12th Sunday of the Year

12th Sunday of the Year (A)
also Father's Day 21st June 2020


Priest:   
My brothers and sisters,
Jesus Christ came among us to forgive our sins
and to reconcile us to God the Father.
Let us ask the lord to open his grace of forgiveness
to the whole world.

Reader:   
1. Let us pray for the Church, that through her ministry of reconciliation, she may bring all people to recognise their sins, repent and find forgiveness in the Lord.
Lord hear us

2. Let us pray for all those who are victims of violence and greed,
that they may find justice and peace.
May the Lord bless all those who work to help them.
Lord hear us

3. Let us pray for those who live in very large cities,
that they may be able to work for the kingdom of God
in the midst of all the pressures and demands of urban life.
Lord hear us

4. May the Lord bless all fathers in our parish community
that they may be strengthened by the Holy Spirit
in the guidance and care they give their children.
Lord hear us

Let us ask the prayers of Mary, our Mother of mercy.
Hail Mary….

We pray in silence for all our needs,

Priest:    Father, your word teaches us that our repentance
is more than matched by your forgiveness.
Give us the true spirit of repentance.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Friday of the 6th Week of Eastertide: Homily / Sermon

“You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn to joy.”

Today, Jesus uses the parable of the woman in labour to explain how pain will be transformed into joy. He is speaking, it seems, of the suffering which he and his followers will face, and the joy they will be rewarded with at the end of time. 

It is also something we know only too well from our daily lives, from small struggles and pains of most of the tasks we have undertake in learning and growing (no gain without pain, they say), to the hard pains of sorrow and anxiety which we bear in the major trials of life. 

Yet even if we know that pain must be endured if we are to enter into joy, we are still puzzled and wounded by it. We still have our questions, just as the disciples did. 
And Jesus tells us, that though it may be beyond this life, there will be a day when all will become clear: 

”When that day comes, you will not ask me any questions.”

Ascension Day : The Universal Prayer / Bidding Prayers / Intercessions / Prayer of the Faithful

Priest:

On this day when Christ our Lord ascended into heaven, we make our prayers for the Church and the world, trusting that the Father will answer them out of love for his Son.


Reader:

We pray for the catholic Church,

may Christians use the media wisely and creatively to spread the Gospel and to build God’s Kingdom of justice and truth. 

Lord, hear us. 


We pray for peace, and an end to hatred, 

may God rid the world of violence and terrorism 

So all people may serve him in freedom.

Lord, hear us. 


We pray for the sick and those who care for them,

may they always feel Christ's presence with them 

in the midst of their suffering.

Lord, hear us. 


We pray for the dead,

may Christ, who has gone before us into heaven, 

prepare a place for us all in his eternal kingdom. 

Lord, hear us.  


With the Mother of Jesus, we pray. Hail Mary … .


Let us pray in silence to our Father in heaven.


Priest:

Father, just as your Son ascended to you, 

may our prayers rise up before your throne, 

and may our requests be granted. 

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Palm (Passion) Sunday (A) : The Universal Prayer / Bidding Prayers / Intercessions / Prayer of the Faithful

Palm (Passion) Sunday
‘My God, my God, why have you deserted me?’ (Mt 27:56)
Priest:
In these days of Holy Week, when Christ prayed and entreated his Father in the anguish of his Passion with humility and sorrow for our sins. May our Father hear and answer our prayers out of love for his Son, Jesus Christ.

Reader:
We pray for Christian people, that through the suffering of disunity there may grow a rich union in Christ. 
Lord, hear us. 

We pray for those who make laws, interpret them, and administer them, that our common life may be ordered in justice and mercy. 
Lord, hear us. 

We pray for the sick, 
that they may be given the blessings of peace and security, 
Lord, hear us. 

We pray for the departed in Christ, 
that they may find mercy on the day of Christ. 
Lord, hear us.  

We pray with Mary, who shared the agony of her son. Hail Mary … .

Let us pray for a moment in silence.

Priest:

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing that you have made and forgive the sins of all those who are penitent. Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that, lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, we may receive from you, the God of all mercy, perfect forgiveness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

5th Sunday of Lent (A) : The Universal Prayer / Bidding Prayers / Intercessions / Prayer of the Faithful

Fifth Sunday of Lent (A)
“I am the resurrection and the life.” (John 11:25)

Priest:
As Easter draws near, we turn in hope to our loving Father, who is present here with us, as we bring before Him our prayers and concerns for the Church and for the world.

