I was absolutely delighted to receive three comics from Leeds Church Institute, written and designed by local Leeds artist Si Smith. They explore some aspects of the realities of living with memory loss. As well as being beautifully observed and a delight to look at, they can provoke and support… Continue reading
I recently came across this reflection by Jean Vanier, from his book Community and Growth (Darton, Longman & Todd 1991) about the potential for old age to enlighten those around us. He considers it “the most precious time of life, the one nearest eternity” and goes on to say: “There… Continue reading
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; on those who live in a land of deep shadow a light has shone. Isaiah 9:2 We wish all our friends and supporters God’s richest blessings for Christmas and the coming year. Blue Christmas There is a paradox at… Continue reading
Blue Christmas, or Longest Night, is a short service designed for people suffering with pain, loss, isolation and grief in the Advent season. The service is often help on or around December 21st, the longest night of the year, but it can be held at anytime during Advent. The service… Continue reading
Have you heard of an Anna Chaplain? There is a growing network of Anna Chaplains who deliver spiritual care services for older people, and Anna Friends who assist them. They work in care homes, private homes, churches and other community settings with people of strong, little or no faith. The… Continue reading
In a new and pioneering study, those caring for loved ones with dementia emerge as the forgotten heroes amongst carers. 53 churchgoers who have (or have recently had) this caring role speak out passionately for the first time about their experience. Four key messages emerge: Caring for a loved one… Continue reading
Autumn is a wonderfully colourful and rich time of the year, a time of fruitfulness. Parishioners from St Mary’s in Rothwell who are in, or are approaching, the autumn of life joined together to explore God’s gift of age in the first of four inspiring short sessions using a DVD… Continue reading
What does Leeds have in common with Manchester, Bristol, the Isle of Wight, Hackney, Camden, and 8 other local authorities around England? The answer is that all 14 areas have a share in the £80 million grant distributed by the Big Lottery to these selected authorities for work on projects… Continue reading
Representatives from four parishes came to the Dementia Friends session yesterday evening at St Theresa of the Child Jesus in Queensbury. That means that at least 10 parishes in our Diocese have started the process of becoming a dementia friendly one. Thank you to everyone from St Theresa’s, St Columba’s,… Continue reading
The Parish of St John Mary Vianney celebrated the gifts that older parishioners bring as part of the International Day of Older People by hosting a simple “Tea, Cake and Conversation” afternoon. Every year, there is a different theme and in 2017 the theme was “Stepping into the Future: Tapping… Continue reading
