Bhileag (Newsletter) 14th April 2024
WEEKDAY MASSES:
Mon 15th April……..No Mass
Tue16th April………10.00am EOLIGARRY
(Month’s mind Mass for Fr. Roddy Johnston)
Wed 17th April…… 12 Noon CRAIGSTON
Thu 18th April…….10.00am NORTHBAY
Fri 19th April………..10.00am VATERSAY
Sat 20th April……….10.00am CASTLEBAY
NEXT WEEKEND: 20th & 21st April 2024
(4th Sunday of Easter)
Vigil Mass (Saturday)….. 6.00pm CRAIGSTON
Sunday Masses…9.30am NORTHBAY & 11.30am CASTLEBAY
Sacrament of Confession: Every Saturday in Castlebay from 9.30am-9.50am & in Northbay from 12 Noon-12.30pm
CHURCH NOTICES
Recent Funeral: when Canon John Paul was away last week there was another sad death on the island. We keep in our thoughts and prayers the repose of the soul of Brenda MacInnes (Brenda Dhomhnaill Phadruig) of Kentangaval, Horve who peacefully passed away in St. Brendan’s Hospital aged only 62. Our dear Brenda had fought a long battle against illness. She carried her cross of pain and suffering with great faith and dignity. She did everything with a smile and with such a positive nature. She will be sorely missed. The Requiem Mass was celebrated by Fr Bernard Fox on Saturday 6th April in Our Lady Star of the Sea and after the Mass Brenda was laid to rest in Cuithir Cemetery. We extend our prayers of love and sympathy to Donnie and the children Ann & Stephen & the Grandchildren and also to Brenda’s sisters & their families and to all the relatives, neighbours & friends. Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.
Fr Jarek Kwiecien: has been appointed the parish priest of St. Andrews in Rothesay after the death of Fr Roddy Johnston. Fr Jarek is from Poland and has been latterly helping in the Cathedral in Oban. Fr Jarek is in the Diocese for the next 5 years and we are grateful that he is able to step in and look after the parish of Rothesay. Fr Jarek is also a fluent Gaelic speaker and is often heard on the Gaelic radio giving a thought for the day or leading a service. We hope and pray that Fr Jarek will enjoy his ministry on the Isle of Bute.
Mill Hill Mission Appeal: last weekend we had Fr Bernard Fox come to the island to make a Mission Appeal on behalf of the Mill Hill Missionaries. Sadly “Storm Kathleen” arrived at the same time and of course numbers going to Sunday Mass where greatly reduced because of the bad weather. Fr Bernard was still happy to be able to be on the island even with the storm raging on. The 2nd collection this weekend will also go towards supporting the Mill Hill Missionary appeal.
Death of Fr. Martin Chambers: the Catholic Church in Scotland was stunned by the sudden death of Fr Martin Chambers on Wednesday 10th April –he was aged only 59. Fr Martin was the Bishop elect for Dunkeld Diocese. In 2 weeks time he was going to be ordained the new Bishop of Dunkeld. Everyone was looking forward to this happy occasion for the Catholic Church in Scotland. But sadly now the Church prepares for his Requiem Mass. Let us keep Fr Martin in our prayers and pray for the repose of his soul and we pray to the Risen Lord to be with all who need peace & comfort from such sad news. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
Sister Kate Kelly: many of us on the island remember well Sister Kate who was a Dominican nun who lived on the island about 15 years ago. She would often visit the elderly and pray the rosary with them. She was well known for her walking and wearing her white trainers (which she still wears today!). Also she was remembered for swimming just about every day in the sea. When Sister Kate left Barra she moved into the Dominican Convent in Taylorshill in Galway. When Canon John went to the recent Barra Wedding in Galway he went to visit Sister Kate. She now has dementia but she is happy. She walks about the convent and the lovely Convent gardens with a one to one carer. Canon John Paul brought some “Barra Tablet” and she and the rest of the nuns enjoyed their Tea with some tablet. Sister Kate will soon be 93. Let us remember her in our prayers and pray that God may bless her.
Gift Aid Envelopes: can be picked up from Castlebay & Northbay church. Have you thought about signing up for Gift Aid?
SCIAF Wee Boxes: Please hand them in as soon as you can so that the money can be sent to SCIAF.
Craigston Vigil Mass time: is now back to 6.00pm each Saturday evening.
Date for Sacrament of Confirmation: Bishop Brian will come to the island on Saturday 4th May to confirm the 10 Children preparing for the sacrament. The Mass will be in Our Lady Star of the Sea at 12 Noon.