17 November 2021

Friends and family who have lost loved ones during the pandemic are being invited to attend special Katharine House Lights of Love remembrance services taking place in venues across Banbury this December.

Mindful that many people have been unable to comfort or say goodbye to their loved ones due to restrictions at hospitals, hospices, care homes and even their own homes, Katharine House is leading an initiative to give them the chance to come together and celebrate the lives of those they have lost.

On Thursday 2 December at 7.30pm, five places of worship will be holding a special Lights of Love service written by the hospice, which is inviting everyone, regardless of their beliefs or faith, to visit one of the participating venues.

Katharine House Hospice Chaplain, James Grote, said: “Throughout the pandemic, we have been unable to say goodbye to the ones we love in the way we would want to do. There has been an awful lot of loss and bereavement that lots of us haven’t been able to address.

“We haven’t been able to spend time together or feel the support of people when we need it most. Lights of Love is a chance to get together, remember and celebrate the lives of the loved ones we have lost. Whatever your beliefs, please join us for an evening of reflection.”

This year five places of workshop will be holding the Lights of Love service. Each place will share in the same service, which has been prepared by Katharine House and lasts around 20 minutes. The services are open to everyone. Participating venues include:

• St Mary’s Church, Horse Fair
• St John’s Roman Catholic Church, 25 South Bar Street
• Marlborough Road Methodist Church, 7 Marlborough Road
• Sheikh Abdul Aziz ibn Baaz Mosque, 55 Park Road
• The People’s Church, The Church Centre Horse Fair

Dedication cards, stars and candles will be given to all visitors to take home or display at their chosen place of worship.

James continued: “For those who can’t make Lights of Love, there are other ways you can remember a loved one that could also raise money for Katharine House, such as setting up a tribute page or making a donation in memory of a loved one. Not only would you be paying tribute to someone special, you would also be helping to secure our services and make a real difference to local families.”

Katharine House Hospice

• For more information about Lights of Love and in-memory giving, visit Remember someone special.
• To find out more about the work we do, read What we do or explore our For Patients and Families pages.
• To explore our fundraising events, visit Fundraising events, Challenge events and Supporter events.
• To receive regular news about development at the hospice and fundraising events, please sign up to our digital newsletter.