We’re taking a short pause on Tuesday August 11. Thank you for your understanding — we’ll reopen Wednesday August 12th and look forward to welcoming you back. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Little Explorers Lake-Side Camps

Explore, Learn and Create - activities inside and outside the Àros na Mara Discovery Centre 2583 St. Columba Road, Iona

Ages: 5 to 10

Dates:

July 25th, 11am to 1pm

July 31st, 1pm to 3pm

August 8th, 11am to 1pm

August 14th, 1pm to 3pm

To register email: arosnamara@gmail.com

Admission: $5

Bring a lunch if you wish or purchase a lunch at the Iona Port Cafe.

Parent or Guardian must be in attendance. Tea/coffee provided to parent/guardian to enjoy while waiting

Iona Port Cafe is open daily from 9 to 4. Come visit, have a snack or a cold treat while enjoying the view. Remember to pick up your loyalty coffee/tea card. Gift certificates are also available.

Àros na Mara Discovery Centre.is open daily from 10 to 4. Explore, Discover and Learn- touch a starfish, see some lobsters, a jellyfish and much more. Something for all ages to enjoy. Admission by donation. Visit our facebook page and www.arosnamara.ca

2nd Annual Kite Festival, on Sunday, August 2nd, 11-2 at the Port of Iona..Rain or Shine. All ages welcome. Some kites will be available to build, games, and crafts.. Chance to win a prize. For food and drinks the Iona Port Cafe will be open and there will be a barbecue. The Àros na Mara Discovery Centre will be open.

ST. COLUMBA CHURCH

In an effort to keep our church sustainable to our parishioners for years to come we are looking ahead at work which should be done over the next few years. This beautiful building is one of the most photographic churches on the Island of Cape Breton. Inside or out many, many people are impressed with this work of art.

It has served our community well for years spiritually and for this to continue we must keep attention on the work to keep it in good repair.

Some of the work that may be anticipated over the next number of years may include:

(1) Work on replacing the copper on the steeple to prevent leaks which was temporarily repaired and seems to be holding for now.

(2) Three windows in the front above the doors should be replaced because they are wood and are over 30 plus years old.

(3) Brick work repair.

So in attempt to raise money for this we are asking for support to our Building Fund from parishioners and former parishioners or anyone who would love to see the St. Columba Church remain in the best possible condition for what it was built for - Weekly Mass, Funerals, Administration of the Sacraments, etc.

To make a donation e-transfers can be sent to stcolumba.iona@ns.sympatico.ca Make a note on your transfer that it is for church repairs and/or upkeep. We thanks you in advance for your support of these endeavours.

Visit our website parishesofcentralcapebreton.ca for pictures taken by Neila MacLellan of the interior and exterior of the church. We would like to thank Neila for allowing us to use her beautiful photos.

WINDOWS AT ST.COLUMBA CHURCH-The two wooden windows on the water side of the church will need to be replaced this year at an estimated cost of $2000 per window. As was done with the previous window replacement, any parishioner or friend of the parish who would like to donate a window in memory of a family member or friend can do so by contacting Gregory at 902-295-7843.Thank you for your consideration.

St. BARRA, the first church in Central Cape Breton, is the new salt giving fresh flavor to the manna from heaven, the Word of God. At 10:00 AM every Sunday morning the Word of God, transcribed in the Bible, is read and explained for us today which brings the the past to life in our times. The Lord God says: I am the Alpha and the Omega, the one who is and who was and who is yet to come, the Almighty. ( Rv.1: 8 ) Everyone is welcome to come hear the words of God explained, for us today. When : Sundays at 10:00 AM at St. Barra's Church in Christmas Island.

Bulletins, news and reflections for our family of parishes can be found on our website: www.parishesofcentralcapebreton.ca

The regular meeting of the Boisdale Volunteer Fire Dept. will be held the first Monday of the month at 7pm.All Welcome

In the event of a prolonged power outage EMO will request we open the St. Columba Church Centre as a warming centre for anyone requiring assistance. If you require assistance before the warming centre is open you can call 1.) EMO Coordinator Lyle Donovan 1 (902) 578-1994 2.) Colin MacNeil 1 (902) 371-0598 3.) Gregory MacNeil (902) 295-7843 or any Fire Department Member. Iona Volunteer Fire Department

Saturday September 5th at the Christmas Island Fire Hall

Exhibitors set up 8:00-9:00 am

Flea Market - for more information please call Kevin at 903-322-4683 to book your spot. Set up for flea market vendors - 8:30-9:00 am

Cape Breton Antique Car Show starting mid-morning

Donna’s Baked Goods and Preserves - mid-morning

Raffles for local prizes, with lunch available - hot dogs, smokies, chilli and a bun, corn on the cob, and cold drinks

50/50 Draw

The St.Barra Preservation & Development Society would like to announce their new Christmas Island Monthly Draw!! Details: Monthly prize = > $500 Tickets => $10 ea (limit 100/month) Draws => 2nd Sunday of each month To purchase or sell tickets, please contact: Anna Burke Email: annaburke1@yahoo.ca Text: 902 622-6007 Betty MacKenzie Email: mcknzbetty@aol.com Text: 902 537-1759 100% of proceeds go towards St. Barra Church (Christmas Island) building maintenance. Thank you, your generosity and support are greatly appreciated!