Every November, St Benet’s makes a special effort to remember recently deceased parishioners, and to give support to the bereaved. Our parish priest celebrates a special Requiem Mass in the middle of the month.
Obviously, this has not been possible this year. However, Linda Last, Chair of our Parish Pastoral Council, came up with a suitable focus for private prayers during this month of remembrance during lockdown 2.
Linda set up two displays in niches behind the tabernacle. She describes them like this:
The Memory Tree is for those we remember as having died peacefully, being now at rest. People are invited to write the names of loved ones on the leaves – or on papers affixed to them. They are welcome to pin a picture, too.
The Poppy Field display is in remembrance of the fallen in all conflicts from 1914 to the present. Here people can inscribe the names of those they want to remember for the sacrifice they made.
Both displays have proved popular with parishioners, and we are delighted that the children from St Benet’s Primary will be visiting them in the coming weeks and adding their own contributions.
Pictured above is the Memory Tree