Bhileag 30th June 2019

Recent Funeral: we pray for the repose of the soul of Mairi MacNeil (Bean Jhack  of Garrygall )who  peacefully passed away on Wednesday 26th June in St. Brendan’s Hospital at the age of 94. Mairi’s Requiem Mass took place on Saturday 29th June in Our Lady Star of the Sea and after the Mass Mairi  was laid to rest in Cuithir Cemetery. Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.

Peter’s Pence Collection: today there will be the 2nd collection for Peter’s Pence which is a collection uplifted for the Pope to give to various charities within the church.

Eucharistic Ministers: Fr. John Paul will be approaching parishioners to ask if they would like to be Eucharistic Ministers in our parishes. Fr. John Paul is happy to be approached with any names too.  A Eucharistic minister helps the Priest give out the precious Body & Blood of our Saviour in Holy Communion at holy Mass. We already have Eucharistic ministers helping in Castlebay, Craigston and Vatersay Churches -which we have had for a long time. Fr. John Paul is keen also to begin Eucharistic ministers in Northbay & Eoligarry churches which we are unfamiliar with. As soon as Fr. John Paul has a list of names there will be a Talk arranged for all Eucharistic ministers to attend. Fr. John Paul is keen to keep hold of all existing Eucharistic ministers but if anyone feels they would like to step down from their role please speak with Fr. John Paul.

Lapaich: Fr John Paul will visit the housebound this week on Monday & Wednesday & Thursday around Castlebay Parish and on Tuesday in Eoligarry & Northbay.

Fisherman’s Mass & Blessing of Boats: next Sunday (7th July) there will be the annual Fisherman’s Mass and blessing of boats at Castlebay Pier- which is always a happy celebration for our island. We are always looking for volunteers to help set up and tidy up on the day- so if you can help please come along. The Mass will be at 2pm. Remember that housebound can come along in family cars and can be parked up near the Altar area.

Sea Sunday Collection: next weekend the 2nd collections will be for Apostleship of the Sea.

Priesthood Ordination:  On Tuesday 9th July  Ronald Campbell will be ordained a Priest for our Diocese of Argyll & The Isles.  Bishop Brian will ordain Ronald in St. Mary’s Church on the Isle of Benbecula at 6pm. It is a joyful  day for our Diocese and for our islands to produce another Priest to serve the Lord and his holy  Church. Let us all remember Ronald in our prayers and pray that the Lord Jesus may pour his abundant graces and blessings upon Ronald. On Wednesday 10th July Ronald will celebrate his first Holy Mass in St. Mary’s Benbecula at 12 Noon. Then after a few weeks break , Ronald will take up the position of assistant Priest in St. Margaret’s in Lochgilphead.

News on Fr. Emmanuel: Bishop Brian has announced clerical moves in the Diocese and one priest who is moving is Fr. Emmanuel from Barra. At the moment Fr Emmanuel is helping in St. Mary’s in Fort William but now the Bishop has made the decision to keep Fr. Emmanuel in the Lochaber area. He will become the assistant Priest working alongside Fr. David Connor.  Together they will look after the whole Fort William area. Fr Emmanuel will live in St. John’s Chapel house in Caol. Fr Emmanuel will come back to Barra during July to pack up his belongings and he will take the opportunity during one weekend’s Masses to say his thanks and Good-byes to us all.

Vatersay Sunday Mass: please note that the Vatersay Sunday Mass for July  will be pushed forward to Sunday 14th July at 4pm.