Ardrossan Herald
IT was a cold, bright, Monday afternoon when dozens of strangers gathered to say goodbye to a man they never knew.
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They filed in to St Simon’s church in Glasgow’s West End last Monday to commemorate the life of a man who has been described as Scotland's version of the silent, sad, lost, but much loved, character Lennie from the acclaimed John Steinbeck novel Of Mice and Men.

The man was Ian Neilson. He had spent at least two decades of his life as an elective mute, choosing not to speak and instead using hand signals if he needed to communicate with anyone.

​Some of the Wayside Family with Fr Billy Donnelly who Celebrated Mass for the final time in 2016, just before the 2017 New Year Celebrations began.

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​We were treated to some New Year Rapping at the New Year’s party.

​​Karaoke in the early hours of the club 

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A good night had by all. 

Author :  Deacon Michael  O’Donnell Wayside Club chaplain from St Mary’s, Calton (original here)

​It is every Baptised person’s duty to serve, but the sacramental grace that a deacon receives at ordination through the bishop’s imposition of hands and the gift of the Holy Spirit enables him to carry out the ministry of service with a special effectiveness. He is configured to Christ in his servant role and becomes a living sign of the servanthood of His Church. Deacons are considered to be helpers of the bishop and render assistance—on his behalf—to the poor and needy of the community.

Finding shelter and support at Christmas, or at any time of year, is not easy for everyone, GERARD GOUGH discovers while visiting Glasgow’s Wayside Club
FOR many of us, Christmas time provides a welcome opportunity to focus our attention on our families and give thanks for being able to celebrate the joy of the festive seasons at home with them and the Wayside Club in Glasgow is no different, even if the family and setting are both a little more unconventional.