Looking Back over this last 18 months – GOG Annual Review 2021

We have been busy reflecting back on this last period of time, with grateful hearts for all we have been able to do despite restrictions, and looking forward to what is to come in coming months.

Take a look at our colourful Newsletter style Annual Review

Scroll down for a summary from our Chair of Trustees:

On the first page of our Newsletter Carol Burns (Chair of Trustees) reflects on what we have been able to do over the last 18 months, and looks forward to September and beyond.

A Year like No Other

‘When you pass through the waters, I will be with you’ Isaiah 43:2

This verse from Isaiah was the title we chose for our 12 page booklet sent out during the first lockdown when we were all reeling from the devastating effects of the virus in the first wave.

We will all have our own stories of the ‘waters’ we have been through and the ups and downs of navigating them.

Maybe our sense of God ‘being with us’ has also fluctuated at times, but in faith we know He is constant and eternally present.

Given the ever changing circumstances over the last 16 months, the trustees are very glad to have had the support of Rhoda Wu who began working for us in January 2020.  Her imaginative and creative ideas and ability to work well with us have meant we were able to respond effectively, producing and posting out 2 printed booklets for those not online, holding 4 online services or events with different themes, sending out monthly updates, and working in partnership with at least 5 different organisations.

We know from feedback that these have had a positive and meaningful impact on older people across the parishes of Leeds (and beyond), and we believe the ripple effect will have caused more outcomes than we will ever know, for which we are grateful. One positive outcome of online activities has been that it enabled some people to participate who may have felt excluded in the past, a welcome addition to our ways of working.

Looking forward

Like many others, we are now turning our attention to September and the year ahead, consulting with older people,  reassessing our priorities, and making tentative plans which we hope will meet the emerging needs of older people and parishes as we all readjust for a different future.

Initial consultation has highlighted that people would welcome some sharing good practice events on  ‘Learning from Lockdown – supporting and including older people more effectively going forward’ so we are aiming to plan this for the Autumn. In addition many would like something on the topic of ‘Finding our Calling in Later life’, so look out for more about this coming up.

We have an ongoing commitment and funding for a Demonstration Project for testing out a Lay Chaplain for Older People role in 2 parishes this coming year and have started discussions with a couple of parishes about this.

Do keep an eye on our mailings and website for up to date information, and we look forward to connecting with you in one way or another soon.

Carol Burns, Chair of Trustees

Age Proud Festival Leeds 2021

BE OLDER. BE BOLDER. BE PROUD.

It’s time to feel good about ageing. This is the message of the first Age Proud Festival in Leeds from Monday 6th September to Friday 17th September.

It will kick off officially on Monday 6th Sept 10.30am at West Yorkshire Playhouse with a range of events and tasters for you to try – watch the Heydays dancers, listen to the People’s Choir, have a go at putting on a Sari, create a collage of sunflowers….you choose!

There is a dizzying array of events being held throughout the two weeks both in Leeds City Museum and in many local communities – see THIS PAGE and click on a date for the full lists of local events. Enjoy a swim at Bramley Baths for £2 any weekday of the Festival at 12 noon, learn how to start a family history using Ancestry.com at an interactive session at Armley Community Hub, go on a tour of Leeds Central Library, join a webinar about ‘being an ancient in a modern world….the list goes on.

Now that we can go out and mix more, why not give some of these events a try!

https://www.ageproudfestivalleeds.org/

World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly – message from Pope Francis

Earlier this year, it was announced that Sunday 25th July 2021 would be the first World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly.

Pope Francis decided to institute a Church-wide celebration of a World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, held on the fourth Sunday of July, close to the liturgical memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus.

In January 2021 Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, said the establishment of the Day of Grandparents and the Elderly “is the first fruits of the Amoris Laetitia Family Year, a gift to the whole Church that is destined to continue into the future.”

Here is a message from Pope Francis for the celebration of this first occasion:

You can see the English script of the message below:

More Resources

Catholic Grandparents Association

The Catholic Grandparents Association have a page of resources and suggestions for celebrating the 25th July, including a prayer for the occasion. See HERE.

Amoris Laetitia Family resources

The Dicastery for for Laity, Family and Life have a page with more resources you can use HERE.

We hope you and your parish can find some way of marking this important occasion of the first ‘World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly’ on Sunday 25th July this year, and we look forward to this becoming an annual day of celebration of later life and older people in the years to come.

