Bhileag (Newsletter) 22nd January 2023

Bishop Brian’s Meetings: Sadly we had to cancel the Bishop’s meetings last Tuesday because of the weather. We didn’t realise that snow was on route for Barra and would cause so many problems. The safe thing to do was to cancel the meetings. Bishop Brian did arrive on the island but he had timetable of different meetings each day in every parish in the western Isles. Therefore we could not rearrange another meeting for another day last week. The Bishop is sorry that he never had the chance to speak with the parishes about his thoughts and plans in the Diocese but importantly not getting to listen to your thoughts. Anyway the meetings will be rearranged for Tuesday 28th February and we hope the snow does not return!!

Sacrament of Confession: Every Saturday from 9.30am-9.50am in Castlebay Church & 12noon -12.30pm Northbay Church.

Parish 200 Club: for the last couple of years we suspended the Parish 200 club because of the various Covid restrictions but all that is done now so we will start again the 200 club for the New Year of 2023. More information will follow!

Craigston Church Windows: Canon John Paul wishes to thank all those who have been so kind and generous in their donations for the new church windows. Parishioners and friends of the parish have been so kind. The amount of £8500 has been reached to cover the cost of the three large wooden windows. The Church of St. Brendan’s in Craigston means a lot to so many people and that can be seen in the kind donations. Many thanks for your kindness. Of course the weather just now is so wet and windy and hopefully one day when the weather is good then the windows will be replaced.

Visit of Architect to Castlebay Church: over the last 4/5 years Canon John Paul has been in talks with an Architect in Glasgow in regard to work that needs to be done in Castlebay Church especially with the Church Tower. Castlebay Church is a “Listed building” and therefore we have to follow various guidelines for historic buildings which can slow everything down. The Architect plans to come over to Barra during January or early February along with a Stone mason form Ardnamurchan and also an expert on lime mortar. They will visit Castlebay Church and will hopefully outline a plan of how best to move forward.

Tea in Northbay Hall: on the first Sunday of each month there will be tea in the Hall after the 9.30am Mass. Next one will be Sunday 5th February. All welcome!

Sacrament Classes: the children preparing for the sacraments of First Confession & First Holy Communion  have started their classes. The Children for the Sacrament of Confirmation will soon start their classes. Let’s keep the children in our prayers who are preparing for the sacraments. The Sacrament of Confirmation date is Saturday 22nd April. Bishop Brian will come and Confirm the Children. The First Holy Communion date is Sunday 11th June. As always one of the important things for all the children preparing for the Sacraments is to come along each Sunday for Mass.

Canon John Paul: will be away on the mainland from Monday to Friday this week. If you need to contact him then please phone his mobile 07951128475.

WEEKDAY  MASSES: 

Mon 23rd January………..No Mass

Tue 24th January………..No Mass

Wed 25th January ……..No Mass

Thur 26th January……..No Mass

Fri 27th January………… No Mass

Sat 28th January…….10.00am  CASTLEBAY

NEXT WEEKEND’S MASSES

28th   & 22th  January 2023

4th  Sunday of Year A

Vigil Mass……. 6.00pm   CRAIGSTON

Sunday Masses..9.30am NORTHBAY & 11.30am  CASTLEBAY