MAY THE MONTH OF MARY

Pope Francis has asked all Catholics to make a special effort, this May, to pray the Rosary knowing that by doing so we are united with believers all over the world asking for Mary’s intercession in stopping the COVID-19 pandemic. Pope Francis has written the prayer below that can be recited at the end of the Rosary which he said he would be reciting “in spiritual union with all of you”.

And so we pray…

O Mary you shine continuously, on our journey, as a sign of salvation and hope.

We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick, who, at the foot of the cross, were united with Jesus suffering, and persevered in your faith. 

You know our needs and we know that you will provide, so that, as at Cana in Galilee, joy and celebration may return after this time of trial.

Help us Mother of Divine Love,  to conform ourselves to the will of the Father and to do what Jesus tells us. For he took upon himself our suffering, and burdened himself with our sorrows to bring us, through the cross, to the joy of the Resurrection. 

Amen

MOTHER'S DAY

It is appropriate that we celebrate Mother’s Day in May as we remember our Mother in Heaven, Mary.

Mary is the mother of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world. She was a willing servant. She trusted God and she obeyed his call.

Mary was young, poor and female. God looked upon the quality of her trust and obedience. He knew she would willingly serve God in one of the most important callings ever given to a human being. Just like Mary, God looks at our obedience and trust.  

Can we willingly accept God's plan?

And so we pray…. 

Loving God, we thank you for all mothers – for all they mean or have meant, for the love they have shown and the care they have given.

We thank you for the qualities of mothers –  their patience, their kindness, concern and understanding.

We thank you for the part they play in our lives, and we thank you for this day of saying ‘thank you’ this opportunity to say what we so often mean to say but so rarely do.

For mothers and motherhood, for children and families, we bring you this day our grateful praise. 

Amen

I recommend ....

In response to COVID 19, a significant initiative has been developed for staff and parents to support their ongoing personal spiritual formation. It is a new podcast series entitled ‘Ripples: Inspired Voices, Treasured Stillness’.

Ripples seeks to offer a space where people can draw on the wisdom of a series of guest speakers and can experience some treasured stillness through meditation. On Tuesday of each week a new Episode and Meditation will be offered. Practices like these create a ripple effect. They have the potential to impact the way we respond to family, friends, colleagues, to others in our world, to creation and to our loving God.

The Ripples Podcast is now available on the Continuity of Faith and Learning website, on Podbean. and Apple Podcast.

SAVE THE DATE

Sunday 10 May	Fifth Sunday of Easter	Jesus said, “Do not be worried and upset. Believe in God and believe also in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s house and I am going to prepare a place for you.. I am the way, the truth and the life; no one goes to the Father except by me.”
Sunday 17 May	Sixth Sunday of Easter	Jesus said, “If you love me you will obey my commandments. I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper who will stay with you forever. It is the Spirit who reveals the truth about God.. When I go, you will not be left alone; I will come back to you.”