ST CATHERINE'S HOSPICE in Crawley is a Palliative Care Centre offering people with progressive life-threatening illness the opportunity to live life as fully as possible, to die with dignity, and to provide support for those close to them. The staff are specialists, trained to care for the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of each patient, their family and friends. Hospices are not funded by the NHS, so our support is vital. Talk to Jenny Young for more information.
Caring in the community
Four words which summarize the whole aim and driving force that makes St. Catherine's unique in our community. Specialist professional care, but very special care, for patients with cancer, MND and AIDS, when curative treatment has failed to stem the onset. Care for those patients who prefer to stay at home. Care also for those for whom treatment can still provide control and comfort.
There is much, much more to our hospice, not least of which is the caring support for bereaved families and friends. As all this work continues to expand, costs escalate. Support is largely by voluntary donations. St. Catherine's needs our help now.
Tree of Light Service
We have agreed to hold a Tree of Light Service for St. Catherine’s Hospice again this year. It will be on Sunday 14th December at 6.30pm.
It is most encouraging to hear that there are many churches in the area who are also holding services this year. Crawley Down, Horley, Horsham and St Swithun’s in East Grinstead are all holding services on 7th December. For this reason we thought it would be a good idea to hold our service on an alternative date.
The service was a new experience for us last year and although it was successful and very meaningful, there were a few things that left room for improvement.
One of the things I soon realised, was exactly how much effort goes into arranging something of this nature. I was so grateful for all the offers of help I received and the hard work and generosity shown by the Mission Team and friends at St John’s. Once again I would be so grateful to hear from anyone who would like to assist in the organisation or take part in the service.
We will need Readers, Sidesmen, and four prayer readers and probably lots of things I haven’t remembered! It would be good to involve anyone who has any connection with St. Catherine’s and who would like to play a part.
Lyn Skinner and helpers from the St. Catherine’s supporters group have kindly offered to do teas and coffees for us after the service. – well to be more accurate, I asked and they said ‘yes’
As you may have heard, we had a problem with the tree and the lights last year – the lights were sabotaged by squirrels or mice. They did wait until after the service though! The lights have been repaired but we do need to think of a better way this year. We won’t be using the large yew tree again and I am enquiring about having a large tree to stand in the churchyard behind the wall and the display banner for the Hospice. No success so far - again if you have any suggestions please let me know.
Jenny Young
Let us pray and thank God for the vision and drive of those who built the hospice, and the dedication, service and care of the staff totally committed to their patients. Visit their website here. Representative: Jenny Young 01342 324849 |
St Cathrine's Hospice
