My Calendar
Week of Nov 20th
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16/11/2020(5 events) Diwali - the festival of light! Diwali is the four- to five-day long Festival of Lights celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists. One of the most popular dates on the Hindu calendar, Diwali symbolises the spiritual victory of light over darkness, and takes place each year between October and November after the conclusion of harvest and to coincide with the new moon. During the celebration, streets, homes, offices and shops are illuminated with light, which acts as a metaphor for knowledge and consciousness. Over the five-day period of the festival, people prepare by cleaning and decorating their homes. The festivities reach their peak on the third day, Diwali, which falls on the darkest day of the Hindu lunar month, Kartik. On this day, revellers dress up, light up their homes with oil lamps and candles (diyas) and worship Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and wealth. They also light fireworks and enjoy a feast with their family, sharing mithai (sweets) and gifts.
Here's a video of how different this festival might be in time of COVID-19!
A PRAYER FOR DIWALI
Light shines in darkness. Light takes away darkness. Light brings hope.
God of light, when things seem difficult or when we’re frightened or sad, and good is stronger than bad. AMEN Transgender Awareness Week Anniversary of the murder of 6 Jesuits and their 2 companions in El Salvador On the morning of November 16, 1989, an elite battalion of the Salvadoran Army entered the grounds of the Jesuit University of Central America, with orders to kill Father Ignacio Ellacuría—an outspoken critic of the Salvadoran military dictatorship—and leave no witnesses. When it was all over, the soldiers had killed six Jesuit priests, a housekeeper and her 16 year old daughter in cold blood. The Jesuits Massacre is one of most notorious crimes of El Salvador’s 12-year civil war, which left over 75,000 people dead including most famously Archbishop (now Saint) Oscar Romero.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY God, Creator of life and human dignity, we celebrate the witness of your martyrs for faith, for peace, and for justice. Have mercy on the souls of these departed ones and grant them peace. May the memory of the Jesuits and the members of the Ramos family who died in El Salvador in 1989 help us move to a deeper understanding of the demands of justice and guide us to speak your truth to those in power.
Give us the courage to raise our voices for those who suffer oppression and violence. Grant us your joy as we work to bring your kingdom to this world. Amen.
© Education For Justice www.educationforjustice.orgAnti-Bullying Week It's Anti-Bullying Week and you can find out loads more at:
Here's a short introduction to the theme for 2020: Have a look at this diagram - and consider where you feel you fit in - and what each character portrayed needs to do to end bullying.
A PRAYER FOR THIS WEEK (available as a video HERE) Loving God, We hold before you those who live in darkness who choose to bully rather than befriend; those who attempt to intimidate rather than respect; those who belittle others rather than build them up; that their bullying hearts be transformed; that they will realise that their own fears, painful memories and past hurts will not be healed by hurting others.
We pray for those who witness bullying that they will have the liberty of spirit to intervene and support, directly or indirectly – by seeking help from someone they trust.
We pray for those who are bullied that they will find comfort, protection and an end to their suffering. Send them angels in whatever form to let them know it is NOT their fault, that they are a wonder of creation – made in your image – worthy of love and respect!
And we pray for ourselves, that we might be vigilant, perceptive, courageous and kind in standing against bullying.
We pray this in your holy name! AMEN
International Day for Tolerance International Day for Tolerance Here's a quite wonderful video (4 mins 17 secs) Which of these people do you:
Perhaps tolerance is a simple as following the teaching of Jesus to "Treat others as you'd like to be treated!"
A PRAYER FOR TODAY While the United Nations designates today an International Day for Tolerance, we know that you, God of all people, call us to something higher, to something beyond mere tolerance. We pray that you would enable and empower us to be people of love and compassion, who actively seek the good of the other and work to to that day when people from all tribes and tongues might come together in peace, embracing and delighting in our differences. Amen
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17/11/2020(2 events) Transgender Awareness Week Anti-Bullying Week It's Anti-Bullying Week and you can find out loads more at:
Here's a short introduction to the theme for 2020: Have a look at this diagram - and consider where you feel you fit in - and what each character portrayed needs to do to end bullying.
A PRAYER FOR THIS WEEK (available as a video HERE) Loving God, We hold before you those who live in darkness who choose to bully rather than befriend; those who attempt to intimidate rather than respect; those who belittle others rather than build them up; that their bullying hearts be transformed; that they will realise that their own fears, painful memories and past hurts will not be healed by hurting others.
We pray for those who witness bullying that they will have the liberty of spirit to intervene and support, directly or indirectly – by seeking help from someone they trust.
We pray for those who are bullied that they will find comfort, protection and an end to their suffering. Send them angels in whatever form to let them know it is NOT their fault, that they are a wonder of creation – made in your image – worthy of love and respect!
