Introduction:

As we look forward to Christmas, quickly approaching, today’s readings speak of God’s plans: for the House of David … for Mary … and for us.

We hear Jesus’s name spoken at the beginning of the Gospel, where Luke describes how the angel comes to Mary with good news. Gabriel tells of God’s plan: through Mary, a virgin, the son of God will be born; a successor to the House of David, whose reign will never end. Mary shows her faith and trust in God by responding with an unconditional yes.

Prayers of the Faithful:

Celebrant: Dear friends, Mary’s quiet “yes” to God became good news for the whole world to hear. In union with her, let us put our faith in God’s wisdom and love.

Lector: For the church in every land, that it will emerge from the pandemic renewed in the spirit of Mary’s courageous faith.

(Pause) ………….We pray to the Lord

Lector: For all who are still separated from loved ones by travel and quarantine restrictions, that they will soon be happily reunited.

(Pause) ………….We pray to the Lord

Lector: For those for whom Christmas is a time of loneliness and the risk of violence, that family members, friends and the local community will rally to their support.

(Pause) ………….We pray to the Lord

Lector: For ourselves as this difficult year draws to a close, that together we will find joy, peace and love in the celebration of Christ’s birth.

(Pause) ………….We pray to the Lord

Celebrant: We pray for the ancestors of the Wurundjeri people on whose land we stand, for the recently deceased Catherine Bonnici, Frank Maloney and Josephine Zerafa and for those whose anniversaries occur about this time, Roberto Maniquis, David and Lawrence Bracken, Richard Keating, Joan and Jack Grimes, Anthony Baldacchino, Sam and Frank Haber, George Bonnici, Maria, Charlie, Mickel, Nickolas, Emma, John, Michelle, Katie, Karmelo and Charlie Micaleff, Schembri Family, Psayla Family, Joe and Carmen Micaleff, Carmen Cutajar, Bernadet and Vince Attard, Victor and Dina Farrugia, Georgia Falzon, Rosa Caltabiano, Donato Di Russo, Assunta Tabone, Emy Saffarese, Natu Portelli, Bevan Wilson, Geff Ruthburn, Ron Gamble, that they will be reborn into eternal life with Mary and all the saints.
(pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Closing Prayer :

Celebrant: God of boundless mercy, through Mary’s consent and the power of the Spirit your Word took on our human flesh. Set us free to welcome his saving presence. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Introduction:

As we draw near to Christmas, the readings for this ‘Gaudete’ Sunday are full of rejoicing. We light a pink Advent candle to focus our attention on that spirit of joy. Perhaps this year, more than any other, our hearts are longing for news of joy and happiness. Though it may not be possible for us to worship today with those we long to gather with, Christ shares in our longing, standing among us and within us wherever we come to pray.

Prayers of the Faithful:

Celebrant: Dear friends, as we wait for the light of Christ to dawn in our darkness, let us place our hopes into God’s loving care.

Lector: For Pope Francis and all religious leaders, that in the spirit of the Lord they bear joyful witness to God’s boundless mercy.

(Pause) ………….We pray to the Lord

Lector: For the people of Australia, that the commissions of enquiry into aged care, the disabled, bushfire management and war crimes will make the nation safer and healthier.

(Pause) ………….We pray to the Lord

Lector: For all who have struggled with the challenges of this difficult year, that the season of Advent will renew their hope for better times.

(Pause) ………….We pray to the Lord

Lector: For all our schools as they prepare to celebrate and give thanks for the school year that has almost ended, principals, staff, students, parents and families. We pray that this Christmas season be a time for contemplating the Good News the Christ Child; announces peace and a profound love for all humanity and our common home.

(Pause) ………….We pray to the Lord

Lector: For Melbourne Overseas Missions: that they may be able to continue their support of communities in some of the world’s most remote countries through the financial generosity and prayers of the people of our Archdiocese.

(Pause) ………….We pray to the Lord

Celebrant: We pray for the ancestors of the Wurundjeri people on whose land we stand, for the recently deceased Katie Dimech and Josephine Zerafa and for those whose anniversaries occur about this time, Anthony Fernandes, Tony Attard, Sylvia Zammit, Anna Kotula, Rudy Bonifacio Rillorta, Maria and Donato Cassetta, Carmela Barone, Donatto Di Russo, Rosa Caltabiano, Antonio and Lucia Micallef, Freddy, Laura and Filicisma Spiteri, Georgia Refalo, Margaret Grima, Joseph Debrincat, Charlie Vassallo, Emy Saffarese, Natu Portelli, Bevan Wilson, Geff Ruthburn, Ron Gamble, that they will rejoice in the glory of God for ever.
(pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Closing Prayer :

Celebrant: God of faithful promise, you raised up John the Baptist to herald the coming of your Son. Send us out as joyful agents of your love. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Introduction

The call to repentance lies at the heart of the Advent season. Like the people in today’s readings, we, too, are called to a change of heart, as we long for a better world where injustice will cease.

