6th Sunday of Easter (Year B)

Celebrant: Trusting in the generous love of God our Father, let us confidently pray for our needs and the needs of people everywhere.

• We pray for our Church, that the Holy Spirit will empower us to grow in faith, prayer and Christian service, and help us to be living witnesses to the Lord.
  Lord hear us …
• We pray for the continent of Africa, that it may find the strength needed to meet its challenges, that it may grow to fulfil its potential and that we may always be ready to offer it the help it needs to do so.
  Lord hear us …
• We pray for all students preparing for exams at this time.  We ask that they be blessed with wisdom, understanding and self-confidence so that they may fulfil their true potential.
  Lord hear us …
• Today, is the day of prayer for the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organisations.  We give thanks for the work of all women in the Church, ask that their unique contribution may always be generously recognised, and remember in particular the invaluable work of the Catholic Women’s League locally in our parishes and throughout the UK.
  Lord hear us …
• We pray that the ill and the infirm will receive comfort and strength in God’s healing.   We pray particularly for [names].
  Lord hear us …
• We pray for the deceased of our community, those who have died recently and those whose anniversaries occur at this time.  In particular we recall [names].
  Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord…
• Let us now add our own petitions in a moment of silent prayer….
• We ask our mother Mary to add her prayers to ours:  Hail Mary …

Celebrant: Father, accept our prayers and answer them, we pray, through Jesus, your Son and our Lord.   Amen.

5th Sunday of Easter (Year B)

Celebrant: Let us pray to the Lord, in whom we place our trust

• We pray that our Church may be Spirit filled and blessed with wisdom, to joyfully serve those in need, as living witnesses to the love of our Lord.
  Lord hear us …
• We pray for all communities and countries that are electing leaders, particularly France and the United States of America who will elect new presidents this year.  May electors vote carefully and thoughtfully, to elect leaders who will serve their people for the common good.
  Lord hear us …
• We pray for all those who do not enjoy the basic rights of free speech, political freedom and religious liberty and those organisations, such as Amnesty International, who work to draw attention to their situation.
  Lord hear us …
• We give thanks for the work of our local councils and government agencies, ask you to guide all those with responsibility for decision making and ask for your blessing on all those who work to serve our community.
  Lord hear us …
• We pray that the ill and the infirm will receive comfort and strength in God’s healing.   We pray particularly for [names].
  Lord hear us …
• We pray for the deceased of our community, those who have died recently and those whose anniversaries occur at this time.  In particular we recall [names].
  Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord…
• Let us now add our own petitions in a moment of silent prayer….
• We ask our mother Mary to add her prayers to ours:  Hail Mary …

Celebrant: Father, accept these prayers that we bring to you in humility and faith.  We ask this through your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

4th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

Celebrant: Lord, we bring our prayers to you, asking for the gifts of humility and love, to allow us to be open to your call.

• We pray for all in the Church who have been called to the religious life, our Pope Benedict, our bishops, priests, deacons and nuns.  We thank you for their selfless dedication and remind ourselves to always provide our support for them when needed.
  Lord hear us …
• We pray for all those affected by natural disasters, such as those killed and injured this week by the earthquake in Rio de Janeiro, and those who are still suffering from disasters that have been largely forgotten, such as the floods in Pakistan.  May we remember and continue to help.
  Lord hear us …
• We pray for all those who are seriously ill and in hospital or long term care.  We ask for that they may be blessed with strength and fortitude and we give thanks for all of those who care for them.
  Lord hear us …
• We give thanks for the young people of our parish who are about to embark upon their preparation for Confirmation and for the members of our community who are progressing through their RCIA programme.  Bless them as progress on their faith journeys and may they always be aware of our love and support for them.
  Lord hear us …
• We pray that the ill and the infirm will receive comfort and strength in God’s healing.   We pray particularly for [names].
  Lord hear us …
• We pray for the deceased of our community, those who have died recently and those whose anniversaries occur at this time.  In particular we recall [names].
  Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord…
• Let us now add our own petitions in a moment of silent prayer….
• We ask our mother Mary to add her prayers to ours:  Hail Mary …

Celebrant: Father, you have given us lives of rich and fertile soil in which your Word can take root and flourish. Hear our prayers that we bring to you through your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

Celebrant: Trusting in the generous love of God our Father, let us confidently pray for our needs and the needs of people everywhere.

