19/02/2026
✝️Today marks Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the season of Lent - 40 days of prayer, fasting, reflection, and renewal leading up to Easter. At Mass today our Priest spoke of giving, charity and service. He stressed this wasn't about money - but perhaps as simple as finding time for a cup of tea with someone who is lonely. This felt very relevant for us - as a service that see the quiet lives of many people.
🪻It was a special service for me (Anne-Marie) - because there were three generations of us together. Some of you will know that my Dad has dementia. He's spending half-term with us this week and Church today was one of a selection of activites we've planned out.
⛪️In his early years, he actually considered the priesthood, so the actions and repetition of the Catholic Mass are deep engrained. They are familar and comforting, something that is true in so many Irish Catholic families.
🍀Understanding someone's background, where they are come from and the life they have lived is so important to making sure care is kind, responsive and culturally approriate. Dad would never ask to go to Mass now - it doesn't occur to him. But he enjoyed it and so did I.
📷️Just to add - I asked him if it was ok to share our photo and his diagnosis. He replied "Thanks for asking - appreciate it. I won't remember anyway so fill your boots!" 😆
