Prayer Chapel for Those Born from IVF who Mourn Sibling Embryos who Died

My Prayer;
"I am so lost.
To whom do I turn?
I was conceived through in vitro fertilisation, and feel so haunted.
My brothers? Sisters? who died at the time of my conception are so real to me.
I grieve for them; there is a part of my heart that is lost.
Who can understand what I am going through?
I am lost in a dark, deep wilderness, and feel as if I am struggling with absolutely no end in sight.
And the worst is, I am alone.
There is no one to whom I can really turn.
O God, please help me."

God's Answer;
"My dear child -
for that is what you are; a member of my dearly loved human family -
your brothers and sisters are safe with me.
I created a conception and birth process as my Master Plan for humanity,
and humanity has been somewhat creative with my initial intention.
Yet I, I alone, the God of All
Have the power to untie knots which others have tied and are impossible for humanity to unravel.
However it happens - whenever it happens - when a new life is created I have committed myself to creating a soul for that life.
So your brothers and sisters have souls, personalities.
They each have their own unique set of fingerprints, individual eye colour, individual path of life.
They came before their allotted time into My Kingdom.

You have survived on earth, and they have survived in Heaven.
For the joyous news is that every soul which does not grow to maturation on earth is taken unto Me, and cherished.
Mary, the Mother of My Son, helps me with this work.
So do my Angels, and others from my human family who are already with Me.

Why not have a naming ceremony for your siblings?
If three siblings went prematurely to Heaven during your conception process, name three siblings.
The naming of a child is a most profound spiritual moment.

So pray like this;
'Dear Heavenly Father,
I come before you today,
to claim and name my brothers and sisters whom I lost during our in vitro conception.
I name my first sibling Hannah, if she was a girl, and Thomas, if he was a boy.
I name my second sibling Sarah, if she was a girl, and Peter, if he was a boy.
I name my third sibling Anne, if she was a girl, and Paul, if he was a boy.
(Dear child, these are of course examples. 
Use the names you wish to honour your siblings who are with Me).
I offer for them the Baptism of Desire.
Please care for them, and may Mary, the Queen of Unborn cherish my siblings and keep them safe with her until I am re-united with them one day again in Heaven.
Amen.'

I know of my human sons and daughters who have lost siblings in miscarriage, and who, when asked how many are in their family, state for example seven - six on earth, one in heaven.
So you, too, have the joy of knowing you will one day be reunited with your siblings in Heaven.
This I promise you.
Light candles in remembrance of your siblings.
Remember your siblings when you are at Mass and at prayer.
And pray to them for assistance - they are deeply aware of your distress that they cannot be with you in the earthly realm, but be assured of this - they watch over you from the heavenly realm.
And, as much as you love them, they dearly love you.

And so, dear child - be at peace.
My Son clearly foresaw this burden you carry when He spoke, saying;
'Come unto me, all you who are weary, and are heavy burdened;
And I will give you rest.'
Give unto my Son and Myself this burden, this worry you are carrying.
And be at rest, be at peace that all will be well.

I love you, dear child.
And your siblings.
Have courage, and believe in Me.
I will always be with you."

Good Shepherd Church Prays for Men in San Juan

Good Shepherd Church has held an All-Night Prayer Vigil 

for the intentions of the group of Rosary-praying Catholic men who courageously protected the Cathedral - the House of God - in the City of San Juan from threats of vandalism.

Prayer has also been offered for the intentions of 

Rt Rev Bishop Mos. Alfonso Delgardo, 

Fr Ròmulo Campora and the 

Cathedral Congregation.

May strength and courage be theirs.

Breaking of Bread Worship Service for Intentions of All - Strength and Blessings on Your Path

Breaking of Bread Worship Service;

Introduction Hymn;
Sing we the King Who is Coming to Reign 
by Charles Silvester Horne
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7MhlxwUiKE
Lyrics to Hymn
http://hollowayrev.wordpress.com/2011/11/18/hymn-of-the-week-sing-we-the-king-who-is-coming-to-reign/

Bible Reading;
Book of Matthew, Chapter 6, verses 6 to 15
"But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, Who is Unseen.
Then your Father, Who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, 
For they think they will be heard because of their many words.
Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.
This, then, is how you should pray;
"Our Father, Who art in Heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name;
Thy Kingdom come,
Thy Will be done,
On earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day
Our daily bread,
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil."

For if you forgive people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

Collect
Almighty God, unto Whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from Whom no secrets are hid, 
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of Your Holy Spirit, 
that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify Your Holy Name, through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Confession
Minister; 'Let us humbly confess our sins'
A period of silence, during which we pray together, kneeling before God as we think of where we can improve our lives.

