My Calendar
Events in December 2020
-
World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day
01/12/2020
Here's a 2 minute video of useful information!
A PRAYER FOR THIS DAY (available HERE as 1 minute video)
Loving God,
we are mindful this day of our sisters and brothers living with HIV and AIDS.
We ask for your healing presence on them especially the children around the world who have been left vulnerable.
We stand with those who have been rejected, abandoned or stigmatised by their condition.
And we pray for a just distribution of resources in the battle against HIV/AIDS.
We pray this in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN
-
International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
02/12/2020
"Slavery - that finished ages ago, didn't it?"
Well, actually no!
DID YOU KNOW?
- An estimated 40.3 million people are in modern slavery, including 24.9 in forced labour and 15.4 million in forced marriage.
- There are 5.4 victims of modern slavery for every 1,000 people in the world.
- 1 in 4 victims of modern slavery are children.
- Out of the 24.9 million people trapped in forced labour, 16 million people are exploited in the private sector such as domestic work, construction or agriculture; 4.8 million people in forced sexual exploitation, and 4 million people in forced labour imposed by state authorities.
- Women and girls are disproportionately affected by forced labour, accounting for 99% of victims in the commercial sex industry, and 58% in other sectors.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Loving God,
who sees the unseen and notices the unnoticed,
help each of us to hear the Hidden Voices of those
who pray for release from slavery.
We pray for those who work to end exploitation and trafficking
that they (and we) be strengthened in resolve to free your people.
We pray this in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN
(Adapted from prayer by The Rt Revd Dr Alastair Redfern, Chair of The Clewer Initiative.)
National Grief Awareness WeekNational Grief Awareness Week
02/12/2020 – 08/12/2020
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 DIEDEternal 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
-
National Grief Awareness Week
National Grief Awareness Week
02/12/2020 – 08/12/2020
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 DIEDEternal 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 Day of Persons with DisabilitiesInternational Day of Persons with Disabilities
03/12/2020
A 3 minute video celebrating different abilities!
Loving God,We pray that throughout the world, people with disabilities may be seen as people with different abilities.
May all experience dignity, acceptance of equality and self-sufficiency in their lives.
We ask that all be empowered to live free from prejudice, persecution or discrimination of any kind.
Strengthened by the Holy Spirit, may we work together to do whatever we can to achieve this.
AMEN
-
National Grief Awareness Week
National Grief Awareness Week
02/12/2020 – 08/12/2020
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 DIEDEternal 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
-
National Grief Awareness Week
National Grief Awareness Week
02/12/2020 – 08/12/2020
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 DIEDEternal 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 Volunteer Day for Economic and Social DevelopmentInternational Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development
05/12/2020World Soil DayWorld Soil Day
05/12/2020
Soil erosion - what's so important about that? Find some answers by watching this 2:11 video!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Creator God,
we thank You for soil,
one of creation's wonders that we simply take for granted.
Be with those who labour on the land,
help us all to make decisions which contribute towards nurturing and preserving it
so that the soil will continue to bear fruit
that all your children might be fed!
We pray this in your holy name. AMEN
-
National Grief Awareness Week
National Grief Awareness Week
02/12/2020 – 08/12/2020
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 DIEDEternal 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
-
National Grief Awareness Week
National Grief Awareness Week
02/12/2020 – 08/12/2020
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 DIEDEternal 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 Civil Aviation Day -
National Grief Awareness Week
National Grief Awareness Week
02/12/2020 – 08/12/2020
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 DIEDEternal 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
Traditional date for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin MaryTraditional date for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
08/12/2020
Here's a video covering this feast day - which is often misunderstood! (3 mins 30 secs)
-
International Anti-Corruption DayInternational Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime
International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime
09/12/2020 -
Hanukkah - the Jewish Festival of Lights
Hanukkah - the Jewish Festival of Lights
10/12/2020 – 18/12/2020
Hanukkah is a festival of 8 nights and days marking the re-dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Empire of Seleucid way back in 165 BCE.
