St James the Great Parish Church

13/09/2026

“Vocations shortage will mean major changes are needed”

A new article in the September edition of Flourish looks at the changing landscape of priestly vocations and the challenges facing the Church as the number of priests continues to decline.

What might the future of ministry and parish life look like in the years ahead?

Read the full article in the September edition of Flourish.
www.flourishnewspaper.co.uk

12/09/2026

05/09/2026

Funeral Details for Rev. Jim Kernaghan - Deacon at St. Peter’s, Partick

02/09/2026

A lot was discussed at last night’s Deanery Council meeting at OLOL Chapel House.

Looking ahead, the Southern Deanery aims to strengthen collaboration between parishes, deepen faith formation, engage all generations, and renew our missionary outreach in local communities.

The plan centres on four focused periods throughout the liturgical and pastoral year, with parishes working together around shared themes while adapting activities locally to reflect their own needs, strengths and resources.

01/09/2026

Deanery South Youth Group
P7-S6
Fridays 7pm-9pm
St Conval’s Church Hall
All Welcome

28/08/2026

In the Catholic Church, Holy Communion is first and foremost the Real Presence of Jesus Christ — the “medicine of immortality” as St. Ignatius of Antioch described it nearly 2,000 years ago.

It unites us to Christ, forgives venial sins, and nourishes the soul with divine life.

Yet modern science is also revealing measurable benefits that align with regular participation in the Eucharist during Mass. Large-scale studies from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and other major research institutions have found strong correlations between frequent religious service attendance (which includes receiving Holy Communion) and improved health outcomes.

Key scientific findings include:

⬩ People who attend religious services at least once a week have a 26–33% lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to those who never attend.

⬩ Weekly attendance is linked to significantly lower rates of depression, anxiety, and su***de, along with greater life satisfaction, purpose, and social connection.

⬩ Regular participation is associated with healthier behaviors (lower smoking and heavy drinking) and better overall psychosocial well-being.

While these studies examine religious attendance in general, the heart of Catholic worship — the sacred encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist — provides a unique source of peace, hope, and inner strength that many faithful experience as tangible renewal in body and mind.

The grace of the sacrament works on a supernatural level, yet its fruits often manifest in calmer hearts, renewed energy, and resilience amid life’s trials. As Pope Francis reminds us, the Eucharist is “medicine for the sick,” not a prize for the perfect.

Receiving Jesus worthily in Holy Communion is not merely a ritual — it is an encounter that science increasingly shows can support longer, healthier, and more meaningful lives.

Have you noticed any changes in your peace, energy, or outlook after regular reception of Holy Communion? What has your experience been? Share respectfully below — your story may encourage others! 👇