There is a long and beautiful tradition in the Church of lighting a candle, or asking that a Mass be offered, for someone we love or for an intention close to our heart. A candle keeps burning when we have had to walk away; the Mass carries our prayer further than our own words ever could. Both are gentle, tangible ways of placing a person or a need into the hands of God.

7-Day Votive Lights

In both of our churches there are 7-day votive lights at the statues of Our Lady and St Joseph. In St Joseph’s, Oakham, these are the new wall-mounted lights on the Sanctuary; in St Mary & St Augustine’s, Stamford, they stand at the two statues.

If you would like one of these lights to burn for a week — in memory of a loved one, in thanksgiving, or for a special intention — you are warmly welcome to ask.

How to request a votive light:

• Oakham (St Joseph’s): contact Maria at the Oakham Office with your proposed dates and your intention.
• Stamford (St Mary & St Augustine’s): let the Stamford Office know your dates and intention.

A donation of £10 is suggested as an offering for each 7-day light.

Offering a Holy Mass for an Intention

To have a Mass offered for a particular intention is one of the most precious gifts in the Catholic tradition. A Mass may be offered in thanksgiving, for healing, for a special intention, for someone who is unwell, or for the repose of the soul of someone who has died.

How to offer a Mass:

• Use the Mass intention envelopes provided in each church. In St Mary & St Augustine’s they are at the back of the church; in St Joseph’s they are in the porch.
• Complete the envelope with your intention and offering, and hand it to Carrie Ann in Stamford or Maria in Oakham.

We will do our best to honour your requested date, though Masses are sometimes offered on the nearest available day.