On Tuesday evening, I had the opportunity to share some important news with the Parent Council. The Children and Young People (Scotland) Act now requires local authorities to offer eligible families of two-year-old children up to 600 hours of free early learning and childcare. After many months of planning by North Lanarkshire Council, St Bartholomew’s will soon become one of the nurseries offering provision for two-year-olds and this will involve a purpose-built extension being added to our existing nursery. The unit is currently being built off-site and will be craned into place in the coming months. Further information, including details of those children who may be eligible for a place, can be found at

http://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/childcare

Primary 6 and 7 are now only a week away from receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. Please continue to remember the children in your prayers.

Finally, please remember that this coming Sunday, 31st January, is Education Sunday. It would be wonderful to see a packed church for the 11.00am Mass in St Bartholomew’s Church, so please join us for this annual celebration if you possibly can.