Introduction:

Christ is coming! The readings this weekend are full of an expectation. God’s promise through Micah is fulfilled in the encounter between Mary and Elizabeth, and their faith.

May we journey through these last days of Advent in Mary’s company, so that Christ may be born in us. Her ‘Yes’ paved the way for Jesus’ ‘Here I am!’ Now’s the time for us to say the same.

Prayers of the Faithful:

Celebrant:   Dear friends, with bold faith in God, Mary and Elizabeth brought everlasting joy to birth in the world. Trusting in God’s word as they did, let us pray for the rebirth of creation.

Lector:   For church communities around the world, that they will be joyful centres of hospitality, grace and peace.

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

Lector:   For expectant mothers, especially those who are alone and unsupported, that they will give birth safely and bond lovingly with their child.

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

Lector:   For families coming together for Christmas, that their gatherings will be graced with love, peace and thankfulness.

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

Lector:   For all travelling far to be reunited with loved ones, that their journeys will be safe and peaceful.

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

Lector:   For our faith community, that in this last week Advent we will prepare prayerfully for the birth of the Saviour.

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

Celebrant:   We pray for the ancestors of the Wurundjeri people on whose land we stand, and for all our loved ones who have died, as well as for the recently deceased; Charles Sammut and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time especially Eilleen O’Reilly, Phil O’Reilly, Assunta Tabone, Richard Keating, Rosa Caltabiano, Lucia La Rocca, Joan and Jack Grimes, Mara, Vasaliki Hili, Mary Cini, Emy Saffarese, Natu Portelli, Jeff Ruthburn, Ron and Kris Gamble and all those in our Mass Intentions today, that God’s promise of eternal life will be fulfilled in them.

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

Celebrant:    All-holy God, Mary placed her life in your hands and acclaimed the greatness of your name. Help us to make her faith our own. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Introduction:

This Third Sunday of Advent is often called Gaudete Sunday from the first word of the Entrance Antiphon in Latin: Gaudete! – that is, ‘Rejoice!’.

In the Gospel, the people come to John the Baptist to ask him, ‘What must we do?’ to prepare for the coming of the Christ. The answer is not the same for everyone, but all are asked to share with those who have less than themselves. Perhaps I ask the Lord: What must I do to prepare for your coming this Christmas?

Prayers of the Faithful:

Celebrant:   Dear friends, as the weeks of Advent pass, we look with growing hope for the coming of the Saviour. In peace and thankfulness, we pray for God’s blessing on our world.

Lector:   For the whole human family, that a new spirit of hope and joy will come to birth in every heart and every home.

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

Lector:   For all sectors of Australian society, that they heed the Baptist’s call for an ethic of sharing, honesty and justice.

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

Lector:   For family members and loved ones still separated by travel restrictions, that they will soon be able to meet again safely in person.

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

Celebrant:   We pray for the ancestors of the Wurundjeri people on whose land we stand, and for all our loved ones who have died, as well as for the recently deceased; Charles Sammut, Antonia Spiteri, Domenico Latella and Peter John Anthony Grant, and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time especially Renelda Olanday, Anthony Fernandes, Mary Angelique Olanday, David and Lawrence Bracken, Len Barlow, Robert Del Grosso, Almeida Family, Nash Family, Saunders Family, Cachia Family, Agiuo Family, Maria and Donato Cassetta, Carmela Barone, Mary Headley, Tony Scerri, Emmanuel, Gaetana, Joe, Rois and Rita Scicluna, Cettina, Joe and Nusat Sammut, Annie and Tony Cassar, Leonor Dela Pena, Emy Saffarese, Natu Portelli, Jeff Ruthburn, Ron and Kris Gamble and all those in our Mass Intentions today, that they will share to the full in God’s eternal joy.

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

Celebrant:    Bountiful God, you sent your servant John among us to baptise and preach. Keep us always on the way that leads to you. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Introduction:

Today’s readings offer the gift of joy, and the invitation to hear and respond to God who is reaching out to draw us ever closer.

