Bhileag 2nd January 2022

Justice & Peace: today is the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord. We remember today how the Three Wise men (or the Three Kings) visited the baby Jesus in the manger at Bethlehem. Bringing their important gifts of Gold, Frankincense & Myrrh. Today we are asked by the Church to pray for the gifts of Justice & peace in our world. Two gifts we often take for granted and yet so many men, women and children cry out for peace and justice in their countries every day. Today a letter will be read out by Canon John Paul on behalf of Bishop William Nolan who is the Bishop in Scotland who looks after Justice and peace in Scotland. Also there will be a second collection taken up for the work of Justice and peace.

Funeral: we pray for the repose of the soul of George Scaramangus of Grean who peacefully passed away on Sunday 2nd January in hospital in Glasgow at the age of 94. The Funeral of George will be on Thursday 6th January at 11am in Cuithir Church of Scotland. As we pray for the soul of George we also pray for George’s wife Annag and we also pray for all the relatives, neighbours and friends. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

Crib Collection: next weekend we will take up a second collection called the “crib collection”. The money is for the “Holy Childhood”.

Covid-19 guidelines:  As we all know we have had an outbreak of Covid-19 on the island. Let us all continue to carry on the good work of keeping on top of Covid-19 by wearing our face masks- keep sanitising our hands-go for our vaccinations. We all have to play our important part on the island of keeping control of this virus.

Church Christmas decorations: Christmas is always a short season and soon we will be putting away our Christmas decorations for another year. It’s always nice to see our churches looking so bright and colourful and festive. Castlebay church decorations will be taken down next Sunday 9th January from 2.30pm. If you are able to help the please come along and tidy away the decorations for another year. Canon John Paul wishes to thank all who will give of their time to pack away the decorations and nativity scenes for another year. Moran Taing!

Scottish Bishops postpone restoration of Sunday Mass obligation: The plan was that Sunday obligation would begin on Sunday 2nd January 2022 but the Catholic Bishops of Scotland announced on Thursday 23rd December “sadly there has been a serious worsening of the Covid situation and the restoration of the Sunday obligation will be postponed until a more favourable time. We ask everyone to continue to pray for a speedy end to the pandemic and for the good health of you and your loved ones in 2022”.

***Bliadhna ùr mhàth dhuibh uile***

Canon John Paul wishes everyone a very Happy & Holy New Year.

May 2022 be a Year filled with many blessings for everyone.

May the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & St. Joseph

guide us all safely through another year.

 “May the Lord bless you and keep you.

May the Lord let his face shine on you and be gracious to you.

May the Lord uncover his face to you and bring you peace.”

WEEKDAY MASSES

Mon 3rd January……..No Mass

Tue 4th January………10.00am  EOLIGARRY

Wed 5th January…… 12 Noon  CRAIGSTON

Thur 6th January……10.00am  NORTHBAY

Fri 7th January……….10.00am  VATERSAY

Sat 8th January …….10.00am  CASTLEBAY

NEXT WEEKEND’S MASSES

8th & 9th JANUARY 2022

The Baptism of the Lord

Vigil Mass……… 6.00pm   CRAIGSTON

Sunday Masses….9.30am    NORTHBAY

                                   11.30am   CASTLEBAY