This week, we might ask for the grace of trust, and to receive the deep love of God into our hearts. God is offering us new life in Christ, empowering us to be his instruments for change in a world torn apart by self-serving actions and fear. Perhaps we can make this our prayer: ‘Lord, make us channels of your peace and justice.

Prayers of the Faithful

Celebrant: We offer God our prayers tonight on behalf of all those throughout the world who seek freedom, who choose life, who desire healing and who cry out for justice.

Lector: We pray for Pope Francis, that his pastoral care for the whole human family will inspire the leaders of every nation.

(Pause) ………….We pray to the Lord

Lector: We pray for disadvantaged populations thrust back into poverty by COVID-19, that the world community will work together for their recovery.

(Pause) ………….We pray to the Lord

Lector: We pray for the elders of indigenous communities around Australia, that they be respected and heeded in their role as custodians of country.

(Pause) ………….We pray to the Lord

Lector: We pray for ourselves, that we will come fully alive in the Spirit with which we have been baptised.

(Pause) ………….We pray to the Lord

Lector: We pray for all who will be baptised and received into the Church, especially Anna, Alice, Nancy, Morteza and Ronald. May the Easter Sacraments be renewed each week at Mass as they grow in the life of Christ’s grace.

(Pause) ………….We pray to the Lord

Celebrant: We pray for the ancestors of the Wurundjeri people on whose land we stand, for the recently deceased Steven Bairstow and for those whose anniversaries occur about this time, George Grech, Len Barlow, Rosaria and Paul Falzon, Giuseppe, Concetta and Fabiola Farrugia, Julian and Pracsid Jansz, Breget Perera, Peter Peiris, John Castricum, Joseph Borg, Mary, Charlie and Joseph Xerri, Angela and Salvatore Sacco, Emy Saffarese, Natu Portelli, Bevan Wilson, Geff Ruthburn and Ron Gamble, that they will rejoice in the glory of God for ever.
(pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Closing Prayer :

Celebrant: God of mercy and power, you sent John the Baptist to announce the advent of your Son. Give us courage like his to testify to Jesus in all we say and do. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Introduction

As we begin another liturgical year, we focus on the coming of Christ. We wait for his coming in our own lives; we wait for his coming at Christmas; and we await his second coming.

Let us enter this new season with confidence, knowing that the Lord will give us, and our world, the graces we need, because ‘God is faithful’.

Prayers of the Faithful

Celebrant: Dear friends, as we keep watch for the day of Christ, let us pray in peace for the salvation of the world.

Commentator: We pray in thanks for all whose lively hope inspires us, that they will encourage the disheartened to face the future with confidence.
(pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator: We pray for people with disabilities around the world, that they be honoured in their humanity and allowed to enrich the community with their gifts.
(pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator: We pray for peace-makers in every place of warfare, that they bring an end to violence and hate.
(pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator: We pray for all migrants and refugees – those risking their lives in perilous journeys and those long marooned in camps – that their hopes for new life will not be denied.
(pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Celebrant: We pray for the ancestors of the Wurundjeri people on whose land we stand, for the recently deceased Rogelio Diamante and Loreta Sotelo and for those whose anniversaries occur about this time, especially the loved ones we remember during this month, John Castricum, Carmela and Salvo Vella, Froilan Santos, Henley D’Cruz, Viniamor Dela Pena, Alphonse Massako, Berthe Besseke, Marie Ebelle, Marie Therese Ngongah, Henri Yepmout, Alexandre Djoki, Bruno Tonye, Michel Edouka, Zita Raymonde No, Leonard Ebaha, Antoine Mbong, Adolphe Stephane Ebongo, Charlotte Singui Dioh, Norbert Ulrich Moukoko Djoki, Etienne Ewandje, Germaine Zita Tadonki Kana, Marie Ngo Nguiten, Emy Saffarese, Natu Portelli, Geff Ruthburn and Ron Gamble, that they will share to the full in the gift of eternal life.
(pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Closing Prayer :

Celebrant: God our Creator and Redeemer, we are the work of your hands. Help us be signs of your beauty and goodness for the world to see. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Introduction

Today’s solemnity of Christ the King ends the Church’s liturgical year on a high point. Perhaps, after the year we have had, we need, more than ever, to savour the full title of this feast: ‘Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe’.

So that God ‘may be all in all’, Christ is, indeed, king over the whole universe.

Though we may have felt – and perhaps still feel – ‘scattered, during the mist and darkness’ of 2020, God keeps the flock always in view and will show us where to rest. We are not abandoned. Rather, the care of the one, true, kingly shepherd means we really shall want for nothing.

The call of this Shepherd King is heard in the Gospel, inviting us to a share, both in his service of others, especially to the very least, and in his very life. This week, let’s try to be open to that call and respond with joyful and generous hearts.