Minister;
'May God Almighty have mercy on us, forgive us our sins and bring us to everlasting life, Amen.'

Hymn
Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tz-iqQrmV1s
Lyrics at 
http://www.oremus.org/hymnal/g/g051.html

Affirmation of Faith
Minister; 'We are not alone. We live in God's world.'

People; 'We believe in God, Who has created and is creating, 
Who has come in the truly human Jesus, to reconcile and make new, 
Who works in us and others through the Spirit.
We trust God, Who calls us to the Church, to celebrate life and its fullness, 
To love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil,
To proclaim Jesus, Crucified and Risen, our Judge and our Hope.'

Minister; 'In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us.'

People; 'We are not alone. Thanks be to God!'

Sermon
We have heard Jesus' teaching on how to pray.
The hallmarks of Jesus' teaching are simplicity and brevity.
Keep it short. Keep it simple. Keep it honest.
Tell God how you really feel.
Throw yourself into the arms of God with all your problems;
the relationship problems. The family fights. The nasty comments you have had said about you.
The injustice you have suffered. The rent you can't afford to pay. The illness you are suffering.
The child you are worried about. The friend who is on drugs and drink, and whose life is spiralling downward.
The decision you have to make.
The spouse who is unfaithful. The partner who has broken your heart. 
The difficult conversation you have to have. The lack of understanding and support you receive.
The prejudice you encounter.
The illness you are facing.
The physical pain you are feeling.
The baby you are scared you can't afford.
He knows all these things. He understands all these things.
As human, He suffered many things.
Now, let us ask God to
- please help us
- please guide us
- help us to honour Him here on earth as deeply and sincerely as the angels do in Heaven
- give us the grace to help us to forgive others the wrong they have done us
- throw ourselves on God's mercy for the wrong we have done to others 
- ask God to help protect us from evil, both within and without.

Let us pray, sincerely and in private, to God.
It is good to worship together. Here Jesus teaches us that it is essential - in order to grow as a Christian - 
to pray alone to the Father.
Jesus encourages us to build a relationship with God our Father.
His Father and our Father.
How wonderful is that?
Prayer to God is the water to our spiritual life's plant. 
Without it, our inner spiritual life will wither and die.

Offertory
In our Offertory, let us decide to do one good work today.
There are so many to choose from.
We can forgive someone something they did to us years ago, and let the grudge go.
Or we can repair a broken relationship, by talking to someone whom we have refused to speak to for many years.
Or we can lovingly accept a family member, colleague or friend who has a different orientation to us, knowing that he or she is a loved son or daughter of God.
Or we can lovingly accept a child who was born outside the bonds of marriage into our midst as a treasured member of our family.
Or we can financially assist someone in need.
Or we can sponsor a child who has no possibility of education or a better future otherwise.
Or we can cook a meal for our spouse/partner, who always does the cooking and gets tired.
You can think of a way in which to do a good work.
Let a rainbow of blessings light our world today!

Offertory Hymn
Living Waters
http://africangospellyrics.wordpress.com/2013/05/12/living-waters-lyrics-by-hlengiwe-mhlaba/

Comfortable Words
Hear what comfortable words Jesus said; Come unto me all you who labour and are heavy burdened, 
And I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly of heart 
And you shall find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden light.
Ask, and it will be given to you.
Seek, and you shall find.
Knock, and the door will be opened unto you.
For everyone who asks, receives, and they who seek, find; and to them who knock, it will be opened.

A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you,
That you love one another.
I am the bread of life, whoever comes to me shall not hunger and whoever believes in me shall not thirst.

COMMUNION
Take a moment to have spiritual communion with Jesus.
Invite him into your soul.
Perhaps you have been away from the Sacrament of Communion for many years?
Your personal circumstances have distanced you from this most necessary Sacrament?
Than perhaps Divine Providence is leading you to these words now to lead you back to His Table.
The Communion Table is the Table of the Lord, and belongs to Him. 
Thus, all are welcome at His Table.
As sons and daughters of God, we have great need of our heavenly Father to assist us along our life's path.
Communion is Jesus' invitation to us to commune with Him and receive Heavenly strength and grace to face our life's tasks and challenges.

Sometimes we cannot receive Jesus in the Form of Bread and Wine because we are unable through geographical circumstance.
At times like these, a spiritual communion is helpful.
As we bless the wine and bread, and partake of them remembering Jesus' Life, Death and Resurrection, why not join with us by 
- giving your life to Jesus Christ 
- asking Him to enter your soul and help you with your life's needs
- rejoice in Jesus within your heart.
Blessings be with you, brothers and sisters.