In the coming week, how may I be a ‘voice crying in the wilderness’? How can I more fruitfully respond to Christ’s wonderful call? How will I continue to discern what is always best?

The season of Advent rekindles our faith in the power of love, human and divine, to keep bringing a new world to birth. Maranatha, come Lord Jesus, come!

Prayers of the Faithful:

Celebrant:   Dear friends, like John the Baptist we are called to declare God’s saving mercy for all. In hope and love let us pray for our world.

Lector:   We pray with thanksgiving for all whose lives are good news for others, that they will keep kindling fresh hope in the hearts of the poor.

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

Lector:   We pray for all people in aged and palliative care, that they will be looked after with respect, compassion and love.

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

Lector:   We pray for emergency service personnel preparing for the summer fire season, that their dedicated care for the community and for nature will keep everyone safe.

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

Lector:   We pray for our parish community, that the celebration of Mary’s Immaculate Conception will deepen our faith in God’s saving power.

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

Celebrant:   We pray for the ancestors of the Wurundjeri people on whose land we stand, and for all our loved ones who have died, as well as for the recently deceased; Eva Rodriguez, and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time especially Domenica Latela, Emmy Saffarese, Jake Shaw, Natu Portelli, Jeff Ruthburn, Ron and Kris Gamble, George Grech, Carmen Cutajar, Alesandra Ginio, Roberto Maniquis, Mary, Charlie and Joseph Xerri, Angela and Salvatore Sacco, Carmen and Felix Tabone, Carmen and Joe Camilleri, Anthony Menezes and all those in our Mass Intentions today, that they will reach the perfect goodness promised by the Day of Christ.

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

Celebrant:    All-saving God, you called John the Baptist to proclaim the forgiveness of sin. Open our eyes and our hearts to your saving grace. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Introduction:

The Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, brings the Church’s year to a close, and calls us to celebrate again Jesus’s victory over suffering and death.

As servants, we offer all that we are, and invite him to reign within our hearts, so that we can play our part in bringing God’s truth, love, justice and peace to the world.

This week, we ask God for the grace to open our hearts and minds to the needs of those who do not yet know his voice. We pray that by the service of our lives we will draw others to his loving embrace.

Prayers of the Faithful:

Celebrant:   Dear friends, by his dying and rising Jesus has made us a priestly people. In union with him let us pray for the life of the world.

Lector:   We pray for Pope Francis and all the bishops of the church, that they will boldly proclaim the truth that sets us free.

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

Lector:   We pray for all who risk their lives giving faithful witness to Jesus, that they will stay strong and steadfast in their convictions.

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

Lector:   We pray for the whole human family, that all will unite in bringing to birth a new world order of love, goodness and truth.

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

Lector:   We pray for women everywhere, that this week’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on the 25^th of November, will help make the world a safer place for them.

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

Celebrant:   We pray for the ancestors of the Wurundjeri people on whose land we stand, and in this month of November for all our loved ones who have died, as well as for the recently deceased; Angie Juwita, Amelita Santos and Victor Galea, and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time especially Bernard Evans, Connie and Noel Grasso, D’amico Family, Michael Papavero, Don Campbell, Eileen Grichting, Vasalliki Hili, Manika Hooley, Emy Saffarese, Natu Portelli, Jeff Ruthvern, Ron and Kris Gamble and all those in our Mass Intentions today, that they join Jesus, the First-born from the dead, in the glory of heaven.

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

Celebrant:    Holy God and Father of Jesus, you Son has washed away our sins with his blood. Keep us true to his name. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Introduction:

As the Church’s year draws to a close, the readings this Sunday speak both of endings and eternal beginnings. All of them offer hope and direction to communities living in the midst of turbulent change and uncertainty.

