Virgin of Vladimir (+ image by the hand of Stephen Allison 2008)

Sunday 31 October 2021

Theotokos Prayer Group 2021 - Update No 43 - All Saints Day

 


Dear friends,

All Saints of God pray for us!


Revelation 7:2–4, 9–14
I, John, saw another angel come up from the East, holding the seal of the living God. He cried out in a loud voice to the four angels who were given power to damage the land and the sea, “Do not damage the land or the sea or the trees until we put the seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” I heard the number of those who had been marked with the seal, one hundred and forty-four thousand marked from every tribe of the children of Israel. After this I had a vision of a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue. They stood before the throne and before the Lamb, wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation comes from our God, who is seated on the throne, and from the Lamb.” All the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They prostrated themselves before the throne, worshiped God, and exclaimed: “Amen. Blessing and glory, wisdom and thanksgiving, honour, power, and might be to our God forever and ever. Amen.” Then one of the elders spoke up and said to me, “Who are these wearing white robes, and where did they come from?” I said to him, “My lord, you are the one who knows.” He said to me, “These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress; they have washed their robes and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb.”




Picture
A picture of Our Blessed Mother, around her and from within her seemed to be streams and rays of crystal clear light with all colours of the rainbow.
Our Mother indicates with her hand and we can see people destined for the fires of Hell, fear, shame and sorrow overtake them and in their distress they call out to Jesus. 
Blessed Mother takes out her Rosary and prays with us and so the people destined for Hell are scooped up by the Fathers all encompassing Love, they then pass time doing penance but know deep within their heart they are saved. 
Then Blessed Mother at the allotted time calls them and accompanies them herself with many angels to Jesus, they feel the joy, the peace and the love of being in His presence with no more shame, no more sorrow just the all enveloping Love of God the Father around them and In them and so they feel at one with Our Lord and able to at last look upon Him. 
Heaven Rejoices.

“My children, praying and cooperating with the Holy Spirit from the heart can achieve mighty works and acts, I your Mother call you continually to pray with me to save the poor lost souls. When you do so the Heart of the Father cannot deny graces to the lost and so they are saved.
My little ones pray that the lost will be saved, pray that the fallen will seek the Heart of my Son and be healed.
Pray for your countries your Priests and your families, but my little ones pray always for the gift of humility within your own hearts, for my Son cannot resist a heart filled with humility and prayer said with sincerity. 
He acts in love and so multiplies the graces of the Father and so more souls are saved. 
All can and will be achieved together through our prayers and the great sacrifice of my Son Jesus. 
I bless you in the name of my Son Jesus.
Mary”


His Holiness Pope Francis


Dear BBC listeners, good morning!
Climate change and the Covid-19 pandemic have exposed our deep vulnerability and raised numerous doubts and concerns about our economic systems and the way we organize our societies.
We have lost our sense of security, and are experiencing a sense of powerlessness and loss of control over our lives.
We find ourselves increasingly frail and even fearful, caught up in a succession of “crises” in the areas of health care, the environment, food supplies and the economy, to say nothing of social, humanitarian and ethical crises. All these crises are profoundly interconnected. They also forecast a “perfect storm” that could rupture the bonds holding our society together within the greater gift of God’s creation.
Every crisis calls for vision, the ability to formulate plans and put them rapidly into action, to rethink the future of the world, our common home, and to reassess our common purpose.
These crises present us with the need to take decisions, radical decisions that are not always easy. At the same time, moments of difficulty like these also present opportunities, opportunities that we must not waste.
We can confront these crises by retreating into isolationism, protectionism and exploitation. Or we can see in them a real chance for change, a genuine moment of conversion, and not simply in a spiritual sense.
This last approach alone can guide us towards a brighter horizon. Yet it can only be pursued through a renewed sense of shared responsibility for our world, and an effective solidarity based on justice, a sense of our common destiny and a recognition of the unity of our human family in God’s plan for the world.
All this represents an immense cultural challenge. It means giving priority to the common good, and it calls for a change in perspective, a new outlook, in which the dignity of every human being, now and in the future, will guide our ways of thinking and acting.
The most important lesson we can take from these crises is our need to build together, so that there will no longer be any borders, barriers or political walls for us to hide behind.
Some days ago, on 4 October, I met with religious leaders and scientists to sign a Joint Appeal in which we called upon ourselves and our political leaders to act in a more responsible and consistent manner. I was impressed by something said by one of the scientists present at that meeting. He told us: “If things continue as they are, in fifty years’ time my baby granddaughter will have to live in an unliveable world”.
We cannot allow this to happen!
It is essential that each of us be committed to this urgent change of direction, sustained by our own faith and spirituality. In the Joint Appeal, we spoke of the need to work responsibly towards a “culture of care” for our common home, but also for ourselves, and the need to work tirelessly to eliminate “the seeds of conflicts: greed, indifference, ignorance, fear, injustice, insecurity and violence”.
Humanity has never before had at its disposal so many means for achieving this goal. The political decision makers who will meet at COP26 in Glasgow are urgently summoned to provide effective responses to the present ecological crisis and in this way to offer concrete hope to future generations. And it is worth repeating that each of us – whoever and wherever we may be – can play our own part in changing our collective response to the unprecedented threat of climate change and the degradation of our common home.



