Bhileag 28th February 2021

Churches closed & No Public Mass; the Scottish Government announced last Tuesday that our Churches will remain closed until at least Monday 5th April (Easter Monday). However the Government is looking at whether the churches could open for Easter Weekend (3rd/4th April)  with the various restrictions. We will wait to see what happens!!! So it is sad news that we have to wait another month but hopefully with the start of April, the beginning of Easter and the good weather normally about then –it will help us look forward to putting this virus behind us. So we keep our Churches closed for the time being and we stay at home and continue our own prayers.

Canon John Paul Video Clips for Lent: Since the Churches are closed Canon John Paul will produce a video clip for each Sunday of Lent. They can be found on St. Barr’s facebook page or on Littleday Productions on Youtube.

Holy Mass on-line: it is important during Lent to watch Holy Mass on the internet. It’s not the same as being at Church but in these strange times it is the best we can do. Lots of parishes in the Diocese and all over Scotland are doing live streaming of Mass or you can watch the recordings of the Mass later when you have the time to sit and be still.

SCIAF Lent Event: Bishop Brian is leading an online Lent event for SCIAF for our Diocese of  Argyll & the Isles on Tuesday 2nd March at 7pm. It is an event which you can only participate through ZOOM. If you go to the website or facebook page of the Diocese of Argyll and the isles you will be able to find details of how to register and take part.

Stations of the Cross: an 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 or if you are passing by the Chapel house in Castlebay you can ask there for some booklets.

Prayers for the Faithful departed: We pray for the repose of the soul of  HECTOR MacLEAN (Eachan Aoghais Mhor of Borve) who passed away last Saturday in Raigmore Hospital at the age of 73 from COVID-19. It has come as a huge shock to our island to lose someone from COVID-19. We had 54 people tested positive on the island during January and everyone managed to shake off the virus but sadly not Eachan.  We all thought that as a precaution he was flown away for treatment but sadly it was not to be. Our hearts and prayers go out to Selina and the family and friends of Eachan. Eachan’s funeral took place on Saturday 27th February in St. Brendan’s in Craigston and thereafter Eachan was laid to rest in Cuithir cemetery. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shone upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

We pray for the repose of the soul of  Bella McLaughlin (Campbell) who was originally from Ardmhor but lived the majority of her life on the mainland. May she rest in peace. Also we pray for the soul of  Iain Campbell who originally came from Ledaig and died recently in Oban. May he rest in peace. Amen.

We remember those whose anniversaries which occur about now….. Monsignor  Thomas Wynne (Fort William), Donald Joseph MacNeil (Vatersay), Mary Kate Campbell (St. Brendan’s road),  Seumas MacLeod (Eoligarry), Mary Ann MacLean (Vatersay & Northbay), Archie “Attie” MacNeil (Leanish), Duncan Brown (Borve), Michael MacNeil (Glen). Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.

Vaccine: It is good to hear that many on the island have received their vaccine. Many in the priority categories have received their vaccine. Canon John Paul will receive his first vaccine on Saturday 27th February.  Let’s hope and pray that very soon all who wish a vaccine will receive it. We also remember in a special way to thank all those involved with the rolling out of the Vaccine- our nurses and doctors and all who are giving of their time to help make sure things run smoothly at the Vaccine clinic. Moran Taing!

WEEKDAY  MASSES:

No Weekday Mass till further notice

NEXT WEEKEND

6th & 7th March  2021

3rd  Sunday of Lent

Saturday Vigil Masses….No Mass

Sunday Masses………….No Mass