Reader:
For the Church, Pope Francis, and all bishops, priests, deacons and consecrated people: that they will faithfully fulfil the role bestowed on them, to proclaim God’s mercy to the world.
Lord, hear us.

For compassion in a troubled world. 
May the coming glories and hope of the resurrection bring reconciliation and inspire true and lasting peace.  
Lord, hear us.

For those who are sick; for the elderly and housebound; for those close to death and all who are troubled in mind, body or spirit. May the compassion of Christ who suffered for us be their hope and their comfort.
Lord, hear us. 

We pray for all who have died recently and those whose anniversaries occur at this time. May all those who mourn their loss be consoled in their grief by the Lord, who himself wept at the death of his friend Lazarus.
Lord, hear us.

With Our Lady, who stood at the foot of the cross, we pray for all God’s people, living and dead: Hail Mary ……

In silence we now make our personal petitions to the Lord.

Priest:

Heavenly Father, we ask you to listen to our prayers with love and compassion, for they are made in the name of him, whose life, death and resurrection brings salvation and hope to the whole world, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

4th Sunday of Lent (A) : The Universal Prayer / Bidding Prayers / Intercessions / Prayer of the Faithful

4th Sunday of Lent
"I am the light of the world." (John 9:5)
Priest:
The Lord gives sight to the blind, soothes the broken hearts, and opens minds which are closed against compassion. Confident of his love, let us make known our needs to him and ask for his mercy.

Reader:
For our Bishop N.,, and for all clergy and religious. May they always be true to their calling, fruitful in the work of leading the faithful and draw all they meet to embrace the Gospel message.
Lord, hear us.

For peace in the world, that all peoples may live together in mutual respect and mercy, without fear of violence or terrorism.
Lord, hear us.

For those without sight, or with any impairing condition. 
May they be supported in their needs, 
that they may have independence and dignity, 
so that we may see beyond any disability 
to the person created and loved by God. 
Lord, hear us.

For all mothers on this Mothering Sunday, may they always find joy and love from their children.
Lord, hear us.

For those among us whose mothers have gone to God, and who still daily feel the sadness of their loss. May we, through God's love for us, find consolation in memories of these special women, certain of their place in God's kingdom.  
Lord, hear us.

Let us turn to Mary our mother to intercede for us as we say, Hail Mary … …

Let us pray for our own intentions in silence.

Priest:

God our Father, we thank you for sending your only Son into the world to show us how to lead our lives. Help us as we strive to follow His example. We make these prayers through Christ our Lord. Amen.

3rd Sunday in Lent (A) : The Universal Prayer / Bidding Prayers / Intercessions / Prayer of the Faithful

3rd Sunday in Lent (A)
“Whoever drinks of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty again.” (Jn 4:14)
Priest:
In his boundless generosity God provides us with the living water, which will become a string inside us, welling up to eternal life. Let us now we bring before him our needs, and the needs of the world, confident of his boundless mercy.

Reader:

We pray for our holy father, for all bishops priest and deacons, and all Christian people: that we may bring the living water of God’s love to all people, irrespective of their background or circumstances. 
Lord, hear us. 

We pray for the leaders of the nations,
That they may respect the dignity of all peoples,  and act with wisdom and integrity, to overcome the many challenges of our world.
Lord, hear us. 

We pray for those who do not have adequate supplies of clean water, because of poverty, war or natural disaster, and for the aid agencies that assist them in their need. 
Lord, hear us. 

We pray for our parish community, 
for those who are preparing to receive the sacraments of God’s love this Easter, 
And for all who are in any kind of need.
Lord, hear us. 

Let us ask Our Blessed Lady to join her prayers with ours as we say
 … Hail Mary ….

Now in silence we pray for our own needs and intentions.

Priest:
Merciful Lord, hear our prayers, 
and grant that what we ask in faith 

we may receive through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen. 

Lent Two : The Universal Prayer / Bidding Prayers / Intercessions / Prayer of the Faithful

Lent Two
“This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favour.” (Mt 17:5)
Priest:
Today we reflect on the glory of the transfiguration. Bathed in that glory, let us pray to God our Father for the needs of the Church and of the world.

Reader:
We pray for the Church,
may more saints be raised up in our age, ready to leave all things for the sake of the gospel, so that through them, God's power may shine out in the world, as it did through Jesus in his transfiguration. 
Lord, hear us. 

