Faith News

First Eucharist

Pray for our students receiving their first Eucharist this Sunday, July 30th at St Peter's Shoreham. The mass will begin at 8 am. All are welcome to come and celebrate.

Let’s celebrate our grandparents….

From the elderly we received the gift of belonging. They are such a wonderful asset, for they entrust to the present the past that is needed to build the future. 

Let us honour them, neither depriving ourselves of their company nor depriving them of ours. May we never allow the elderly to be cast aside! (Francis 2023).

Why grandparents are important 

Grandparents are important because they:

 · act as a pillar of life as they pass on their knowledge, wisdom, and life experience · are amazing companions; they have the ability to use creativity and insight to see the world through a lens of wonder, mystery and awe 

· engender a sense of excitement and anticipation for they possess the ability to refresh our mood, turning a not so good day or moment into a joyous moment of encounter and gratitude 

· are open to share their knowledge about our cultural heritage and identity and can recall and share precious family history enabling us to have a better understanding of who we are and where we come from 

· are repositories of great advice and can impart wisdom. They are in a unique position to advise us and provide a possible solution to the issues we encounter 

· have no agenda; they simply want the best for their family members. They desire that we be good, decent human beings, who know the difference between right and wrong, and are able to make good moral decisions in life. They remind us to be other centred; to look for the for the common good and this is essential in a context where selfcentredness abounds. 

Psalm 92: 14 says ‘In old age they will still bear fruit’ reminding us that grandparents and the elderly are of value and a gift to us. We are encouraged to ‘reconsider and value grandparents and the elderly … Their experience of life and faith can contribute … to building societies that are aware of their roots and capable of dreaming of a future based on greater solidarity’ (Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life cited in Brockhaus 2022).