The Lord's Prayer
"Our Father, Who art in Heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name;
Thy Kingdom come,
Thy Will be done,
On Earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day
Our daily bread
And forgive us our trespasses
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not
Into temptation,
But deliver us
From evil.
For Thine, is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory,
Forever, Amen."

Communion Hymn
As the deer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=no9StppmvGA

Prayers for Those Communing and Their Particular Concerns
Minister;  'Heavenly Father, I pray for all those communing and for all those reading these words.
I pray that you grant ease to those in distress, comfort for those who mourn.
I pray that you give guidance to the bereaved.
I pray for those who seek guidance as they realise their orientation.
I pray for the lonely, those seeking for love, sometimes in the wrong places.
I pray for those who feel they are living a lie in some area of their lives.
I pray for those who have lost children, those who have suffered miscarriage, and for those who grieve for their stillborn.
I pray for all those who have suffering of heart, and need easing of their inner pain.
I pray for those who struggle with ongoing health problems. 
I pray for those who have regret for a deed committed in the past, and who wish to quietly confess it to you together with their repentance.

I also pray for those who are joyous today.
Those who have a new life in their families today.
Those who have received a graduation, or promotion, or job.
I pray for those who have received joyous news today at the end of health concerns.
I pray for all who have birthdays today.

I pray for all who suffer in the Philippines, and in areas of our world where there is earthly disaster.
Please be with them, dear Lord, and give them strength in this difficult time.
I pray, too, for all who seek to help people in distress, for their strength and safety.

Dear God, You Who are Lord over all,
I pray too that you bless the ministry to which You have called me.
Please let this Worship Service assist those You wish to strengthen.
Amen.

Benediction;
Minister; 'May God grant you to be strengthened with might through the Spirit,
That Christ may dwell in your heart with faith;
That you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have power to comprehend with all the saints 
What is the breadth and length and height and depth, 
And to know the love of Christ Which surpasses all knowledge; 
That you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives give I to you.
Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

The Service is over; go in peace to serve God and to bring His Love to the world.
Amen.'

Final Hymn;
Ave Maris Stella
http://kpshaw.blogspot.ca/search/label/Common%20of%20the%20Blessed%20Virgin%20Mary


Worship Service with kind permission of Unitarian Universalist Fellowship http://uuchristian.org/
Links with thanks to Youtube, hollowayrev.wordpress.com, oremus.org, pshaw.blogspot.ca

Artwork by Rev Catherine Nicolette. Please feel free to use copyright free for any worthy purpose

Jesus Christ Tells Us How to Behave. . . The Good Samaritan

Jesus inspires us to be kind, considerate and caring of others in this amazing story.
A man is mugged and seriously hurt while travelling.
Jesus' Way - the Christian Way - is to stop and help someone in need.

This sounds easy.
Until it's at night, and you're scared for your own safety yourself.
Or the person who needs help is covered in blood, and may have an infectious illness.
Or the person in need is, to your eyes, neither attractive nor clean.
Or the person needing your help is someone who has harmed you in some way, perhaps in a previous business dealing or sharp words at your expense.

Whatever the challenge, to stop and go out of your way carries its own risk.
Your good intentions may be misunderstood.
Stopping to help save a life at an accident may lead to being involved in enquiries thereafter.
You may lose out financially in helping someone in a difficult time of their life.

So: when faced with someone needing a Good Samaritan in their lives, we need to stop and ask:
WHAT WOULD JESUS DO.
That always seems to be the easy bit.
Now; to do what Jesus would do, within the gifts of our personal culture, gender, abilities, financial status, is the challenge.

Jesus does not expect us to always get it right.
He does not set the highest blueprint and demand that we always be perfect.
So, if you mess up and don't help to the fullest of your ability at any given time of your life due to fear; lack of strength or authority; coercion from others; there is only one thing to do.
Forgive yourself.
And try better next time.

Sometimes we are the Good Samaritan to another.
And sometimes someone else is the Good Samaritan to us.
The point Jesus was trying to make to us is that;
It is the godly Way to assist each other.
It is the godly Way to treat each other as fellow sons and daughters of the Great God.
It is the godly Way not to be selfish, but to treat others with respect, dignity and humanity.