We pray for those who find it difficult to profess their faith,
may they be given the grace not to be afraid, and so, being full of inner confidence, may they proclaim the saving power of the gospel, which overcomes all difficulties. 
Lord, hear us.  

We pray for CAFOD and other development agencies;
as they work tirelessly to help others help themselves,  may the Lord dispose us to give ever more generously to their work. 
Lord, hear us. 

We pray for the sick and those who care for them,
that the healing love of Christ may shine upon them. 
Lord, hear us. 

We pray for those departed this life,
that they may dwell in everlasting glory. 
Lord, hear us.  

Mary shared her Son's sorrows. We pray with her as we say: Hail Mary ….

In silence we make our private prayers to God our loving Father.

Priest:

Father, you called Abraham to be a model of faith, and you glorified your Son, Jesus. May we live in the hope and trust that you are always with us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Lent One : The Universal Prayer / Bidding Prayers / Intercessions / Prayer of the Faithful

Lent One
“Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Mt 4:4)
Priest:
God wills that, through Christ, we should all be saved. We pray to him that, though damaged by the effects of sin, we may change our lives, and turn again to our Father to ask forgiveness for our sins. 

Reader:
We pray for the Church, with her mission of forgiveness,
that she may help everyone to recognise sin for what it is, something which destroys our loving relationship with God, and with each other. 
Lord, hear us. 

We pray for those who undergo difficult temptations in their daily lives,
that they may learn from the temptations of Jesus that the devil can be conquered, and that temptation in itself is not a sin. 
Lord, hear us. 

We pray for the sick and those who care for them,
that they may trust in God's loving mercy, and turn again to God, who alone has the power to heal and save. 
Lord, hear us. 

We pray for those departed this life,
that God may bring them from the darkness of death to the dawn of new life. 
Lord, hear us.  

We pray with our Lady as we say: Hail Mary … …

Let us pray to our heavenly Father in a moment of silence.

Priest:
Father, through the disobedience of Adam, we were made sinners. Through our obedience to you this Lent, may we grow in your grace. 
We ask this through Christ our Lord. 

Amen.

Palm (Passion) Sunday: The Universal Prayer / Bidding Prayers / Intercessions / Prayer of the Faithful

Palm (Passion) Sunday

Priest:
In these days of Holy Week, when Christ prayed and entreated his Father in the anguish of his Passion with humility and sorrow for our sins. May our Father hear and answer our prayers out of love for his Son, Jesus Christ.

Reader:
We pray for Christian people, that through the suffering of disunity there may grow a rich union in Christ. 
Lord, hear us. 

We pray for those who make laws, interpret them, and administer them, that our common life may be ordered in justice and mercy. 
Lord, hear us. 

We pray for the sick, 
that they may be given the blessings of peace and security, 
Lord, hear us. 

We pray for the departed in Christ, 
that they may find mercy on the day of Christ. 
Lord, hear us.  

We pray with Mary, who shared the agony of her son. Hail Mary … .

Let us pray for a moment in silence.

Priest:
Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing that you have made and forgive the sins of all those who are penitent. Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that, lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, we may receive from you, the God of all mercy, perfect forgiveness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Ash Wednesday : The Universal Prayer / Bidding Prayers / Intercessions / Prayer of the Faithful

Ash Wednesday
“Your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you” (Mt 6:18)
Priest:
My brothers and sisters, Lent puts before us the whole mystery of salvation, through which God's merciful love is revealed in Jesus Christ. We ask God our Father for his help that we may use this season of preparation for Easter wisely and well. 

Reader:
We pray for the Church and her members,
let them not neglect the grace they have received, but turn again to the Lord in fervent prayer and repentance. 
Lord, hear us. 

We pray for the leaders of the world,
let them understand that man does not live by bread alone, and seek, by their laws, a deeper meaning to life by reconciling all men to each other. 
Lord, hear us. 

We pray for those who are caught in the snare of sin,
let them be faithful to the Gospel which will bring about in them a change of heart, and turning again to the light of grace, let them abandon the ways of sin. 
Lord, hear us. 

We pray for the members of this congregation,
let the giving of ashes today be a sign to us that material things will disappear, and help us to give more attention to the things of the spirit. 
Lord, hear us. 

Mary's life was filled with prayer, with her we pray. Hail Mary .

We pray for a moment in silence.

Priest:
Father, complete your work of spiritual renewal during Lent, and throughout the years ahead, as we spend our lives in your loving, prayerful service. We ask this through Christ our Lord. 
Amen.

