellent time to add good weather on the day to your intentions!
With best wishes,
Mark Hamid
