Monday, December 01, 2008

Ethical Christmas cards and present ideas

Want to make sure the money you spend on cards and presents this year goes to good causes? More and more Catholic charities are selling cards and presents this year. The following charities have a good selection available on-line.

Aid to the Church in Need have a large selection of cards, books, gifts and music. For a catalogue contact: Tel: 0845 241 6068 Email : .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or see their on-line shop at: http://www.acn.org.uk

CAFOD has a superb range of fair-traded gifts, clothing, jewelry and books. You can also give gifts certificates that will provide people in the developing with useful items such as seeds, chickens compost worms and gardening kits. Call 0207 733 7900 for a catalogue or visit the on-line shop at: http://www.cafod.org.uk/worldgifts.

HCPT the charity which takes young people with special needs to Lourdes has presents for children and adults as well as a good selection of cards. Call them on : 01788564646 or visit their on-line shop at: http://www.hcpt.org.uk/

The Pattaya Orphanage, a Redemptorist charity which runs projects in Thailand with street children, the blind, deaf, disabled and Aids orphans has an on-line shop at: http://www.pattayaorphanage.org.uk/

Wine from the Holy Land
For a present with a difference you could buy wine from the Cremisan Monastery in Bethlehem, For more information see: http://www.5thgospelretreats.co.uk or call Della Shenton on 01579 340844 or 07808 957604 email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Finally, Independent Catholic News is opening a shop this week, selling books, CDs, DVDs, Fairtrade toys and religious gifts. Most goods are delivered anywhere in the UK within 48 hours. As a franchise of Amazon, prices are the same but for every purchase you make, a 5% commission is paid to ICN. To visit the shop click on http://www.indcatholicnews.com/shop.html

Posted by Fr Dave on 12/01 at 12:18 PM
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AN ADVENT PRAYER

Lord Jesus,
Master of both the light and the darkness,
send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.
We who have so much to do
seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day.
We who are anxious over many things
look forward to your coming among us.
We who are blessed in so many ways
long for the complete joy of your kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy
seek the joy of your presence.
We are your people, walking in darkness,
yet seeking the light.
To you we say, “Come Lord Jesus!”
Amen.

By Henri J.M. Nouwen

Posted by Fr Dave on 12/01 at 12:30 AM
SpiritualityPermalink

PRAYER FOR WORLD AIDS DAY

God of our silent tears,
Good and gracious God,
you are the God of health and wholeness.

Many of us are now suffering with HIV or AIDS.
We come before you and ask you,
if it is your will,
to take this suffering away from us,
restore us to health and lead us to know you
and your powerful healing love in body and spirit.

We ask you to be with those of us
who nurse your sick ones.
We are the mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers,
children and friends of those who are suffering.
It is so hard for us to see those whom we love suffer.
You know what it is to suffer.
Help us to minister in loving care,
support and patience
for your people who suffer with HIV and AIDS.
Lead us to do whatever we can to eradicate this
illness from the lives of those who are touched by it,
both directly and indirectly.
Trusting in you and in the strength of your Spirit,
we pray these things in the name of your Son,
Jesus Christ, our brother and our Saviour. 
Amen.

(Adapted from the US Conference of Bishops)

Posted by Fr Dave on 12/01 at 12:25 AM
SpiritualityPermalink
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