A Time of Transition, by Pippa Bonner

It seems as though we are in an in-between place…

It seems as though we are in an in- between place between Lockdown and some further loosening of the Covid restrictions. Vaccination programmes are progressing. The Covid figures in the UK are steadily lower. It is likely more restrictions will be lifted on May 17th, and June 21, which may or may not make your life less restrictive. We may be able to come out of our houses and see people and places we haven’t seen for a long time. For some it will be a release. For others it might seem quite an anxious time. Walking out of the door, seeing other people – whether friends or strangers, sharing a pavement or shop or cafe space may seem a little daunting if we have been confined to home, garden or local spaces.

The period between Easter and Pentecost seems an interim, in-between period for us and the followers of Jesus in the Scriptures

Living in 2021, we read the New Testament unfolding, knowing that although Jesus died, he was then resurrected and ascended to heaven. Then the Holy Spirit, the great Enabler, Inspirer and Courage-Maker came at Pentecost. The Apostles (or Disciples, in Fr Nicholas King’s translation notes, which includes a greater number of unnamed women and men who had followed Jesus), were inspired and emboldened to speak out, some to work miracles, preach, travel and build up small Christian communities, despite Roman occupation and fear of the Jewish authorities and of diseases like leprosy, one of the plagues of the time.

During the in- between period before the Ascension and Pentecost, there were a number of sightings of Jesus, but Jesus’ appearance had somehow changed so he was not usually immediately recognised. Once recognised, people could see he bore the signs of the cross and ate fish – so was not a ghost.

He could still teach and encourage them. Initially, Mary Magdalene had literally tried to hold onto him. He had discouraged that as he was no longer physically and constantly going to be in their lives: living and working with them, in the same way as before… They were going to have to continue the work and proclaim the Good News without his human presence alongside them. They huddled together inside an Upper Room before Pentecost as they were uncertain and afraid about what would happen next.

Jesus’ relationship with his Disciples changed to a deeper, spiritual one, at Pentecost and they began to face the outside world with confidence, hope and less anxiety.

I sometimes wonder how often they regretted not really understanding so many things he was trying to tell them about God before the Crucifixion, about the Eucharist, the meaning of his parables and so many other things. How frequently did Christ say he would “die” and about his plans for them and others and they didn’t understand him? This in- between time was a time when they could recognise him, regret what they hadn’t understood, be forgiven, reflect, regroup and recover before Pentecost.

Like the Disciples in this in- between time between Easter and, Pentecost and for us the hoped for further easing of Covid restrictions in May and June, some of us may be traumatised by recent events, bereaved, isolated and anxious about the future. We may also be relieved and hopeful for the further unlocking of Covid restrictions.

We may each feel all kinds of emotions which can vary depending on our experience, outlook and what has happened to us, our families and friends.

Like Mary Magdalene’s initial reaction, we may want to hold on to life as before. We may need to touch the reality of the new situation like Thomas who needed to experience seeing Jesus and touch the new reality for himself. Or, like Peter be given the chance to make amends and seek forgiveness for denying Jesus three times. He was now allowed to say he loved Jesus three times. We may have been left with betrayals, regrets, unkind words and deeds and other unfinished business that we have been unable to resolve because of Covid restrictions. We too are given another chance!

We too are given Pentecost strength and inspiration to go out and build up our and other people’s lives in whatever way we can.

We all have gifts that we can share by phone or card even if we remain restricted by our circumstances….

Transition times can be lonely, anxious and periods of struggle and self -reflection. They can also be powerful places to prepare for new possibilities, spiritual gifts and joy.

Some parts of our past life may have changed because of Covid, and we may be grieving for what we have lost and suffered. Other parts of the world are suffering deeply now. We all try to believe that this new reality as we move forward, through, and hopefully, come safely out of the Covid restrictions, may become a time of settling down, recovery and some hope for us all.

Pippa Bonner, May 2021.

‘Dementia Action and Awareness’ online workshop Sat 22nd May 2pm

Want to deepen your knowledge about Dementia?

At this event you will hear firsthand the story of someone living with dementia and the story of a carer of a person living with dementia, followed by a choice of interesting workshops.

Leeds Caritas and partners (Dementia Friendly Forum) have organised this event as part of Dementia Action Week to explore the experiences of those living with dementia, and ways in which we can support them in church and everyday life.

Growing Old Gracefully is pleased to be involved in the planning and running of this important event.

Programme:

  • Short Liturgy
  • Voice of a person living with Dementia
  • Voice of a Carer
  • Break out rooms/workshops (you can choose from one of the following):
  1. Dementia Awareness
  2. Types of Communication with people living with dementia
  3. Dementia and Faith
  4. Current Dementia Campaigns
  5. Advanced Care Planning
  • Plenary
  • Where to find out more online
  • Call to Action

TO ATTEND PLEASE EMAIL GREGORY STACEY BY 19th MAY AT gregory.stacey@dioceseofleeds.org.uk and state your first and second choices for the workshop topics above. Thank you.

