Bhileag 17th May 2020

A’ Bhileag- The Parish Newsletter: can be picked up from A & C MacLean’s Shop (Bùth Bhuidsear). Or to go online at the parish website www.barracatholic.co.uk or go to St. Barr’s  facebook page.

The Scottish Catholic Bishops: are working with a “COVID-19 working group” of experts in medicine and public health to try and find ways  to slowly reopen our Churches. Our own Bishop Brian is the Bishop who is leading the group. The working group is trying to find different ways of how best to move forward and try and get our churches open again. It’s going to take time and patience for this to happen!

Recent Death: we pray for the repose of the soul of Mary MacIver  (Marag a’ Chodaidh of  Northbay) who passed away at the age of 92 in Nazareth House nursing Home in Glasgow on Tuesday 12th May. It is planned that Mary’s remains will come back to Barra this week and she will be laid to rest in Eoligarry graveyard on Wednesday. We extend our prayers of love and sympathy to all Mary’s family at this time.  Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.

Ascension Thursday: this coming Thursday (21st May) is the Feast of the Ascension of our Lord Jesus. 40 days after our Lord’s Resurrection he ascends to the glory of heaven. Jesus ascends so that the Holy Spirit may descend upon his holy Church. We are that Church- building up  the Body  of Christ and the Holy Spirit is there to help us. On Ascension Thursday -pray in your own homes to the Lord Jesus who intercedes in our every prayer – may the Lord Jesus  hear all our heartfelt prayers at this time. Canon John Paul will offer his private Mass on Thursday for you all and for the Lord Jesus to bless us all and keep us all safe.

SCIAF: as we know it has been difficult to gather the “SCIAF wee boxes” because of our isolation and our social distancing. One or two people have managed to drop of their boxes but it is best told onto them for the time being till restrictions have been lifted.. Canon John Paul has instead sent a donation from each parish to SCIAF to help support them in their good work. If anyone still wishes to send money they can contact SCIAF directly either online at www.sciaf.org.uk or call 0141 354 5555.

The Month of May is the Month of Mary: The month of May is a special month of prayer to Our Lady and especially praying the Rosary. At times like this we should be praying our Rosary and asking our Lady to help us in these strange times. To help us focus in our praying of the Rosary- always keep in mind a special intention-why not offer the:-

1st Decade-pray for family, friends and loved ones to be protected at this time against the Coronavirus.

2nd Decade pray for the Doctors and Nurses and carers who work hard each day against the Coronavirus.

3rd decade pray for Government leaders to make the right decisions to help us and our Country.

4th Decade pray for the sick, housebound and all in hospital and for those who have died from the Coronavirus.

5th Decade pray for your own special intention.

Video Clips: As you are aware Canon John Paul puts a short video clip on the internet each Sunday with the great help and expertise of Stephen Kearney. It can be found on St. Barr’s Facebook page or to go to Littleday productions which is run by Stephen  and the clip will be there.

Watching Holy Mass on the TV or Internet: we cannot physically go to Church for Holy Mass just now and so we must now use the Digital World. The Catholic channel EWTN on SKY channel 588 is very good. You can also go online and go to “Church services TV” or go to MCN media and we are spoilt for choice for the number of Masses being celebrated live on the internet. As always Bishop Brian is also live-streaming his daily Mass via the Diocesan Website at 10am.

Sunday Collection: Canon John Paul wishes to thank those who have gone online or gone to the bank to help support the parish in their donations. It is very much appreciated especially in these difficult times. If anyone still  wishes to give something you can use one of the following account details;

RCD Argyll & the Isles Castlebay Mission    Account no. 65627538    Sort Code 839125    Coop Bank

RCD Argyll & the Isles Northbay Mission    Account no. 65628061     Sort Code 839125   Coop Bank