Catholic Dad of 1

Ella and James Preece are a Catholic couple living in Kingston Upon Hull in Yorkshire in the UK. This is our blog.

Blogged by James Preece on 21st June 2008

Hey look! A Catholic Dad!

Fun

I began praying very specially to St Joseph, a very simple prayer: "Obtain for me from God, whatever Grace is necessary to be a loving, just and effective father." I certainly knew that St Joseph would know exactly what to pray for! I believe that this intercession has helped me greatly. Perhaps the fact that St Joseph is Patron of the Universal Church is also a great comfort, since I spend much of my time worrying about the state of the Church.

Funny that. I spend much of my time worrying about the state of the Church. Must be a Catholic Dad thing...

I've been reading Matt's blog for a while now. In the entire country, Matt is the only other Catholic Dad I know under the age of fifty and though we've had no contact (though I suspect we have several mutual friends) it's been a great source of comfort. As has the whole Catholic Dads blog.

I'm a "contributor" on there! Maybe someday I'll get around to writing something...

To the Blessed Virgin Prayer for England

O Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God and our most gentle Queen and Mother, look down in mercy upon England thy "Dowry" and upon us all who greatly hope and trust in thee.

By thee it was that Jesus our Saviour and our hope was given unto the world; and He has given thee to us that we might hope still more.

Plead for us thy children, whom thou didst receive and accept at the foot of the cross.

O sorrowful Mother! intercede for our separated brethren, that with us in the one true fold they may be united to the supreme Shepherd, the Vicar of thy Son.

Pray for us all, dear Mother, that by faith fruitful in good works we may all deserve to see and praise God, together with thee, in our heavenly home.

Amen.

Couple's Prayer

O God, our heavenly Father, protect and bless us. Deepen and strengthen our love for each other day by day.

Grant that by thy mercy, neither of us may ever say one unkind word to the other. Forgive and correct our faults, and make us constantly to forgive one another should one of us unconsciously hurt the other.

Make us and keep us sound and well in body, alert in mind, tender in heart, and devout in spirit. O Lord, grant us each to rise to the other's best. Then, we pray thee, add to our common life such virtues as only thou canst give.

And so, O Father, consecrate our life and love completely to thy worship, and to the service of all about us, especially those whom thou hast appointed us to serve, that we may always stand before thee in happiness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.