Bhileag 27th September 2020

Stay Alert and Keep Safe: as we all saw during last week the First Minster of Scotland and the Prime Minister spoke strongly about the need to keep on top of the Coronavirus Pandemic. We CANNOT become complacent and think it will never affect us. It was announced on Friday (25th Sept) that 3 positive cases of COVID-19 were confirmed over on South Uist & Eriskay. Some buildings have now gone into lockdown and many people over on South Uist & Eriskay have been contacted to self-isolate for 14days. Therefore we have to follow the government guidelines even more closely……Face coverings- Avoid crowded places- Clean your hands regularly- Two metre distance -Self  isolate and book a test if you have symptoms (FACTS).  Even though there are various restrictions it does not affect the Church. The Sunday and Weekday Masses will continue as normal with the various restrictions. 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.

SCIAF: today we will take up a special collection for SCIAF.

First Holy Communions: there are still discussions going on about how best to proceed with the First Holy Communions this year. Canon John Paul is keen for the First Communions of the 17 Children who have been preparing to happen this year. Once a decision has been made parents will be informed.

October is the Month of the Rosary: the month of October begins this week on Thursday. The month of October is a special month we pray 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.

Universe/Catholic Times Sunday Paper: Each week the parish receives a Catholic Sunday Paper- it is “The Universe & “The Catholic Times”- the 2 papers are now combined as one paper. The parish receives 15 copies of this Paper- only 3 people at the moment read it. Would anyone else be interested in getting a copy of the Sunday Universe/Catholic Times- please get in contact with Canon John Paul if you are interested if not then we will reduce the copies we receive.

Parish financial support: it has been good that our Sunday Masses have resumed and that parishioners are able to give financial support through their 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 or to give any donations;

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 28thSep…No Mass

Tue 29th Sept.. 10am  EOLIGARRY

Wed 30th Sep..12 Noon  CRAIGSTON

Thur 1st Oct..10am  NORTHBAY

Fri 2nd Oct….10am  VATERSAY

Sat 3rd Oct..No Mass

NEXT WEEKEND

3rd & 4th OCTOBER  2020

27th Sunday of Year A

Saturday Vigil Masses

4pm  &  6pm  CRAIGSTON

Sunday Masses

9.30am   NORTHBAY

11.30am  CASTLEBAY

Sacrament of Confession

Castlebay Church:- Saturday 10am-10.30am

Northbay Church:-Saturday 12 noon-12.30pm

Please note there will be no “face to face” confession.

Please contact Canon John Paul if another day or time suits.