Here's a brief summary:
And this is a contemporary re-interpretation of the Festival!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Loving God,
we give thanks for the many victories
won by light over darkness
expressed by faiths around the world.
We pray that we might all be part of the ultimate victory
when the darkness of injustice and hate
will be forever dispelled
by the desire for justice and capacity for love
which reside in the hearts of all humanity.
AMEN
Human Rights DayHuman Rights Day
10/12/2020
Here's a special message for Human Rights Day 2020 - a year like no other (2:09).
So what are Human Rights (2:08)?
A PRAYER
We pray this day for all who are denied human rights.
We pray for individuals and organisations campaigning for the oppressed.
We pray for oppressors that their hearts be transformed.
Loving God, help us to be beacons of hope,
willing to speak and campaign,
to support and encourage,
to show compassion and resilience,
so that your kingdom of peace and justice be established
in this place, at this time.
Give us wisdom and courage to make the first seemingly small steps and declarations
required to make giant leaps and proclamations.
We ask this in your holy name. AMEN
-
Hanukkah - the Jewish Festival of Lights
Hanukkah - the Jewish Festival of Lights
10/12/2020 – 18/12/2020
Hanukkah is a festival of 8 nights and days marking the re-dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Empire of Seleucid way back in 165 BCE.
Here's a brief summary:
And this is a contemporary re-interpretation of the Festival!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Loving God,
we give thanks for the many victories
won by light over darkness
expressed by faiths around the world.
We pray that we might all be part of the ultimate victory
when the darkness of injustice and hate
will be forever dispelled
by the desire for justice and capacity for love
which reside in the hearts of all humanity.
AMEN
International Mountain DayInternational Mountain Day
11/12/2020
Did you know?
So you can see that mountains are incredibly important! However, there are problems our mountains are facing because of climate change:
A PRAYER FOR TODAY (available here as a 1 minute video.)
Creator God,
we pray for those who live on, and rely on, mountains for their livelihood.
We pray for courageous leaders who will tackle climate change at their national level.
We pledge ourselves to tackle climate change on an individual level by every day decisions that impact the world we share.
We give thanks for those who support us as we climb the mountains in our lives.
Help us to find and stay on the right path
and give us strength to keep going when the going gets tough.
We pray this in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN
-
Hanukkah - the Jewish Festival of Lights
Hanukkah - the Jewish Festival of Lights
10/12/2020 – 18/12/2020
Hanukkah is a festival of 8 nights and days marking the re-dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Empire of Seleucid way back in 165 BCE.
Here's a brief summary:
And this is a contemporary re-interpretation of the Festival!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Loving God,
we give thanks for the many victories
won by light over darkness
expressed by faiths around the world.
We pray that we might all be part of the ultimate victory
when the darkness of injustice and hate
will be forever dispelled
by the desire for justice and capacity for love
which reside in the hearts of all humanity.
AMEN
Feast of Our Lady of GuadalupeFeast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
12/12/2020
Here's a brief introduction to Our Lady of Guadalupe
CLICK HERE FOR a summary which includes our special connection to Our Lady of Guadalupe as a Notre Dame school. (3 mins 19 secs)
A PRAYER
Our Lady of Guadalupe,
O dark Madonna of the Americas,
Come again to bring us
the roses of compassion, justice, and peace.
In the midst of our winter,
bestow your love on all those marginalized in these lands,
and give us your gift to see dignity
in the least of those among us.
Bless all who suffer from injustice.
Shelter them in the warmth of your love
and safeguard them from evil that rages around them.
Turn our eyes and hearts to their needs
and give us courage to act for their good.
We ask this, relying on your compassion and confident of your love.
Amen
(Prayer from Education for Justice)
International Day of NeutralityInternational Universal Health Coverage Day -
Hanukkah - the Jewish Festival of Lights
Hanukkah - the Jewish Festival of Lights
10/12/2020 – 18/12/2020
Hanukkah is a festival of 8 nights and days marking the re-dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Empire of Seleucid way back in 165 BCE.
