St. Peter's Parish Hamilton
You are very welcome to our parish website. We invite all visitors to join us in community and worship here at St Peter's Catholic Church. You will find our parishioners dedicated to the teachings given to us in the Gospel. May God bless you, and thank you for taking the time to visit this website; we would love to see you at Church should you find yourself in the area.
Times of Sunday Masses
4pm Vigil, 9.30am & 11am
Times of Weekday Masses
Tuesday to Saturday 10am
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We have three weeks till Santa Claus comes. More importantly three weeks till the Messiah, the Baby Jesus comes. Are we prepared for his coming that is why we have Advent to get ready for this great celebration The Second Sunday of Advent is a Christian observance focusing on preparing for Jesus's arrival through reflection and repentance, led by the message of John the Baptist. Key traditions include lighting the second purple candle on the Advent wreath, symbolizing peace, and reading scripture from Luke about John the Baptist urging people to "prepare the way of the Lord". Key aspects of the Second Sunday of Advent: Preparation and Repentance: It is a time for Christians to examine their hearts, repent for sins, and make a conscious effort to make space for Jesus in their lives. John the Baptist's Message: The readings focus on John the Baptist's call to repentance and his role in preparing the way for Jesus. This includes his message that the ax lies at the root of the trees and that every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down. Symbolism of the Advent Wreath: The second purple candle is lit, representing peace. Some traditions also call this candle the Bethlehem Candle, symbolizing faith. Theme of Peace: The theme for the day is peace, and the message includes preparing for the coming of Christ's kingdom, which is a kingdom of justice, harmony, and peace. Universality of Salvation: The gospel readings highlight that Jesus's salvation is for all people, both Jews and Gentiles.
On Saturday morning (6th Dec) we will celebrate the Feast of St. Nicholas. Here is a wee bit about him: Saint Nicholas is known for his generosity, kindness, and legendary miracles, such as secretly giving gold to a poor father to save his daughters from slavery. His reputation for giving and compassion made him the patron saint of children, sailors, and merchants, and his stories are the foundation for the modern figure of Santa Claus. He was a 4th-century Greek bishop who lived in Myra (modern-day Turkey) and is celebrated for his devout Christian life and care for the poor.
For Catholics, the new Liturgical Year commences with the First Sunday of Advent, opening the Advent season. In this new Liturgical Year, the Church not only wishes to indicate the beginning of a period, but the beginning of a renewed commitment to the faith by all those who follow Christ, the Lord. This time of prayer and path of penance that is so powerful, rich and intense, endeavors to give us a renewed impetus to truly welcome the message of the One who was incarnated for us. In fact, the entire Liturgy of the Advent season, will spur us to an awakening in our Christian life and will put us in a ‘vigilant’ disposition, to wait for Our Lord Jesus who is coming: ‘Awaken! Remember that God comes! Not yesterday, not tomorrow, but today, now! The one true God, "the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,"  is not a God who is there in Heaven, unconcerned with us and our history, but he is the-God-who-comes.'
On the last Sunday of each liturgical year, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, or Christ the King. Pope Pius XI instituted this feast in 1925 with his encyclical Quas primas (“In the first”) to respond to growing secularism and atheism. He recognized that attempting to “thrust Jesus Christ and his holy law” out of public life would result in continuing discord among people and nations. This solemnity reminds us that while governments come and go, Christ reigns as King forever. During the early twentieth century, in Mexico, Russia, and some parts of Europe, militantly secularistic regimes threatened not just the Catholic Church and its faithful but civilisation itself. Pope Pius XI’s encyclical gave Catholics hope and—while governments around them crumbled—the assurance that Christ the King shall reign forever. Jesus Christ “is very truth, and it is from him that truth must be obediently received by all mankind” This solemnity encourages us the celebrate and live out our faith in public. “Thus by sermons preached at meetings and in churches, by public adoration of the Blessed Sacrament exposed and by solemn processions, men unite in paying homage to Christ, whom God has given them for their King” (Quas primas, 26). For Christians, when our faith is repeatedly marginalized in public life, we can fall into the habit of compartmentalizing our lives. We love Jesus in our private lives, but we shrink from acknowledging the kingship of Christ in social life. When we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King, we declare to the world and remind ourselves that Jesus is the Lord of the Church and of the entire universe. Prayer to Christ the King Christ Jesus, I acknowledge You King of the universe. All that has been created has been made for You. Make full use of Your rights over me. I renew the promises I made in Baptism, when I renounced Satan and all his pomps and works, and I promise to live a good Christian life and to do all in my power to procure the triumph of the rights of God and Your Church. Divine Heart of Jesus, I offer you my efforts in order to obtain that all hearts may acknowledge your Sacred Royalty, and that thus the Kingdom of Your peace may be established throughout the universe.  Amen
Quote of the week
"The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives
fully is
prepared to die at any time - Author unknown
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Parish News
Our very latest news updates and information about Parish activities.
