Bhileag 6th February 2022

Restoring the Sunday Mass Obligation: The Scottish Catholic Bishops have announced that the obligation for Sunday Mass will be restored from the First Sunday of Lent (6th March). With the easing of restrictions the Scottish Bishops feel that the beginning of Lent is a good time for the Sunday obligation to return.

No more need for “Track & Trace”  in Church: the Scottish Bishops have advised parishes that there is NO need to “sign in” at the church door for mass any more. The Churches have been safe places for a long time  and they follow good safety guidelines. The Bishops feel with restrictions easing that we can stop “Track & Trace”. However if someone tests positive for Covid and has been to Church – they are to contact Canon John Paul and he will make a decision on whether parishioners need to be informed.

Funeral: we pray for the repose of the soul of Donald MacDonald (Domhnall Oighrig of Vatersay) who peacefully passed away in St. Brendan’s hospital late on Friday night at the age of 75. Domhnall’s funeral will be in Tuesday 8th February at 11.00am in Our Lady of the Waves & St. John on Vatersay and then Domhnall will be laid to rest in Vatersay Graveyard. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon. May he rest in peace. Amen.

Candlemas Candles: Candles were blessed last Wednesday during the Mass of the Feast of the Presentation of the Child Jesus. Candles are available in the Church porch for you to take home. Please leave a donation for the candles.

The Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes & Important prayer of the Rosary for the Sick: next Friday (11th February) is the beautiful Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. It is World day of prayer for sick. As we all know Lourdes is a very special place where thousands of sick people go for healing and peace.  Next Friday let us keep in mind that special prayer intention of praying for any parishioners, any family or friends who are sick at this time and commend them to the healing hand of our Lord through the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes. Next Friday on the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes Canon John Paul will pray the Rosary after the Vatersay morning Mass (therefore at 10.30am). Then at 3.00pm he will pray the Rosary again in Northbay Church. The prayer of the holy Rosary will be for the intention of those on the island who are sick and all those close to us who are sick and suffering in any way. You are welcome to come along and join in the prayer of the Rosary and pray for those who are sick and pray for the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes for those close to us who are unwell.

Prayers for Vocations to the Priesthood & religious life: in this Sunday’s Gospel we have the beautiful words of Jesus saying “Put out into deep water and pay out your nets for a catch”. Of course the Fishermen listen to Jesus and they pay out their nets for a huge catch of fish. They listen to Jesus and act upon his words. Today we pray for those men and women who are discerning their Vocation in life and we pray for them to be brave and “put out into the deep” of listening to the Lord Jesus calling on them to the Vocation of the Priesthood or religious life.

Online Talk about Synodality in the Life of the Church: On Saturday 12th February at 2pm Cardinal Mario Grech will be the online keynote speaker for the Synod. His talk is called “Synodality in the life & Mission of the Church”. Cardinal Mario Grech is the General secretary of the Synod of Bishops. The talk will be streamed on the YOUTUBE channel of the Bishop’s Conference of Scotland. For more information on the synod please go online- www.synod.va/en.html

WEEKDAY MASS:  

Mon 7th February……….  No Mass

Tues 8th February……11.00am VATERSAY

( Requiem Mass)

Wed 9th February…… 12 Noon CRAIGSTON

Thur 10th February…..10.00am  NORTHBAY

Fri 11th February…….10.00am VATERSAY

(Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes)

Sat 12th February ………10.00am  CASTLEBAY

NEXT WEEKEND’S MASSES

12th & 13th February 2022

6th Sunday of Year C

Vigil Mass ……. 6.00pm   CRAIGSTON

Sunday Masses…..9.30am   NORTHBAY

11.30am  CASTLEBAY