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Pebbles on the Beach © was written by Michael Cauchi for the Pastoral Care Project 2010.
Michael wrote many poems throughout his life, but in later life as he cared for his wife who was suffering from dementia he had little time or inclination; until he was introduced to the Pastoral Care Project, there he found solace and in his own words ‘spirit bright’. It was his openness to sharing and caring, and his natural ability to write poetry which gave him a new way of expressing what was happening to his wife, whom he loved dearly, and himself in this stage of life and love - a love rooted in his love of God. He was introduced to our Quiet Days for Carers ©. There he met carers who also welcomed his wife, as she came along to some of the days. We are privileged to have known Michael who after his wife’s passing said ‘can I stay with the Pastoral Care Project – what can I do’? He stayed as a volunteer, and often gave talks, school assemblies and leading Services of Remembrances, which were close to his heart from serving in the Air Force 1939-45. Finally, he became a charity trustee until his passing and joining his wife in eternity. There are many references to Michael in the annual reports on this website. He really did care and share the Father’s Love in a myriad of ways; theological, humour and generous with his talents and time. if you would like to post this poem please follow the social media link below. Should you wish to use it for your resources the following credit line must appear: Pebbles on the Beach © Copyright Pastoral Care Project Charity No. 1094766. All rights reserved. Read Pebbles on the Beach (PDF 203 kb)
Monday 19th June at 6.00 pm Cardinal Heenan House Care Home, Upholland, WN8 0QR Residents, staff and relatives will be joining in Mass celebrated by Fr Stephen Beale SDP.
Fr Stephen is also a trustee of this charity, and made this commitment on 19th March as part of Dementia Prayer Week 2017. Each month on 19th March there will be prayers offered for the Pastoral Care Project and for everyone whose life is touched in some way by dementia. Read more. As you may be joining in at home, with friends, or even on the public transport, and may wish to use your own familiar prayers or download the prayer image on the right to your smart phone of our original ‘The Father’s Love’ prayer written in 2009. I understand from the number of people and parishes who contact the office that many prayers are said every day, which is often taken for granted. Why not promote the prayer and goodness rather than the often despair portrayed by the media. The media can be used positively as in the case of a friend of mine Fr Sean Coyle a Columban Missionary and former trustee, now in the Philippines, who sent a link to this article. Let us encourage each other (1 Thessalonians 5:11) by creating opportunities for greater involvement in connecting with the person who suffers from dementia and the relatives who care for them – often struggling coming to terms with ongoing loss. Let us also connect with others sharing a similar vision of care and compassion. Would you consider having a ‘gather and pray’ once a month on a different date to the above, or dedicate an existing event; please get in touch via the contact link or message me via social media links below or call the office Wednesdays or Thursdays on 01675 434035. Please share this invitation with family and friends by email or click on the links below. |
Frances MolloyArchives
November 2020
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