INTRODUCTORY REFLECTION
‘Christ’s Resurrection is not an event of the past; it contains a vital power which has permeated this world. Where all seems to be dead, signs of the Resurrection suddenly spring up. It is an irresistible force.
‘Often it seems that God does not exist: all around us we see persistent injustice, evil, indifference and cruelty. But it is also true that in the midst of darkness something new always springs to life and sooner or later produces fruit . . . However dark things are, goodness always re-emerges and spreads.
‘Each day in our world beauty is born anew, it rises transformed through the storms of history. . . . Such is the power of the Resurrection, and all who evangelise are instruments of that power.’ – Pope Francis, The Joy of the Gospel, #276
THE WEEK’S PRAYER FOCUS
We pray for all who long for a better world, that the life and work of Pope Francis will keep inspiring them to hear the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.
SAMPLE INTERCESSIONS
These intercessions are offered for selected use at Sunday Mass in the parish alongside those that express local needs and concerns.
PRESIDER
Dear friends, the risen Lord met his fear-filled disciples with a greeting of peace and sent them on a mission of mercy. As we mourn the death of Pope Francis and give thanks for his mission of mercy, let us pray for the human family in all its need around the world.
READER
We pray for Pope Francis, that he will be shepherded by Christ his risen Lord through the shadows of death to the light of eternal glory. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for all humanity, that people everywhere will be drawn together in the solidarity proclaimed by Pope Francis in his universal letter “On Fraternity and Social Friendship” (Fratelli Tutti). (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for all who dwell on earth, our common home, that everyone heed Pope Francis’ call in his letter Laudato si’ to love nature like St Francis of Assisi and do everything in their power to care for creation. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for the church, that all the baptised will relish the joy of the Gospel and answer Pope Francis’ call to be a missionary people announcing good news to all. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for journalists and publishers, that this week’s World Press Freedom Day (3 May) will underscore the importance of their work, especially in the many places where they are in peril of imprisonment and death. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for all who have yet to vote in the federal election, that they will cast their ballot conscientiously for a just society and the good of all. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for people living with disability, that the Jubilee of Hope for them this week will affirm their true dignity and encourage them to live life to the full. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for parents, teachers and school students, that the second term of the school year will be a shared experience of discovery and development. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
We pray for those who have died recently . . . . , and those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, that they will gain eternal life through the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. (Pause) Let us pray to the Lord
PRESIDER
God of boundless mercy, you never cease to call us to new and more abundant life. Free us from fear and bless us with peace. We ask this through Christ, our risen Lord.