Bhileag (Newsletter) 20th November 2022

Requiem Mass: we remember in our prayers the repose of the soul of Murdo MacNeil- Murchadh Mhichaelty of Earsary who peacefully passed away on Sunday 20th November in his own home in Earsary surrounded by his family. Murchadh was 69. The Requiem Mass will be on Wednesday 23rd November in St. Barr’s Church in Northbay at 10.00am and thereafter to Cuithir Cemetery. We extend our prayers of love and sympathy to Mary and all the family & relatives at this sad time. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

Recent Funeral: we remember in our prayers the repose of the soul of Domhnall Uilleam a’ Phrobh MacLeod or Donnie as we all knew him. Donnie passed away last Monday night in St. Brendan’s Home where he had been resident for the last 3 years because of his dementia. Donnie passed away at the age of 77. Donnie’s funeral Mass took place on Thursday 17th November in Our Lady Star of the Sea and thereafter Donnie was laid to rest in Vatersay Graveyard. We extend our prayers of love and sympathy to Margaret and all the family and relatives at this sad time. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

November Lists: One of the important things we can do during the month of November is to pray for our faithful departed. The Month of November is called the Month of the Holy Souls. There are November lists with envelopes available at the Church entrance. Please pass the envelopes onto Canon John Paul or to place in the offertory basket. These envelopes will then be placed upon the Altar at every Holy Mass and those names you have written will be remembered at the Altar of God at each Mass in November.

Graveyard Rosary: Each Sunday in November we will gather to pray the Rosary in each of our Graveyards. For this Sunday (20th November) it will be Eoligarry Graveyard at 3pm. Next Sunday will be in Borve Graveyard and at the earlier time of 2pm. If the weather is very poor then we go to the nearest church.

Pastoral Letter regarding the Diocese: Next Sunday, the First Sunday of Advent, a Pastoral Letter from Bishop Brian will be distributed at all Masses. 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.

Craigston Church Windows: Canon John Paul is waiting for three new Church windows to be made for Craigston Church. The three main large windows that face the roadside need to be replaced. As we know one window has a board over it to help keep the wind and rain out. The windows are in a bad state and need to be replaced and they also have to be made out of wood which is more costly. There is joiner in Benbecula who is making the windows in his workshop. One window is ready and hopefully soon will be put into the church. Each window will cost £2,800 therefore £8,400 in total. We will be trying to do some fund raising but if anyone wishes to help by giving any donations towards the cost then please see Canon John Paul. If you wish to do something directly through the bank- the Parish account details are……….  RCD Argyll & the Isles Castlebay Mission   Sort Code 839125   Account Number 65627538

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. Moran Taing!

Canon John Paul is very grateful to the very kind donations that have already been handed in over this last week. Your generosity is very kind and shows how much you care about Craigston Church. Thank you.

Church Dues: about now Church Dues can be handed into the Church.

Canon John Paul: will be away Wednesday to Friday this week on the mainland. He is attending the Confirmation Mass of his nephew in Cumbernauld. Canon John Paul will be a sponsor for his nephew. If you need to get in contact with Canon John Paul then please contact his mobile number- 07951128475.

1st Sunday of Advent: Advent begins next week. The start of a new Church year.

WEEKDAY  MASSES:   

Mon 21st November……….No Mass

Tue 22nd  November…….. 10.00am EOLIGARRY

Wed 23rd November …10.00am NORTHBAY

(Requiem Mass)

Thur 24th  November….No Mass

Fri 25th November……….No Mass

Sat 26th November……..10.00am   CASTLEBAY

NEXT WEEKEND’S MASSES

26th & 27th  NOVEMBER 2022

1st Sunday of Advent – Year A

Vigil Mass …….  6.00pm   CRAIGSTON

Sunday Masses..9.30am NORTHBAY & 11.30am  CASTLEBAY