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.