A Bhileag 2nd February 2020

Funeral: we remember in our prayers the repose of the soul of Mary Catherine MacLeod of Scurrival in Eoligarry who passed away peacefully in Glasgow last Friday (31st Jan) aged only 47. Mary Catherine had been battling against Cancer and just when we thought she was doing well-suddenly things dramatically changed and in the end Mary Catherine needed God’s peace. The Requiem Mass of Mary Catherine will be on Tuesday 4th February at 10am in St. Barr’s in Northbay. Mary Catherine will be received into Northbay Church on Sunday 2nd February, once the boat comes in. We pray for Mary Catherine’s soul-may God be generous and merciful upon her and grant her eternal peace. We pray for all the family especially Angus, Michael Brendan, Seumas, her parents Michael & Effie and her brothers and sister  and all who loved Mary Catherine-may the Lord Jesus send the Holy Spirit upon us all at this very sad time. Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen

Candlemas Candles: during the Sunday Masses Candles will be blessed and you are welcome to take candles home with you. As we light these candles we remind ourselves that “Jesus is the light of the World” -he is the everlasting light that has entered our World and each of our lives.

Feast of St. Blaise: Monday 3rd February is the lovely Feast of St. Blaise, the Saint we invoke for special blessings for our throat. During the morning Mass on Monday in Castlebay you are well to come forward and receive the blessing of St. Blaise on your throat.

Fr. John Paul: will be heading away this week . While he is away Fr. Steve from the Xaverian Fathers in Coatbridge will be looking after the parish. Fr. John Paul returns on Friday 14th February.

Fr. Steve McKend: Fr. Steve will arrive on Tuesday’s boat and will be here for just over a week. Fr. Steve was already on the island last year doing a Mission appeal- so he is familiar with the island and he is looking forward to his week on the island.

Readers Rota: Castlebay Readers rota available for collection at the back of  Castlebay church.

Castlebay Church Choir: we are always looking for more voices to join the Church choir. All ages are welcome to join the choir. If you can help -then please go along and sit with the Choir.  There will be a Castlebay Choir practice each Sunday after the 11.30am Mass –therefore at about 12.30pm.

Children’s Liturgy helpers: we are also looking for more names for helpers for the children’s Liturgy. If you would like to help with the children’s Liturgy during the Sunday Mass please speak with Fr. John Paul. Of course if you are going to help you will be asked to fill in forms for “Safeguarding”.

Barra 200 Club: it has come to that time of the year to once again renew our subscription to the Barra 200 club. Subscriptions can be left at the post office. For more information contact Mary Sarah at 810 539.

Castlebay Church Cleaning: we are always looking for parishioners to help clean Castlebay church and to be a part of  a rota – so that the work is not left to the same 2 or 3 who faithfully clean the church. If you can help give some time in help keep the church of  Our Lady Star of the Sea clean -then please speak with Fr. John Paul.