My Calendar

Events in November 2020

  • All Souls - the commemoration of all the faithful departed

    All Souls - the commemoration of all the faithful departed


    02/11/2020

    Just as Jesus mourned the death of his friend, Lazarus, so we mourn those who have died.

    We mark this day thinking about the gift they have been to us; the difference they still make to our lives and we offer this traditional prayer:  (AVAILABLE HERE AS A 1:00 VIDEO)

    Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord,

    and let perpetual light shine upon them.

    May they rest in peace. AMEN.

     

     

  • Armistice Day

    Armistice Day


    11/11/2020

    So what about the silence?

     

     

    This is one of the most famous poems of the First World War - CLICK HERE to listen to In Flanders' Fields.

    Here's how this poem came to be written:

    A PRAYER FOR THIS DAY

    Lord of the nations -

    We remember with grateful hearts

    the men and women of our country

    who went forth to protect the liberty we enjoy

    but who did not return!

     

    Help us recognise the debt we owe them

    so that we may strive, in our own lives,

    to protect the freedoms

    that were won at so great a cost.

     

    And so we commit to your safekeeping

    those who have died in war;

    those whose memory we treasure;

    those who have sacrificed themselves

    in the service of humankind.

     

    Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord

    And let perpetual light shine upon them.

    May they rest in peace.  AMEN

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • World Day of the Poor

    World Day of the Poor


    15/11/2020

    Pope Francis has declared 15th November 2020 as the 4th World Day of the Poor

    This is a beautiful short prayer for today:

    What can you do?

    On this day we are invited to offer friendship, solidarity and welcome to the poorest of our sisters and brothers. As we reach out with love and support, let us hold all members of our global family in our prayers.

    You may wish to watch and share Vladimir from Bolivia's prayer video above with your friends and family.

    You might also consider whether you are in a position to support others financially.   Perhaps, you might consider in the run up to Christmas either asking for or making a World Gift!

     

  • Anniversary of the murder of 6 Jesuits and their 2 companions in El Salvador

    Anniversary of the murder of 6 Jesuits and their 2 companions in El Salvador


    16/11/2020

    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.org
    Anti-Bullying Week

    Anti-Bullying Week


    16/11/2020 20/11/2020

    It's Anti-Bullying Week and you can find out loads more at:

    https://www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/anti-bullying-week/anti-bullying-week-2020-united-against-bullying

     

    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 

     

  • Anti-Bullying Week

    Anti-Bullying Week


    16/11/2020 20/11/2020

    It's Anti-Bullying Week and you can find out loads more at:

    https://www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/anti-bullying-week/anti-bullying-week-2020-united-against-bullying

     

    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 

     

  • Anti-Bullying Week

    Anti-Bullying Week


    16/11/2020 20/11/2020

    It's Anti-Bullying Week and you can find out loads more at:

    https://www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/anti-bullying-week/anti-bullying-week-2020-united-against-bullying

     

    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 

     

  • Anti-Bullying Week

    Anti-Bullying Week


    16/11/2020 20/11/2020

    It's Anti-Bullying Week and you can find out loads more at:

    https://www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/anti-bullying-week/anti-bullying-week-2020-united-against-bullying

     

    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

    Children's Grief Awareness Week


    19/11/2020 25/11/2020

    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.
    If someone who is grieving approaches you, don't worry - you won't make it worse. The worst has already happened. If they want to talk, just listen.

    Here are some reflections on what it can be like to lose someone.

     
    This is a video which you might find helpful:

     

    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

     

  • Anti-Bullying Week

    Anti-Bullying Week


    16/11/2020 20/11/2020

    It's Anti-Bullying Week and you can find out loads more at:

    https://www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/anti-bullying-week/anti-bullying-week-2020-united-against-bullying

     

    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

    Children's Grief Awareness Week


    19/11/2020 25/11/2020

    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.
    If someone who is grieving approaches you, don't worry - you won't make it worse. The worst has already happened. If they want to talk, just listen.

    Here are some reflections on what it can be like to lose someone.

     
    This is a video which you might find helpful:

     

    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

     

  • Children's Grief Awareness Week

    Children's Grief Awareness Week


    19/11/2020 25/11/2020

    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.
    If someone who is grieving approaches you, don't worry - you won't make it worse. The worst has already happened. If they want to talk, just listen.

    Here are some reflections on what it can be like to lose someone.

     
    This is a video which you might find helpful:

     

    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

     

  • Children's Grief Awareness Week

    Children's Grief Awareness Week


    19/11/2020 25/11/2020

    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.
    If someone who is grieving approaches you, don't worry - you won't make it worse. The worst has already happened. If they want to talk, just listen.

    Here are some reflections on what it can be like to lose someone.

     
    This is a video which you might find helpful:

     

    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 Christ the King


    22/11/2020

    Feast of St. Cecilia - patron saint of music

    Feast of St. Cecilia - patron saint of music


    22/11/2020

     

    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

    Youth Day


    22/11/2020

    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!

  • Children's Grief Awareness Week

    Children's Grief Awareness Week


    19/11/2020 25/11/2020

    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.
    If someone who is grieving approaches you, don't worry - you won't make it worse. The worst has already happened. If they want to talk, just listen.

    Here are some reflections on what it can be like to lose someone.

     
    This is a video which you might find helpful:

     

    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

     

  • Children's Grief Awareness Week

    Children's Grief Awareness Week


    19/11/2020 25/11/2020

    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.
    If someone who is grieving approaches you, don't worry - you won't make it worse. The worst has already happened. If they want to talk, just listen.

    Here are some reflections on what it can be like to lose someone.

     
    This is a video which you might find helpful:

     

    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

     

  • Children's Grief Awareness Week

    Children's Grief Awareness Week


    19/11/2020 25/11/2020

    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.
    If someone who is grieving approaches you, don't worry - you won't make it worse. The worst has already happened. If they want to talk, just listen.

    Here are some reflections on what it can be like to lose someone.

     
    This is a video which you might find helpful:

     

    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