Diocesan Year of the Eucharist
In this 'Year of the Eucharist' we hope to:
Revitalise and renew our faith through a deepening prayer and devotion of the Eucharist.
Grow as a Diocese in our love and appreciation of the Eucharist.
Deepen our appreciation of the liturgical celebration of the Eucharist through the rites.
Celebrate Eucharist as being at the heart of the life and mission of the Church, gathering people back.
Go out to love and serve the world nourished by the Eucharist.
Various events, invitations, publications and resources will be available this coming year. To receive these directly to your inbox sign up to the mailing list by email and keep an eye on the Diocesan website for the adverts as the year unfolds.

CHARIS* update
*Catholic Charismatic Renewal International Service, a new single service for the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in the world.
There will be a launch event at Stockton English Martyrs Church on Saturday 13 November. It would be good for as many of us as possible to attend.

See poster below for details:




Intercessions

O Lord hear our prayers, when we call answer us..

Ann thanks you for your prayers and to let you know her eyelid was successfully partially opened but please pray for treatment that would restore her  sight in that eye. The second procedure didn't take place so please pray for better communication between the dentist and hospital that this may proceed soon.

Pray for my Godson David for inner healing and peace.

Pray for Anthony and Peter that they may find work and a settled life.

Pray for prisoners and their families, for prison staff and visitors and for victims of crime.

Pray for all those with evil intentions that they be given grace to resist and turn away from evil.

Pray for all parents especially those who are struggling to cope with young children.

Pray for the forthcoming climate conference in Glasgow that those in authority be given wisdom and discernment on actions needed to alleviate the climate crisis.
Prayer for the COP26 climate summit:
Loving God,
We praise your name with all you have created.
You are present in the whole universe,
and in the smallest of creatures.
We acknowledge the responsibilities you have placed upon us
as stewards of your creation.
May the Holy Spirit inspire all political leaders at COP26 as they
seek to embrace the changes needed to foster a more sustainable society.
Instil in them the courage and gentleness to implement fairer solutions
for the poorest and most vulnerable,
and commit their nations to the care of Our Common Home.
We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ your Son.
Amen

Pray for all who suffer as a result of war, violence, oppression, persecution and natural disaster throughout the World.

Pray for the protection and strengthening of our Priests.

Pray for the salvation of all people.

Continue to pray for an end to the pandemic.
Pray for our Government, the health services, local authorities and volunteers as they deal with the Corona Virus.
Pray that vaccines will be readily available to all throughout the World and that wealthy nations will assist the poorer nations.

Pray for peace and justice throughout the World.

Pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Church and the World.

Pray for the personal needs of all of Theotokos Prayer Group.


Resources
2. Stockton Parish Family on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/parishfamilystocktonRC/
3. Daily Mass readings can be found at:
https://universalis.com/mass.htm
4. Bishops Conference of England and Wales Website - keep up to date on the latest situation as regards our Churches and resources for praying the Mass at home:
https://www.cbcew.org.uk/https://www.cbcew.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/03/No-Mass-A4.pdf
5. Diocese of Hexham & Newcastle Website:
http://www.rcdhn.org.uk/index.php
6. Catholic Charismatic Renewal in England:
http://www.ccr.org.uk/ 
7. Catholic Charismatic Renewal International
https://www.charis.international/en/home/
8. Celebrate Conference Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/Celebratecommunity/ 
10. New Dawn: New Dawn In The Church Walsingham | Prince of Peace Community 

Please let me know if you have anything to share (prayers, readings, pictures , prophecies, inspirations) or any intercessions.

