Diocesan News
Bishop launches new diocesan prayer booklet for the Covid era
The Diocese of Derry and Raphoe has produced a new prayer booklet, ‘Hope in the Pandemic’, to encourage parishioners during the Covid–19 crisis. The pocket–sized resource is printed on recycled paper and is meant to comfort people and help them pray through what the booklet’s foreword describes as “one of the most challenging times of the modern era”.
“The darker nights are in some way a metaphor for the added anxiety and fear that many are experiencing,” Bishop Andrew Forster writes. “As people of faith we believe that ‘the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it’ (John1:5). I hope that you find these prayers and scripture readings helpful. Let us show our people at this time of great trial that we are people of faith, not fear.”
The new booklet includes prayers for those bereaved by the virus and those who are ill or suffering because of it; there are prayers for those in hospitals and nursing homes, for doctors and nurses, for family and friends, and prayers for peace of mind.
“I hope that this little booklet will become something that you can keep – either in your handbag or in your pocket or at home – and turn to and use,” Bishop Andrew said, “knowing that God has a role for you within this pandemic, to make things better because of your prayers.”
For further information please contact:
Diocesan Communications Officer, Derry & Raphoe
Mr Paul McFadden
028 7126 2440
07525 826290
press@derryandraphoe.org