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

Bhileag 24th 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.

 

Recent Death: we pray for the repose of the soul of Michael MacLean  (Mick  Lach  of Craigston /Borve ) who suddenly passed away at the age of 63 in his own home in Borve. We extend our prayers of love and sympathy to all Michael’s family at this time.  It is planned that Michael will hopefully be laid to rest on Monday or Tuesday in Cuithir Cemetery.  Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him.  May he rest in peace. Amen.

 

Pentecost Sunday: next Sunday is the Feast of Pentecost and it will bring the season of Easter to a close. The days leading up to Pentecost Sunday are important days of prayer and especially  praying to the Holy Spirit. So let us pray each day in a special way to the Holy Spirit for us and our families and islands to be kept safe from the Coronavirus-

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.

Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created and you shall renew the face of the earth.

O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same

Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolation. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

 

Pentecost Sunday National Rosary Rally: Pope Francis is encouraging Catholics to pray the Rosary in their family homes during the month of May, especially with the Pandemic making us aware of the value of our families and making it possible for us to pray together in lockdown at home. You are invited to join in an initiative that follows on the Pope’s request- on  Pentecost Sunday there will be a National Rosary Rally, from 9am to 9pm.  Our Diocese of Argyll &  the Isles has been asked to pray a Rosary at 5pm. Bishop Brian will lead an online Rosary at 5pm (on the diocesan website/facebook) so let us unite from our own homes in our own Rosary with the Universal Church.

 

Bishop Brian praying for our Parishes: For the past month Bishop Brian has been praying daily for a particular parish in our diocese. He will celebrate a special Mass for Castlebay Parish on Tuesday 26th May and then Northbay Parish on Friday 5th June. During these Masses he prays for the whole parish- the parish Priest, all who worship in the Parish Church and Chapels of Ease and everyone who lives within the Parish boundaries.  The Masses are live streamed through the diocesan Facebook or website at 10am.

 

“My day by Day” booklet  for June: the little booklet of daily readings will be left in Bùth Bhuidsear. They are free.

 

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.

 

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 toChurch 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