My Calendar

Events in September 2020

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31/08/2020
01/09/2020
02/09/2020
03/09/2020
04/09/2020
05/09/2020(1 event)

International Day of Charity


05/09/2020

International Day of Charity

Here's a short clip (1:00) about this particular day!

As you'll have seen from the clip above. this day coincides with the anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa, now St. Teresa of Calcutta (Kolkata).

CLICK HERE TO SEE just a few of her sayings (2:17) which we offer this day as an invitation to prayerful reflection and challenge!

It may be very early in the term but it's good to reflect on how we might be able to act compassionately to support charities which matter to us.

So, you are invited to pray for:

  • all who need a little help;
  • those who already devote themselves to serving other;
  • inspiration and initiative in developing your own charitable efforts.
St. Julie: pray for us, protect us and bless us.
06/09/2020
07/09/2020
08/09/2020(1 event)

International Literacy Day


08/09/2020

International Literacy Day

This is such an important day. Here's a 2 minute video from UNESCO explaining why!

This next video (1:27) focuses on the challenges of living through the coronavirus pandemic if you are unable to read.

 

Click here for a PRAYER FOR TODAY 

 

09/09/2020
10/09/2020(1 event)

World Suicide Prevention Day


10/09/2020

World Suicide Prevention Day

This is a very sensitive issue and one we often shy away from talking about.

Here's a really special 1 minute video produced by the Samaritans which empowers all of us:

IF YOU, OR ANYONE YOU KNOW, IS STRUGGLING - there are lots of people who want to help - either in school or through the many organisations mentioned in our KEEPING SAFE SECTION.

 

A PRAYER FOR TODAY  (available here as a 1:25 video)

On this day especially, we celebrate the life of each person.

We acknowledge that for some, life is a heavy load of suffering and anguish.

Help us all to talk about our fears, anger, and despair.

Help us find people we can trust – among those we know, or among those who are trained to help.

Help us all to find meaning and purpose in our lives – even in the darkest, most sorrowful moments.

May we all be kind, gentle and listen without judging.

 

We place before you this day all who have been affected by suicide – that they be comforted in their grief, be set free from any sense of guilt and know peace once more, confident that their loved one is no longer suffering.

We pray this in your holy name. AMEN

11/09/2020
12/09/2020(1 event)

United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation


12/09/2020

United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation 

In decades gone by, there was a stereotype that developing countries largely in the Southern Hemisphere could only develop through help given by richer countries from the Northern Hemisphere - many of whom had invaded and governed southern countries in colonial days gone by.

While southern countries had become politically independent of their former Imperial governors throughout the second half of the 20th century, for many years there was an assumption that they had to rely on handouts or loans from the very countries that had occupied them.    There was also an attitude that the North knew best when it came to what developing countries needed in order to become richer or more stable.

This day was instituted to bust those myths and to enhance co-operation between developing countries so that expertise in a whole host of areas could be shared effectively.   South–South cooperation has been successful in decreasing dependence on the aid programs of developed countries and a shift in the international balance of power.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Loving God,

we pray for wisdom and an ever increasing sense of solidarity between nations.

Help leaders to be generous in sharing knowledge, expertise and resources 

as we seek to build a world where no-one goes hungry

and where the vulnerable are not exploited or abandoned.

We ask for all to work towards that day

when everyone will have the dignity of being able

to support themselves sustainably.

We ask this in your Holy Name. AMEN

 

13/09/2020
14/09/2020
15/09/2020(2 events)

International Day of Democracy


15/09/2020

International Day of Democracy

This video (1:20) charts how people in the U.K got the vote!

 

This is a video (1:34) from 2015 about the importance of democracy.

Spend a few moments now thinking about why democracy is important?

Just imagine living somewhere where you are treated like you don't matter, where you're not allowed to express your views and not allowed to vote for leaders! Such a situation in South Africa many years ago inspired this song (5:35) to be written.   (Why not try signing (that's not a spelling mistake) along?)

 

A PRAYER FOR TODAY    (available here as a 30 second video clip)

God of justice, we pray for those who are denied a voice.

Help those of us who can speak up 

to find ways to use our voice for the greater good.

 

We ask this in your Holy Name. AMEN 

 

Our Lady of Sorrows


15/09/2020

16/09/2020(1 event)

International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer


16/09/2020

International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

Here's a little good news (1:47) regarding the capacity of human beings to solve a problem.

