Bhileag (Newsletter) 11th September 2022

News of the Death of Queen Elizabeth II: we extend our prayers with the Universal Church for the repose of the soul of Queen Elizabeth II who died on Thursday 8th September at the age of 96. She was Queen for over 70 years which was an amazing achievement. Pope Francis led tributes when he sent a message to King Charles III and the Royal Family- “I willingly join all who mourn her loss in praying for the late Queen’s eternal rest, and in paying tribute to her life of unstinting service to the good of the Nation and the Commonwealth, her example of devotion to duty, her steadfast witness of faith in Jesus Christ and her firm hope in his promises”.

As we all know Queen Elizabeth II loved Scotland and she also loved to sail around the Western Isles on the Royal yacht Britannia- often visiting Barra, Vatersay, Mingulay & Barra Head. We commend her soul to almighty God and we pray for all the Royal family at this time and especially for King Charles III.

Special Collection: this is Vocations Awareness week and we offer prayers for those who are discerning their vocation to the Priesthood or religious life or to the permanent Diaconate. We pray for more men and women in our Diocese to listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd who is calling them in their Vocation. To help support vocations in the Diocese there will be a special collection next Sunday.

Wedding: we congratulate Claire MacNeil & Angus Telfer who were married in Our Lady Star of the Sea in Castlebay on Saturday 10th September. We wish Mr & Mrs Telfer every health, joy and happiness in their marriage. Angus & Claire have made their home in Oban.

Clergy Assembly in Oban: Canon John Paul will be in Oban this week- on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday attending the Clergy Assembly with Bishop Brian and the rest of the Priests of the Diocese. Therefore no weekday Masses on those days. If you need to catch up with him then please phone the mobile.

Northbay Tea after Sunday Mass: Canon John Paul wishes to thank those who prepared the Sunday Tea last Sunday. We hope to do this on the first Sunday of each month.

Venerable Margaret Sinclair Pilgrimage: There will be the National Pilgrimage for the Beatification of Venerable Margaret Sinclair on Sunday 18th September. The Mass will be at 4.30pm in St. Patrick’s Church, Cowgate in Edinburgh.

National Pilgrimage of Relic Tour of St. Bernadette: The relics of St. Bernadette will arrive in Scotland, at Carfin Grotto (Motherwell) on Saturday 24th September and then on Sunday 25th September at 3.00pm a special National Pilgrimage Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Joseph Toal along with the other Bishops of Scotland and with hundreds and thousands of pilgrims from all over Scotland will gather in Carfin Grotto on that Sunday. All Welcome!

Diocese of Argyll & the Isles and the Relics tour: the relics of St. Bernadette will be in Carfin Grotto from 24th September -1st October. On Friday 30th September the Diocese of Argyll & the Isles will join with the Diocese of Motherwell and celebrate together the various liturgies on that day. Bishop Brian McGee will  celebrate the Mass at 1pm on Friday 30th September and it will be lovely from those around the Diocese to be able to be there. Over the course of the day (from 8am-10pm) there will be- Morning prayer; Confessions, Rosary, anointing of the sick, Holy Mass (1pm), Liturgy of Water and of course there will be the torchlight procession in the evening. All welcome.

WEEKDAY  MASSES:  

Mon 12th September ……10.00am  NORTHBAY

Tues 13th September……No Mass

Wed 14th September …..No Mass

Thur 15th  September…..No Mass

Fri 16th September……. 10.00am  VATERSAY

Sat 17th  September…… 10.00am   CASTLEBAY

NEXT WEEKEND’S MASSES

17th & 18th SEPTEMBER 2022

25th  Sunday of Year C

Vigil Mass …….  6.00pm   CRAIGSTON

Sunday Masses..9.30am NORTHBAY & 11.30am  CASTLEBAY