gather and pray - July

'His Word and His strength'
 
All of us, who are baptised are called to mission. How do you do this?   All of us are called to evangalise, to witness to the saving love of the Lord, who despite our imperfections offers us his closeness, His Word and His strength, giving meaning to our lives.

“In your heart you know that it is not the same to live without him; what you have come to realise, what has helped you to live and given you hope, is what you also need to communicate to others.”  The Joy of the Gospel :Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis. 
​
I genuinely pray that the Lord will bring more people together to visit the frail elderly where the gospel isn’t read aloud.  I pray this because of many experiences of seeing the difference it has made to lives of individuals.
​
One experience comes to mind from 2004, I was leading a Eucharistic Service in the chapel in a care home.  As one lady with dementia listened to Mark’s Gospel 6.30; (the familiar story of the feeding of 5000) she said,  ‘It’s new I never heard it before – she went on to say, “we should share ”   This lady  truly understood the gospel and the Holy Spirit had given her understanding to proclaim it among those present. This woman would always  join in the prayers, receive Holy Communion so reverently, as well as sing every verse of the hymns from memory, even though she had great memory loss.  She would read at mass with such meaning and her prayers were spoken to the person of Jesus, all the time. A truly remarkable woman, and I often think of her – such an inspiration and encourager, still serving the Lord in her old age!  I have no doubt she is still loving the Lord in eternal life, may she rest in peace.  

Would you like to launch out into the deep, by reading the scriptures and bringing the Word of God alive?    May I suggest you begin in your parish by reading the scriptures at daily mass, during the school holidays might be a easy first step to grow in confidence, or as a parish make use of our ‘Pastoral  Companion’ or the ‘VOICE café’  Day, or by joining us in our mission of enabling others to support the frail elderly so that they can experience the love of Christ in their journey to eternal life. 

'gather and pray' July  2019

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 Solihull 6.15 -7.15 pm visit website as time may vary. http://www.staugustinesolihull.org.uk/newsletter/
Each Fri 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.  

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.

Care Home Service 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 including  prayer including our work in an existing time of prayer either weekly or monthly or create a seperate time.
​
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 by your community. 

---