Bhileag (Newsletter) 19th March 2023

SCIAF Sunday: today is the 4th Sunday of Lent and on this Sunday we usually offer special prayers for the good work of SCIAF and we will take up a special collection for SCIAF. This year SCIAF is focussing on projects in Zambia.  Today 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 and he saw for himself the good work of SCIAF and how our donations help so many people. As well as the special collection we take up today we also have our “SCIAF Wee Boxes” at home to help support the projects of SCIAF.

Lenten Devotions: today on Sunday 19th March (4th Sunday of Lent) there will be Stations of the Cross in Our Lady Star of the Sea in Castlebay at 3.00pm.

Mothering Sunday: Canon John Paul wishes all Mothers on this Mothering Sunday every blessing, health and happiness.

Deanery Meeting: Canon John Paul will be over in South Uist this coming Wednesday attending a Deanery Meeting with all the Priests of the Western Isles. The Meeting will be held in St. Michael’s, Ardkenneth.

Wednesday Mass: this week the Mass on Wednesday will be in the evening at 7.00pm in Craigston -so that Canon John Paul can attend the Deanery meeting in South Uist in the morning.

Sign of peace: Ever since Covid restrictions we have never really returned to the practice of the “sign of peace” at Mass. Next weekend we will 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”.

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: parishioners have been asking Canon John Paul 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!

Chrism Mass: will be on Wednesday 29th March at 6.30pm in St. Columba’s Cathedral in Oban. All welcome! During the Chrism Mass the holy oils of the church are blessed by the Bishop and the Priests of the Diocese. Also during the Chrism Mass there will be the renewal of Priestly promises.

WEEKDAY  MASSES:    

Mon 20th March……….No Mass

Tue 21st March………..10.00am EOLIGARRY

(& Stations of the Cross)

Wed 22nd March……. 7.00pm CRAIGSTON

Thu 23rd March………. 10.00am NORTHBAY

Fri 24th March………..10.00am VATERSAY

(& Stations of the Cross)

Sat 25th March………..10.00am CASTLEBAY

NEXT WEEKEND’S MASSES

25th & 26th March  2023

5th Sunday of  LENT

Vigil Mass……. 6.00pm   CRAIGSTON

Sunday Masses..9.30am NORTHBAY & 11.30am CASTLEBAY