• We pray for Pope Benedict and the leaders of all churches.  Grant them the wisdom and strength to guide us all towards witness, and unity in faith and love.
  Lord hear us …
• We pray for our political leaders, that they may be blessed with the wisdom needed to make difficult decisions in a just and fair way.
  Lord hear us …
• We remember all of those who lost their lives or were injured in the Costa Concordia disaster and pray for those still waiting for news of missing loved ones.  We ask you to bless all those working in the rescue and salvage operation and we ask for your protection for those who work at sea.
  Lord hear us …
• We pray for all of those who serve our community in our emergency services and first aid organisations including the Police, Fire and Rescue Service, the Ambulance Service, St John’s Ambulance and British Red Cross.  We thank you for their work and ask for your protection in the dangers they face.
  Lord hear us …
• We pray that the ill and the infirm will receive comfort and strength in God’s healing.   We pray particularly for [name].
  Lord hear us …
• We pray for the deceased of our community, those who have died recently and those whose anniversaries occur at this time.  In particular we recall [names].
  Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord…
• Let us now add our own petitions in a moment of silent prayer….
• We ask our mother Mary to add her prayers to ours:  Hail Mary …

Celebrant: God our Father, we ask you to accept these petitions that humbly lay before you. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

Celebrant: On this Peace Sunday, let us ask the Lord to teach us the paths of justice and of peace, as we humbly lay our petitions before him.

• Let us pray for the Church and its members, asking that we may constantly work for peace and justice. May the Lord speak to our hearts and awaken in us a desire for peace and a willingness to do his will to achieve it.
  Lord hear us …
• We remember all who work for justice in our world and take risks for peace. We ask God’s blessing today especially on the work of the international Catholic peace movement, Pax Christi.
  Lord hear us …
• We pray for those whose rights are not respected and whose needs are not met; that they may gain the justice they seek. We especially remember those who live in the Middle East, particularly those actively seeking nonviolent ways to work for human rights and a just and peaceful future.
  Lord hear us …
• We ask God’s blessing for our young people, that they may all recognise their God-given dignity and unique gifts; and that those who are no longer young may be willing to learn from their insights and enthusiasm.
  Lord hear us …
• We pray that the ill and the infirm will receive comfort and strength in God’s healing.   We pray particularly for [names].
  Lord hear us …
• We pray for the deceased of our community, those who have died recently and those whose anniversaries occur at this time.  In particular we recall [names].
  Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord…
• Let us now add our own petitions in a moment of silent prayer….
• We ask our mother Mary to add her prayers to ours:  Hail Mary …

Celebrant: God of Compassion, accept our prayers, which we make through your son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Epiphany (Year B)

Celebrant: With the three kings, let us approach the Lord to offer our gifts and bring our prayers.

• We pray for all of members of our Church, that we may have the humility of the Wise Men to allow us to seek and follow Jesus in our daily lives.
  Lord hear us …
• With the worsening situation in Syria, let us remember all of those people who live without protection of their basic human rights.  We particularly remember those affected by violence and repression in Syria, Egypt, North Korea and Burma
  Lord hear us …
• As the weather becomes colder, let us remember those who have no permanent home and who may be in temporary accommodation, night shelters or sleeping rough.  We pray for their well-being and for those working to help them including national charities such as Shelter and our local organisations, DENS and Watford New Hope Trust.
  Lord hear us …
• We pray for those who are inspired by the Christian message to serve others, in particular those who care for the sick, the dying and the bereaved; that they, and those whom they serve, may experience your strength and compassion.
  Lord hear us …
• We pray that the ill and the infirm will receive comfort and strength in God’s healing.   We pray particularly for [names].
  Lord hear us …
• We pray for the deceased of our community, those who have died recently and those whose anniversaries occur at this time.  In particular we recall [name].
  Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord…
• Let us now add our own petitions in a moment of silent prayer….
• We ask our mother Mary to add her prayers to ours:  Hail Mary …

Celebrant: Father, on this day when Jesus was revealed as the saviour of all, hear the prayers we faithfully offer, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Christ the King (34th Sunday of the Year), Year A

Celebrant: As we unite to welcome the message of Christ the King, let us come together and ask the Father to hear and answer our prayers.

• Lord, we pray for your Church in the world and particularly its members who are persecuted and imprisoned.  May your presence give them hope in their moments of darkness and may we always stand with them in solidarity.  Lord hear us …
• We pray for all world leaders, that they will govern justly with respect for the rights of all.  Bless them with the wisdom and compassion they need to make difficult decisions wisely. Lord hear us …
• We pray for those people held in our prisons and ask that they may discover the true value of their lives.   We particularly remember those being held at HMP The Mount in Bovingdon and those who work with them, visit them, love them and miss them. Lord hear us …
• We give thanks for our young people and the rich contribution that they make to our parishes.  We pray for the work of HIYA and remember the efforts of those who give their time to this important work, asking that further leaders for the group may be found amongst us. Lord hear us …
• We pray that the ill and the infirm will receive comfort and strength in God’s healing.   We pray particularly for [name]. Lord hear us …
• We pray for the deceased of our community, those who have died recently and those whose anniversaries occur at this time.  In particular we recall [name]. Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord…
• Let us now add our own petitions in a moment of silent prayer….
• We ask our mother Mary to add her prayers to ours:  Hail Mary …

Celebrant: Heavenly Father, as we look forward with expectation to the forthcoming Advent season, we ask you to hear the prayers that we make through Christ our Lord. Amen.