7th Sunday in Ordinary Time (A) : The Universal Prayer / Bidding Prayers / Intercessions / Prayer of the Faithful

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)
Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. (Mt 5:44)
Priest:
We turn to the Lord, in compassion and love, that he may make us perfect as he is perfect. .
Reader:
For our Holy Father, Pope Francis and for all the bishops and priests of the Church; 
may they exercise the ministry of reconciliation with compassion and understanding.
Lord, hear us. 

For ourselves;
may we be strengthened by God, to open our hearts in love to those who hurt us, 
that they may never doubt in his mercy. 
Lord, hear us. 

For all who are sick, for our families, and for those who have asked for our prayers; 
may the Lord guide them and strengthen them through their times of trial.
Lord, hear us. 

For those who have received God’s healing sacraments in this life, and died in his peace; 
may the Lord greet them with compassion, and grant them the happiness of his kingdom.
Lord, hear us. 

We ask Mary, our mother, 
to join her prayers to ours as we say Hail Mary … …

We pray for a few moments in the silence of our hearts.

Priest:
Heavenly Father, 
we ask you to hear the prayers we make in faith, 
Banish all hatred and resentment from our hearts
and make us perfect, as you are perfect
For you live and reign for ever and ever. 

Amen.

6th Sunday in Ordinary Time (A) : The Universal Prayer / Bidding Prayers / Intercessions / Prayer of the Faithful

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)
Do not imagine that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete them. (Matthew 5:17)
Priest:
Guided by the teaching of our merciful Lord, let us turn to God Our Father with all our needs.
Reader:
For the Church. 
May her teachings fill our hearts,  
So that we may lead our lives in accordance with God’s will.
Lord, hear us.

For all who are involved in Education: 
For students, that the Spirit of God may grant them the gifts of wisdom of understanding.  For teachers, that they may share their knowledge with gentleness, patience, and concern for their students. 
Lord, hear us. 

For those who work in the law and the administration of justice, 
police, magistrates, lawyers and prison officers. 
May their work be directed to finding true justice tempered by mercy.
Lord, hear us. 

For those burdened with difficulty and those facing difficulty at home, at school or at work. 
May the Lord give them courage, strength and faith to overcome hardship. 
Lord, hear us. 

Let us ask Our Lady to join our prayers with hers as we say, Hail Mary ……

Let us pray for our own intentions in silence.

Priest:
God our loving Father, 
May your grace fill our lives, Your law rule our hearts
And your mercy inspire our actions
that we may worthy witnesses of your eternal love 

we ask this through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

5th Sunday of the Year (A) : The Universal Prayer / Bidding Prayers / Intercessions / Prayer of the Faithful

5th Sunday of the Year (A)

Priest:
Dear friends in Christ, let us pray to our heavenly Father, trusting in his merciful goodness.

Reader:
Let us pray for the Church as she witnesses to Christ in the world; that we may be always be salt of the earth and light of the world. 
Lord, hear us. 

For the leaders of every community and nation; that all governments may reflect the values of responsible caring, compassion and integrity, so that no individual or minority is abused or left in need. 
Lord, hear us. 

For all who are troubled or distressed,
May all who feel their lives are overshadowed by darkness
See the clear the light of Christ shining upon them. 
Lord, hear us. 

For all who have died,  
may the Lord welcome them into the light of his glory. 
Lord, hear us.

Joining with Mary, who brought the Light into the world, we make our prayer: Hail Mary ……

We pray for a moment in silence. 

Priest:
Father, God of love, 
Increase our love for each other, 
That we may salt for the earth
And that your light may shine through us as we pray. 

We ask this through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

4th Sunday in Ordinary Time (A) : The Universal Prayer / Bidding Prayers / Intercessions / Prayer of the Faithful

4th Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)

Priest
Christ taught us to set our hearts on the Kingdom of God, and on its justice. In that Kingdom our happiness will be complete, and all that we need will be given to us. 

Reader:
Blessed are those who know their need of God:
May the Lord lead us to seek his face in purity of heart.
Lord, hear us. 

Blessed are those who work for no reward, and those who suffer for what is right: 
May the Lord comfort them with his  presence, and lighten their burden. 
Lord, hear us. 

Blessed are the gentle, those who show mercy, and forgive;
May they know the Lord’s forgiveness at the end of time.
Lord, hear us.

