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

Our Lady of Grace Conference
Meeting of Thursday 09/07/2015

Since our last meeting our Vincentians have undertaken a total of 10 visits to people in the local community providing transport, companionship, helping with shopping, running errands and taking people to appointments.

At the meeting the distribution of holiday grants was discussed, with the list being approved. It was also agreed that the mass for the sick and housebound would take place in September or October, with possible dates being considered.

Prayers at the end of the meeting were offered for four people in the parish who have recently died and those killed in Tunisia.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.

May the souls of the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen.

Our Lady of Grace Conference

Meeting of Thursday 25/06/2015

Since our last meeting our Vincentians have undertaken a total of 14 visits to people in the local community providing transport, companionship, helping with shopping, running errands, donating food and clothing and offering support and advice.   

                                                     
Those present at the meeting of 25/06/2015 discussed the outcome of the recent SVP collection, with it being agreed that the majority of the money would be used for uniform and holiday grants.  It was also agreed that the list would be considered at the next meeting.

Prayers at the end of the meeting were offered for a young girl who attends Our Lady of Grace School and is being treated for cancer.

Heavenly Father,
We know how you love children.
Watch over all children who are ill, especially those suffering from cancer.
Grant that they may be restored to that perfect health which it is yours alone to give.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

Our Lady of Grace Conference

Meeting of Thursday 11/06/2015

                                                                                                                          
Since our last meeting our Vincentians have undertaken a total of 20 visits to people in the local community providing transport, companionship, helping with shopping, running errands, donating food and clothing and offering support and advice.   
                                                  
At the meeting the visits undertaken by our members were discussed.  Information was also given regarding matters raised at the district meeting held on 04/06/2015 and an update provided regarding matters raised at the previous meeting.

 Prayers at the end of the meeting were offered for a young child receiving treatment for cancer and for the special intentions of the members.

Lord Jesus,

You invite all who are burdened to come to you.  May your healing hand help us.
Give us compassion for others and courage to praise you.
Help us to reach out to you in all our needs, and to lead others to you by our example and with the help of your blessed mother, Mary.

Amen.

Our Lady of Grace Conference

Meeting of Thursday 21/05/2015

                                                                                                                         

Since our last meeting our Vincentians have undertaken a total of 14 visits to people in the local community providing transport, companionship, helping with shopping, running errands and offering support and advice.   

                                                  

At the meeting everyone was informed that the SVP furniture store was moving and national statistics provided regarding the completion of the secretarial returns.  Visits undertaken by our members and a request for help were also discussed and arrangements were made to attend the next district meeting.

Prayers at the end of the meeting were offered for someone who is having difficulties that he might receive comfort and peace.

As St Teresa of Avila wrote:

Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing;
God only is changeless.
Patience gains all things.
Who has God wants nothing.
God alone suffices.

Our Lady of Grace Conference

Meeting of Thursday 07/05/2015

                                                                                                                           

Since our last meeting our Vincentians have undertaken a total of 6 visits to people in the local community providing transport, companionship, helping with shopping and running errands. 

  

 At the meeting arrangements were made for the next SVP collection, the date of which had been rearranged to the weekend of 13/06/2015.  A request for help was also discussed.  At the end of the meeting prayers were offered for a young girl at Our Lady of Grace primary school who had recently been diagnosed with cancer and for the repose of the soul of a former head teacher of the school (Sister Gabriel) who had just died.

 

 Lord Jesus, as Pope Francis said children are the ones you love most.  Bless all children struggling with cancer.  Give them courage when they are afraid, comfort them when in pain and your blessing when all seems hopeless.  We also ask that you help provide them with tender care and the loving support of their families. 

 

 We pray too for Sister Gabriel – Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord, may she rest in peace, Amen.

Our Lady of Grace Conference

Meeting of Thursday 23/04/2015

                                                                                                                         

Since our last meeting our Vincentians have undertaken a total of 9 visits to people in the local community and hospital providing companionship, helping with shopping and paying bills.   Easter grants were also distributed to eight of families in need, with a holiday grant being approved for one family.

                                                

At the end of the meeting prayers were offered for our own individual intentions, our families and all those who have asked for prayers to be said. 

As Saint Augustine prayed:

“Watch, dear Lord, with those who cannot sleep and those who weep.

Tend the sick, give rest to the weary and bless the dying.
Relieve those who are suffering, have pity on those in great distress,
and shield those who are happy.
Amen.”