Let's go out there and just do the best we can.
LET US ALL LIGHT THE WORLD WITH THE LOVE OF JESUS.
Strength and blessings to you all!
Rev Catherine Nicolette 

The Holy Bible, The Gospel Writer St Luke, Chapter 10 (Ten), Verses 25 to 37

The Parable of the Good Samaritan

25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus.
"Teacher", he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
26 "What is written in the Law?" he replied.
"How do you read it?"
27 He answered; " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind' a; and , 'Love your neighbour as yourself.' b "
28 "You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live."
29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbour?"
30 In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. 
They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.
31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.
32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.
33 But a Samaritan, as he travelled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.
34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine.
Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him.
35 The next day he took out two silver coins c and gave them to the innkeeper.
'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'
36 "Which of these three do you think was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"
37 The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him."
Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."

a Reference to The Old Testament (the Torah), the Book of Deuteronomy Chapter 6 verse 5
b Reference to The Old Testament , the Book of Leviticus, Chapter 19 verse 18
c Greek two denarii

IN SHORT, THE LAWYER ASKED JESUS; "WHO IS MY NEIGHBOUR, THE ONE I SHOULD HELP?"

JESUS THUS, THROUGH THE PARABLE, REPLIED, "EVERYONE."

See link for The Holy Bible Luke 10;25-37, for the sight impaired there is an audio link
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+10%3A25-37&version=NIV

See link for Parable of the Good Samaritan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53Pqw20xK10

With thanks to Biblegateway and Youtube

The Miracle of the Holy Bible

Within the Holy Bible is found the blueprint of being an heir to the Kingdom of God.

Jesus shows the way to holiness, and the way to Heaven.

Why not read the Bible?

See the inspiring

The Miracle of the Holy Bible

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XN0cit0XFDs

Wonderful Bible Resource;

http://www.biblegateway.com/

With thanks to Youtube and Biblegateway

Musical Breviary - Great Worship Resource (Daily Office)

Chanted Liturgy of the Hours

See the Beautiful 'Musical Breviary'

Musical Breviary incorporates into the Text and Prayers of the Daily Office 

MP3 recordings of selected Chants.

Choose from the following Worship Resources;

Lauds 

Vespers

Chanted Psalms

Chanted Canticles

See link for this fabulous website

http://musicalbreviary.com/

Photograph taken by Rev Catherine Nicolette. With thanks to the stained glass artist

Living with HIV/Aids - God, can you help?

Dear God,
I have HIV/Aids. Or I have someone in my family who has HIV/Aids.
We are suffering, and need your help.
I feel so alone.
Are you there?

God's answer is 
Of course I am here!
I am here to help you through your darkest hours, and deepest difficulties.
Reach out to me, and let's look at what we can do.

Read my words of comfort which I ensured would be there for you at this time of your need.
"Come to me, all you who are heavy burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
This means that I would love for you to come to me, and let me share this burden with you.

You are sick. 
Well, I healed many who were sick, but better than that, I was their friend and comforter in their time of trouble. 
So come to me, sit with me, and let's look at this. 
The very fact that you are sick and suffering means that you, my dearest child, have special attention and love from me.
I always made it clear in the words I inspired in the Scriptures that my children who are suffering, in difficulties and in danger are very close to my heart and only have to call for me to hear them.

So you have received HIV/Aids diagnosis.
There are a number of things you can do. 
Get good medical help, and be sure to take your medicines and treatment. 
There are great medications called Antiretroviral Medications, which are most helpful. 
If you have HIV/Aids, you will need to speak to your partner about your diagnosis, and get good medical advice on how to cope with the situation. 
Illness means that you have to be practical, and thoughtful of others' health.
If you are a pregnant mother, get good guidance from your doctor to lower your risk of infecting your baby.

Now, as to how to cope. 
Is there someone you love, someone who cares for you who will listen to you, and be there for you during this time?
Be aware that I will be there for you anytime at all that you turn to me in prayer.
You can do this. And I will be with you.

Whenever you are feeling lonely or a little scared as you courageously walk your path of illness, there are prayers which may help you feel better.
Psalm 23 tells of the special love I have for you;
"The Lord is my shepherd,
I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters,
He restores my soul.
He guides me in the paths of righteousness, 
for His Name's sake.
Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil.
For you are with me:
Your rod and Your Staff,
they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me,
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me,
all the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."

Remember my child, you will get through this.
A diagnosis is just that; a diagnosis.
Illness happens to all at some time or another.
What is important is that you have the right help to get you through this difficult time.
And my promise is that I will always - always - be there for you.

Rest in my love.
You can deal with this.
You are my child, are you not? Made in my Image and Likeness.
Your are infinitely precious, my heart's treasure.
Every step you walk in your illness, I will be there with you, watching you.
How could I not?
My Son Jesus also walked the path of pain and difficulty in earthly life, He knows just exactly what it's like.
So be very sure you will never ever be left alone.

Rest in my love, and don't be shy to call to me - anytime - when you're feeling lonely or a little unsure.
I'll be thrilled to be there for you. . .

HIV: The Basics
http://www.thewellproject.org/en_US/HIV_The_Basics/

Mother to Baby Transmission
http://www.aidsmap.com/Mother-to-baby-transmission/page/1044918/