Helen Border

Helen’s Bio Helen Border is a mother of three grown up daughters and grand-mother to five grandchildren. She has worked full time for the past 29 years at the University of Glasgow in different administrative posts and now as a General Teaching Assistants Administrator. She has been an active member of her parish since she was a young girl. Today she is a reader, Extra Ordinary Minister and a member of the Parish Pastoral Council. She started the Friends of Divine Mercy Scotland with Fr John Keenan who was the Catholic chaplain (now Bishop John Keenan of the Diocese of Paisley) in 17 September 2013 at the University of Glasgow chaplaincy. The remit of the FODMS is to promote the basic ABC of Divine Mercy which is Ask for His Mercy, Be Merciful to Other, Completely Trust. The FODMS are establishing a Divine Mercy network while promoting the Good News of the Gospel. They do this by hosting an annual conference. “This conference is a great opportunity to spread this message. Pope Francis called the laity to evangelise and to be bold in our faith and share it with our brothers and sisters in serving one another; this is what The Friends of Divine Mercy Scotland are trying to do through the work they do and offering this conference.” The FODMS also work in prisons, churches, schools and on the streets of our cities promoting the values of the Gospel and encouraging people to pray. The FODMS take the Mercy Bus out each year for one week offering the sacrament of reconciliation and give away rosaries, divine mercy chaplets and miraculous medals to all they meet. Over 200 people came on board the bus for the sacrament of reconciliation this year while adhering to the Government guidelines regarding COVID19. They gave away over 1,200 medals and prayers. Helen was a member of the City of Glasgow Chorus for 5 years and then joined St Mirin’s Cathedral choir for over 5 years and now is a member of St Andrew’s Cathedral Choir. Helen studied for 6 years part-time for a degree while working full time and bringing up her family. She also studied for two years part time and was commissioned by Archbishop Philip Tartaglia as a Parish Catechist in the Archdiocese of Glasgow where she prepares children for the sacraments of reconciliation, holy communion and confirmation. She also teaches a marriage preparation class.