Bhileag (Newsletter) 12th March 2023

Recent death: Last Sunday we were saddened to hear of the sudden death of Michael J. MacIntyre who took unwell on the Isle of Lewis boat and then suddenly passed away. Michael had been on the island attending the funeral of his late Aunt Floraidh Aoidh. Michael was only 61. Michael’s remains were taken back to Glasgow last Tuesday and the funeral will be in St. Josephs Church in Clarkston this coming week. We extend our prayers and sympathy to his wife Irene and all the family and all the relatives here on Barra. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and pet perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

SCIAF Sunday: next Sunday is the 4th Sunday of Lent and on this Sunday we usually offer special prayers for SCIAF and take up a special collection for the good work of SCIAF. Also there will be a letter read out on behalf of Bishop Brian who is the bishop President of SCIAF. Bishop Brian recently spent a week in Ethiopia seeing for himself where the money from SCIAF goes.

Children’s First Confession: On Saturday 18th March at 11am the children who are preparing for the Sacraments will make their First confession in Our Lady Star of the Sea. We keep the children in our prayers as they prepare for their sacraments.

Lenten Devotions: today on Sunday 12th March (3rd Sunday of Lent) there will be Stations of the Cross in St. Barr’s Northbay at 3.00pm.

Sign of peace: Ever since Covid restrictions we have never really returned to the practice of the “sign of peace” at Mass. Over the next few weeks we will slowly re-start the practice. Canon John Paul understands if people are still wary about shaking hands but it is entirely up to you whether you shake hands with the person beside you or if a simple nod of the head and just saying the words “peace be with you”.

Glasgow Gaelic Mass: Fr. Ross Crichton will be in Glasgow this week on Wednesday 15th March celebrating a Gaelic Mass in Glasgow University Chaplaincy (Southpark Terrace, G12 8LG). It will be at 7.30pm. Before the Mass at 7pm Fr Ross will also pray the Stations of the Cross in Gaelic. Please pass on the information to anyone in Glasgow who would appreciate it.

Canon John Paul: will be heading for the mainland for a couple of days this week. Away Monday and back on Thursday.

New Gift Aid Envelopes: the new envelopes will be left out at all Masses next weekend. If anyone would like to sign up for gift aid please speak with Canon John Paul. If you pay tax then you can give your Sunday collection as gift Aid. Just a quick signature and you can take an envelope home with you or you can set up a standing order through your bank account.

Diocesan Consultation Paper on “Led by the Spirit”: Please pick up the paper entitled “Consultation Phase 1- What is God’s Will for our Diocese? Have a read through the paper with the six sections and write down your own thoughts on the various questions and then we will organise collating the information. The six themes to think about are:- 1. Universal Call to holiness  2. Evangelisation 3. Catecheses-teaching of the faith 4. Formation of Laity & Clergy 5. Transparency in Governance 6. A more welcoming, Open Church

Lourdes Parish Pilgrimage 2024: A number of parishioners have approached Canon John Paul to ask about a parish pilgrimage to Lourdes. To give ourselves time and to save up we will look next year to 2024 and look at possible dates and prices. If it is something you might be interested in then let Canon John Paul know and then we can begin to look at all possibilities and especially with numbers who might wish to go.

Tea in Northbay Hall: on the first Sunday of each month there will be tea in Northbay Hall after the 9.30am Northbay Mass. All welcome!

WEEKDAY  MASSES:   

Mon 13th March………No Mass

Tue 14th March………No Mass

Wed 15th March………No Mass

Thu 16th March……….No Mass

Fri 17th March……..10.00am VATERSAY

(& Stations of the Cross)

Sat 18th March…….10.00am CASTLEBAY

NEXT WEEKEND’S MASSES

18th & 19th March  2023

4th Sunday of  LENT

Vigil Mass ……. 6.00pm  CRAIGSTON

Sunday Masses..9.30am NORTHBAY & 11.30am CASTLEBAY