Bhileag 7th March 2021

Churches closed & No Public Mass; the Scottish Government has announced 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 earlier especially for Easter Weekend (3rd/4th April) or maybe even for some days of Holy Week. Of course when Churches open there will still be the restrictions and will it be for only 20 people at a time? The Bishops of Scotland are asking if that number can be increased. We will wait to see what happens!!!

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 at 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 “wee box”: if you haven’t picked up a “wee box” please get in contact with Fr. John Paul and he can arrange for one to be sent to you or you can pick one up one at Bùth Bhuidsear. SCIAF depend a lot on their “Wee Box” appeal and all donations to help support their projects. This year SCIAF is helping the people especially the children of South Sudan in Africa. For every £1 given the Government will match it! Visit www.sciaf.org.uk  for more information.

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.

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.

Prayers for the Faithful departed: we remember in our prayers the repose of the soul of  Mairi Fiona Lawrie (MacNeil) of Caol & Spean Bridge & Barra who peacefully passed away after a long illness on Tuesday 3rd March. Mairi Fiona was the daughter of Marie MacNeil (Mairi a Dootle of St. Brendan’s Road). Mairi Fiona was only 44 when she died. She was married and had three children and lived latterly in Spean Bridge. Of course Mairi Fiona has many relatives here on Barra and our thoughts and prayers go towards all the family at this very sad time. It is so sad to hear the death of a young mother and wife- please remember Mairi Fiona in your prayers. The Funeral will take place on Wednesday 10th March in St. John’s Church in Caol and she will be laid to rest in the Glen Nevis Cemetery. Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.

We remember those whose anniversaries which occur about now………..Harry Wilson (Barra & Croyden),  Morag MacInnes (South Uist), Hughie & Cathie MacNeil (Oban & Barra), Donald John MacKinnon (Lochboisdale), Donald Joseph MacNeil (Vatersay), Mary Kate Campbell (St. Brendan’s Road),  Seumas MacLeod (Eoligarry). Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.

Thrift Shop Donation: Canon John Paul wishes to thank the Thrift shop here on the island for their annual donation at Christmas time. Moran Taing!

Financial support to the parish: Since we cannot go to Church just now the parish still needs help financially to keep the churches going. Maybe you would like to support the parish through a bank transfer. The Parish account details are:

RCD Argyll & the Isles  Castlebay Mission    Account No: 65627538    Sort code: 839125   Coop Bank

RCD Argyll & the Isles  Northbay Mission    Account No:  65628061   Sort Code: 839125  Coop Bank

Any donations to support the Churches on the island are very grateful.

You can also go to the Diocesan Website of Argyll & the isles  (  www.rcdai.org.uk  ) scroll down to the “DONATE” button and go to search for parish and type in Castlebay or Northbay and you will be directed to a “my giving page” for either parish- just fill in the details and the parish will received the donation. Moran Taing!

WEEKDAY  MASSES:

No Weekday Mass till further notice

NEXT WEEKEND

13th & 14th March  2021

4th  Sunday of Lent

Saturday Vigil Masses…No Mass

Sunday Masses………..No Mass