God bless


Stephen and Ann

Sunday 24 October 2021

Theotokos Prayer Group 2021 - Update No 42

 


Ephesians 6 v 10-18
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. 15 As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. 16 With all of these,  take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints.


Picture
A picture of many people gathered around the Church of Light trying to defend her.
Our Blessed Mother with the help of the Holy Angels is giving us the full armour of God.

"My Children
Take up the armour which is impervious to all arrows or rocks, you may be battered but will remain unbeaten. Then my children take up the weapons of Faith, the Holy Eucharist, the Sacrament of Confession and the Daily recitation of the Holy Rosary and if you are able commit to fasting when possible, for those unable to fast please offer God the Father little sacrifices. My little ones defend with your prayers my Priest sons, your Country, your families, all poor souls who are far from my Son and lastly pray for your own souls that they may always cooperate with the Holy Spirit. 
I am with you in your endeavours.
Mary"



Diocesan Year of the Eucharist

In this 'Year of the Eucharist' we hope to:
Revitalise and renew our faith through a deepening prayer and devotion of the Eucharist.
Grow as a Diocese in our love and appreciation of the Eucharist.
Deepen our appreciation of the liturgical celebration of the Eucharist through the rites.
Celebrate Eucharist as being at the heart of the life and mission of the Church, gathering people back.
Go out to love and serve the world nourished by the Eucharist.

Various events, invitations, publications and resources will be available this coming year. To receive these directly to your inbox sign up to the mailing list by email and keep an eye on the Diocesan website for the adverts as the year unfolds.


CHARIS* update
*Catholic Charismatic Renewal International Service, a new single service for the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in the world.

There will be a launch event at Stockton English Martyrs Church on Saturday 13 November. It would be good for as many of us as possible to attend.

See poster below for details:






Intercessions

O Lord hear our prayers, when we call answer us..

Pray for Ann who has two procedures this week that they both go well.

Pray for all involved in the Missions on this World Mission Sunday.

Pray for Anthony and Peter that they may find work and a settled life.

Pray for prisoners and their families, for prison staff and visitors and for victims of crime.

Pray for all those with evil intentions that they be given grace to resist and turn away from evil.

Pray for Margaret grieving the loss of her husband David, may he Rest in Peace.

Thank God that Chantelle gave birth to a baby girl Arya. Both are doing well.

Pray for all parents especially those who are struggling to cope with young children.

Pray for the forthcoming climate conference in Glasgow that those in authority be given wisdom and discernment on actions needed to alleviate the climate crisis.

Pray for the people of Afghanistan as they face renewed uncertainty and instability now that the  American and British troops have departed and the Taliban are in control of the Country.

Pray for all who suffer as a result of war, violence, oppression, persecution and natural disaster throughout the World.

Pray for the protection and strengthening of our Priests.

Pray for the salvation of all people.

Continue to pray for an end to the pandemic.
Pray for our Government, the health services, local authorities and volunteers as they deal with the Corona Virus.
Pray that vaccines will be readily available to all throughout the World and that wealthy nations will assist the poorer nations.

Pray for peace and justice throughout the World.

Pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Church and the World.

Pray for the personal needs of all of Theotokos Prayer Group.


Resources
1.Theotokos Prayer Group:
2. Stockton Parish Family on Facebook:
3. Daily Mass readings can be found at:
4. Bishops Conference of England and Wales Website - keep up to date on the latest situation as regards our Churches and resources for praying the Mass at home:
5. Diocese of Hexham & Newcastle Website:
6. Catholic Charismatic Renewal in England:
7. Catholic Charismatic Renewal International
8. Celebrate Conference Facebook page
9. Walsingham Catholic TV


Please let me know if you have anything to share (prayers, readings, pictures , prophecies, inspirations) or any intercessions.


Sunday 17 October 2021

Theotokos Prayer Group 2021 - Update No. 41

 


Picture
A picture of a sheepfold with a large hedge around it, many sheep and lambs were making their way to Jesus the Good Shepherd. Jesus was calling continually and the sheep recognised Him, some of the Sheep didn’t hear Him calling or were busy eating the grass or frolicking and so didn’t see the ferocious wolf behind them. The Wolf inflicted great injuries upon some of the sheep and very quickly they ran to the sheepfold, one tiny lamb was covered in blood and Jesus used his crook to deflect the wolf and pull up the lamb! He gently bound their wounds and carried the little one close to His Heart.