If you wish to sign up for Gift Aid. It is a great way to help the parish financially, costing you absolutely nothing. If you wish to sign up contact myself or Doreen Lee and we will give you the form and hand it back as you can and we can get it organised. As I said it costs you nothing, but helps the parish so much.
After 6 years St Peter’s Parish is heading to the panto! Are you coming? Jock and the Beanstalk at the Glasgow Pavilion Friday 2nd January 2026 at 7pm Price: £36 for adults, £33 for under-16s and over-60s. Price includes transport from St Peter’s Church. Bus times: 17:30 – depart St Peter’s 22:00 – depart Pavilion (Timings to be confirmed) How to sign up: A sign-up sheet is available in the porch. You can also scan the QR code or use the link below to register: Jock and the Beanstalk Panto Friday 2nd of January 2026 – Fill in form
I am looking for Volunteers to move the power-points on during the Sunday Masses, Vigil 4pm, 9.30am & 11am. It is very easy to operate, if we get enough volunteers for each Mass we would put a wee rota together. It would take a wee bit of pressure off me.
Tommy Gemmill Community Project www.tommygemmillcp.co.uk Christmas Bongos Bingo-Ho-Ho Friday 14th November St. Peter's Hamilton 7pm till Midnight £15 per ticket Includes Books and Snack Contact: www.tommygemmillcp.co.uk for tickets
Parish Priest Notices
Important items highlighted by Fr. Frank These will contain news elements & important requests
Please pray for Our Sick : Ellen Blair, Margaret Callaghan Doreen Cleary, Michael Ritchie, Neil Boyle, John Rielly Molly Strang, James Clark, Fr. Michael McLaughlin, Patricia Henderson, Joanna Maier (Connecticut USA), Therese Gilgunn Tressy Callaghan, Suzanne McMurray, Mary Coyle,Lesley Watson (Spain) Maureen McHugh, Margaret Burke, Marie White, Kathleen Daly, John McGuire, Jill Brown, Karen Pritchatt, Louise Newton, Faith Lyndsey, Jill Brown, Marie McGuire, James Morton, Paul Kearney, Thomas Daly, Andrew McCluskey, Premature Baby Vincent McDowell, Faith Lindsay, Paul Kearney, Kathleen Daly, Thomas Daly Jnr, Bill Allan, Gudren Berk (Germany) , and all our sick.
Our Recently Dead Annabelle Sullivan, Simon Harley (St. Mary's Greenock), Father Patrick Gaffney Cssp Month Minds & Anniversaries Lucille Barkley, Beatrice McGhee, Jimmy Kelly, Niamh, Niall, & Derek James Rooney, Ann McClafferty, Joe Healy, Elizabeth Johnston  Please if you could make sure all month minds and anniversaries are handed in no later than Wednesday Night. If they come in after that they will be read out at Mass on Sunday. If the recently dead come in after the Wednesday deadline they too will be read out at Mass on the Sunday
This Week’s Book of Remembrance Monday: Catherine Rattigan, William Reilly Tuesday: James McDaide, Andrew Cornes Wednesday Maureen Fallon , Rose Anne Connachan, Helen Dargue Thursday: Catherine Gustinella Friday: Martin Keenan, Paddy Green, Benny Rooney, Susan Corns, Mary Ellicott Saturday: James Quinn, Matthew Munro, Stewart Johnston, John Martin, Edward Fallon Jnr, Mary Gallacher,  Gwen Divers Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen
NEW & COMING SOON
Important items highlighted by Fr. Frank. These will contain news elements & important requests
“On this rock I will build my Church.”
