Bhileag 18th October 2020

Mission Sunday: today is Mission Sunday. Every October the Church prays in a special way for those who work in the Mission of the Church. The Priests and religious groups who give their lives to spreading the Good News of the Gospel in so many countries of the world- often in very poor and difficult situations. A particular prayer focus for this year is  the Mission in Peru where some of our Scottish Priests have worked.  We will take up a 2nd collection for the work of the Missions at each of the Masses this weekend. Also on your mobile you can text the word MISSIOSCOT to 70085 and you can donate £3.

Recent Funeral: we remember in our prayers the repose of the soul of  Donald MacNeil (Domhnall an t-Suidh of Borve) who peacefully passed away on Thursday 15th October at the age of 86. For the last 7 months Donald had been resident in the Sacred Heart Home in Daliburgh over on South Uist. Donald’s requiem Mass took place on Saturday 17th October in St. Brendan’s Church in Craigston and after wards Donald was laid to rest in Cuithir  cemetery. We extend our prayers of love and sympathy to Morag and all the family at this sad time. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

The Catholic Bishops of Scotland:  ask us to keep following the Government guidelines  during this pandemic- wear a Face covering- Avoid crowded places- Clean your hands regularly- Two metre distance -Self  isolate and book a test if you have symptoms (FACTS).  The Bishops greatly appreciate the hard work that goes on behind the scenes in every parish throughout Scotland-especially the countless number of volunteers who help clean and sanitise our churches. Let us do all that we can to follow the guidelines and keep ourselves and our island safe from this virus.

Sunday & Weekday Masses: to attend any Mass you must contact Canon John Paul to see if there is availability at Mass. Please phone, text or email Canon John Paul.  If the weekend Masses are busy you could try and attend Mass through the week. Please try and get in touch with Canon John Paul sooner rather than later about attending Mass.  It makes things easier if there are “household bubbles” who can sit together on a pew. So think about if you can sit with someone and use that space in the church.  As always if you feel uncomfortable about going back to Church just now during this Coronavirus pandemic -then please don’t go. If you have any hesitation the simple answer is to stay at home and continue to watch Mass online. There is no pressure to go.

The Bishops of Scotland have still suspended the Sunday Obligation of going to Mass for the time being.

Face Coverings must be worn at every Mass now. If you have a health condition that prevents you from wearing one, that’s fine. Also those under 5 do not need to wear a covering.

If you feel you have any symptoms of COVID-19– like a new continuous cough; a high fever; loss or change in sense of smell or taste then please DO NOT go to Church- instead stay home & isolate.

October is the Month of the Rosary: the month of October is the month of the Holy Rosary. Let us pray during this month of October a Holy Rosary each day for our islands and our families and loved ones to be kept safe from the Coronavirus pandemic. Of course we have the lovely Grotto and Rosary Garden in Northbay which is a good place to go and pray our own personal Rosary.

Parish financial support: Sunday Masses have resumed and Canon John Paul is very grateful to all those parishioners who are able to give financial support to the parish through their Sunday Collection. Of course there are many who are not able to go to Mass and maybe they would like to support their parish by setting by a standing order though the bank with their parish.

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

WEEKDAY  MASSES:

Mon 19th Oct…No Mass                             

Tue 20th Oct… 10.00am   EOLIGARRY      

Wed 21st Oct.. 12 Noon   CRAIGSTON    

Thur 22nd Oct…10.00am  NORTHBAY    

Fri 23rd Oct…10.00am  VATERSAY       

Sat 24th Oct…No Mass                            

NEXT WEEKEND

24th  & 25th OCTOBER  2020

30th Sunday of Year A

Saturday Vigil Masses

4pm  &  6pm  CRAIGSTON

Sunday Masses

9.30am   NORTHBAY

11.30am  CASTLEBAY