Tag: older people

Mass for Carers – Sermon -11th July 2026 – Rev. Dr. Joseph D Cortis

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This below is the sermon for the special Carers’ Mass at Leeds Cathedral on Saturday 11th July 2026. You can watch the whole Mass on the YouTube channel of the Cathedral by clicking the button below.

Carers’ Mass video

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today, we celebrate the Feast of St Benedict, the father of Western monasticism and Patron of Europe, but at this mass we also turn our hearts toward a group of people whose quiet holiness often goes unnoticed: informal carers—family members, friends, neighbours—who give their time, strength, and love to support those who cannot manage alone.

St. Benedict taught that holiness is found not in grand gestures but in faithful, daily acts of love. His Rule emphasises stability, humility, listening, and service. These are precisely the virtues lived—often heroically—by carers every single day.

Our first reading from the book of Proverbs speaks of seeking wisdom, of opening the heart to God’s instruction. ‘Wisdom’ in Holy Scripture is not cleverness; it is the art of living well, living faithfully, living lovingly.

Informal carers embody this wisdom. They may not have chosen their role, but they respond with courage. They may not feel strong, yet they carry burdens that others do not see. They may not speak of sacrifice, yet their lives are shaped by it.

This section from the Book of Proverbs promises that God “guards the path of the just.” Carers walk a path that is often hidden, exhausting, and emotionally demanding—yet God walks it with them. Their service is not unnoticed in heaven.

To-day we heard sections from Psalm 33 which reminds us that God is close to the broken hearted and those whose spirits are crushed. Many carers know what it is to feel stretched thin, to feel unseen, to feel overwhelmed. And yet, the psalm assures us that: God sees. God hears. God sustains.

Carers often become the face of God’s tenderness for the person they support. But God, in turn, becomes the strength that carers themselves need.

This psalm is not a promise that life will be easy. It is a promise that God will be present—in the long nights, the hospital corridors, the difficult conversations, the moments of doubt, and the moments of grace.

In our Gospel reading, Peter says to Jesus, “We have left everything and followed you.” Jesus responds with a promise: those who give of themselves for the sake of love will receive far more than they have given.

This is the Gospel truth lived by carers. They leave behind personal plans. They set aside ambitions. They sacrifice time, energy, sleep, and sometimes their own health.

And Jesus says: “You will be repaid a hundredfold.” Not necessarily with ease or comfort, but with a deeper grace: the grace of knowing that love—real love—costs something and is worth everything.

Carers live the Gospel not in words but in actions. They are living icons of Christ’s compassion.
St Benedict believed that every act, done with love and offered to God, becomes holy.

• Preparing a meal
• Helping someone dress
• Repeating the same reassurance for the tenth time
• Sitting beside someone who is afraid
• Managing medication, appointments, and crises
• Holding a hand in silence

These are Gospel acts. These are acts that build the Kingdom of God. St Benedict taught that the monastery should be a “school of the Lord’s service.” Carers live in that school every day.

So, Friends, to all carers among us:

Your work is sacred. Your patience is a prayer. Your sacrifices are seeds of grace. Your love reflects Christ’s own love.

And to the rest of us: We are called not only to admire carers but to support them— with respite, with understanding, with practical help, with advocacy, and with prayer.

The Church must be a place where carers are honoured, strengthened, and never left alone.

On this Feast of St Benedict, may we learn from his wisdom: that holiness is found in the ordinary, that love is lived in daily fidelity, and that God is present in every act of service.

May the Lord bless all carers with strength, peace, and the assurance that their hidden work shines brightly in the eyes of God.

Amen.

Rev. Dr. Joseph D Cortis, 11th July 2026

World Day for the Elderly – Sunday 26th July 2026

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The World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly will be celebrated for the sixth time in 2026, this Sunday, which is Sunday 26th July.

This special day takes place on the forth Sunday, in July, the Sunday closest to the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, Grandparents of Jesus and this year the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly actually falls on their Feast Day of 26th July.

Pope Francis established the Catholic Church’s World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly which took place for the first time on Sunday 25 July 2021.

The theme chosen by Pope Leo for this year’s celebration is:

“I will never forget you” (Is 49:15)

Taken from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, the chosen verse is meant to be a message of consolation and hope for all grandparents and older people, especially those who live in loneliness or feel forgotten. At the same time, it is a reminder to families and communities not to forget them, recognising in them a precious presence and a blessing.

The Pope’s choice highlights how God’s love for every person never fails, not even in the fragility of old age.The Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life encourages parishes and communities throughout the world to find ways to promote and celebrate the Day and celebrate the lives of Grandparents and older people.

Here you can read the full message from the Holy Father.

If you are a grandparent and are able to attend Mass, you could invite your grandchildren to attend with you.

The Catholic Grandparents Association has been at the forefront in campaigning for a greater recognition of Grandparents for their role and vocation in passing on their faith to the next generation. They have also produced resources that you might wish to use.

