Resources for Dementia Prayer Week

The Pastoral Care Project, led by Bishop David McGough Auxiliary Bishop of Birmingham, offers prayer resources and is co-ordinating events around the country for Dementia Prayer Week which takes place on 12-19th March.

"Jesus invited us to pray to God as 'Our Father.' In so doing he defined God as the one who is full of tenderness and compassion. During this week we remember especially the often forgotten pain of those suffering with dementia, and those who care for them." said Bishop McGough.

Each day during Dementia Prayer Week, is linked to the Walk with Me Lent book and the following prayer 'Loving Father' is printed inside the back cover.

Loving Father, you are close to the broken hearted. Look with compassion on those whose lost memories have robbed them of home and belonging. Comfort and strengthen those who care for them. May they make their home in you. This we ask through Christ Our Lord.

Frances Molloy Project Manager, says: "The Pastoral Care Project has been on the Dementia Prayer Week journey for eight years and we are delighted that many schools, care homes and parishes have journeyed with us. This year several schools and parishes have worked more closely with us to create new resources: School Mass Liturgy in response to clergy who linked school and parish weekday mass to raise awareness and pray. There is also a four part Lesson Plan, and a Psalm/song'The Fathers Love' sung by a Primary School. this year we have a New prayer 'Loving Father' written by Bishop David McGough all available after 20th February.

"Many parishes inform us that each year they recite the prayer each day after Holy Communion, some include a bidding prayer at weekend Mass, and a few have emailed us already with dates for Mass and Holy Hour. One religious order is holding a prayer day with talks and discussion in their care home. Should you wish to devote a specific Mass or Holy Hour, School Mass or Stations of the Cross which would link beautifully with the Psalm 'The Father's Love' or use it with a print of the painting of the same name. Should wish to get involved in some other way please let me know the date and time.

"Many parishes inform us that each year they recite the prayer each day after Holy Communion, some include a bidding prayer at weekend Mass, and a few have emailed us already with dates for Mass and Holy Hour. One religious order is holding a prayer day with talks and discussion in their care home. Should you wish to devote a specific mass or Holy Hour, School Mass or Stations of the Cross which would link beautifully with the Psalm 'The Father's Love' or use it with a print of the painting of the same name.

"Should wish to get involved in some other way please let me know the date and time francesmolloy@pastoralcareproject.org.uk and we will add the information on our website, which can be comforting for visitors to the website, browsing for resources and videos and then find an invitation to attend a church in their area."

For more information see: www.pastoralcareproject.org.uk

The Pastoral Care Project is supported by a grant from the Catholic Bishops' Conference Day for Life Fund 2016-17, along with a few parish collections and school almsgiving in 2016.