After 6 years St Peter’s Parish is heading to the panto! Are you coming? Jock and the Beanstalk at the Glasgow Pavilion Friday 2nd January 2026 at 7pm Price: £36 for adults, £33 for under-16s and over-60s. Price includes transport from St Peter’s Church. Bus times: 17:30 – depart St Peter’s 22:00 – depart Pavilion (Timings to be confirmed) How to sign up: A sign-up sheet is available in the porch. You can also scan the QR code or use the link below to register: Jock and the Beanstalk Panto Friday 2nd of January 2026 – Fill in form
We have three weeks till Santa Claus comes. More importantly three weeks till the Messiah, the Baby Jesus comes. Are we prepared for his coming that is why we have Advent to get ready for this great celebration The Second Sunday of Advent is a Christian observance focusing on preparing for Jesus's arrival through reflection and repentance, led by the message of John the Baptist. Key traditions include lighting the second purple candle on the Advent wreath, symbolizing peace, and reading scripture from Luke about John the Baptist urging people to "prepare the way of the Lord". Key aspects of the Second Sunday of Advent: Preparation and Repentance: It is a time for Christians to examine their hearts, repent for sins, and make a conscious effort to make space for Jesus in their lives. John the Baptist's Message: The readings focus on John the Baptist's call to repentance and his role in preparing the way for Jesus. This includes his message that the ax lies at the root of the trees and that every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down. Symbolism of the Advent Wreath: The second purple candle is lit, representing peace. Some traditions also call this candle the Bethlehem Candle, symbolizing faith. Theme of Peace: The theme for the day is peace, and the message includes preparing for the coming of Christ's kingdom, which is a kingdom of justice, harmony, and peace. Universality of Salvation: The gospel readings highlight that Jesus's salvation is for all people, both Jews and Gentiles.
On Saturday morning (6th Dec) we will celebrate the Feast of St. Nicholas. Here is a wee bit about him: Saint Nicholas is known for his generosity, kindness, and legendary miracles, such as secretly giving gold to a poor father to save his daughters from slavery. His reputation for giving and compassion made him the patron saint of children, sailors, and merchants, and his stories are the foundation for the modern figure of Santa Claus. He was a 4th-century Greek bishop who lived in Myra (modern-day Turkey) and is celebrated for his devout Christian life and care for the poor.
For Catholics, the new Liturgical Year commences with the First Sunday of Advent, opening the Advent season. In this new Liturgical Year, the Church not only wishes to indicate the beginning of a period, but the beginning of a renewed commitment to the faith by all those who follow Christ, the Lord. This time of prayer and path of penance that is so powerful, rich and intense, endeavors to give us a renewed impetus to truly welcome the message of the One who was incarnated for us. In fact, the entire Liturgy of the Advent season, will spur us to an awakening in our Christian life and will put us in a ‘vigilant’ disposition, to wait for Our Lord Jesus who is coming: ‘Awaken! Remember that God comes! Not yesterday, not tomorrow, but today, now! The one true God, "the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,"  is not a God who is there in Heaven, unconcerned with us and our history, but he is the-God-who-comes.'