Finding Newness in Old Age – online reflection

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You are invited to our next online reflection, Finding Newness in Old Age, which is on Tuesday 23rd June, 7-8pm

A challenge to us all as to see growing older as a positive experience, the reflection will focus on how we can transition through the different stages of growing older, from being healthy and active to a slower pace and a time of more dependence and vulnerability. How do we adapt and maintain a sense of purpose?

It will be a combination of reflection, sharing thoughts with others and prayers.

To register please email growing.old.gracefully@dioceseofleeds.org.uk

“You are precious in my eyes”- online event for carers – Wednesday 15th July 2pm

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Growing Old Grace-fully are hosting an online session and reflection as part of our Carers Project, being led by Michelle Anderson. This is on Wednesday 15th July at 2pm.

“You are Precious in my Eyes“, we will consider how carers may often feel ignored or invisible, but can be reassured in the knowledge that they are always seen by God and are precious to him.

This online session will include practical information, time to share experiences along with prayer and reflection.

Whilst this is mainly aimed at unpaid carers, it is open to all. Anyone who wishes to attend just needs to email Michelle at carersproject@growingoldgracefully.org.uk & she will send you the Zoom link to join.

Carers Mass – Saturday 11th July – 12 noon

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All carers and the person or people they are caring for are invited to join us for a special Mass to celebrate the wonderful and important work of unpaid carers across the Diocese of Leeds.

It is on Saturday 11th July at 12pm (12 noon) at Leeds Cathedral, Great George Street, Leeds LS2 8BE.

This Mass is a great opportunity for us to pray for unpaid carers, acknowledging how invaluable they are, and how vital their role is within society. This special Mass is part of our Carers Project, being led by Michelle Anderson.

A sandwich lunch will be served in Cathedral Hall after Mass.

If you are hoping to attend, please sign up via EventBrite here.

It would be helpful if you can let us know you are attending, so we have an idea of numbers for the sandwich lunch, but all are welcome.

For more information or details, do email Michelle at carersproject@growingoldgracefully.org.uk.

Prayers for Holy Week

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Holy Week, the holiest week of the year, invites us all to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice made for all of us. As we journey through these days – recalling Jesus Christ’s fear, suffering, anguish and death and then the glory of Easter – we are gently reminded that every stage of life carries its own meaning and grace.

In later life, the challenges of ageing – whether physical ailments, aches and pains, loneliness, loss or the weight of memories – can trouble us and lead us to doubt, anxiety and sadness. Yet Holy Week speaks directly into these experiences. It reminds us that suffering is not without purpose, that quiet endurance has dignity, and that even in moments of loss, there is the promise of new life.

We have compiled some prayers for Holy Week below, prayers to help us reflect through this week.

Through reflection and prayer, may this Holy Week become a time of peace, connection, and renewed hope.

Growing Old Grace-fully, Holy Week 2026

A Holy Week prayer for older people

God our Father,

As we walk through Holy Week,
we remember Jesus on the road to Calvary—
weighed down, yet faithful,
wounded, yet still moving forward.

So too in our own lives,
as the years gather and our strength changes,
we carry burdens we did not once know—
aches in body, losses in heart,
and the quiet letting go of what was.

Teach us, like Christ,
to walk this path with courage and trust,
to accept each step with grace,
and to know we are never alone.

And as Easter dawned with light and new life,
remind us that growing older is not only loss,
but also transformation—
a journey toward deeper peace,
renewed hope,
and the promise of resurrection within us.

Amen.

Growing Old Grace-fully

Prayer for Holy Week

Lord Jesus,

This Holy Week we follow you on your sorrowful and glorious journey,
your journey to the Cross and Resurrection.

Today we ask that we may walk with you,
give us grace to see the deep love you show us.

As you were welcomed with joy and acclaim to the Holy City,
your betrayal by the crowds soon overwhelmed their cries of Hosanna.

On the Cross, you made yourself servant taking the sins of the world upon yourself.

May our lives reflect your desire to serve God our Father first;
that we may serve you in our brothers and sisters.

When we face suffering and disappointment, may we know your love.

When we are feeling lost, may we know that you are with us.

When we are worried, may your Cross be a sign of hope and strength.

May this Holy Week be for us a time of renewal in faith and love.

Through Christ Our Lord.

Amen.

Fr Christopher Warren from St Mary’s Church, Hexham for Churches Together, Hexham

Prayer for Holy Week

Jesus my Lord, let me strengthen my courage by taking on the courage of all those people who have been “centurions” for me.

Many have faced disasters and hard times with great constancy. The upper hand of evil never turned them against you. They kept going.

Let me be like them, Lord. No matter what the cross, let me never stop declaring you to be “truly the Son of God, the source of my hope, the reason why I will never quit on life.

Amen

Catholic Online

Carers Project launched

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Growing Old Grace-fully is delighted to announce the launch of a new Carers Project, which will be a key focus of our work.

The main aim of the project is to recognise and value the role of unpaid carers and offer emotional and spiritual support to them within the Catholic Diocese of Leeds.