So, we've done something about the ozone layer - which demonstrates that we can heal the world.  Let's be resolute in finding ways we can contribute to solving the ongoing problem of climate change.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Creator God,

help us appreciate the wonders of this planet;

on this day when we can celebrate a success,

help us to seek a greater understanding of the causes of climate change which threatens the world;

give us wisdom and resolve to act in such a way that we contribute to solutions.

We ask this in your Holy Name. AMEN

 

 

17/09/2020
18/09/2020(1 event)

Rosh Hashanah - Jewish New Year


18/09/2020 20/09/2020

Judaism proclaims Rosh Hashanah as the birthday of the world – sages teach that the first Rosh Hashanah was the sixth day of Creation, when God Created man and woman.

Here's an explanation of it in 3:01!

This is a bit less formal but instructive nonetheless (2:38) - you'll probably recognise the tune.

A PRAYER OF RENEWAL

God of Creation - we give thanks for this celebration of a new year.

Help us to start afresh, renewing our efforts to be good stewards of Creation,

seeking peace in all areas of life,

and reaching out compassionately to those who suffer.

We ask this in your holy name. AMEN

 

 

 

 

19/09/2020(1 event)

Rosh Hashanah - Jewish New Year


18/09/2020 20/09/2020

Judaism proclaims Rosh Hashanah as the birthday of the world – sages teach that the first Rosh Hashanah was the sixth day of Creation, when God Created man and woman.

Here's an explanation of it in 3:01!

This is a bit less formal but instructive nonetheless (2:38) - you'll probably recognise the tune.

A PRAYER OF RENEWAL

God of Creation - we give thanks for this celebration of a new year.

Help us to start afresh, renewing our efforts to be good stewards of Creation,

seeking peace in all areas of life,

and reaching out compassionately to those who suffer.

We ask this in your holy name. AMEN

 

 

 

 

20/09/2020(1 event)

Rosh Hashanah - Jewish New Year


18/09/2020 20/09/2020

Judaism proclaims Rosh Hashanah as the birthday of the world – sages teach that the first Rosh Hashanah was the sixth day of Creation, when God Created man and woman.

Here's an explanation of it in 3:01!

This is a bit less formal but instructive nonetheless (2:38) - you'll probably recognise the tune.

A PRAYER OF RENEWAL

God of Creation - we give thanks for this celebration of a new year.

Help us to start afresh, renewing our efforts to be good stewards of Creation,

seeking peace in all areas of life,

and reaching out compassionately to those who suffer.

We ask this in your holy name. AMEN

 

 

 

 

21/09/2020(2 events)

International Day of Peace


21/09/2020

International Day of Peace 

So, we'd all agree that peace is desirable but what is it?

Here are a few quotes about peace (2:30) for you to consider.

 

This is a beautiful prayer for peace in Syria from Rachel at CAFOD:

God of light,


We pray for our neighbours in Syria
walking in the shadow of darkness.

In you, Lord, may we see a flicker of hope,
a warm ray of light to heal our hearts.

Pour upon us all your glorious light,
your radiance brings us to fullness of life.

We pray as one the fighting may cease,
and all may be blessed by the dawn of your peace.

We ask this through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.


Rachel McCarthy/CAFOD

22/09/2020
23/09/2020(1 event)

International Day of Sign Languages


23/09/2020

International Day of Sign Languages

Did you know that there are an estimated 72 million deaf people worldwide, 80% of them in developing nations.
Deafness can be very isolating but Sign Language can be a real liberation.
Below is a 2 minute video demonstrating some basic greetings in BSL (British Sign Language).

A PRAYER FOR THIS DAY

Let's pray for all who are deaf or hearing impaired in any way and reflect on how it might feel to be aware of conversations but be unable to decipher them or contribute to them.
Loving God, we ask for your help in being more sensitive to the needs of those who struggle to hear.  AMEN

24/09/2020
25/09/2020
26/09/2020(2 events)

European Day of Languages


26/09/2020

Bonjour!

On European Day of Languages, enjoy some of the richness of different tongues in this 1:02 video:

A PRAYER FOR TODAY  (available here as a 1:00 video)

Loving God,
we thank you for the gift of language
which enables us to communicate and express our deepest emotions.
Help us to use language
to build bridges between individuals and nations
so that, one day, wars will cease
and we will establish a world of tolerance, understanding and celebration.
We pray this in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN.

 

More information

International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons


26/09/2020

International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons 

Here's a 1:34 video about this day - including information about how many nuclear weapons there are in the world!