This week, let us pray for each other, that we will forever keep the Lord in our sight. May we be living signs of Christ’s love and forgiveness in our world, and may we face these challenging times with confidence.

Prayers of the Faithful:

Celebrant:   Dear friends, as we await the coming of the Son of Man, let us pray in peace for the whole of creation.

Lector:   We pray for world leaders, that they will press ahead with the changes necessary to bring global warming under control.

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

Lector:   We pray for children around the world, that they may celebrate this week’s Universal Children’s Day (20 November) in freedom, safety and peace.

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

Lector:   We pray for parish communities challenged by the shortage of priests, that the gifts of the baptised faithful may be identified and made best use of.

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

Celebrant:   We pray for the ancestors of the Wurundjeri people on whose land we stand, and in this month of November for all our loved ones who have died, as well as for the recently deceased; Norma Revell, Laurie Sammut and Amelita Santos, and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time especially Bill Dooley, Nicola Carmela Golia, Michele Golia, Nuzio Carmela Stefanelli, Rosa Pozzuto, Samuele Stefanelli, Guiseppe Bertino, Nonna Asscenito, Nonno Garofalo, Nonno Rosario, Mario Stefanelli Amen, Salvatore, Carmela, Charlie, Romeo and Stella Caruana, Concetta Del Grosso, Alexsandra Ginino, Joseph Ciappara, Carmen Cutajar, Catherine Schembri, Mia Valletta, Emy Saffarese, Natu Portelli, Jeff Ruthvern, Ron and Kris Gamble and all those in our Mass Intentions today, that they will enjoy happiness at God’s right hand for ever.

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

Celebrant:    God of heaven and earth, you made all things to share in your everlasting glory. Keep us safe in your life-giving love. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Introduction:

Our readings this week explore the concepts of generosity, humility and self-giving. With the help of the Holy Spirit, they encourage us to live our lives as generously as Jesus did.

Let us pray this week to the Lord who supports the vulnerable and poor for the grace to be his instruments on earth. We ask for his help to show our care for the outcasts and marginalised of our own day through our loving actions.

Prayers of the Faithful:

Celebrant:   Dear friends, Jesus became poor for our sake that we might be rich in his love. In the spirit of that love let us pray for the world and all who live in it.

Lector:   We pray for the whole of creation, that world leaders at the Glasgow climate summit will commit to the actions needed to limit global warming.

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

Lector:   We pray for local churches around the world, that they will welcome Pope Francis’ call to participate in preparations for the Roman synod on synodality.

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

Lector:   We pray for secondary and tertiary students engaged in final exams, that their disrupted studies will not deny them the achievement they hope for.

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

Lector:   We pray for our parish community, that the poor and vulnerable in our midst will be welcomed, respected and supported.

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

Celebrant:   We pray for the ancestors of the Wurundjeri people on whose land we stand, and in this month of November for all our loved ones who have died, as well as for the recently deceased; Norma Revell and Maria Zammit, and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time especially Bonifacio Mendoza, Carmen and Joe Camilleri, Mary, Charlie and Joseph Xerri, Angela and Salvatore Sacco, Carmen and Felix Tabone, Roberto Maniquis, Emy Saffarese, Natu Portelli, Jeff Ruthvern, Ron and Kris Gamble and all those in our Mass Intentions today, that they will be blessed with the everlasting peace of God.

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

Celebrant:    Gracious God, your Son emptied himself that we might be filled with life. Grant us the courage to give freely of ourselves in love. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Introduction

Our readings this week remind us that the love of God and of our neighbour is the foundation and the rock of our faith and life.

The text from Deuteronomy (First Reading) is the famous Shema Yisrael prayer, beloved by Judaism and used every morning and evening. Israel keeps the law of God because she loves God with her whole soul.

In the Gospel, Jesus uses the same text to answer the scribe’s question as to which is the greatest commandment. However, Jesus takes it further by adding a second commandment, to love one’s neighbour. These two commandments are inseparable.

