Introduction:

On this year’s World Mission Sunday we are reminded that by virtue of our Baptism we are all called to be missionary.  My we, like the disciples, have hearts burning with zeal proclaiming the Kingdom of God in faith and action.

Prayers of the Faithful:

Celebrant:   Dear friends, Jesus calls us to love as he loved, wholeheartedly and freely. Let us open our hearts in loving prayer for the world that God has made.

Commentator:       We pray for the millions of innocent children, women and men caught up in brutal warfare, especially in Israel and Gaza, but also in Ukraine, Myanmar, Sudan and other places, that the warring parties will agree to a ceasefire and allow humanitarian aid to flow through.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:       We pray for all who have blessed us with generous love, that they will rejoice on seeing their love bear good fruit in our lives.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:       We pray for the quiet volunteers doing the work of the St Vincent de Paul Society, that their care for the poor will ease the hardship and isolation that so many suffer.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

 Commentator:       We pray for our faith community, that the celebration of All Saints and All Souls Days this week will enliven our hope in Jesus’ promise of eternal life.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:       We pray for lay and religious missionaries, that they will walk alongside, listening to and respecting the needs of those whose lives are affected by poverty and injustice.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:   We pray for the recently deceased and those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, especially all those in our Mass Intentions today, that they will forever delight in God’s beauty and goodness.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Celebrant: Fount of love, holy God, in your wisdom you have brought the world to birth. Open our hearts to love all things as Jesus did. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Introduction:

Today’s readings concentrate on God as ruler over all the world.

This week, maybe we can pray for the rulers and leaders of our world, particularly during these difficult times. We ask that God will work through them towards justice and peace. We pray too that the Holy Spirit will guide each of us in how we can serve God best.

Prayers of the Faithful:

Celebrant:   Dear friends, heartened by the saving word of God, let us pray with faith and hope and love for our troubled world.

Commentator:       We pray for world leaders as United Nations Day approaches (24 October), that they will use all the power at their disposal to work for peace and especially to end the brutal bloodshed in the Holy Land.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:       We pray for the people of Australia, whether First Nations, settlers, migrants or refugees, that we be united in our commitment to mutual respect, fairness and solidarity.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:       We pray for tertiary and senior secondary students preparing for major exams, that they will do justice to their knowledge, gifts and skills and find a life-giving path ahead.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:       We pray and give thanks to God, our Fete Committee, the many volunteers and people who supported us. May your witness of service and love give us hope during these challenging times.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:       We pray for all our current seminarians in the Archdiocese and those in the MSSP House of Formation in Manila, that our prayers may support them in their vocations.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:   We pray for the recently deceased and those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, especially all those in our Mass Intentions today, that they will know the fulness of God’s grace and peace for ever.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Celebrant: Great and glorious God, you reveal your power to us in the sign of the cross. Help us walk faithfully in the footsteps of Jesus. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Introduction:

As the end of the liturgical year gradually approaches, the readings begin to focus on the kingdom of heaven and the era beyond the end of time. This week, both the First Reading and the Gospel invite us to think of sharing in the great feast that God prepares for us.

Prayers of the Faithful:

Celebrant:   Dear friends, as honoured guests at the wedding feast of the Lamb, let us pray for the whole human family to find its place at the table of life.

Commentator:       We pray for all who dwell in the land of Jesus’ birth, whether Palestinian or Israeli, that the deadly violence engulfing them will be short-lived and an effective ceasefire agreed to.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:       We pray for all taking part in the Synod on Synodality, that they will be inspired by Pope Francis’ letter on Thérèse of Lisieux, youthful saint of prayer and missionary zeal.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:       We pray for ourselves as citizens of Australia, that the result of the referendum on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament will make us more determined than ever to overcome disadvantage and division across the land.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:       We pray for our upcoming Fete.  May we gather as a community of faith and love recognising the generosity of our many volunteers who witness to servant leadership.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:   We pray for the recently deceased and those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, especially all those in our Mass Intentions today, that Christ the good shepherd will lead them to the joy of the heavenly banquet.

                             (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Celebrant: God, our strength and our salvation, your Son Jesus taught us to pray for our daily bread. Help us be content with the blessings you give us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Introduction:

The image of the people of God as a vineyard is familiar in the Scriptures. We can rejoice in seeing the Church as the vineyard of the Lord, but we also need to respond to God’s gifts and use them well.

