'gather and pray'

This month of February I would like to share a few thoughts of my own with you, on this vigil of the feast of The Presentation in the Temple celebrated tomorrow -2nd February.
We will hear the gospel of Luke 2:22-40, of the events leading up to and on  the day itself when Jesus is presented in the temple. Mary and Joseph are welcomed  by none other than two elderly people, Anna and Simeon whose deep longing for salvation is fulfilled,  and prompted by the  Holy Spirit praise God. 

Many relatives  and friends  may make a similar or  unplanned, journey to church.  To present to God, their loved one  whose earthly life may have suddenly ended.  The Vigil celebrates this offering  so beautifully leading into the funeral Mass the following day. So often, this  is misunderstood and so  opt out, as indeed  can the Funeral Mass.

I am certain you will have though about your own funeral mass? Have you  made your wishes known? 

Perhaps the image here of Instructions for my Funeral Mass document may capture your attention in a similar way to that of Anna or Simeon.  You may wish to look forward and  plan ahead . One way is by asking your parish for a copy of Instructions for My Funeral Mass. You may wish to ask for help with  filling the document in to make sure that you can have the Vigil and Funeral Mass that is the  right as a Catholic.
Talking through  any concerns or help with filling in the form is an important and great act of charity -  might this be something you could contemplate, and be willing to do this for your parish? 

'gather and pray' February

We are told  in the Luke 2:22-40 that Anna served God night and day through fasting and prayer. Prayer can be difficult for all of us, perhaps other people seem to pray better, or maybe there is a  lack  of concentration, dryness, busyness or even darkness.  Simeon, prompted by the Spirit welcomed Jesus , Mary and Joseph, and praised God...the light to enlighten the gentiles...

Below is the list of those who commit to 'gather and pray' each month for the charitable work of the Pastoral Care  Project. These times of prayer and mass  each month may well help  visitors to the website find comfort and hope when they need it most. It can be a light in their darkness.
We would like to hear from more churches, schools, care homes and organisations wishing to commit to regular prayer so that there is more traditions taking part. 

Every Thursday Mount St Bernard’s Abbey, Coalville, Leics. Adoration 6.15-7.15 pm

Every Friday 9.00 - 9.45 Adoration St Peter's Catholic Church Bloxwich,  and every Saturday  Rosary 9.00 -9.45 am and Adoration 9.45- 10.45 am

Sunday  17th  Coombe Park Care Home, Coventry Sunday 3.00 pm  service  led by the chaplain Rev Pauline Warner for residents and staff; family and friends.

Tuesday 19th Cardinal Heenan House Care Home, Upholland. 6.00 pm Mass will be offered for the work of the Pastoral Care Project by Father Stephen Beale SDP.
Thursday 27th  St Augustines Catholic  Church Solihull  Adoration by Candlelight. 6.15-7.15 ​

Please share this link with those you know who may find comfort knowing that they are being remembered during the above days. You may use twitter  @dementiaaprayer or  social media.

Should you consider including a prayer in your regular event or setting up an event contact the office  [email protected] or

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