Baile nan Gàidheal | Highland Village will reopen to the public on June 1, 2026. Our administration office is open from 9AM-5PM, Monday - Friday by appointment. Please phone (902) 725-2272.

We are Celebrating: The 10th Àros na Mara World Oceans Day Festival will run from May 31st to June 8th. We are excited to announce we will be celebrating Oceans Week Canada, World Oceans Day and International Trails Day.

The theme for this year's festival is: “Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet”.

We will be celebrating World Oceans Day on Sunday, June 7th from 12- 4 at the Port of Iona, Àros na Mara Discovery Centre and St. Columba Parish Centre. There will be displays, presentations, children's activities, food and music providing something for all ages to enjoy.

Further updates to follow and please check – www.arosnamara.ca also check us out on Facebook and Instagram

Date: May 2nd, Saturday Time: 10-11am

Slow flow - 60 min guided class

Beginners friendly, hatha yoga combined with yin style (long hold restorative postures)

Date: May 7,14, 21, 28 (Thursdays) Time: 9-10am - Morning movement

60 min guided class. All levels, hatha Yoga.

Fee: Free

Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat if you wish.

Central Cape Breton Community Ventures Inc. is now accepting resumes for the following positions:

Marketing Co-ordinator - $16.75/hour, 35 hours per week for 8 weeks.

Marina Worker - $16.75/hour, 35 hours per week for 8 weeks.

Applicants must be between the ages of 15-30 inclusive. Students/non-students may apply. Resumes can be emailed to ccbcvi@gmail.com

Deadline for applications is May 15th, 2026.

CANCELLED for April 25th. Yoga is continuing on Saturday mornings April 11 to May 1st , 10 am to 11 am

Beginner class, slow movement, guided class.

March 14, 21, 28 and April 3 (Weather permitting)

Are you seeking an alternative to stressful interactions? You're invited to participate in chair yoga with Kristina at the Parish Hall in Iona. This event starts at 10am and is complimentary. Please remember to wear comfortable attire and bring a water bottle.

Guided by Kristina Rose 902-302-0444 or email kristinarose444@hotmail.com

There will be a variety of fruit and veggies available for purchase at the St. Columba Parish Hall, Iona.

When: Thursday, April 9

Time: 2-4pm

Price: $1 per pound

For: Central Cape Breton Residents

Bring your own bags

Check: social media and www.centralcapebreton.com for change in dates

Sponsored by: Central Cape Breton Community Ventures and Square Roots

Darts Friday At 7.30 Fun night bar open

St. Barra's Church Parish in Christmas Island is looking for a reliable person to help maintain the cemetery and chruch grounds.

Duties:
Mowing, trimming, general clean-up, and seasonal upkeep.

Requirements:
Independent, dependable, able to work outdoors, and respectful of cemetery grounds. Experience with lawn equipment is an asset. Safe practices around ride-on mowers and trimmers are essential.

Ages 15- 30 may apply.

Hours:
Job starts July 2, 2026 and is 35 hours per week for 8 weeks.

Pay:
$16.75 per hour

To Apply:
Apply with resume to Hugh MacKinnon at hlmackinnon2@gmail.com

THE SACRAMENT OF FIRST COMMUNION -- St. Columba Church, Iona.

For parents wishing to have their child (Grade 2 and up) receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion, please contact Josie by email at stcolumba.iona@ns.sympatico.ca or by phoning 902-725-2173. First Communion will be held in late May or early June. Thank you.

St Barra Parish will be hiring one individual for 8 weeks this summer starting on July 2.The position is open to anyone between 15 and 30 years of age. The person hired will be required to mow, trim and maintain the cemetery and church property in Christmas Island. Having some previous experience with the safe operation of mowers and trimmers would be an asset. The job pays $16.75 per hour for 35 hours a week. If you are interested, please forward your resume to Hugh MacKinnon at hlmackinnon2@gmail.com

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

We're looking for a Building Maintenance Worker to help keep our fire hall and grounds in good shape — an 8-week Canada Summer Jobs position, Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week at $16.75/hour.

This is a great opportunity to build practical skills while supporting your local community.

Applicants must be between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive), hold a valid SIN, and be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person granted refugee status in Canada.
Deadline to apply: May 31, 2026.

For more information or to apply, contact Michael at christmasislandfiredept@gmail.com or (902) 209-8320.

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