CELEBRANT: Mary’s quiet “yes” to God became good news for the whole world to hear.  In union with her, let us put our faith in God’s wisdom and love.

 

LEADER:

We pray for the Church in every land, that it will emerge from the pandemic renewed in the spirit of Mary’s courageous faith.

(Pause for silent prayer)

Loving God, hear us                           R. Loving God, hear our prayer.

 

We pray for the human family, that today’s Human Solidarity Day will reinforce Pope Francis’ call for a new era of social friendship.

(Pause for silent prayer)

Loving God, hear us                           R. Loving God, hear our pray

 

We pray for the people of countries still being ravaged by COVID-19, that safe and effective vaccines will bring the disease under control.

(Pause for silent prayer)

Loving God, hear us                           R. Loving God, hear our pray

 

We pray for policy-makers planning measures to promote economic revival, that they will be guided above all by care for the earth and the needs of the poor.

(Pause for silent prayer)

Loving God, hear us                           R. Loving God, hear our prayer.

 

We pray for refugees and asylum seekers subjected to endless detention in Australia’s name, that public support for them will persuade authorities to release them.

(Pause for silent prayer)

Loving God, hear us                           R. Loving God, hear our prayer.

 

We pray for all families as they anticipate the joy of Christmas during these challenging times.  As we reflect on the future of the Church in Australia and immerse ourselves in the Plenary Council, let us remember Mary’s yes to God and her trust that the Spirit of God would be with her during uncertain times.

(Pause for silent prayer)

Loving God, hear us                           R. Loving God, hear our prayer.

 

We pray for all who are still separated from loved ones by travel and quarantine restrictions, that they will soon be happily reunited.

(Pause for silent prayer)

Loving God, hear us                           R. Loving God, hear our prayer.

 

We pray for whom Christmas is a time of loneliness and the risk of violence, that family members, friends and the local community will rally to their support.

(Pause for silent prayer)

Loving God, hear us                           R. Loving God, hear our prayer.

 

We pray for ourselves as this difficult year draws to a close, that together we will find joy, peace and love in the celebration of Christ’s birth.

(Pause for silent prayer)

Loving God, hear us                           R. Loving God, hear our prayer.

 

We pray for the recently deceased Alice O’Bray, Enid Thelma Hallam, Betty Fraser, Father Frank Young and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, Christine Freckleton, Fay McAlinden, Jim, Nance & Ray McNiece, Mark O’Keeffe, Agnes Quirk, Phillip White, Frank Finnigan, Fathers Michael Glennen, Patrick Bushell, Des and Peter McNamara, Brother Brian Kelly CFC.

(Pause for silent prayer)

Loving God, hear us                           R. Loving God, hear our prayer.

 

CELEBRANT: God of boundless mercy, through Mary’s consent and the power of the Spirit your Word took on our human flesh.  Set us free to welcome his Giving presence.  We ask this though Christ our Lord.