Feast of St Anne Joachim Friday 26th July

A Child's Prayer for Grandparents

Dear God, please bless my grandparents.

Thank you for the life they gave my parents

and for the life they give to me.

For the ways they helped me and made me strong, I give thanks.

For the way they love me no matter what, I rejoice.

For the ways, they have paved the road

that leads me here, I am grateful.

Let them grow in wisdom and joy in life.

Let them find peace and rest from their work.

Let them be healed of every sickness and pain.

And let them see with their own eyes your glory

and the love of their children and grandchildren.

Bless them always until they come to rest in you.

Hello everyone,

Even though we are not formally celebrating Grandparents this year (we will do this bi-annually), we can focus on the Feast of St Anne and Joachim this Friday 26th July.

According to an ancient tradition, Joaquim and Anne had a house in Jerusalem, close to the Probatic Pool, where a large crowd of sick people would gather and where Jesus would one day heal a paralytic. His mother, Mary, was born in that house; and perhaps it was there that the Holy Family stayed on their frequent trips to Jerusalem, giving Jesus the opportunity to enjoy the affection of his grandparents.

Like parents, grandparents offer a testimony to “the value and meaning of life, shown through the life of specific persons, and confirmed in the various circumstances and situations that occur over the years.” At the same time, they contribute in a unique way to the family environment through their understanding and care. Indeed, young people often want things to turn out perfectly the first time. But sooner or later one comes to realize that failures will often be more frequent than victories. It is then that frustration threatens to stifle one’s hope. Grandparents, who have already experienced all this and seen so many things in life, can understand their grandchildren’s feelings.

God can send us his own tenderness through grandparents. Through their availability and readiness to listen, they help us to see the relative importance of our defeats and, above all, to focus on all the good around us.

“When we were growing up and felt misunderstood or fearful about life’s challenges, they kept an eye on us; they knew what we were feeling, our hidden tears and secret dreams. They held us in their arms and sat us on their knees. That love helped us grow into adulthood.”

Pope Francis, Homily, 25 July 2021.

A relationship can be established between young people and the elderly that enriches both of them. Young people can learn attitudes such as availability and generosity from their elders, besides many life experiences that they can pass on to them; they also help young people to know about the past in order to face the future. The elderly, in turn, feel rejuvenated by contact with the young. Young people remind them that they are not alone and that they still have much to contribute.

Being a Granny myself I can truly agree with all the above!

Praying with your children at home!

It would be wonderful if you could pray the following prayers at home with your children so that they can join in at school when we gather to pray! My parents taught me these prayers when I was very little and each night, I still recite them. Habits formed early stick with us through life.

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Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

Hail, Mary, full of grace,

the Lord is with thee.

Blessed art thou amongst women

and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God,

pray for us sinners,

now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God's love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide.

God bless and have a wonderful week!

Ms Caith Malone

Religous Education Leader

Student Wellbeing