Prayers of the Faithful

Celebrant:   Dear friends, the call of Jesus is to whole-hearted and all-embracing love. In answer to his call, let us offer loving prayer for all that God has made.

Lector:   We pray for Pope Francis, that his prophetic appeals for a new human solidarity and for loving care of the earth will be heeded.

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

Lector:   We pray for impoverished nations with weak health systems, that they will be given a just share of the vaccines and resources they need to deal with COVID-19.

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

Lector:   We pray for parish communities facing an uncertain future, that the challenge of change will draw them together and bring forth the gifts of the Spirit.

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

Lector:   We give thanks for all whose holy lives have inspired our faith, and pray that the feast of All Saints will deepen our communion with them.

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

Celebrant:   We pray for the ancestors of the Wurundjeri people on whose land we stand, and in this month of November for all our loved ones who have died, as well as for the recently deceased; Frank Costa, Danilo Caparas and Mary Bridget, and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time especially Joseph Debrincat, Lourdes Grech, Rita Hili, Cecilio, Antonia, Florentino, Isabela and Jose Bazar, Evelyn Fonbuena, Anthony, Vincent and Emmanuella Vella, Josephine and George Curmi, Emy Saffarese, Natu Portelli, Jeff Ruthvern, Ron and Kris Gamble and all those in our Mass Intentions today. May they join the company of saints and praise God for ever.

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

Celebrant:    God of all creation, you made everything in boundless love. Free our hearts to love as Jesus loved. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Introduction:

As is customary for the Church on this World Mission Sunday, we are invited to celebrate our Missionary identity as baptised.  We Paulist Missionaries celebrate this Mission Sunday as one of our seven MSSP Feasts during the year.  We are reminded that a faith that is not shared is neither authentic nor life giving.

The question Jesus puts to Bartimaeus – ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ – repeats that put to James and John in last Sunday’s Gospel.

The replies stand in stark contrast. The two apostles ask for power and glory, the blind beggar asks to see again. What follows is equally contrasting. The Twelve descend into argument while Bartimaeus chooses to follow Jesus on the arduous ascent from Jericho to Jerusalem – a difficult journey that reflects the demands of discipleship.

The deliberations of the Plenary Council suggest that the Australian church is being challenged to identify itself with Bartimaeus rather than the sons of Zebedee. With him it must relinquish the cloak of security and ask to see again.

Prayers of the Faithful:

Celebrant:   Dear friends, courage and faith brought sight back to Bartimaeus. With his determined conviction let us pray for the healing of our world.

Lector:   For church communities around the world, that on this Mission Sunday they will heed Pope Francis’ call to take the Gospel to the margins of society.

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

Lector:   For disadvantaged countries and communities, that they will be given a just share of vaccines and resources to deal with the COVID pandemic.

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

Lector:   For the Catholic Church in Australia, that the next phase of the Plenary Council process will be inclusive, transforming and Spirit-led.

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

Lector:   For the MSSP and all Paulist Lay Missioaries, that they be compelled to speak about God’s Kingdom through word and action.

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

Celebrant:   We pray for the ancestors of the Wurundjeri people on whose land we stand, for all our loved ones who have died, as well as for the recently deceased; Dario Krpan, Cecilia Mendonca and Danilo Magtulis, and for those whose anniversary of death occurs around this time especially Roy Melder, Maria Cozzi, George Atton, Peggy Dooley, Pio Manalo, Fr Edliberto Dela Pena, O Carm., Leonila Raguine, Fred Martinez, Mike Lester Ching, Emy Saffarese, Natu Portelli, Jeff Ruthvern, Ron and Kris Gamble and all those in our Mass Intentions today, that they will see God face to face and live with joy for ever.

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

Celebrant:    Saving God, you have revealed yourself to us in Christ. Open our eyes to see him in the face of the widow, the orphan and the stranger. We ask this through Christ our Lord.