Here's a brief summary:
And this is a contemporary re-interpretation of the Festival!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Loving God,
we give thanks for the many victories
won by light over darkness
expressed by faiths around the world.
We pray that we might all be part of the ultimate victory
when the darkness of injustice and hate
will be forever dispelled
by the desire for justice and capacity for love
which reside in the hearts of all humanity.
AMEN
-
Hanukkah - the Jewish Festival of Lights
Hanukkah - the Jewish Festival of Lights
10/12/2020 – 18/12/2020
Hanukkah is a festival of 8 nights and days marking the re-dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Empire of Seleucid way back in 165 BCE.
Here's a brief summary:
And this is a contemporary re-interpretation of the Festival!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Loving God,
we give thanks for the many victories
won by light over darkness
expressed by faiths around the world.
We pray that we might all be part of the ultimate victory
when the darkness of injustice and hate
will be forever dispelled
by the desire for justice and capacity for love
which reside in the hearts of all humanity.
AMEN
-
Hanukkah - the Jewish Festival of Lights
Hanukkah - the Jewish Festival of Lights
10/12/2020 – 18/12/2020
Hanukkah is a festival of 8 nights and days marking the re-dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Empire of Seleucid way back in 165 BCE.
Here's a brief summary:
And this is a contemporary re-interpretation of the Festival!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Loving God,
we give thanks for the many victories
won by light over darkness
expressed by faiths around the world.
We pray that we might all be part of the ultimate victory
when the darkness of injustice and hate
will be forever dispelled
by the desire for justice and capacity for love
which reside in the hearts of all humanity.
AMEN
-
Hanukkah - the Jewish Festival of Lights
Hanukkah - the Jewish Festival of Lights
10/12/2020 – 18/12/2020
Hanukkah is a festival of 8 nights and days marking the re-dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Empire of Seleucid way back in 165 BCE.
Here's a brief summary:
And this is a contemporary re-interpretation of the Festival!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Loving God,
we give thanks for the many victories
won by light over darkness
expressed by faiths around the world.
We pray that we might all be part of the ultimate victory
when the darkness of injustice and hate
will be forever dispelled
by the desire for justice and capacity for love
which reside in the hearts of all humanity.
AMEN
-
Hanukkah - the Jewish Festival of Lights
Hanukkah - the Jewish Festival of Lights
10/12/2020 – 18/12/2020
Hanukkah is a festival of 8 nights and days marking the re-dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Empire of Seleucid way back in 165 BCE.
Here's a brief summary:
And this is a contemporary re-interpretation of the Festival!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Loving God,
we give thanks for the many victories
won by light over darkness
expressed by faiths around the world.
We pray that we might all be part of the ultimate victory
when the darkness of injustice and hate
will be forever dispelled
by the desire for justice and capacity for love
which reside in the hearts of all humanity.
AMEN
-
Hanukkah - the Jewish Festival of Lights
Hanukkah - the Jewish Festival of Lights
10/12/2020 – 18/12/2020
Hanukkah is a festival of 8 nights and days marking the re-dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Empire of Seleucid way back in 165 BCE.
Here's a brief summary:
And this is a contemporary re-interpretation of the Festival!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Loving God,
we give thanks for the many victories
won by light over darkness
expressed by faiths around the world.
We pray that we might all be part of the ultimate victory
when the darkness of injustice and hate
will be forever dispelled
by the desire for justice and capacity for love
which reside in the hearts of all humanity.
AMEN
Arabic Language DayArabic Language Day
18/12/2020
It's World Arabic Language Day when the international community takes a moment to appreciate Arabic and its contributions to humanity. It is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, used daily by more than 290 million people.