Blessed are the peacemakers, those who reconcile conflict and hate: 
May they receive their inheritance as the sons of God.
Lord, hear us.

May the Lord bring consolation to all who mourn the dead:
And may they share the blessed hope of all who have died in the peace of Christ. 
Lord, hear us.

The Angel said to Mary: blessed are you among women!
 We join our prayers with hers now, as we say: Hail Mary …

We pray for a moment in silence.

Priest:

As we pray before you, Lord, we ask you, in your mercy, for the grace always to ponder in our hearts what we proclaim with our lips. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (A) : The Universal Prayer / Bidding Prayers / Intercessions / Prayer of the Faithful

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time A

Priest:
Christ, calls us to leave all behind and follow him. 
Let us now pray for the needs of the church and of the world:

Reader:
We pray for Archbishop Bernard, and for all clergy and religious. 
May they always be true to their calling and fruitful in the work of leading God’s people.
Lord, hear us.

We pray for the rulers of the nations. 
May the leaders of all peoples work together to establish hope, justice and equality for all.
Lord, hear us.

We pray for vocations to the priesthood, permanent diaconate and religious life. 
May the Holy Spirit guide the hearts and minds of those called by the Lord, 
and give them courage to commit their lives in his service.
Lord, hear us.

We pray for comfort and healing for the sick and those who care for them. 
May the loving call of the Lord lift them from all disenchantment and despair.
Lord, hear us.

We pray also for those departed from this life: 
that Christ the light of the world may draw all his people to new life 
and to the fullness of redemption.
Lord, hear us.

We ask Our Lady, Mother of the Church, for her intercession, as we pray: Hail Mary …

We pause in silent reflection with our personal intentions.

Priest:
Father, hear the prayers of your people. 
Grant us the strength and courage 
to be faithful to our calling.

We make these prayers through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (A) : The Universal Prayer / Bidding Prayers / Intercessions / Prayer of the Faithful

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)
“John said, ‘Look, there is the lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.’ “ John 1:30
Priest:
We turn to God in prayer for the needs of the Church and of the world, 
that he may show us his mercy.

Reader:
For the Pope and all who have responded to God's call to ministry: 
that God will strengthen their service, renew their dedication and bless their works of mercy. 
Lord, hear us.

For justice in the world, especially for the poor and helpless: 
that we, members of the richer nations, may be generous and merciful with all that we have.
Lord, hear us.

For a deepening of prayer in our lives: 
that we may grow in mercy through attentiveness to God’s will. 
Lord, hear us.

For those working in the emergency services, for the elderly and for those living alone: 
that during the coldness of winter they may be kept from all harm. 
Lord, hear us.

For those who are sick, and those who have died, especially in our own community and families: May God bless them, and us. 
Lord, hear us.

We offer our prayers to God through the intercession of His blessed Mother, as we say, 
Hail Mary …

Let us now pray for a moment in silence.

Priest:
God, our merciful Father, 
listen to all our prayers which we make in faith
through your Son, Jesus Christ, who is Lord for ever and ever. 

Amen.

The Baptism of the Lord : The Universal Prayer / Bidding Prayers / Intercessions / Prayer of the Faithful

The Baptism of the Lord (A)
Priest:
In the Lord’s baptism we see the revelation that he has come to bring salvation, healing and peace to the world.  Let us now pray for the needs of the church and the world:
Reader:
Let us pray for the universal church.  May all the baptised strive to be fruitful ministers of Christ’s message of love and salvation.
Lord, hear us.  

Let us pray for world leaders.  May the Holy Spirit instil in them a drive for true justice, so that they may govern their citizens fairly, without fear or favour.  Lord, hear us.  

Let us pray for the people of Australia, especially all who suffer because of the bushfires there. May the Lord the protect those in danger and richly bless all who come their aid. Lord, hear us.  

Let us pray for those suffering financial hardship.  May all who are worried and fearful find strength in the Lord to persevere through their struggles, and may those who are able be generous in assisting those in need.
Lord, hear us.  

Let us pray for those who have departed this life.  May God our Father, who called each of us by name, bring all the departed into the wonderful light of his heavenly home. 
Lord, hear us.  

Let us pray together with Our Lady, Queen of Peace, as we say: Hail Mary…

Let us pray quietly for our own personal intentions.
Priest: 
Father in heaven, you revealed Christ your Son as the light of salvation for the whole world.  We ask you to hear these and all our prayers which we make in faith and hope, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen