Sunday 3 rd July 14 th Sunday in Ordinary Time C: Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, pleading for his mercy. In faith we pray: That the Church will be a place of mercy freely given where everyone can feel loved, forgiven, and encouraged to live the life of the Gospel. That we may be sensitive to the needs of those who have lost their homes and livelihoods because of political upheaval, and welcoming to those who have taken refuge within our own borders. That all churches may be free from government mandates that would compel them to compromise their beliefs. For an increase of vocations to the priesthood and to consecrated life. For those burdened by poverty, hardship, oppression, and persecution: that God will rescue them and lift them up. For the grace this week to be crucified to the world. C: Loving Father, make us faithful in following your law of love, and bless us with your peace and mercy. Through Christ our Lord.
Sunday 10 th July 15 th Sunday in Ordinary Time C: We turn to God the Father, whose constant kindness encourages us to call on him for help. In faith we pray: That the Church may act as mediator in finding solutions to problems affecting peace, social harmony, and civil rights. For an end to the culture of death so that the dignity of every human person will be respected. For those called to heal the sick and suffering: that they may be free to follow their faith fulfilling their professional duties. That our parishes will be vibrant communities of prayer, evangelisation, and charitable action. That God will be close to the poor, the sick, the dying, the lonely, the marginalised, the unemployed, the addicted, and the homeless. For the grace this week to bear the burdens of our neighbours. C: Loving Father, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation. Through Christ our Lord.
Sunday 17 th July 16 th Sunday in Ordinary Time C: We come away to be present to our Saviour in worship. In prayer, we voice our petitions to the Father: That the shepherds of the Church will proclaim Christ, admonishing and teaching with all wisdom. That the Church in Latin America and the Caribbean, by means of her mission to the continent, may announce the Gospel with renewed vigour and enthusiasm. For our lawmakers: that they may have the courage to protect the rights of conscience, and the wisdom to pass laws that serve the common good. That the love of God will be made visible as it is manifested through the lives of Christian wives and husbands. For those who risk their lives in order to protect the lives of others: that they will be strengthened, shielded, and aided. For the grace this week to accept in faith the sufferings that come our way. C: Loving Father, guide us along the path of life and give us the courage to face the challenges it throws our way. Through Christ our Lord.
Sunday 24 th July 17 th Sunday in Ordinary Time C: Renewing our trust in the Father's love, we turn to him again with our needs: For blessings on World Youth Day taking place this week in Krakow, Poland. That people of good will may work together for the peace and social justice which are inseparable for a world worthy of the aspirations of young people. For the spiritual growth of our parish communities: that we will commit ourselves to the truth of the Gospel with sincerity and genuine hope. That young people will entrust themselves to the joys of the Gospel, and be strengthened against self-centredness and violence. For those facing difficult decisions or stressful situations: that God will give them help and serenity. For the grace this week to deepen our life of prayer. C: Loving Father, when we called, you answered us. You built up strength within us. Help us now in our need. Through Christ our Lord.
Sunday 31 st July 18 th Sunday in Ordinary Time C: Trusting that the gracious care of the Lord our God will be ours, we turn now to the Father in prayer: For the Church's faithful announcement of the Gospel: that God's Word may increase love and give the fullest meaning to pain and suffering. That indigenous peoples, whose identity and very existence are threatened, will be shown due respect. That God in his kindness will watch over all refugees and victims of war, and bring them to a place of safety. That our parishes may flourish in faith, hope, and love. That God will come to the aid of the afflicted, pity the lowly, raise up the fallen, and show his face to the needy. For the grace this week to allow Christ to conquer all evil desires, even as they arise in our hearts. C: Most merciful Father, fill us with your kindness, that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days. Through Christ our Lord.
Sunday 7 th August 19 th Sunday in Ordinary Time C: The Lord is our help and our shield. Filled with confidence, we turn to the Father with our petitions: For the protection and strengthening of the Church wherever she is persecuted. That lawmakers will have the wisdom to pass legislation which does not violate human dignity or religious convictions. That Christians may live the Gospel, giving witness to faith, honesty, and love of neighbour. That sports may be an opportunity for friendly encounters between peoples and may contribute to peace in the world. That those who suffer will experience the redemptive meaning of suffering through friendship with Jesus Christ. For the grace this week to live by faith at every moment. C: Loving Father, when those who are afflicted call out, you hear and save them from distress. Please be close to us in our need. Through Christ our Lord.
Sunday 14 th August 20 th Sunday in Ordinary Time or The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (in England and Wales) C: Whenever we seek the Lord, he answers and delivers us from our fears. Trusting in the Father's love, we now pray: That the Church will be a place of mercy freely given, where everyone can feel welcomed, loved, forgiven, and encouraged to live the good life of the Gospel. That those who hold public office will imitate the goodness of the Lord, who secures justice and the rights of all the oppressed. For senior citizens: that God will help them in their needs and be always close to them in his love. For the healing of all family grievances and divisions. For the liberation of those who are victims of war, human trafficking, drug running, or slave labour. For the grace this week to persevere in running the race of faith with our eyes fixed on Jesus. C: Loving Father, you watch over each one of us in our troubles. Help us to understand what is your will, to trust you, and to stay close to you. Through Christ our Lord.
Sunday 21 st August 21 st Sunday in Ordinary Time C: The Lord has ears for our cry. Entrusting all our cares to him, we voice our prayers to the Father: That the Church will act as mediator in problems affecting peace, social harmony, the defence of life, and human and civil rights. That people of good will may work together to protect the freedom of all to practise their religion in every aspect of their lives, in accordance with their conscience. For Christian husbands and wives: that the Lord will assist them in their struggles and make them witnesses of Christ's love. That our parishes will rededicate themselves to the service of the poor and all those who find themselves on the peripheries. For those who are unemployed: that God will keep them from discouragement and enable them to find good jobs. For the grace this week to be able to endure our trials with confidence in God. C: Loving Father, help us to face the challenges of daily life with confidence in your love and your protection. Through Christ our Lord.
Sunday 28 th August 22 nd Sunday in Ordinary Time C: God gives a home to the forsaken. With confidence in the Father's generosity, we now pray: For the renewal of the Church, that her missionary outreach might increase across the world. That those in civil authority will dedicate themselves to justice, peace, authentic freedom, and the generous defence of the poor. For an increase in vocations to the priesthood and to consecrated life. For the conversion of the world from terrorism, malice, arrogance, and disbelief. For the sick, the hungry, for orphans and widows, the homeless, those trapped in sin, and those on the verge of despair: that God's mercy will save them. For the grace this week to conduct ourselves with true humility. C: Loving Father, you are our help. Your kindness is a greater good than life. May we bless you in our daily lives, always calling upon your name. Through Christ our Lord.