Star of the Sea, Castlebay, The Isle of Barra. HS9 5XD.
Phone 01871 810267
Email Addres castlebay@rcdai.org.uk

Bhileag 21st February 2021

The Season of Lent: Many will feel that this last year of “lockdown” will feel like one long Lent and that we have made enough sacrifices over the past year. However Lent has now begun and we do everything we can to embrace this holy season of Lent with all our heart, mind and soul even during a lockdown. Many graces and blessing come upon us when we learn to put God first and enter into the true spirit of Lent.

So what you will give up for Lent this year? or what extra you will do for Lent this year?

Lent is a good time to deepen our prayer, saying our prayers, learning new prayers, reading more of the scriptures, spending some quiet time in God’s presence. Anything we can do to put God first in Lent brings great blessing and graces upon us. Let us all pray in a special way during this Lent that our churches may soon open again for private prayer and especially open for public Mass.

 

Canon John Paul Video Clips for Lent: Since the Churches are closed Canon John Paul will produce a video clip for the internet for each Sunday of Lent. He has already recorded a video clip for Ash Wednesday which can be found on St. Barr’s facebook page or go Littleday Productions on Youtube.

 

SCIAF Wee Boxes: an important part of Lent is thinking about the needs of others before ourselves especially our brothers and sisters in the third world. Our Catholic charity of SCIAF does a lot of good work and each year for Lent we have an opportunity to support SCIAF through the “Wee Box” appeal. We take him a Wee box and fill it with money and return it  to church in Holy week. This year SCIAF is focusing on helping the poor people of South Sudan. Remember for every £1 you give then the Government will double. Canon John Paul will leave some SCIAF Wee Box packs in Bùth Bhuidsear or please get in contact with him.

 

Stations of the Cross: another important prayer for Lent is the Stations of the Cross. Let us make that time especially on a Friday to pray the Stations of the Cross. If anyone needs a booklet for the Stations please get in contact with Canon John Paul.

 

Holy Rosary in Lent: normally on Tuesday & Friday we pray the Sorrowful mysteries of the Rosary. Why not use this Lent to pray the Rosary especially on a Tuesday or a Friday and meditate on the sorrowful mysteries of the Rosary 1. The Agony of Jesus  in the Garden of  Gethsemane   2. The scourging of Jesus at the pillar   3. The Crowning with thorns   4. The carrying of the Cross   5. The Crucifixion and death of our Lord.

 

Walk with me” Lent booklet: Canon John Paul will leave some Lent prayer books  in Bùth Bhuidsear.

 

Parish Newsletter / Bhileag: Canon John Paul will leave copies of the Bhileag in Bùth Bhuidsear each Saturday.

 

Prayers for the Faithful departed: We pray for the repose of  the soul of  Fr. Angus McLaughlin, who was a Dominican priest who helped in our Diocese for 16 years. Fr. Angus looked after the parish of  Mingarry  & Glenuig in Moidart (Ardnamurchan). He was from Glasgow and he came to help in the Diocese for 6 months but stayed for 16 years. He retired to the Dominican community in Glasgow and last week (9th February) he passed away at the wonderful age 91- in the 55th year of his Priesthood.  His funeral will take place in St. Albert the Great Church in Edinburgh on Wednesday 24th February. We thank God for the priesthood & ministry of Fr. Angus. May God be merciful to his good and faithful Priest.

Also a prayer for Anne Therese Murnin who died recently in Motherwell. –we extend our prayers of sympathy to her husband Seumas and all family & friends.

We remember those whose anniversaries which occur about now…..Mary Ann MacLean (Vatersay & Northbay), Archie “Attie” MacNeil (Leanish), Duncan Brown (Borve), Michael MacNeil (Glen), Kate MacNeil (Earsary), John & Janet Heron (Musselburgh),  Alastair MacDougall (Nask), Roddy MacDougall (Nask), Dolina MacDougall (Cleat).  Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

 

Churches Closed & No Public Mass: the Churches are closed at the moment in this lockdown. The priority is to STAY AT HOME. There is no public Mass until further notice and you cannot go into the Church for private prayer for the moment. Please stay at home and pray in the comfort and safety of your homes.

 

WEEKDAY  MASSES:

No Weekday Mass till further notice

 

NEXT WEEKEND

27th & 28th February 2021

2nd  Sunday of Lent (B)

Saturday Vigil Masses…No Mass

Sunday Masses………..No Mass