World Arabic Language Day is celebrated every year on 18 December since 2012. The date coincides with the day in 1973 that the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted Arabic as the sixth official language of the Organization. Maybe you could work out the other 5! (Answers below)
The Arabic language has given rise to developments in architecture, poetry, philosophy and song. It gives access to an incredible variety of identities and beliefs and its history reveals the richness of its links with other languages. Arabic has played an important role in passing on the knowledge of Greek and Roman sciences and philosophies to Renaissance Europe. Arabic numerals form the basis of mathematics
Classical Arabic is the liturgical (prayer) language of 1.8 BILLION followers of Islam!
Here are some English words which have come to us from Arabic:
- in the abode of animals and birds: albatross (al-qadus), camel (jamal), gazelle (ghazal), giraffe (zarafah), jerboa (yarbu), monkey (maymum), nacre (naqqarah), popinjay (babbagha’), and tuna (tun);
- in the area of food and drink: alcohol (al-kuhl), apricot (al-barquq), banana (banan), caramel (qanah), cafe (qahwah), jasmine (yasmin), lemon, lemonade and lime (laymun), mocha (mukha – port city in Yemen), orange (naranj) sugar (sukkar – borrowed by nearly every language in Europe) and tuna (tun);
- In the sphere of geography and navigation: admiral (amir al-bahr), canal (qanah), monsoon (mawsim), safari (safarah)
- in home and daily life: cable (habl), genius (jinn), hazard (al-zahr), jar (jarrah) and sofa (suffah);
- in music and song: guitar (qitar) and troubadour (tarab al-dar);
- in crime (magbarah): assassin (hashashin), mafia (mu’afi) and massacre (maslakh);
- in personal adornment: amber (‘anbar), cameo (chumahan), henna (hinna’), mask and mascara (maskharah) and sequin (sikkah);
- in science and mathematics: almanac (al-manakh), alchemy (al-kimiya’), algebra (al-jabr), average (‘awar), calibre (qalib), carat (qirat), chemistry (al-kimiya’) and both cipher and zero (sifr);
- in the arena of sports: racket (rah) and tennis (tinnis);
- in trade and commerce: cafe (qahwah), cheque (sakk), magazine (makhzan), ream (rizmah), traffic (tafriq) and tariff (ta’rifah).
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Loving God,
we give thanks for Arabic language and culture.
Help us to use their richness to inspire us
to communicate ideas and develop understanding,
building bridges between people.
AMEN
So, the other official languages of the UN are: French, English, Russian Chinese and Spanish
International Migrants DayInternational Migrants Day
18/12/2020
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Jesus, born into a migrant family, help us:
to embrace each of your children as our own brother and sister,
to welcome migrants and refugees with joy and openness,
to respond to their needs with generosity,
to give witness to your love for all people as we celebrate the many gifts they bring.
AMEN -
International Human Solidarity Day
International Human Solidarity Day
20/12/2020
Solidarity is one of the fundamental values of international relations in the 21st Century, whereby those who either suffer or benefit least - deserve help from those who benefit most.
Therefore, the UN General Assembly, convinced that the promotion of the culture of solidarity and the spirit of sharing is important for combating poverty, proclaimed 20 of December as International Human Solidarity Day. It is:
- A day to celebrate our unity in diversity;
- A day to remind governments to respect their commitments to international agreements;
- A day to raise public awareness of the importance of solidarity;
- A day to encourage debate on the ways to promote solidarity for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals including poverty eradication;
- A day of action to encourage new initiatives for poverty eradication.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Loving God,
give us, your one human family,
the willingness to join hands not raise fists;
and a spirit of adventure as we journey together
on the earth we all share.
Send us your spirit of hope and determination
so that we will work to alleviate human suffering
and foster kindness and justice for all.
AMEN
- A day to celebrate our unity in diversity;
-
Christmas Day - the Nativity of the Lord
Christmas Day - the Nativity of the Lord
25/12/2020 -
Boxing Day - the Feast of Saint Stephen
Boxing Day - the Feast of Saint Stephen
26/12/2020