Prayers of the Faithful:

Celebrant:   Dear friends, once rejected by the builders, Christ has become the cornerstone of our faith. Relying on this solid foundation, let us pray for the life of the world.

Commentator:       We pray for the world-wide church, that the synodal process Pope Francis has set in motion will revitalise its missionary spirit.

                             (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:       We pray for the Christian faithful around the world, that all the baptised in Christ will nourish their minds with what is true and noble and good.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:       We pray for the voters of Australia, that they will prepare carefully and conscientiously this week for the Voice referendum and vote for what they truly believe is just and best.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:       We pray for our upcoming Fete.  May we gather as a community of faith and love recognising the generosity of our many volunteers who witness to servant leadership.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:   We pray for the recently deceased and those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, especially all those in our Mass Intentions today, that they inherit the peace of God which the world cannot give.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Celebrant: God ever faithful and good, you have joined us to Jesus as branches of the one true vine. Bless us with your love, that our lives may bear much fruit. We ask this through Christ our Lord.. Amen.

Introduction:

The readings for this Sunday remind us again of God’s boundless love and compassion. God’s unconditional love for us, and the sacrifice of Jesus’s death, mean there is no limit to the mercy we receive; nor can there be to the compassion and forgiveness we show to others.

Prayers of the Faithful:

Celebrant:   Dear friends, Jesus calls us to forgive as generously as we are forgiven. Thankful for God’s boundless mercy, let us open our hearts in prayer for the needs of the world.

Commentator:       We pray for Christian churches around the world, that they will bear credible witness to the all-embracing mercy of God.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:       We pray for the voters of Australia, that they will consider the referendum question on the Voice to Parliament carefully and vote according to their conscience.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:       We pray for all participants in the upcoming Synod in Rome, that they will be charged with the same Spirit that enthused young believers at World Youth Day this year.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:   We pray for the recently deceased and those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, especially all those in our Mass Intentions today, that by God’s saving power they will rise to eternal life.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Celebrant: God of all mercy and compassion, come to our aid. Help us believe in your unfailing love and proclaim it to the ends of the earth. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Introduction:

The theme of listening runs through today’s readings. We are to listen to the word of God, to our hearts, to one another, and to our community. We are challenged truly to love one another, speaking out where necessary. Just as Jesus became our brother and made himself responsible for us, he asks that we do the same.

Prayers of the Faithful:

Celebrant:   Dear friends, Jesus encourages us to be of one mind when we ask for what we need. United in faith and hope, let us turn to our loving God in prayer.

Commentator:       We pray for those who bear prophetic witness to the global climate crisis, that they will continue to call us to take responsible care of the earth, our common home.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:       We pray for the relatives and friends of people who have taken their own lives, that with timely help they will find a way through their pain and grief.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:       We pray for the Church: may it always be a place of reconciliation and strive to guard all life on the planet.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:       We pray the people of this community: that we may be patient with and correct one another with open and generous hearts.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:       We pray children in our Parishes: that we may all work collaboratively to ensure the happiness and confidence of every child, to support safe communities and to foster an environment of safety and protection where children flourish.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:   We pray for the recently deceased and those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, especially all those in our Mass Intentions today, that Christ, the good shepherd, will guide them safely to their eternal home.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Celebrant: God of life and love, you reconciled the world to yourself in Christ. Help us be true ambassadors of your peace. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Introduction:

Today’s readings remind us that the path of love leads us away from ourselves. This is always painful, but ultimately it is a path that leads us to the fullness of life.

Peter’s journey of faith earns him the severe disapproval of Jesus, who has started to speak openly of the shocking nature of his Messiahship. Peter rejects the idea: his thoughts are human rather than those of God. Jesus explains that being his disciple means being prepared to shoulder his cross: a metaphor for suffering for what we believe in.

Prayers of the Faithful:

Celebrant:   Dear friends, Jesus calls us to choose his way of self-sacrificing love. Keeping close to him, let us pray for our sisters and brothers around the world.

