Bhileag 29th November 2020

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 & book a test.

Lapaich & Housebound Visits: The Scottish Government has announced “that in the Western Isles people can meet another household indoors, in a private home. The maximum number of people who can meet indoors is 6 which can be from up to 2 separate households”.  In line with this Canon John Paul would like to take the opportunity to visit any housebound or anyone who would like a visit from the priest with the Sacraments.  Please just get in touch with Canon John Paul if you would like a visit.

Recent Funeral: we remember in our prayers the repose of the soul of Mairi Margaret Nicholson of  Upper Borve who peacefully passed away last Sunday 22nd November in St. Brendan’s Hospital at the age of 65. Mairi Margaret’s Requiem Mass took place on Wednesday 25th November and then she was laid to rest in the graveyard in Cuithir. We extend our prayers of love and sympathy to Padruig and all the family at this sad time. Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.

Feast of St. Andrew: Monday 30th November is the feast of St. Andrew- our patron Saint. There will be Mass at 12 noon on Monday in Our Lady Star of the Sea. Just turn up for the Mass and you can sign in then for the Mass.

Canon John Paul: is away to the mainland this week. He will be attending the funeral of little Sophia Walker. Sophia is the daughter of a friend of Fr. John Paul from Daliburgh. Sophia lived in Glasgow with her mum and dad and  little sister. For the last 4 years Sophia has been having treatment for Cancer and sadly on Wednesday 25th November she peacefully passed away at the age of only 7 after bravely battling against the disease. An Angel who is now with God and all his holy Angels and Saints in heaven. Please remember Sophia in your prayers and especially to pray for her parents Iain Ruaraidh & Frances and all the family and relatives at this sad time.

Fr. David Stewart: will be here next weekend to cover the Sunday Masses for 2nd Sunday of Advent. Fr. David will make himself available for Confession -which will be a good opportunity to take during Advent.

Christmas cards and Calendars: In the Church porch of Castlebay & Northbay Church there are a variety of Christmas cards and Calendars for sale.

Advent prayer books: in the church porch are some Advent prayer books for adults and children. They are priced £1.

Christmas Masses: Fr. John Paul is working out a timetable for Christmas Masses  this year. Of course numbers being able to attend will be restricted. As we know the limit is 50 people for each  Mass. Times and places of the Christmas Masses will be announced soon and then you can work out which Mass you might wish to attend.

WEEKDAY  MASSES:

Mon 30th Nov..12 Noon CASTLEBAY

( Feast of St. Andrew)                    

Tue 1st Dec………No Mass

Wed 2nd Dec…… No Mass

Thur 3rd Dec……No Mass  

Fri 4th Dec…….. No Mass  

Sat 5th Dec…….. No Mass                            

NEXT WEEKEND

5th & 6th December  2020

2nd Sunday of Advent B

Saturday Vigil Masses

4.00pm  &  6.00pm  CRAIGSTON

Sunday Masses

9.30am   NORTHBAY

11.30am  CASTLEBAY