And we pray for ourselves, that we might be vigilant, perceptive, courageous and kind in standing against bullying.
We pray this in your holy name! AMEN
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18/11/2020(2 events) Transgender Awareness Week Anti-Bullying Week It's Anti-Bullying Week and you can find out loads more at:
Here's a short introduction to the theme for 2020: Have a look at this diagram - and consider where you feel you fit in - and what each character portrayed needs to do to end bullying.
A PRAYER FOR THIS WEEK (available as a video HERE) Loving God, We hold before you those who live in darkness who choose to bully rather than befriend; those who attempt to intimidate rather than respect; those who belittle others rather than build them up; that their bullying hearts be transformed; that they will realise that their own fears, painful memories and past hurts will not be healed by hurting others.
We pray for those who witness bullying that they will have the liberty of spirit to intervene and support, directly or indirectly – by seeking help from someone they trust.
We pray for those who are bullied that they will find comfort, protection and an end to their suffering. Send them angels in whatever form to let them know it is NOT their fault, that they are a wonder of creation – made in your image – worthy of love and respect!
And we pray for ourselves, that we might be vigilant, perceptive, courageous and kind in standing against bullying.
We pray this in your holy name! AMEN
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19/11/2020(5 events) Transgender Awareness Week Anti-Bullying Week It's Anti-Bullying Week and you can find out loads more at:
Here's a short introduction to the theme for 2020: Have a look at this diagram - and consider where you feel you fit in - and what each character portrayed needs to do to end bullying.
A PRAYER FOR THIS WEEK (available as a video HERE) Loving God, We hold before you those who live in darkness who choose to bully rather than befriend; those who attempt to intimidate rather than respect; those who belittle others rather than build them up; that their bullying hearts be transformed; that they will realise that their own fears, painful memories and past hurts will not be healed by hurting others.
We pray for those who witness bullying that they will have the liberty of spirit to intervene and support, directly or indirectly – by seeking help from someone they trust.
We pray for those who are bullied that they will find comfort, protection and an end to their suffering. Send them angels in whatever form to let them know it is NOT their fault, that they are a wonder of creation – made in your image – worthy of love and respect!
And we pray for ourselves, that we might be vigilant, perceptive, courageous and kind in standing against bullying.
We pray this in your holy name! AMEN
Children's Grief Awareness Week Grief is something we all experience at some point in our lives. While no two people react in exactly the same way, there is much to learn from hearing about others' experiences and sharing our own when we feel able to. If you are grieving and want to talk to someone, do approach someone you trust. Here are some reflections on what it can be like to lose someone. A PRAYER FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DIED Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. AMEN
A PRAYER FOR THOSE WHO ARE GRIEVING Jesus, healer and teacher, you know what it is like to lose someone you love and you wept for your friend, Lazarus. Help me make sense of what is happening, because some days I feel angry, some days I feel lost, some days I feel helpless, some days I don't feel at all. Send me comfort and people to walk with me.
Help me through this pain, and let treasured memories sustain me. Help me to have faith that my loved one is now with you, free from pain and worry.
Help others who are grieving this same loss.
I ask this in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN
International Men's Day Imagine a group of people whose members:
They're shocking statistics, aren't they? By the way, the group in question is MEN! WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT? (1 mins 53 secs)
This is an INTERESTING TAKE ON WHAT IT IS TO BE A MAN (2 mins 58 secs) A PRAYER FOR TODAY (available as a 1 minute video HERE) Loving God, we hold before you especially today - the men in our lives; help all of us to deepen our understanding of gender roles and expectations; that we might live life in all its fullness, building families, communities, societies and a world of openness and acceptance. Help us not to be bound by stereotypes but to enjoy the diverse nature of every human being.
We pray this in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN
World Toilet Day Did you know that:
All of the above is not because we don't have the technology! After all, human beings went to the Moon over 50 years ago! Do we, and the governments who serve us, need to re-align some priorities?
Let's spend a few moments imagining what it must feel like not to have a toilet. What might you have to do if there was no toilet available? Why might this have a disproportionate effect on females? What are the possible consequences of not having a toilet?
A PRAYER FOR TODAY (from CAFOD) Loving God, we pray for a world of justice where everyone has access to a toilet and clean water. May all our sisters and brothers throughout the world be able to live in the dignity they deserve as children created in your image. Amen
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20/11/2020(5 events) Anti-Bullying Week It's Anti-Bullying Week and you can find out loads more at:
Here's a short introduction to the theme for 2020: Have a look at this diagram - and consider where you feel you fit in - and what each character portrayed needs to do to end bullying.
