The State of Ageing 2022 – important report from The Centre for Ageing Better

‘The State of Ageing in England is getting worse’ The Centre for Ageing Better has pulled together extensive data in this recent important report. They have made the information very easy to access with the summary and all sections presented online with lots of graphs and explanation – see HERE.… Continue reading

A Prayer for Peace in Ukraine: Господи помилуй, Lord have Mercy

When we are lost for words, prayers and laments like this one by Rev Jon Swales can help us express our heart’s desire to our Almighty God. Father of Creation,God of Peace, The world has changed,And so have our hearts,As we face disappointment, disorientation and distressNot knowing what will happen next.… Continue reading

Pastoral Worker for Older people – seed funding to start a role in 2 parishes

With many people living longer and the current demographic of our churches, you are probably finding that the needs of older people in your parish are increasing. Many parishioners go out of their way to help others as much as they can, and SVP and other groups are an essential… Continue reading

The Synodal Process – a response from Growing Old Grace-fully

As well as being involved in each of our parishes, the trustees of Growing Old Grace-fully wanted to highlight the voice and needs of older people in this listening process. A group of the board members got together and drew up a response on the relevant topics in the framework,… Continue reading

Some prayers and ideas shared at our Discussion Event on 4th November

About 20 of us met on Zoom on a cold evening with fireworks going off in the background! We had a good time together sharing issues and ideas around starting up and continuing activities and support for older people in our parishes at this strange time of transition. Sister Bernadette… Continue reading

‘Our common home’ continues to be a focus in the run up to COP26

Contrary to some popular opinions, many of our ‘older parishioners’ are passionate about the care of our planet and very active in the Diocese and beyond. One example is David Jackson who is a Laudato Si’ Animator, a role you can read about HERE. As we finish the Season of… Continue reading

‘It’s All Right’ – a poem from Sr Kate Holmstrom

Thanks, Lord, my heartfelt thanks, and great relief To hear you say: “But it’s All Right, you know!”Alright – you’re growing old,Forgetful, muddled, dim(Embarrassing, frustrating though it is)Alright to need, and take, more time,More space perhaps,To admit: “I don’t cope well.I can’t keep up.” You went there first, our good… Continue reading

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… Continue reading

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… Continue reading