Our Lady of Grace Conference

Meeting of Thursday 19/03/2015

                                                                                                                           

Since our last meeting our Vincentians have undertaken a total of 10 visits to people in the local community providing companionship and helping with shopping.   Members also attended the District meeting at St Joseph’s Ramsbottom and approved the distribution of Easter grants to a number of families in the parish.

 

A generous donation was received from a parishioner, with thanks being offered for their thoughtfulness.  Donations are always welcome as they enable us to help more of those in need anyone interested can put them in an envelope marked ‘SVP donation’ and hand them into the presbytery.

                                                       

Following a discussion on evangelisation prayers were offered for those undertaking this work under the guidance of Pope Francis.  Mary, may your constant love be the light that leads us to your Son, Jesus Christ.  Through you and the Holy Spirit and with the guidance and support of Pope Francis help us hear the call to deepen our faith, grow in confidence to proclaim the Gospel and boldly witness to God’s saving grace so that more people are brought to know and love God.

Our Lady of Grace Conference

Meeting of Thursday 26/02/2015

Since our last meeting our Vincentians have undertaken a total of 14 visits to people in the local community providing companionship, comforting the bereaved, helping with shopping, paying bills and supplying grants.

In our meeting a discussion took place regarding a collection at all masses one weekend before Easter for the SVP.  This would enable Easter grants to be given to all those in need within the parish.  An update was also provided regarding the potential Mini Vinnie at our local primary school and arrangements were made for attendance at the next District meeting

You are asked to remember in your prayers two people who have recently died.  Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.  Amen.

Our Lady of Grace Conference

Meeting of Thursday 12/02/2015

                                                                                         

Since our last meeting our Vincentians have undertaken a total of 24 visits to people in the local community providing companionship, helping with shopping, paying bills and supplying grants.

In our meeting a discussion took place concerning the possibility of a Mini Vinnie being created at our local school with it being agreed that our president should approach the assistant head.  The Mini Vinnie programme is a Primary Schools initiative, piloted in the Diocese of Shrewsbury, which is seen as having the potential to significantly contribute to the future of the SVP.  For further information see the Mini Vinnie website: http://www.minivinnies.org.uk

You are asked to remember in your prayers a parishioner who sadly died and all those terminally ill with cancer.  Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of life and all the treasures received through your love.  Grant those who are terminally ill peace now their lives are ending and ease the sorrow of those they leave behind, knowing that they will always live on in their hearts and will meet again after the resurrection.

Our Lady of Grace Conference

Meeting of Thursday 08/01/2015

                                                                                                                    

Since our last meeting our Vincentians have undertaken a total of 30 visits to people in the local community providing companionship, supporting the bereaved, helping with shopping, supplying clothing for those in need and providing Christmas parcels and grants.

Christmas presents were also kindly donated by the Prayer Group and given to a family in need, with thank you letters being received from some of those receiving gifts. 

You are asked to remember in your prayers a parishioner who is having a serious operation and the family of a parishioner who sadly died on New Year’s Eve.  Lord Jesus look after those who are suffering and visit your compassion on those who mourn for the loss of their loved ones.  Grant them the courage to get through their time of trial and may their belief in the Resurrection sustain them. 

Our Lady of Grace Conference

Meeting of Thursday 18/12/2014

Since our last meeting our Vincentians have undertaken a total of 65 visits to people in the local community providing companionship, helping with shopping, supplying clothing for those in need and providing Christmas parcels and grants.

A collection for the SVP was held at masses at Our Lady of Grace on 06/12/2014 and 07/12/2014.  It raised a total of £515.87.   Everyone is thanked for their generosity, which meant that a lot of families could receive Christmas grants.

You are asked to remember in your prayers the families of those whose children were killed at the school massacre in Pakistan.  Give them courage Lord and help them in their pain and grief.  May they all meet one day in the joy and peace of your kingdom. We also pray that with your help those who take the lives of innocent children may learn the value of family life. 

Our Lady of Grace Conference

Meetings of Thursday

20/11/2014 & 04/12/2014

                       
Since our last meeting our Vincentians have kept in touch by telephone and undertaken a total of 26 visits to people in the local community providing companionship, helping with shopping, supplying clothing for those in need and providing grants and financial advice.

Discussions took place regarding the arrangements for the distribution of the Christmas parcels and the next SVP collection at OLOG church.  The collection will take place at the masses of 06/12/2014 and 07/12/2014.

You are asked to remember in your prayers two people being treated for cancer and for all those who are ill or suffering.   Show your loving kindness, O Lord, to all who need your help and grant that we in our health and strength do all we can to help and support them and show them how much you care.