July 26 is the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, patrons of grandparents and the elderly. Since 2021, there has been a celebration of World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly on the fourth Sunday of July.
Here at the parish, we will celebrate with a special Mass on Friday, July 26 at 8:30am.
As we prepare for the day, here are some helpful resources:
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: https://www.usccb.org/topics/marriage-and-family-life-ministries/grandparents-elderly
Catholic Grandparents Association: https://www.catholicgrandparentsassociation.org/
Prayer for the Fourth World Day
for Grandparents and the Elderly
28 July 2024:
Lord, faithful God,
You who created us in Your image,
You who never leaves us alone
and who accompanies us through every season of life,
Do not abandon us, take care of us,
And grant us, once again,
The ability to discover ourselves
and recognize that we are Your children.
Renew our hearts with your Word
And do not allow anyone to be cast aside.
May your Spirit of love fill us with Your tenderness
And teach us to say:
“I will not abandon you!”
To those we meet on our journey.
With the help of your beloved Son,
may we not lose the taste for fraternity
And may we not conform to the sadness of loneliness.
Help us to look to the future with renewed hope,
And make the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
A day without loneliness, and a day abundant
with the first-fruits of Your Peace.