John 10 v 11 - 15
 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hireling and not a shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hireling and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me, 15 as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.


Pope Francis and the Synod office in Rome are inviting the whole Church to become Synodal.

We are invited to journey together, listening to the promptings of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in the lives of the people we meet.
The whole ‘Synod’ will be a two-year process beginning in every diocese in October 2021 and moving on to a national then international listening exercise.
Click here to read more about the Synod.




Diocesan Year of the Eucharist
Bishop Robert Byrne will open our diocesan year of the Eucharist at the Synod opening Mass on the 17th October. Throughout the year we have the following aims:

Our Hopes
In this 'Year of the Eucharist' we hope to:
Revitalise and renew our faith through a deepening prayer and devotion of the Eucharist.
Grow as a Diocese in our love and appreciation of the Eucharist.
Deepen our appreciation of the liturgical celebration of the Eucharist through the rites.
Celebrate Eucharist as being at the heart of the life and mission of the Church, gathering people back.
Go out to love and serve the world nourished by the Eucharist.
Various events, invitations, publications and resources will be available this coming year. To receive these directly to your inbox sign up to the mailing list by email and keep an eye on the Diocesan website for the adverts as the year unfolds.

From the Catechism of the Catholic Church

1324 The Eucharist is "the source and summit of the Christian life." "The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself, our Pasch."

1325 "The Eucharist is the efficacious sign and sublime cause of that communion in the divine life and that unity of the People of God by which the Church is kept in being. It is the culmination both of God's action sanctifying the world in Christ and of the worship men offer to Christ and through him to the Father in the Holy Spirit."

1326 Finally, by the Eucharistic celebration we already unite ourselves with the heavenly liturgy and anticipate eternal life, when God will be all in all.

1327 In brief, the Eucharist is the sum and summary of our faith: "Our way of thinking is attuned to the Eucharist, and the Eucharist in turn confirms our way of thinking."


CHARIS* update

There will be a launch event at Stockton English Martyrs Church on Saturday 13 November. More details to follow.
*Catholic Charismatic Renewal International Service, a new single service for the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in the world.

Intercessions

O Lord hear our prayers, when we call answer us..

Pray for Anthony and Peter that they may find work and a settled .

Pray for prisoners and their families, for prison staff and visitors and for victims of crime.

Pray for all those with evil intentions that they be given grace to resist and turn away from evil.

Pray for Margaret grieving the loss of her husband David, may he Rest in Peace.

Sadly Pat the lady with MS and who had a stroke died this afternoon in Hospital her daughter Rebecca was with her.
Please pray for the repose of her soul and for comfort for Rebecca and family.

Pray for Chantelle and her unborn baby and a healthy birth. She will be induced tomorrow 18th October.

Pray for all parents especially those who are struggling to cope with young children.
Pray for the forthcoming climate conference in Glasgow that those in authority be given wisdom and discernment on actions needed to alleviate the climate crisis.
Pray for the people of Afghanistan as they face renewed uncertainty and instability now that the  American and British troops have departed and the Taliban are in control of the Country.

Pray for all who suffer as a result of war, violence, oppression, persecution and natural disaster throughout the World.

Pray for the protection and strengthening of our Priests.

Pray for the salvation of all people.

Continue to pray for an end to the pandemic.
Pray for our Government, the health services, local authorities and volunteers as they deal with the Corona Virus.
Pray that vaccines will be readily available to all throughout the World and that wealthy nations will assist the poorer nations.

Pray for peace and justice throughout the World.

Pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Church and the World.

Pray for the personal needs of all of Theotokos Prayer Group.


Resources
1.Theotokos Prayer Group:
2. Stockton Parish Family on Facebook:
3. Daily Mass readings can be found at:
4. Bishops Conference of England and Wales Website - keep up to date on the latest situation as regards our Churches and resources for praying the Mass at home:
5. Diocese of Hexham & Newcastle Website:
6. Catholic Charismatic Renewal in England:
7. Catholic Charismatic Renewal International
8. Celebrate Conference Facebook page
9. Walsingham Catholic TV


Please let me know if you have anything to share (prayers, readings, pictures , prophecies, inspirations) or any intercessions.




Sunday 10 October 2021

Theotokos Prayer Group 2021 - Update No. 40

 

Sunday 3 October 2021

Theotokos Prayer Group 2021 Update No 39

                                                 Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, pray for us!