33rd Sunday of the Year, Year A

Celebrant: In the same way that we unite to welcome Christ’s message, let us come together and ask the Father to hear and answer our prayers.

• For the Church and its work throughout the world.  We pray that its leaders may be blessed with humility and wisdom and that, as its members, we may be inspired by the spirit of the Gospel. Lord hear us …
• On Remembrance Sunday, we pray for all of those affected by war, both those in the armed services who have made the ultimate sacrifice and those who are innocent victims of war. Lord hear us …
• Following the shocking murder of Billy Dove in our town centre last weekend, we pray for him and the family he leaves behind and remember all of those affected by violent crime. Lord hear us …
• We pray for all those who are lonely or isolated, by illness, bereavement, language or culture.  May they feel the loving presence of the Lord and receive strength and consolation from family, friends and neighbours. Lord hear us …
• In a week when Turkey has suffered another earthquake, we remember all of those affected by natural disaster, including those in Turkey, Pakistan and Japan. Lord hear us …
• We give thanks for our Catholic schools, St Rose’s, St Cuthbert Mayne and John F Kennedy, and pray for the pupils who attend them.  We gratefully acknowledge the staff who devote their working lives to our schools, the parents and parish communities who support them and the governors who oversee them. Lord hear us …
• We pray that the ill and the infirm will receive comfort and strength in God’s healing.   We pray particularly for [names]. Lord hear us …
• We pray for the deceased of our community, those who have died recently and those whose anniversaries occur at this time.  In particular we recall [names]. Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord…
• Let us now add our own petitions in a moment of silent prayer….
• We ask our mother Mary to add her prayers to ours:  Hail Mary …

Celebrant: We ask that the God of glory, giver of all good gifts, may mercifully answer our prayers; we ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

32nd Sunday of the Year, Year A

Celebrant: Let us call on the Lord’s name to offer sincere prayers for ourselves and for others.

• We pray for the Church and its leaders, that they may be blessed with the wisdom and courage needed to bring a new dimension to the political dialogue required to meet complex problems that our world faces. Lord hear us …
• We pray for the leaders of all nations, in particular European leaders, as they grapple with the complicated economic situation that faces them.  Grant them the wisdom, compassion and humility to make good decisions. Lord hear us …
• We remember all of those who have been the victims of natural disaster, both recently in Thailand and Turkey and those who are still suffering from disasters some time ago, such as the floods in Pakistan.  May we always remember to help those less fortunate than ourselves. Lord hear us …
• We give thanks for all of the groups of volunteers that enrich our parish life in so many ways, including the CWL, the Knights of St Columba, HIYA, our Scout group, Little Church, our Bereavement Care Group and Churches Together in Hemel Hempstead. Lord hear us …
• We pray that the ill and the infirm will receive comfort and strength in God’s healing.   We pray particularly for [names]. Lord hear us …
• We pray for the deceased of our community, those who have died recently and those whose anniversaries occur at this time.  In particular we recall [names]. Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord…
• Let us now add our own petitions in a moment of silent prayer….
• We ask our mother Mary to add her prayers to ours:  Hail Mary …

Celebrant: Almighty and eternal God, accept the prayers of your people and strengthen us to do your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

31st Sunday of the Year, Year A

Celebrant:  In trust and confidence we bring our prayers to our loving Father.

• We pray for the Church.  May our leaders emulate Jesus in their use of authority, recognising that power is about humility, transparency and service.  We pray for grace and healing for those who have been victims of clerical abuse. Lord, in your mercy
• As the G20 summit approaches, we pray that our leaders will take concrete steps towards real action on climate change and on helping the poorest economies of the world.  Lord, in your mercy
• We continue to pray for peace throughout our world, particularly in those countries which are making a transition from absolute power to democracy, from oppression to liberation – we remember especially Tunisia, Libya and Syria.  Lord, in your mercy
• We pray for those who are suffering as the results of flooding in Thailand; for victims of the earthquake in Turkey; and for all those whose lives and livelihoods are threatened by adverse weather conditions.  Lord, in your mercy
• We pray for a renewed sense of thanksgiving and gratitude.  We recognise our tendency to complain and grumble about our lot, and ask for the grace to count our many blessings. Lord, in your mercy
• We pray for those who suffer illness or infirmity or who are sick in mind, body or spirit.  May they know the healing presence of the Lord in their lives.  We pray in particular for [names]. Lord, in your mercy
• As November approaches we remember the Holy Souls and pray that they will rest in peace with the Lord.  Today we recall these of our loved ones, recently dead or whose anniversaries fall around this time: [names] Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord…
• We bring our own concerns to God, in a moment of silent prayer….
• We ask Mary, mother of the Church to pray with us and for us: Hail Mary …

Celebrant:   Father, accept our prayers and answer them, we pray, through Jesus, your Son and our Lord.   Amen