The Flagpole

Fr Alan Whelan MSC and Mrs Mary Benham, our wonderful Chaplaincy Team, share their thoughts and prayers with us all to help support us during these anxious times.

The phrase, familiar to all parents, ‘Are we there yet!’, seems applicable to our present times. Much like the Israelites as they travelled on their exodus journey and the end was far from being in sight, so too for us as, we travel through this COVID-19 pandemic as we await our liberation from restrictions and eagerly await a return to what we hope and pray to be some form of normality. Little did we think about or possibly appreciate the freedom to interact with our close family and friends. Loved ones now cocooned for their own safety with loving words now communicated through closed windows, ‘phone or internet. Home schooling reminding parents as to how the curriculum has changed since their days behind a desk but grateful appreciation for online classes from teachers. But a glimmer of hope is on the horizon, back to work for some, travel restrictions lifted in part, Princethorpe College opening for Year 10 and Lower Sixth students after the half term break, small gradual steps but a sign of hope. And so we pray:

For the heroes who have ministered to the sick and dying in our hospitals and care homes

For the heroes who have ensured food is in our supermarkets and shops

For the heroes who are searching for a vaccine

For the heroes who have engaged with home learning

For the heroes who now live with the uncertainty of their job security

For the heroes who feel frightened and lonely at this time

For the heroes who have been strengthened by the love of family and friends

For the heroes who have prayed for us during this pandemic

For the heroes … [insert your own intention]

God of Love, we turn to you with prayerful hearts and with confidence in your loving presence among us now and in every moment of our lives. We stand before you as a people of hope, trusting in your care and protection. May we be comforted by your love in these anxious times.

We make our prayer through Christ Our Lord. Amen