Prayers for Mothers' Day

Mothering Sunday is a day when traditionally all went back to their mother church, to the place where they were nurtured, loved and formed into the ways of God. Today, we often also celebrate Mothers’ Day, a day to thank those who have mothered us and cared for us. For many, it is a day of celebration, when we come together with family and loved ones to express our gratitude. It can also be a day for reflection, sadness and a sense of loss for those who have mothered us and are no longer with us.

For some of us, Mothers' Day will bring up painful memories and feelings of grief. Our Chaplain, David, is running a bereavement drop-in throughout March (every Tuesday 12-1). All are welcome and there is no need to book. Click here to learn more about bereavement support and chaplaincy at St Katharine Cree. David offers the following prayers to mark this special day.

A prayer by St Anselm (1109)

Thank you God for the love of our mothers:

thank you God for their care and concern;

thank you God for the joys they have shared with us;

thank you God for the pains they have borne for us;

thank you God for all that they have given us;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Jesus, like a mother you gather your people to you;

you are gentle with us as a mother with her children.

Despair turns to hope through your sweet goodness;

through your gentleness we find comfort in fear.

Your warmth gives life to the dead,

your touch makes sinners righteous.

Lord Jesus, in your mercy heal us;

in your love and tenderness remake us.

In your compassion bring grace and forgiveness,

for the beauty of heaven may your love prepare us.

Candle prayers

We pray and place before God the life of our world and we light a candle to remind us that the love of God is like a light in our darkness. Blessed be God for ever.

When many are far from family, friends or loved ones, we light a candle for all those we cannot be physically present with. Blessed be God for ever.

We light a candle for all who are sick, all who are in hospital, all who struggle with pain, fear and sadness, and all who are grieving this day. Blessed be God for ever.

We light a candle for all who are isolated, lonely and worried at this time. Blessed be God for ever.

We light a candle for all those who care for others, whether as family or friends, or as doctors, nurses, carers and all the health professionals we are so deeply thankful for. Blessed be God for ever.

We light a candle for all mothers who have loved and laughed and laboured as they cared for their children. Blessed be God for ever.

We light a candle for all mothers who have wept in sorrow and joy for their children. Blessed be God for ever.

We light this candle for Jesus, born of a woman and nurtured in her love, and for Mary, a reminder of your patient, waiting love. Blessed be God for ever.

A Journey Through Creation: Our Lent Devotional

As we enter the season of Lent, we're delighted to share a special devotional booklet that has been written from the heart of our community at St Katharine Cree. This six-week journey through creation reflects the vibrant spirit of our Spanish and Portuguese-speaking congregation, whose members have brought such richness to our historic Guild Church for Workers in the City of London. It has been produced by Kitty Montero Junca who coordinates our English classes and community outreach.

Inspired by Community, Rooted in Creation

This devotional takes us on a remarkable journey across six stunning natural locations in Latin America and Africa: from the biodiverse Madidi National Park in Bolivia to the towering palms of Colombia's Cocora Valley, from the unique wildlife of Ecuador's Galápagos Islands to the hidden beauty of Peru's Gocta Waterfall. Each week explores a different aspect of God's creation, inviting us to see His presence reflected in the natural world while drawing profound spiritual lessons for our Lenten journey.

A Celebration and a Challenge

The devotional is both a celebration of what God has already done in our midst and a challenge to see His presence more clearly in creation around us. It reminds us that we are called not just to admire God's handiwork, but to be caretakers of it. This ensures that future generations may also witness God's glory in the world He has made.

Grounded in St Francis of Assisi's beautiful Canticle of Creation, each week offers a reflection on themes like stewardship, rootedness in faith, unity in diversity, protecting the vulnerable, seeking truth, and embracing our unique roles in God's kingdom no matter how small they may seem.

For the Whole Journey

Whether you're part of our community at St Katharine Cree or joining us from afar, this devotional invites you to slow down during Lent and notice God's presence in the wonder of creation. Each week includes a reflection, a Bible verse, and a question to carry with you through the days ahead.

As we journey together from Ash Wednesday through Holy Week, may we see ourselves more clearly in the truth of God's light and the hope of His victory.

Lent Devotional (English).pdf

Download PDF • 30.11MB

alasitas festival

On 24 January, many of our congregation at St Katharine Cree came together with the Confobol Bolivian community to celebrate the Alasitas Festival, sharing traditions, faith and community through music, dance and a lively marketplace.

Alasitas has deep roots in indigenous Andean and Catholic traditions. Originally it celebrated Ekeko, the god of abundance, who many believe can make thoughtful, hand-crafted offerings come to life. Market consumers in Bolivia would traditionally buy miniature versions of what they hope for and offer them to Ekeko, often with a lit cigarette, a prayer, or a sprinkle of alcohol in acknowledgement of Pachamama (Mother Earth). Many would also bring these miniatures into Catholic churches, where priests bless them with holy water, bringing Andean customs to Catholic faith. Speaking in Peru in 1985, then Pope John Paul II said of the indigenous veneration of both Pachamama and Mary that:

"Your ancestors, by paying tribute to the earth, were doing nothing other than recognizing the goodness of God and his beneficent presence, which provided them food by means of the land they cultivated."

At St Katharine Cree, we were delighted to use our space to honour the Bolivian community while sharing our faith by gifting Epiphany home blessing kits, inviting prayers for peace, welcome, and blessing in people’s homes. Members of both communities, including Bolivians, Peruvians, Ecuadorians, and Colombians, showed their shared hospitality and respect for one another by selling and buying handmade goods, second-hand clothing, books, food, and drink.