A PRAYER FOR THIS WEEK (available as a video HERE) Loving God, We hold before you those who live in darkness who choose to bully rather than befriend; those who attempt to intimidate rather than respect; those who belittle others rather than build them up; that their bullying hearts be transformed; that they will realise that their own fears, painful memories and past hurts will not be healed by hurting others.
We pray for those who witness bullying that they will have the liberty of spirit to intervene and support, directly or indirectly – by seeking help from someone they trust.
We pray for those who are bullied that they will find comfort, protection and an end to their suffering. Send them angels in whatever form to let them know it is NOT their fault, that they are a wonder of creation – made in your image – worthy of love and respect!
And we pray for ourselves, that we might be vigilant, perceptive, courageous and kind in standing against bullying.
We pray this in your holy name! AMEN
Children's Grief Awareness Week Grief is something we all experience at some point in our lives. While no two people react in exactly the same way, there is much to learn from hearing about others' experiences and sharing our own when we feel able to. If you are grieving and want to talk to someone, do approach someone you trust. Here are some reflections on what it can be like to lose someone. A PRAYER FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DIED Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. AMEN
A PRAYER FOR THOSE WHO ARE GRIEVING Jesus, healer and teacher, you know what it is like to lose someone you love and you wept for your friend, Lazarus. Help me make sense of what is happening, because some days I feel angry, some days I feel lost, some days I feel helpless, some days I don't feel at all. Send me comfort and people to walk with me.
Help me through this pain, and let treasured memories sustain me. Help me to have faith that my loved one is now with you, free from pain and worry.
Help others who are grieving this same loss.
I ask this in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN
Transgender Day of Remembrance World Children’s Day Welcome to World Children's Day! This used to be called Universal Children's Day but the day has been re-branded! This day was set up in 1954 by the United Nations. In 1959, the UN agreed its Declaration on the Rights of the Child. In 1989 the Convention on the Rights of the Child became the most widely ratified international human rights treaty, setting out a number of children’s rights including:
Here's a short but brilliant video (1 min 17 secs) from the children of Yemen!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY (available here as a 1:00 minute video) Loving God, Jesus said "Let the children come to me" and so we pray for children around the world, that they will feel loved, valued, cared for and encouraged.
We pray for adults that they will enable children to enjoy a childhood they can look back on happily.
We pray too that all of us acknowledge each other - whatever our differences - as children made in your image, who deserve to be treated with dignity and love.
We pray this in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN
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21/11/2020(1 event) Children's Grief Awareness Week Grief is something we all experience at some point in our lives. While no two people react in exactly the same way, there is much to learn from hearing about others' experiences and sharing our own when we feel able to. If you are grieving and want to talk to someone, do approach someone you trust. Here are some reflections on what it can be like to lose someone. A PRAYER FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DIED Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. AMEN
A PRAYER FOR THOSE WHO ARE GRIEVING Jesus, healer and teacher, you know what it is like to lose someone you love and you wept for your friend, Lazarus. Help me make sense of what is happening, because some days I feel angry, some days I feel lost, some days I feel helpless, some days I don't feel at all. Send me comfort and people to walk with me.
Help me through this pain, and let treasured memories sustain me. Help me to have faith that my loved one is now with you, free from pain and worry.
Help others who are grieving this same loss.
I ask this in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN
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22/11/2020(4 events) Children's Grief Awareness Week Grief is something we all experience at some point in our lives. While no two people react in exactly the same way, there is much to learn from hearing about others' experiences and sharing our own when we feel able to. If you are grieving and want to talk to someone, do approach someone you trust. Here are some reflections on what it can be like to lose someone. A PRAYER FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DIED Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. AMEN
A PRAYER FOR THOSE WHO ARE GRIEVING Jesus, healer and teacher, you know what it is like to lose someone you love and you wept for your friend, Lazarus. Help me make sense of what is happening, because some days I feel angry, some days I feel lost, some days I feel helpless, some days I don't feel at all. Send me comfort and people to walk with me.
Help me through this pain, and let treasured memories sustain me. Help me to have faith that my loved one is now with you, free from pain and worry.
Help others who are grieving this same loss.
I ask this in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN
Feast of Christ the King Feast of St. Cecilia - patron saint of music
The patron saint of musicians! Who's your favourite?Here's a mini-bio of St. Cecilia (2 mins 20 secs).
A PRAYER FOR TODAY Loving God,we thank you for the gift of music.Help us find our own voice that we might express ourselves with truth, joy and passion.We pray this in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN Youth Day The next world gathering for World Youth Day is in 2023 in Lisbon! Hear some words of the Holy Father, Pope Francis directed at young people! |