Bhileag (Newsletter) 11th December 2022

Funeral: we remember in our prayers the repose of the soul of Patrick Carrigan who for the last couple of years has been staying with his sister Margaret in Allasdale. Patrick passed away peacefully in St. Brendan’s Hospital at the age of 84. The Funeral Mass took place on Thursday 15th December in St. Brendan’s Craigston and thereafter Patrick was laid to rest in Cuithir Cemetery. We extend our prayers of sympathy to Margaret and her family. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

Fr. David Stewart: we warmly welcome Fr David back to the island and to our parishes. Sadly it will be a short stay- just for the weekend. Fr David will leave on Monday (12th Dec). Fr David will look after the weekend Masses for the 3rd Sunday of Advent.

Sacrament of Confession with Fr. David Stewart: this Weekend we will have Fr. David Stewart in the parish and he will be available for Confession. A lovely gift to give ourselves for Christmas is the Gift of God’s forgiveness!

Saturday 10th December:

9.30am-9.50am  Castlebay

12noon-12.45pm  -Northbay

5.30pm- 5.50pm  & 7pm-7.30pm -Craigston

Sunday 11th December

2pm-3pm -Castlebay

3.30pm-4.30pm -Northbay

Canon John Paul away: Fr David will look after the weekend Masses and therefore Canon John Paul will take the opportunity to head to the mainland.  Canon John Paul hopes to return midweek (depending on boats & weather etc). Therefore there is no weekday Mass from Monday to Wednesday. If anyone needs to get in contact with him while he is away then please phone the mobile number – 07951128475.

Church preparations for Christmas: over the next week all our Churches will begin to get ready for Christmas. Castlebay Church Christmas decorations will go up next Sunday 18th December at 2pm. For Craigston Church it will be Wednesday 21st December at 2pm. For the other Churches you will hear by “word of mouth”. If you can help in cleaning or preparing any of the churches then please go along.

Christmas Mass times: 

Christmas Eve (Saturday 24th December) 7.00pm Northbay     9.00pm Vatersay      11.00pm Craigston

Christmas Day (Sunday 25th December)  9.30am Eoligarry      11.30am Castlebay

Pastoral Letter regarding the Diocese: please take home the Pastoral Letter from Bishop Brian which is entitled “Discerning together God’s path for our Diocese”. Bishop Brian is looking to the future of our Diocese and asking us all to join with him in discerning how best we can live as God calls us, especially during these changing times.  Please take a “pastoral letter” home with you and please pass on the letter to anyone else who would appreciate it. Bishop Brian will visit every parish in the Diocese during the month of January 2023. He will come to Barra on Tuesday 17th January 2023. There will be a meeting for Castlebay parish at 6pm and then a meeting at 8pm for Northbay parish.

Craigston Church Windows: Canon John Paul was recently in Benbecula and he saw for himself that the three large church windows are ready. Which is good news! Each Church window will cost £2,800 therefore £8,400 in total. If anyone wishes to help by giving any donations towards the cost then please see Canon John Paul.

The Parish account details are…..RCD Argyll & the Isles Castlebay Mission    Sort Code 839125    Account Number 65627538

Please make out any cheques to – RCD Argyll & the Isles Castlebay Mission

Any donations will be a great support. Canon John Paul understands that we are in difficult times with the “cost of living” at the moment but any support will be greatly appreciated! Canon John Paul is very grateful to the very kind donations that have already been handed in. Your generosity is very grateful! Moran Taing! Thank you!

WEEKDAY  MASSES:   

Mon 12th December……….No Mass

Tue 13th December………..No Mass

Wed 14th December ……..No Mass

Thur 15th December…11.00am CRAIGSTON

(Requiem Mass)

Fri 16th December……….10.00am VATERSAY

Sat 17th December……….10.00am  CASTLEBAY

NEXT WEEKEND’S MASSES

17th  & 18th December 2022

4th Sunday of Advent – Year A

Vigil Mass …….  6.00pm   CRAIGSTON

Sunday Masses..9.30am NORTHBAY & 11.30amCASTLEBAY