Our Lady of Grace Conference

Meeting of Thursday 14/01/2016

                                                                                                                           

Over the Christmas and New Year period our Vincentians undertook a total of 112 visits to people in the local community.  They delivered Christmas cards and presents to the elderly and families, provided support and companionship to the housebound, helped with shopping, and paying bills and distributed grants to those in need.

                                                       

At the meeting the outcome of the collection at all masses before Christmas and the District Council minutes were discussed.   Correspondence had also been received from OLOG Conference’s twin in Andhra Pradesh, India and arrangements were made for a response.

Prayers at the end of the meeting were offered for three parishioners who had sadly died.

Using the prayer of St Ignatius of Antioch for those who have died we pray:

"Receive in tranquillity and peace, O Lord, the souls of your servants who have departed this present life to come to you. Grant them rest and place them in the habitations of light, the abodes of blessed spirits. Give them the life that will not age, good things that will not pass away, delights that have no end, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

Our Lady of Grace Conference

Meeting of Thursday 19/11/2015

                                                                                                                         

Since our last meeting our Vincentians have undertaken a total of 12 visits to people in the local community.  They have provided support and companionship to the housebound, helping with shopping, and distributing grants to those in need.   

                                                       

A short discussion took place regarding the Christmas parcels for the elderly and needy families.  The Central Council minutes were also discussed and plans made for the next District Council meeting, which OLOG Conference was due to host.  Arrangements were also made for a collection to take place at all masses on 06/12/2015.

Prayers at the end of the meeting were offered for the people of France and those who had committed the atrocities in Paris.

We pray with Pope Francis, who offered his own prayers for Paris at mass and said:

, "We pray for the victims of Paris - so many of them - and we pray also for the perpetrators of such cruelty, that the Lord might change their heart."

Our Lady of Grace Conference

Meeting of Thursday 05/11/2015

                                                                                                                           

Since our last meeting our Vincentians have undertaken a total of 10 visits to people in the local community.  They have provided support and companionship to the housebound, helping with shopping, and distributing clothes, bedding and money to those in need.   

                                          

On Saturday 31/10/2015 the annual mass for the sick and housebound was held, followed by lunch for all those attending.  Transport and refreshments were arranged by members of the SVP, children from St Monicas assisted at the mass and helped serve refreshments and the music was supplied by OLOG band.  Everyone enjoyed the occasion and a number of donations were also gratefully received.

Prayers at the end of the meeting were offered for the intentions of those present and two parishioners who had just died.

As Saint Francis de Sales says:

Be at Peace
Do not look forward in fear to the changes of life;
rather look to them with full hope as they arise.
God, whose very own you are, will deliver you from out of them.
He has kept you hitherto, and He will lead you safely through all things;
and when you cannot stand it, God will bury you in his arms.

Do not fear what may happen tomorrow;
the same everlasting Father who cares for you today
will take care of you then and every day.
He will either shield you from suffering, or will give you unfailing strength to bear it.
Be at peace, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imagination.

Our Lady of Grace Conference

Meeting of Thursday 20/10/2015

                                                                                                      
Since our last meeting our Vincentians have undertaken a total of 20 visits to people in the local community.  They have provided support, comforted the bereaved, given companionship to the housebound, helped with shopping, and distributed money to those in need.   

The final arrangements for the annual mass for the sick and housebound were also discussed and initial plans for Christmas parcels made. 

Prayers at the end of the meeting were offered for the intentions of those present and for all who had requested prayers.

We join Pope Francis in using the Five Finger Prayer he gave us.

Using the fingers on your hand, start with the thumb and pray these intentions in this order:

1.) The thumb is the closest finger to you. So start praying for those who are closest to you. They are the persons easiest to remember. To pray for our dear ones is a “sweet obligation.”

2.) The next finger is the index. Pray for those who teach you, instruct you and heal you. They need the support and wisdom to show direction to others. Always keep them in your prayers. 

3.) The following finger is the tallest. It reminds us of our leaders, the governors and those who have authority. They need God’s guidance. 

4.) The fourth finger is the ring finger. Even though it may surprise you, it is our weakest finger. It should remind us to pray for the weakest, the sick or those plagued by problems. They need your prayers. 

5.) And finally we have our smallest finger, the smallest of all. Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. When you are done praying for the other four groups, you will be able to see your own needs but in the proper perspective, and also you will be able to pray for your own needs in a better way.

Our Lady of Grace Conference

  Meeting of Thursday 01/10/2015

Since our last meeting in September our Vincentians have undertaken a total of 11 visits to people in the local community.  They have provided support and encouragement to the bereaved, companionship to the housebound, helped with shopping, and distributed grants to those in need.   

                                                 

The annual mass for the sick and housebound was discussed at the meeting.  This will be on Saturday 31^st October 2015 and will commence at 11.30am, followed by a lunch for all those attending the mass.  Anyone who hasn’t received an invitation and would like to attend or who would like a lift to the mass, should contact the presbytery on 773 2324

Prayers at the end of the meeting were offered for the repose of the souls of two parishioners who had just died.

All-powerful and merciful God,
we commend to your servants who have just died.
In your mercy and love,
blot out the sins they have committed
through human weakness.
In this world they have died:
let them live with you forever.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen

Our Lady of Grace Conference

Meeting of Thursday 17/09/2015                                                                                                                            

Since our last meeting in July our Vincentians have undertaken a total of 40 visits to people in the local community and in hospital.  They have provided support and encouragement to the bereaved, companionship to the housebound, helped with shopping, taken people to appointments and distributed grants to those in need.   

The annual mass for the sick and housebound was discussed.  This has been arranged for Saturday 31^st October 2015.  This year it will commence at 11.30am and a lunch will be provided for all those who attend the mass instead of the usual afternoon tea. 

Prayers at the end of the meeting were offered for the Syrian refugees and other migrants trapped in Croatia along the borders with Slovenia and Hungary. 

God the Father,

Pour forth the protecting love of your Spirit upon all migrants, taking special heed of those in need of support, who are isolated or separated from their native lands, whether by choice or necessity.  

Open our hearts so that we may provide hospitality for all who come in search of refuge.  Give us the courage to welcome every stranger as Christ in our midst.   

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.  

Amen.

Our Lady of Grace Conference

Meeting of Thursday 22/07/2015

                                                                                                                           

Since our last meeting our Vincentians have undertaken a total of 8 visits to people in the local community and in hospital.  They have provided transport, companionship, helped with shopping, run errands, taken people to appointments and distributed grants to those in need.                                                      

At the meeting the mass for the sick and housebound was discussed with it being agreed that if possible it would take place in October. 

Prayers at the end of the meeting were offered for two people who were ill.

Father,

Your love is as wide as the oceans, as deep as the sea and as tall as the heavens.

May your spirit rise like a mighty wave and come and restore those who are ill.

Fill them with your grace and may they know the healing power of your love. 

We ask this through Jesus Christ Our Lord, 

Amen