17th Sunday in Ordinary Time
‘The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant … who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.’
The readings for this Sunday invite us to think about what we truly value. They show the importance of wisdom, encouraging us to trust God’s plan, and to value the kingdom of heaven above all else.
Solomon responds humbly when, in a dream, God asks him, ‘what shall I give you?’ Solomon seeks an ‘understanding mind … to discern between good and evil in governing God’s people’. Putting others’ needs before his own pleases God, who gifts Solomon with wisdom. (First Reading)
The Gospel also talks about choosing what is most important. Jesus tells two parables describing the value of the kingdom of heaven. We hear how coming across treasure brings someone great joy, while finding the one pearl of great price impels a merchant to buy and keep it.
The Psalmist describes God’s word as more important than the finest gold: it is true treasure, offering lasting wisdom, comfort and delight.
St Paul (Second Reading) assures us that God already has a plan in place for all who love God. Even when life is difficult, God is guiding and shaping us to be like Jesus.
This week, we pray to live each day with the wisdom to know what truly matters, and to let go of anything that holds us back. ‘Lord, help us to share the joy of following you, wherever and however we can.’
(With thanks to St Beuno's Outreach)
ARTWORK
Private Collection
Welcome
Welcome to the website of St Ninian’s Catholic Church in Knightswood, Glasgow. I hope and pray this will be a resource for spiritual nourishment for you who visit, that it will be a source of inspiration for parish outreach, allowing us to be the heart and hands of Christ for those around us, and that it will make a contribution to community building for the entire Knightswood area.
As we make our way through the year, let God’s light lift up our Spirits and our faith. May we have the courage to meet and embrace the challenges and the encounters of life with a renewed sense of purpose in the weeks and months ahead.
Thank you for visiting our website and our thanks to David Gray for permission to use his wonderful photographs of our Church.
Fr. Paul
Pope Leo's Prayer Intention for July
Click the image above to play the video
For respect for human life
Let us pray for the respect and protection of human life in all its stages, recognizing it as a gift from God.
Visit the website of Pray With the Pope
Visit the website of Pray As You Go for a reflection on this month's video.
Latest Edition Now Online
In 2027, St. Ninian’s will celebrate 100 years of faith, worship, and service. This centenary will give us an opportunity to give thanks for our history, celebrate our parish life today, and look forward with hope to the future. To mark this occasion, a programme of events is being planned throughout the year. The Parish Centenary Group is seeking volunteers to help with planning and organisation. Any time, ideas, or skills you can offer would be most welcome.
If you would like to help, please click here complete a short questionnaire online or click here to download a copy to fill in by hand. Alternatively, send your details using the parish email address stninian@rcag.org.uk, or speak to Fr Paul, and he will pass your details to the Centenary Group. Together, let us make this centenary a joyful and faith‑filled celebration for our whole parish community.
Diocesan Structures
Click here for an important statement from the Bishops' Conference of Scotland about upcoming consultations on the structuring of our Scottish dioceses.
Mass Times at St Ninian's
Sunday Mass
Saturday Vigil Mass 5pm;
Sunday 11.00 am (with Children’s Liturgy) & 5.00 pm
Weekday Mass Mon - Sat:
10.00 am
Confessions
Saturday 10.30 am; 4.15 - 4.45 pm
St Ninian Mosaics
Mosaics (Opus Sectile) in the high altar above the tabernacle. The right-hand panels depict St Ninian building the White House at Whithorn, and the left-hand panels depict him preaching the Gospel to the Southern Picts.