 

This is a harrowing eye-witness account (3:36) of the dropping of the first nuclear bomb on Hiroshima on 6th August, 1945:

 

Here's a report (2:13) about the Holy Father, Pope Francis, visiting Japan in 2019:

Christian CND (Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament) ask those who seek peace to pray in the following ways:

  • Thank God for those around the world who continue to work and pray for peace;
  • Pray for our political leaders to have the courage to seek peace and cooperation over war and division;
  • Pray for those living in warzones, that they would be protected and comforted;
  • Pray for those who are living with the consequences or threat of war;
  • Pray that there would be no resumption of nuclear tests and that negotiations on disarmament would instead take place.

You're invited to offer your own silent prayer on this day.

 

 

27/09/2020(1 event)
28/09/2020(2 events)

World Rabies Day


28/09/2020

World Rabies Day

28 September is World Rabies Day

It is celebrated annually to raise awareness about rabies prevention and to highlight progress in defeating this horrifying disease. Here's a quick (3:41) 'what you need to know' video!

World Rabies Day is an opportunity to reflect on human's efforts to control this deadly disease and remind ourselves that the fight is not yet over.

28 September also marks the anniversary of Louis Pasteur's death, the French chemist and microbiologist, who developed the first rabies vaccine. See how the vaccine came about below:

 

Today, safe and efficacious animal and human vaccines are among the important tools that exist to eliminate human deaths from rabies while awareness is the key driver for success of communities to engage in effective rabies prevention.

In 2020, it is good to remember the huge successes that vaccines have brought about over the years.  This thought gives us hope for a CoronaVirus vaccine which we so need.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Loving God,

we pray for all affected by the scourge of rabies

and for those who work to eradicate it through providing resources and education.

We give thanks for those involved in medical research,

particularly in developing vaccines.

We pray for decision makers to ensure they are funded well;

that researchers are tenacious and wise;

and that they have those moments of inspiration

that bring about positive developments.

We ask this in your Holy Name. AMEN

 

 

 

29/09/2020
30/09/2020(1 event)
01/10/2020(1 event)

International Day of Older Persons


01/10/2020

International Day of Older Persons 

Between 2017 and 2030, the number of persons aged 60 years or over is projected to grow by 46 per cent (from 962 million to 1.4 billion) globally outnumbering youth, as well as children under the age of 10. Moreover, this increase will be the greatest and most rapid in the developing world. Population ageing is poised to become one of the most significant social transformations of the 21st century.

Older people have always played a significant role in society as leaders, caretakers and custodians of tradition. Yet they are also highly vulnerable, with many falling into poverty, becoming disabled or facing discrimination. As health care improves, the population of older people is growing. Their needs are also growing, as are their contributions to the world.

The International Day of Older Persons is an opportunity to highlight the important contributions that older people make to society and raise awareness of the opportunities and challenges of ageing in today’s world.

Here is a beautiful video (4:14) about the mutual benefits of relationships between old and young:

A 2:15 reflection on the day in video form.

 

A PRAYER FOR TODAY   (available here in video - 2:38)

God of all creation, you are timeless and beyond all ages.

We who are growing old give thanks for the years you have given us –
for family, friends and all those who have enriched our lives.
We who are not yet old give thanks for the older people in our lives:
for grandparents, loved ones, friends and all who use their wisdom to guide us.

We who are growing old pray that we may be patient with our ageing limbs
and difficulties in everyday tasks we once did much more easily.
We who are not yet old pray for patience and kindness
towards those who do not move as quickly as we would sometimes like.

We who are growing old pray for good health in our later years,
and forbearance when our health fails us.
We who are not yet old pray for good health for those we love
and compassion towards those who suffer ill health.

We who are growing old pray for prudence and sweet timing, in offering our wisdom to the next generation, while respecting their energy and creativity.
We who are not yet old pray for openness and kindness in the advice and guidance of our elders.

We who are growing old pray that we may face our death with serenity and dignity.
We who are not yet old pray that we affirm the value and sacredness of each person’s life
and accompany those who are dying with gentleness and respect.

God of the old and young, help us to understand that we share a common life journey,
to live life in all its fullness and to appreciate each other all life long.

We pray this in your Holy Name. AMEN

02/10/2020(1 event)

Birthdate of Mahatma Gandhi and International Day of Non-Violence.


02/10/2020

This date was chosen by the United Nations as a day of non-violence specifically because it is the birthdate of this amazing human being - Gandhi - who was assassinated in 1948. Here's a mini-biography (2:45):

 

A 2 minute video about the Father of the Nation - India.

GANDHI - what did he say?  (A 2:00 video reflection)

 

03/10/2020
04/10/2020