Inspiring 3 minute Eastertide reflection (with beautiful artwork)

As part of our Eastertide service on 24th April 2021 we put together this 3 minute reflection which takes words from a Lavinia Byrne piece and pairs them with beautiful inspiring artwork by Elizabeth Wang (Radiant Light).

TIP: Watch on full screen (or on Youtube) for best effect.

Here is the full text of the Lavinia Byrne piece for your perusal:

‘Resurrection Love – look at my hands and my feet’ by Lavinia Byrne

Taken from ‘Just One Year, Prayer and Worship through the Christian Year’ edited by Timothy Radcliffe.

On Easter Sunday, Jesus offers us the gift of presence and the gift of peace.

We are to know him in the breaking of the bread. Jesus does not want to be insubstantial; he does not want to be a ghost.

Instead, he comes to us and invites us to touch him. He offers himself to us in ways that are intended to nourish and nurture us. He promises companionship.

So where are we to touch him in today’s world? Where are we to walk with him. Where are we to find his hands and feet?  Where are we to offer him a piece of broiled fish and eat and drink in his presence?

Christianity is an embodied religion. It does not live in the pages of a book. Rather it invites us to engage with our world.

So are we to recognise the presence of Jesus whenever there are wounded hands and feet that turn to us for healing and wherever there is a road that we can walk down in his company?

The gift lies in recognising him when he presents himself in unexpected ways. We need to believe that we can touch him in our everyday lives. We need to understand that we can walk with him.

Our task is to seek out people who are needy and to turn our faces towards them rather than away from them. This is not difficult to do, for there are many wounded hands and feet that clamour for our attention. There are many hungry people who would love a bowl of fish, let alone a loaf of bread.

If Jesus is risen from the dead, then we need proof and we need evidence. How can we secure this in today’s world?

The Gospel seems to suggest that the way forward is to open our hearts in love. No one is to be excluded, no situation is beyond the reach of grace. By believing this and putting it into practice, we can become witnesses and carry the echo of his saving mission forwards into our world.

Christian faith is not a personal possession. It is always for sharing. So everything comes full circle. We can be his witnesses.

We can provide the evidence that he is risen.

Watch a video of our Eastertide service ‘Roll back the Stone’ (30 mins)

At our recent online Eastertide service on Saturday 24th April 2021, over twenty of us enjoyed reflecting together on the meaning of the Resurrection for each of us in our everyday lives, with the help of inspiring and thought-provoking readings, prayers, hymns and artwork.

Rather than publish the video of the Zoom screens (due to confidentiality issues) we have managed to compile a video matching the audio recording with the slides of the readings and reflections.

Why not watch this video (30 minutes) below for your own reflections.

(We apologise for occasional sticking in the Zoom audio segments -apparently this can be an issue with Zoom recordings):

Readings from our ‘Remembering with Hope’ service

‘Remembering with Hope’ – a service held on Tuesday 23rd March 2021 to commemorate loved ones

We felt it was important to mark the date of the start of the first lockdown with a reflective service giving space to remember those we know who had passed away over the last year (whatever the reason), not forgetting others that have passed away in previous years. This also tied in with the National Day of Reflection on that day.

A team of us at the Elizabeth Prout Bereavement Care (The Briery) and Growing Old Grace-fully joined together to plan and hold this online service and time of sharing

There were 47 people at the service, we spent an hour together with a varied programme including readings, reflective silence, break out rooms to share about loved ones, and an act of remembrance whilst watching a video of the Remembrance Tree made for us by the sisters at The Briery.

Whether you were there on the night or not, we would like to share the readings with you for your own meditations

You can read them here on the screen or download a PDF for printing here:

‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. 
You trust in God, trust also in me.
In my Father's house 
there are many places to live in..’
John 14:1,2

Psalm 42 : 1-8

As a deer yearns for running streams, so I yearn for you, my God.

I thirst for God, the living God; when shall I go to see the face of God?

I have no food but tears day and night, as all day long I am taunted, ‘Where is your God?’

This I remember as I pour out my heart, how I used to pass under the roof of the Most High, used to go to the house of God, among cries of joy and praise, the sound of the feast.

Why be so downcast, why all these sighs? 
Hope in God! I will praise him still, my Saviour, my God…

Deep is calling to deep by the roar of your cataracts, your waves and breakers have rolled over me.