St. Margaret of Scotland's Feast Day would have this Sunday 16th November.Here is a wee bit about herMargaret of Scotland was a truly liberated woman in the sense that she was free to be herself. For her, that meant freedom to love God and serve others.Not Scottish by birth, Margaret was the daughter of Princess Agatha of Hungary and the Anglo-Saxon Prince Edward Atheling. She spent much of her youth in the court of her great-uncle, the English king, Edward the Confessor. Her family fled from William the Conqueror and was shipwrecked off the coast of Scotland. King Malcolm befriended them and was captivated by the beautiful, gracious Margaret. They were married at the castle of Dunfermline in 1070.Malcolm was good-hearted, but rough and uncultured, as was his country. Because of Malcolm’s love for Margaret, she was able to soften his temper, polish his manners, and help him become a virtuous king. He left all domestic affairs to her, and often consulted her in state matters.Margaret tried to improve her adopted country by promoting the arts and education. For religious reform she encouraged synods and was present for the discussions which tried to correct religious abuses common among priests and laypeople, such as simony, usury, and incestuous marriages. With her husband, she founded several churches.Margaret was not only a queen, but a mother. She and Malcolm had six sons and two daughters. Margaret personally supervised their religious instruction and other studies. Although she was very much caught up in the affairs of the household and country, she remained detached from the world. Her private life was austere. She had certain times for prayer and reading Scripture. She ate sparingly and slept little in order to have time for devotions. She and Malcolm kept two Lents, one before Easter and one before Christmas. During these times she always rose at midnight for Mass. On the way home she would wash the feet of six poor persons and give them alms. She was always surrounded by beggars in public and never refused them. It is recorded that she never sat down to eat without first feeding nine orphans and 24 adults. In 1093, King William Rufus made a surprise attack on Alnwick castle. King Malcolm and his oldest son, Edward, were killed. Margaret, already on her deathbed, died four days after her husband. Here is a reflection to think about St. Margaret: There are two ways to be charitable: the “clean way” and the “messy way.” The “clean way” is to give money or clothing to organisations that serve the poor. The “messy way” is dirtying our own hands in personal service to the poor. Margaret’s outstanding virtue was her love of the poor. Although very generous with material gifts, Margaret also visited the sick and nursed them with her own hands.  She and her husband served orphans and the poor on their knees during Advent and Lent. Like Christ, she was charitable the “messy way.”
All Saints Day, celebrated on November 1 in the Roman Catholic Church, is a holy day of obligation, and many other Christians celebrate it too, including Eastern Catholics on the Sunday after Pentecost. On this day, the Church honours all saints, both those formally canonized and others who have attained heaven (see Heb. 12:22-24). These saints are individuals who have lived lives of extraordinary faith and dedication to God, serving as role models for Christians. Whether officially recognized by the Church or not, these saints have played a significant role in spreading Christianity and leading others toward holiness (Matt. 28:18-20) All Souls' Day is a Catholic holy day observed on November 2nd to pray for and remember the souls of the faithful departed, particularly those believed to be in purgatory. On this day, Catholics attend Mass, visit and decorate graves, and offer prayers to help cleanse and perfect the souls of deceased loved ones before they enter heaven. It is part of the Allhallowtide observance, following All Saints' Day on November 1st. All Souls Day Will be celebrated this year on Monday 3rd November There will be Mass at 10am So we can pray for all the dead.
October 7th (This Tuesday) Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary A Day of Prayer for Peace Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament After Mass to 4.30pm 12noon Joyful Mysteries 2pm Sorrowful Mysteries 4pm Glorious Mysteries  Church closes at 4.30pm
We begin the fifth week of lent this weekend it is a new stage in the Lenten Season we will cover the statues and take down all the pictures in the Church. The reason we do this is: The practice of veiling images alerts us that something is different, it can be startling at first, but the last two weeks of Lent are a time of immediate preparation for the celebration of the Sacred Triduum. The veils are hard to miss and they serve as a reminder to get ready! The veiled images build within us a longing for Easter Sunday. The veils seem out of place, and even counterintuitive. It can seem strange that the crucifix is covered up during Passiontide. Through this absence of images, our senses are heightened and we become more aware of what is missing. Similarly, the suppression of the Alleluia during Lent effectively demonstrates that we are in exile from our true Home, where the angels sing Alleluia without ceasing. When images are unveiled before the Easter Vigil, we are reminded that we, in a sense, live in a veiled world. It is through our own death that we are able to see our true home, and the veil is lifted. Christ lifts the veil through His Resurrection. Jesus told her, “ I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die . John 11:25-26
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Resources
Our Parish Schools OUR PARIOur SH SCHOOLS
St Peters Parish serves St Mark's and St Peter's primary school here in Hamilton. We provide spiritual guidance and sacramental support for both the teachers and the pupils; you can find out more about our schools by following the links below.
Bishop Toal, Mother Mary and Pope Francis videos
Vocations
Are you feeling increasingly compelled to spend time with Jesus? Do you find that your time is spent seeking him and all things connected with him?
If you have questions and you need some help with the answers, then firstly pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help you to understand what it is Jesus wants from you. Then, if you would like to talk, contact our vocations department; we can give you some guidance on how to further discern God's calling.
