Today let us pray for our grandparents and the elderly members of our families and communities for the love, wisdom and example they give us.

In his message for this day of prayer, Pope Francis reflects upon the contribution young people can make to the lives of those who are grandparents and those who are elderly and the contribution they make in return to young people.

The Holy Father writes: "Friendship with an older person can help the young to see life not only in terms of the present and realise that not everything depends on them and their abilities. For the elderly, the presence of a young person in their lives can give them hope that their experience will not be lost and that their dreams can find fulfilment."

Dear Lord,
We thank you for grandparents and elderly relatives
throughout the world, their lives and their vocation.
We are grateful for their love, care and the advice
that they give to each of us.
Protect them dear Lord, in all that they do,
as we continue to be blessed
by their wisdom in our communities.
Guide them in their earthly pilgrimage and
always keep them close to your heart,
so that they continue to generously respond to your call.
We make this prayer through Jesus Christ, Our Lord.
Amen.

UPDATED: It has now been confirmed that the Archbishop has appointed Fr Alex to be the assistant priest in the Parish of Blessed Carlo Acuttis, Wolverhampton. This is a parish with 3 churches and Fr Alex will be resident with his new Parish Priest, Mgr. Mark Crisp at Ss Peter and Paul Church in Wolverhampton. Whilst we are going to miss him very much, there are many new adventures ahead of Fr Alex in his new appointment. He will be moving probably later in August. We will have our opportunity to show our thanks and appreciation for all he has done as an important part of our parish later in the summer. Please keep Fr Alex in your prayers at this time.

I am pleased to inform you that Archbishop Bernard has appointed a new priest to assist me and share in the life of our parish. His name is Fr Marco Egawhary. Fr Marco was ordained four years ago and is currently the assistant priest at Holy Trinity Parish in Newcastle under Lyme in Staffordshire. Fr Marco came to visit our parish on Wednesday and is now looking forward to joining us later in August. I know that you will make him very welcome when he arrives and help him to settle into our community. Please pray for Fr Marco as he prepares to move here.