Dear Friends,

Welcome to the twelfth annual Dementia Prayer Week 12 - 19 March 2020, which will be launched by Bishop David McGough, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Birmingham, offering his private Mass, so let us respond to his invitation:

 “Let this Prayer Week become your link to the many families struggling with dementia…Prayer is a very powerful way of connecting with all concerned.  Let us pray for, and with, those whose lives have been touched by dementia.  In this way we become one with them, and with the Lord.”
Bishop David’s ‘Dementia Family Prayer’ and Archbishop Bernard Longley’s ‘Anointing of the Holy Spirit’ prayer can be found in the Dementia family Ministry Prayer card available in small or large packs from Redemptorist Publications online shop www.rpbooks.co.uk/dementia-prayer-card-5-pack

There are may ways in which to respond to Bishop David’s invitation:
the official resource pack also supports our annual appeal, whether it is as one of your Lent charities or with a donation. 
Two videos talks: ‘Dementia – New Creation’ and ‘Our Father’ by Monsignor Paul Watson STL MA (B Ed) Birmingham are an excellent resource whatever the need.

It would be lovely to hear how you are spreading the word and touching hearts and minds email  info@pastoralcareproject.org.uk  or post the completed template poster on our Facebook page or twitter @dementiaaprayer

Your generosity over the years which has had far reaching effect – thank you so much.
United in prayer
Frances
Frances Molloy
Project Manager

This charity is appreciative for the grant from the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales ‘Day for Life Fund’ in support of this Week of Prayer resources.

The Presentation in the Temple Luke 2: 22-40 is the revelation of the Fathers’ love. 
Listening to the homily  on Sunday and hearing Father Simon Hall speak about Simeon, an old man waiting for and recognising the Lord so he could see salvation and die in peace. This touched me deeply,  the significance of this in the lives of those we hold dear,  and indeed in my own life too.
How do I who was baptised as an infant, prepare to enter  door of death to life everlasting.

Death is taboo subject in our society, and often avoided even more so, when a person is suffering from dementia.  Whilst they may not be able to communicate verbally   no one knows  the spiritual communication between an individual and God, especially at this time.  
From my experiences of  pastoral ministry with the sick, the nearer they are to the holy door, the greater the challenge  - the unknowing, for those caring for them -  the greater the blessings received. 

To assist them prepare for what might be a critical time, the section  Pastoral Care of the Sick, and  Critical Illness or approaching Death section in the  My Funeral Mass Instructions document offers a way of opening up conversations with the family. It may help where the relative may wish  to be reconciled to God through the sacraments, even if its been a long time since they went to church.
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The My Funeral Mass Instructions  document approved by the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales has been recently revised, and includes a Message from Cardinal Nichols. It is available to purchase through  Redemptorist Publications, online shop, making it easier for individuals to obtain copies.
It also offers generous discounts for parishes. Consider  purchasing copies to include with  a healthcare plan and  prepaid funeral, this will ensure that the Funeral Mass is recorded for the next of kin, health care professionals, and the clergy.
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Purchasing the documents also helps supports the charitable work of this charity.

We wish to thank the people who continue to support 'Gather and Pray' each month which is noted below: 
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Each Tue 9.00 am  - 9.45 am, and Sat 9.45-10.45 am,  St Peters Catholic Church Bloxwich. ‘Prayer for Priests’ & Rosary for the Pastoral Care Project, including the many individuals who may have dementia.  
this months image:  Sanctuary St Peters Bloxwich.

​Each Thursday  at 6.45 -7.45 pm  there  will be  Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at Mount Saint Bernard's Abbey, Coalville

Second Thursday in each month  Holy Hour of Adoration by Candlelight - St Augustine's Catholic Church Solihull 6.15 -7.15 pm visit website as time may vary. 

19th each month, Mass  offered by Fr Stephen Beale, SDP in Cardinal Heenan House, Upholland; united in prayer with the residents, staff and relatives and all who are connected to the charitable work of the Pastoral Care Project.

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

To take part in 'gather and pray' simply commit  to include  prayer for our work during an existing time of prayer either weekly or monthly or even create a seperate time.
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Email info@pastoralcareproject.org.uk us the details and we will post it here and share via  twitter  @pastoralproject @adementiaaprayer or Facebook,  This way we spread the Word about how  and what is offered in your community. 
 Thank you.
Frances