Bhileag 26th July 2020

Sunday Masses begin: it is good news that public Masses have now started again. As well as weekend Mass there is weekday Mass too. Of course there are various restrictions and guidelines in place so that the Masses may begin which we are all following. Since there is the 2 metre social distance within the church-  numbers able to attend Mass are greatly reduced. Therefore you must get in touch with Canon John Paul to see if there is space available at Mass.

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 if you would like to try and get to 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 suspended the Sunday Obligation.

Face coverings at Mass: one of the new things we have to get used to is wearing face coverings at Mass. We now have to wear one if we go to the shop or post office etc. The same with going to church just now. Of course if you have a health condition that prevents you from wearing one, that’s fine.

Fr. Philip Conner: we warmly welcome Fr Philip who will be staying in the Chapel House in Vatersay for a week’s holiday. Fr. Philip visited Barra & Vatersay last year and loved it so much that he was keen to return with his dog Bosco. We hope the weather will be kind to him and that he enjoys his break on the islands.

Fr. Philip is also happy to hear Confessions while he is in the parish:

Sunday 26th July   3pm-4pm Vatersay Church

Tuesday 28th July 12noon-1pm  Northbay Church

Recent Death: we pray for the repose of the soul of Catriona O Connor (Catriona Penny of Horve) who died peacefully and suddenly at home in Rosyth. Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord. May she rest in peace. Amen.

Housebound: Canon John Paul is keen to start visiting the housebound (Lapaich) when it is safe to do so. It’s been over 4 months since he has been able to make his usual housebound visits. We are still in this time of “lockdown” and we still have to be careful with looking after our housebound. Once it is safe to make visits Canon John Paul will be in touch with the housebound.

WEEKDAY  MASSES:

Monday 27th July…. No Mass

Tuesday 28th July….10.00am  EOLIGARRY

Wednesday 29th July…12 Noon  CRAIGSTON

Thursday 30th July…10.00am NORTHBAY

Friday 31st July… 10.00am  VATERSAY

Saturday 1st August.. No Mass

NEXT WEEKEND

1st & 2nd August   2020

18th Sunday of Year A

Vigil Masses.. 4.00pm & 6pm   CRAIGSTON

Sunday Masses…9.30am   NORTHBAY

11.30am  CASTLEBAY