My Calendar
Events in September 2020
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31/08/2020
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01/09/2020(1 event) World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation In 2015, Pope Francis wrote a letter to everyone in the world! Here's a 5 minute summary of it! This is a prayer for today (1 mins 51 secs): |
02/09/2020
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03/09/2020
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04/09/2020
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05/09/2020(1 event) 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:
St. Julie: pray for us, protect us and bless us.
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06/09/2020
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07/09/2020
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08/09/2020(2 events) 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
Nativity (birth) of Our Lady This is the day the Catholic Church marks the birth of Mary, the mother of Jesus - Our Lady. St. Julie had such a devotion to Our Lady that she named the order of nuns she founded the Sisters of Notre Dame! Notre Dame is, of course, French for Our Lady. It's a perfect day to sing Happy Birthday - and also to say the Hail Mary! CLICK HERE to join in with the video doing just that!
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09/09/2020
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10/09/2020(1 event) 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
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12/09/2020(1 event) United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation 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
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13/09/2020(1 event) Education Sunday This is a video (1:30) to watch, reflect on and discuss:
God of all things, we give thanks for the chance for an education which is denied to so many around the world because of poverty, custom or discrimination.
Help us to appreciate the value of learning which helps us understand the wonders of creation. Help us to use what we learn to make life better for ourselves and our fellow human beings.
We ask this in your Holy Name. AMEN |
14/09/2020(1 event) The Exaltation of the Holy Cross Here's a video (2:57) offering both information and the chance to reflect on the cross! If you want to find out more about St. Helen(a) who reputedly found the true cross of Jesus, check out our SAINTS page!
This day, we simply close with the sign of the cross: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN |
15/09/2020(2 events) International Day of Democracy 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 |
16/09/2020(1 event) International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer 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
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17/09/2020
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18/09/2020(1 event) Rosh Hashanah - Jewish New Year 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
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19/09/2020(1 event) Rosh Hashanah - Jewish New Year 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
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20/09/2020(1 event) Rosh Hashanah - Jewish New Year 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
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21/09/2020(2 events) 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,
In you, Lord, may we see a flicker of hope, Pour upon us all your glorious light, We pray as one the fighting may cease, We ask this through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.
World Alzheimer's Day Here's a quite beautiful performance piece! (Video 4:42) A one minute reflection from the point of view of someone affected by dementia - Do not ask me to remember. This is a one minute PRAYER for today.
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22/09/2020
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23/09/2020(2 events) Feast of St. Padre Pio International Day of Sign Languages International Day of Sign Languages Did you know that there are an estimated 72 million deaf people worldwide, 80% of them in developing nations. 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. |
24/09/2020
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25/09/2020
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26/09/2020(2 events) European Day of Languages 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.
International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons 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:
You're invited to offer your own silent prayer on this day.
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27/09/2020(2 events) World Day for Migrants and Refugees This used to celebrated in January, but Pope Francis - in 2018, decided it would be moved to the last Sunday in September! We should never forget that Jesus, Mary and Joseph were refugees fleeing from the slaughter of the innocents which Herod wrought down on the people of Bethlehem. The Holy Father reminds us that during the flight into Egypt, the child Jesus experienced with his parents the tragic fate of the displaced and refugees, “which is marked by fear, uncertainty and unease." Displaced people offer us this opportunity to meet the Lord, “even though our eyes find it hard to recognize him: his clothing in tatters, his feet dirty, his face disfigured, his body wounded, his tongue unable to speak our language”. Pope Francis calls us to respond by welcoming, protecting, promoting and integrating. Here is part of the Holy Father's Message for this day in 2020 (3:43): A PRAYER FOR TODAY Jesus - hope of the hopeless, we hold before you today all who have left their homes, desperate for safety and the chance of a better life. Help us rid our minds of the suspicion, fears and prejudices that keep us apart from those who seek refuge. You, who knows what it is to leave your homeland, give us a greater understanding and move us to respond with wisdom, love and generosity.
We ask this in your Holy Name. AMEN |
28/09/2020(2 events) International Day for Universal Access to Information World Rabies Day 28 September is World Rabies DayIt 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
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29/09/2020(1 event) Feast of the Archangels The Feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael! |
30/09/2020(1 event) |
01/10/2020(2 events) International Day of Older Persons 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 – We who are growing old pray that we may be patient with our ageing limbs We who are growing old pray for good health in our later years, 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 growing old pray that we may face our death with serenity and dignity. God of the old and young, help us to understand that we share a common life journey, We pray this in your Holy Name. AMEN |
02/10/2020(2 events) Birthdate of Mahatma Gandhi and International Day of Non-Violence. 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)
The Holy Guardian Angels |
03/10/2020
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04/10/2020(1 event) Feast of St Francis of Assisi The Holy Father, Pope Francis, took his name from this great saint! Francis (the Saint, not the Pope) is accredited with this beautiful prayer - set to music here by Sebastian Temple: CLICK HERE to have a look at and reflect on some of the words of the Holy Father (2:00). |