Ephesians 6 v10-18
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. 15 As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. 16 With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints



James 4 v7-8
7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.


Picture 
Picture of our World with great patches of darkness in all countries, as the World turns around there seems to be hardly any beauty to be seen. There are little glimmers of light from the heartfelt prayers of those faithful to God, these are the loyal troops of Our Blessed Mother’s army, as Our Mother magnifies the prayers of the faithful the light gets brighter till it at least equals the darkness. This light is the true light of God which emanates from her Most Immaculate Heart.

“My Children,
I your Mother know what is best for you and what is best for your soul, for your families and for your countries and that is to pray with fervour from your hearts, that Mankind will change its ways and so turn to my Son Jesus to repent. He who is all love, all forgiveness and all mercy shall take them to Himself and re-clothe them in a righteous garment paid for by His Blood.
These are difficult times and my adversary lays traps of pride and selfishness to try to divert my children from the task at hand, combat my adversary with humility and acts of kindness and he will flee from you. 
Pray for the souls of those who could be lost without your prayers, these prayers maybe the only chance a soul has to find its way to my Son, for the poor soul then has the choice between the path of darkness or the path of light, with your prayer it is easier for them to see the light and so gravitate towards it.
My children if you feel tired, cross or upset come to my Motherly Heart and there you will find refuge and I will strengthen you and always lead you to the path of my Son. Together we will not fail and miracles in your own hearts, families and countries will prevail, and so defeat the enemy.
Your loving Mother Mary”.


October month of the Rosary 





CHARIS update

The Launch of CHARIS* takes place on Saturday 16 October 2021 from 11.00am to 2.30pm at English Martyrs Church, 176 Stamfordham Rd, Newcastle NE5 3JR .
Please let them know by email: adminfaith.mission@diocesehn.org.uk or phone: 07375 934713, if you wish to attend.

There will also be a launch event at Stockton English Martyrs Church on Saturday 13 November. More details to follow.

*Catholic Charismatic Renewal International Service, a new single service for the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in the world.

Intercessions

Pray for all those with evil intentions that they be given grace to resist and turn away from evil.

Pray for Margaret grieving the loss of her husband David, may he Rest in Peace.

Thank God that Pat is recovering in Hospital after her stroke.

Pray for Chantelle and her unborn baby and a healthy birth.

Thank God that Claire and her baby are now both doing well.

Pray for all parents especially those who are struggling to cope with young children.

Pray for the forthcoming climate conference in Glasgow that those in authority be given wisdom and discernment on actions needed to alleviate the climate crisis.

Pray for the people of Afghanistan as they face renewed uncertainty and instability now that the  American and British troops have departed and the Taliban are in control of the Country.

Pray for all who suffer as a result of war, violence, oppression, persecution and natural disaster throughout the World.

Pray for the protection and strengthening of our Priests.

Pray for the salvation of all people.

Continue to pray for an end to the pandemic.
Pray for our Government, the health services, local authorities and volunteers as they deal with the Corona Virus.
Pray that vaccines will be readily available to all throughout the World and that wealthy nations will assist the poorer nations.

Pray for peace and justice throughout the World.

Pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Church and the World.

Pray for the personal needs of all of Theotokos Prayer Group.

Resources
1.Theotokos Prayer Group:
https://www.facebook.com/Theotokos-Prayer-Group-142398089120415/http://theotokosprayergroup.blogspot.co.uk/
2. Stockton Parish Family on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/parishfamilystocktonRC/
3. Daily Mass readings can be found at:
https://universalis.com/mass.htm
4. Bishops Conference of England and Wales Website - keep up to date on the latest situation as regards our Churches and resources for praying the Mass at home:
https://www.cbcew.org.uk/https://www.cbcew.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/03/No-Mass-A4.pdf
5. Diocese of Hexham & Newcastle Website:
http://www.rcdhn.org.uk/index.php
6. Catholic Charismatic Renewal in England:
http://www.ccr.org.uk/ 
7. Catholic Charismatic Renewal International
https://www.charis.international/en/home/
8. Celebrate Conference Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/Celebratecommunity/ 
10. New Dawn: New Dawn In The Church Walsingham | Prince of Peace Community 


Please let me know if you have anything to share (prayers, readings, pictures , prophecies, inspirations) or any intercessions.