In the daytime God sends his faithful love, and even at night; the song it inspires in me is a prayer to my living God.

Why so downcast, why all these sighs? 
Hope in God! I will praise him still, my Saviour, my God.

‘Wait, Wait on Our God’ by Jan Berry

Taken from ‘Let Justice Roll Down’ compiled by Geoffrey Duncan.

When the land is dry and barren,
Reduced to degraded dust,
Wait for God to restore life,
Bringing growth for our emptiness.

Wait, Wait on Our God,
Keep vigil, keep faith,
For hope comes in the morning

When the city is derelict,
with boarded- up windows and abandoned cars,
wait for God to restore its vitality
Bringing anger to our numbness

Wait, Wait on Our God,
Keep vigil, keep faith,
For hope comes in the morning

When we are numbed with grief,
raw pain breaking the monotony,
wait for God’s tender touch
bringing comfort for our healing 

Wait, Wait on Our God,
Keep vigil, keep faith,
For hope comes in the morning.

Psalm 23 (responsorial)

The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want.

The Lord is my shepherd;
there is nothing I shall want.
Fresh and green are the pastures
where he gives me repose.
Near restful waters he leads me
to revive my drooping spirit.

The Lord is my shepherd,
there is nothing I shall want.

He guides me along the right path;
He is true to his name.
If I should walk in the valley of darkness
no evil would I fear.
You are there with your crook and your staff;
with these you give me comfort

The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want.

You have prepared a banquet for me
in the sight of my foes.
My head you have anointed with oil;
my cup is overflowing.

The Lord is my shepherd,
there is nothing I shall want.

Surely goodness and kindness shall follow me
all the days of my life.
In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell
for ever and ever.

The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want.

Hymn: On Eagles Wings

Words and Music: Michael Joncas, OCP © 1979.

You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord
Who abide in His shadow for life
Say to the Lord, “My refuge, my rock in whom I trust!“

And He will raise you up
on eagles’ wings
Bear you on the breath of dawn
Make you to shine like the sun
And hold you in the palm of His hand

The snare of the fowler will never capture you
And famine will bring you no fear
Under His wings your refuge, His faithfulness your shield

And He will raise you up on eagles’ wings
Bear you on the breath of dawn
Make you to shine like the sun
And hold you in the palm of His hand

You need not fear the terror of the night
Nor the arrow that flies by day
Though thousands fall about you, near you it shall not come

And He will raise you up on eagles’ wings
Bear you on the breath of dawn
Make you to shine like the sun
And hold you in the palm of His hand

For to His angels He’s given a command
To guard you in all of your ways
Upon their hands they will bear you up
Lest you dash your foot against a stone

And He will raise you up
on eagles’ wings
Bear you on the breath of dawn
Make you to shine like the sun
And hold you in the palm of His hand

And hold you, hold you in the palm of His hand.

Links to Helpful Agencies:

Here are a few links that might be helpful to you or your friends and family:

Grief and Loss Service (West Yorks and Harrogate): 

Ring 0808 1963833 or connect online 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week

Cruse Bereavement Care Helpline (National)

Ring 0808 808 1677 (click link to see opening times)

The Art of Dying Well – this Catholic website has many helpful pages and videos, including some on Coping with Bereavement and Grief

Living with Loss – an insightful website by Abi May with articles on grief including how our faith may be affected.

Many more helpful links from Leeds Bereavement Forum can be found HERE and HERE

May you know God’s presence with you
all along your journey of loss and remembrance.

Download a printable PDF of these Readings here:

‘Remembering with Hope’ – join our online service Tues 23rd March at 7pm

An online service to remember our loved ones.

On the anniversary of the first lockdown, join with us to commemorate loved ones that have died during this past year and remember them with Hope.

We feel it is important to mark the date of the start of the first lockdown with a reflective service giving space to remember those we know who have passed away over the last year (whatever the reason).

So a team of us at the Elizabeth Prout Bereavement Care (The Briery) and Growing Old Grace-fully have joined together to hold this online service , which will include:

  • Prayers
  • Readings of Scripture
  • Music
  • Time in small groups to share briefly about loved ones, celebrating their life
  • An Act of Remembering together – photos to be put on a tree at The Briery, names to be read out, and we light a candle together.

If you would like to, you will be able to send the name and/or a photo of your loved one to be printed and put on the Tree of Remembrance in the chapel at The Briery where they will be kept displayed and prayed for until Easter. We would also like to display the names on the screen during the service.

Instructions about this will be sent by email after you REGISTER for the event.

Let’s join together to mark this day with remembrance and hope.