Unpaid carers can often face isolation at a time when they may have difficult decisions to make and a range of emotions that caring for a loved one can bring.

The project aims to help reduce the isolation, giving carers the opportunity to engage with other Christian carers and support each other through their faith.

So many people, including many older people, have caring responsibilities of some sort, for spouses, friends and adult children with special needs. Caring is something hugely important to society and a real vocation, whether chosen or not. 

The project will be coordinated and led by Michelle Anderson and we are delighted Michelle is joining the Growing Old Grace-fully team.

Michelle Anderson, Carers Project Coordinator

Michelle introduces herself as follows:

“I live within the Diocese of Leeds and am a parishioner of the Parish of St Mary and St Patrick in Batley and Birstall. I am the Parish Administrator and also a Foundation Governor of St Mary’s Catholic Primary Academy. I take an active part in parish life and enjoy meeting new people. Since leaving education I have been involved in support and care in a variety of roles.

“Working with older people, and advocating for vulnerable people and those in need of support, has always been something that has been close to my heart. Making a difference and helping to make improvements in people’s lives, no matter how small, is something I have always been passionate about”.

Would you like to be involved in the project?

There will be a number of ways to be involved in the project. These will include:

  • Regular online meetings where carers will have the opportunity to chat and share with each other, including space and time to pray.
  • Days of reflection for carers
  • Online talks where carers will be able to share their reflections and look at how faith helps.

If you would like to get involved with the project or you feel the project could be of benefit to you or someone you know please get in touch, either through your parish priest or by visiting our website growingoldgracefully.org.uk.

You can also email carersproject@growingoldgracefully.org.uk and contact Michelle directly.

“God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress.” Psalm 46:2

Pastoral Worker for Older People – first report

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Dr Frances Norton, Pastoral Worker for Older People at Mary Mother of God Parish in Bradford has done her first report, which gives an excellent account of the amazing work she has been doing.  

The Pastoral Worker for Older People is a project proposed and commissioned by Growing Old Grace-fully and funded by The Ladies of the Grail. 

Dr Frances Norton, Pastoral Worker for Older People, Mary Mother of God Parish, Bradford

Frances describes how she has been a regular visitor to older people of Mary Mother of God parish in Bradford, to offer older people spiritual opportunities, giving space to develop a fuller faith and prayer life.

She has organised trips: To Our Lady of the Crag, Knaresborough, Our Lady of Doncaster (at St Peter-in-Chains), Our Lady of Manchester (at St. Mary’s, ‘the Hidden Gem’) and also organised also one-off events funded through local council bids, such as the icon painting and brambling for the Feast of the Assumption; and afternoon tea and memory box crafts.

This is a great start to this very positive and special project. We thank The Ladies of the Grail for the funding, Monsignor Paul Grogan and the parish for taking on and overseeing the project and role – and of course to Frances for delivering the work!  

To read Frances report, click on the button below.

Pastoral Worker report

A busy and productive year – Annual Review 2025

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To access the Annual Review, click on the above or on the button below.
Annual Review 2025

The Growing Old Grace-fully Annual Review 2025 gives an account of our activities in 2025.

Carol Burns, Growing Old Grace-fully Chair of Trustees gives an overview in her Chair’s Report.

There is also a first report from the Dr. Frances Norton, Pastoral Worker for Older People at Mary Mother of God Parish, Bradford, which is very exciting – and gives a good sense of the amazing work she is doing there in this role. This is a project proposed and commissioned by Growing Old Grace-fully and funded by The Ladies of the Grail. Frances has also done the first of her own reports here, which is well worth a read and shows the difference she and this project is making in the parish and area.

On page 2, there are details of Growing Old Grace-fully’s two main overall activities – dementia awareness and training (online and in-parish); and our programme of spiritual events, online and in-person, which in 2025 were centred around the theme of being Pilgrims of Hope, as part of the 2025 Jubilee Year of the Catholic Church.

As ever, we thank our funders who enable our work to happen – and who support and engage with us.

2026 Calendar – key dates

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Growing Old Grace-fully produces a handy calendar of key dates in 2026 related to older people and later life. This can help parishes and other communities plan specific events around Feasts in the Church calendar or national events related to later life and older people.

Our mission is to enhance the spiritual, emotional and physical wellbeing of older people across the Catholic Diocese of Leeds through raising awareness, inspiring and supporting responsive action in parishes. Part of this is to encourage parishes to have events and specific services for older people. Events and services celebrating later life and the contribution older people make to parish, community and society. Plus events and services related to the challenges of later life – such as healing Masses, services to remember loved ones and to deal with grief, bereavement, dementia and loneliness.

In the Calendar you will find relevant Catholic Feast Days and other Church occassions, most notably World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly in July, as well as national and international events and weeks related to older people and later life.

Do consider marking some of these in your parish – as well as using them as an opportunity for reflection and prayer.

You can download the calendar here by clicking on the button below:

Calendar 2026