Commentator:       We pray for fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers and all who serve in a fatherly role. May their love be life-giving for their children and fulfilling for themselves.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:       We pray for Australia’s children. May this week’s National Child Protection Week bring everyone together to ensure no child is maltreated.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:       We pray for our family members, our friends and our parish community. May they be made new in mind and heart by the Spirit of God.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:       We pray for priests who have passed away, that the seeds they have planted and nourished in the lives and communities they were part of, may continue to bear fruit to sustain generations to come.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:   We pray for the recently deceased and those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, especially all those in our Mass Intentions today. May they be raised to life in Christ crucified and risen.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Celebrant: God of infinite mystery, you fill our hearts with longing for your love. Help us find you in one another and those we serve. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Introduction:

Today’s readings focus on the way God looks on the lowly, the ones who need help. The Gospel encourages us to reflect on our own faith in Jesus. As we seek to answer truthfully Jesus’s question about his identity, we may also ponder on Peter, a simple fisherman, who is given the keys of the Kingdom and entrusted to build the Lord’s Church.

Prayers of the Faithful:

Celebrant:   Dear friends, thankful for the gift of faith in Jesus, Son of the living God, let us pray with confidence for all our sisters and brothers in need.

Commentator:       We pray for Pope Francis on his apostolic visit to Mongolia this week. May he confirm that nation’s small Christian community in the faith of Peter the Apostle.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:       We pray on this Social Justice Sunday with and for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. May we renew our engagement with each other by respectful listening, learning and loving.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:       We pray for children from other schools receiving the sacrament of confirmation. May the gifts of the Holy Spirit guide them to lives of great faith and love.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:       We pray in thanksgiving for the countless acts of kindness that bind our community together. May these humble gestures bear a rich harvest of hope and joy.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:   We pray for the recently deceased and those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, especially all those in our Mass Intentions today. May the mystery of God’s wisdom be fully revealed to them.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Celebrant: Faithful and ever-loving God, you led the apostle Peter to believe in Jesus your Son. Deepen our faith in Christ and give us the courage to follow him ever more closely. We ask this through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Introduction:

God’s love, mercy and salvation are for everyone. Although the Israelites were known as God’s chosen people, the story of their beginning, their time in exile, slavery and rejection is also a story of God’s love for the whole of humanity. Each of our readings this Sunday approaches this truth from a different perspective.

Prayers of the Faithful:

Celebrant:   Dear friends, with the bold faith of the Canaanite woman, let us pray for the world to be healed and set free by Jesus’ saving power.

Commentator:       We pray in thanks for the women of faith who have inspired generation after generation of believers. May their testimony lead today’s young women to discover Christ.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:       We pray for our teachers and catechists. May they communicate the joy of the Gospel to all their students.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:       We pray for the Church. May every parish church be a house of prayer that welcomes all who seek the face of God.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:       We pray for the staff and volunteers of CatholicCare Victoria, that they may be your presence to others.  May their efforts bring peace and happiness to those who seek their assistance..

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:   We pray for the recently deceased and those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, especially all those in our Mass Intentions today. May they share to the full in the banquet of eternal life.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Celebrant: All-embracing God, your saving love knows no bounds. Help us, we pray, to share that love freely, without judgment or discrimination. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Introduction:

Last weekend was the beginning of National Vocations Awareness Week, an opportunity for each of us to reflect on what it means for God to call us by name.  Whether called to the Priesthood or Religious Life, marriage or the single life, each of us need to focus on how best we can respond to God’s call and his love for us.

Our Sunday readings this week reiterate the need to listen to God’s voice in all the circumstances of our lives, especially in times of trial. May we remind ourselves this week that Christ, our peace, is always with us, and with our world, amid the storms and difficulties of our lives.

Prayers of the Faithful:

Celebrant:   God is our refuge in every age. In confidence, therefore, we pray.

Commentator:       For our Holy Father – Pope Francis, our Bishop Peter and all who lead us in faith; may they sustain us in fidelity to Christ and to the Church.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:       For our priests, deacons and religious, especially those in our community; may our prayers and support sustain them in fidelity and courage.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:       For those who suffer in our community from physical, emotional and spiritual pain, may Christ console and strengthen them.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:       For all young people, may they put their trust in the things of God, including by responding to the call to a vocation to priesthood and consecrated life.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:       For all families and for those preparing for marriage; may they be strengthened in fidelity and faith.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:       For our parish community and the Paulist Missionaries, that the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary will deepen our faith in God’s promise of eternal life.

                            (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator:   We pray for the recently deceased and those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time, especially all those in our Mass Intentions today, that they will enjoy God’s glory with Mary and all the saints.

                             (pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Celebrant: Heavenly Father, in trust we make these prayers, and those of our hearts, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.