Petitions/Prayer of the Faithful for April 24, 2016

Sorry! Forgot to post Ellen McHugh's Petitions for today's masses. Here they are:

Prayer of the Faithful for April 24, 2016

Fifth Sunday of Easter 

Celebrant: As we celebrate our coming together for the Eucharist, let us, dear sisters and brothers, approach the one God to voice all our needs.

For the poor, the persecuted, the sick, and all who suffer; for refugees, prisoners, and all who are in danger; grant that we may serve Christ in them, and love one another as he loves us.  We pray to the Lord.

Guide with your wisdom the leaders of the nations, so that everyone may live in peace and mutual trust. We pray to the Lord.

That during this Easter season, and every day, we may we be inspired by the words of our Holy Father that “faith grows when it is lived and shaped by love—a love that the Holy Spirit freely gives us.”  We pray to the Lord.

For a spirit of concern for the future of our Earth; help us to live as responsible stewards protecting this gift of creation God has placed in our hands.  We pray to the Lord. 

For the support of Catholic Home Missions and for our own parish community: may our stewardship of time, talent and treasure express sincere gratitude for what God has so generously given to us.  We pray to the Lord.

For the children of our parish preparing for First Communion—may they always find joy in Jesus’ love for them and encouraged by our example as we welcome them into our faith community.  We pray to the Lord.

And for those for whom this Mass is offered [name them]. We pray to the Lord.

Let us pause now and silently offer to the Father our own particular intentions [allow for silence. . .].  We pray to the Lord.

Celebrant:  Gracious God, inspire your church here on earth to proclaim the gospel of your love in the death and resurrection of your Son to whom we give glory and honor with the Father and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever.  Amen.