by Sandra McGeachie

Reflecting on the idea of a synodal church I thought it best to start with my first experience of church in St Bernadette’s in Carntyne where I lived, and St Thomas’s in Riddrie, where I went to school in the 1970’s.

The priests were held in high regard and, it seemed, ran these parishes with little input from parishioners. There were at least two priests in the parishes and the parish priest was in charge of everything. As a child, I thought priests had a ‘direct line’ to God; physically being able to converse with Him. So they were high up on a pedestal.

I was the youngest of four children and one of my earliest memories is of our family taking up a pew on Sunday. I had my first Confession in St Thomas’s with my school; the priest sitting on the presidential chair and me on the sanctuary with him. Then my First Holy Communion in St Bernadette’s, with maybe ten other children, with a First Communion breakfast in the small hall. I don’t know if there was a parish council in those days. My parents didn’t speak of one but they did say the priest was welcomed when visiting our house and was friendly.

When I was eight we moved to St Paul’s in Shettleston. My parents were married in the original church, now the church hall beside the newer church building that stands there today. I spent 40 years of my life in that parish with numerous priests, including Fr Currie, Fr O’Leary, Fr McPhail, Fr Centra, Fr Carroll; and for 23 years, Fr John Campbell.

From my Confirmation to the sacrament of marriage, to the baptism of my two children and their other sacraments of initiation, to the death of my parents, St Paul’s parish family was integral to my life.

Collaboration

With the arrival of Fr Campbell and at his request, at age 21, I became a reader, joined the band as a singer for the Sunday evening Youth Mass, and joined the 18 plus group. 1990 was the first year I went to Lourdes as a volunteer, which led to me meeting my future husband. In later years, I joined the RCIA as a catechist, joined the Celebrating Christian Marriage group, which organised social nights with a spiritual input, and, with my husband, offered workshops for married couples and later, marriage preparation for engaged couples.

Visit the website of the Pastoral Unit of Sacred Heart, St Joseph’s and St Lucy’s, South Cumbernauld, to read more about Sandra’s community.

https://catholiccumbernauld.co.uk/