Prayers of the Faithful

Celebrant: Dear friends, today we acclaim the loving reign of Christ over the whole of creation. Let us pray for his love to prevail in every human heart.

Commentator: We pray for the hungry, that we will give freely of our plenty to feed the many who have too little to eat.
(pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator: We pray for the thirsty, that nations will unite in ensuring they have ready access to drinking water and sanitation.
(pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator: We pray for the stranger, that in every land a spirit of welcome and hospitality will overcome hostility and suspicion.
(pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator: We pray for the sick, especially in countries overwhelmed by COVID-19, that they will be cared for with skill and compassion.
(pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator: We pray for those in prison, that they be treated humanely and be detained no longer than is just.
(pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator: We pray for our parish, that we will be more and more a community of care, warmth and selfless service.
(pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Celebrant: We pray for the ancestors of the Wurundjeri people on whose land we stand, for the recently deceased Angelo Patelmo and for those whose anniversaries occur about this time, especially the loved ones we remember during this month, Bernard Evans, the deceased members of the Xuereb Family, Alphonse Massako, Berthe Besseke, Marie Ebelle, Marie Therese Ngongah, Henri Yepmout, Alexandre Djoki, Bruno Tonye, Michel Edouka, Zita Raymonde No, Leonard Ebaha, Antoine Mbong, Adolphe Stephane Ebongo, Charlotte Singui Dioh, Norbert Ulrich Moukoko Djoki, Etienne Ewandje, Germaine Zita Tadonki Kana, Marie Ngo Nguiten, Emy Saffarese, Natu Portelli, Geff Ruthburn and Ron Gamble that they will be welcomed into the realm of eternal glory.
(pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Closing Prayer :

Celebrant: Shepherding God, you have revealed your saving love for us in Jesus Christ. Set our hearts free to practise a love like his. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Introduction:

We gather this evening to remember with respect, love and dignity our loved ones who have died. We do so before and in the presence of God.

We remember them in faith, in the gift of the Eucharist which we now celebrate both for them and for ourselves.

This evening is one of the most poignant evenings and celebrations in our Parish annually. We remember 34 people from our community who have died and parishioners whose loved ones died outside the Parish and abroad.

We honor the families of those who have died.

As we enter our celebration today we also enter the depths of our hearts the land of grief which is powerful and absolutely beyond words. Grief takes hold of us at every level of our being. It is the most powerful pain – the losing, the surrendering of the one who has loved us and whom we have loved. The dying, the death, the tomb and the powerful aftermath. Yet, we surrender them to the God who created us all; we surrender them to the loving embrace of our God.

Prayers of the Faithful:

Celebrant: Let us pray during this Eucharist that we remain faithful in this life and enjoy the everlasting life to come.

Commentator: We pray for the family and friends of our loved ones who seek comfort and consolation. Heal their pain and dispel the darkness and doubt that come from grief.
(slight pause)

Commentator: We pray for all who are spiritually gathered in faith and confidence to pray for our loved ones. Strengthen our hope so that we may live in the expectation of your Son’s coming.
(slight pause)

Commentator: We pray for the many people who die by violence, war, and famine each day and those who have died through the coronavirus. Show your mercy to those who suffer so unjustly these sins against your love, and gather them to the eternal kingdom of peace.
(slight pause)

Commentator: For the Aboriginal and Islander peoples of Australia, as we come to the end of the NAIDOC week observance will highlight their ancient and on-going custodianship of the land.
(slight pause)

Celebrant: We pray for all those who were buried from our Parish this year;
(pause for silent reflection)
and we pray for those whose loved ones died outside our Parish whose names are not listed in our prayers and whose families are gathered with us this today. We pray for the ancestors of the Wurundjeri people on whose land we stand, for the recently deceased Peter Muscat, John Axiaq and Werner Zimmermann and for those whose anniversaries occur about this time, Sam Pirotta, Concetta and Giovanni Del Grosso, Robert Del Grosso, Nicola and Giovannina Tedesco, Alphonse Massako, Berthe Besseke, Marie Ebelle, Marie Therese Ngongah, Henri Yepmout, Alexandre Djoki, Bruno Tonye, Michel Edouka, Zita Raymonde No, Leonard Ebaha, Antoine Mbong, Adolphe Stephane Ebongo, Charlotte Singui Dioh, Norbert Ulrich Moukoko Djoki, Etienne Ewandje, Germaine Zita Tadonki Kana, Marie Ngo Nguiten, Emy Saffarese, Natu Portelli, Geff Ruthburn and Ron Gamble, that they will be raised with Christ to live forever
(slight pause)

Closing Prayer:

Celebrant: Merciful God, you will that all people gain eternal life: hear these our prayers that one day we might live with you forever through your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Introduction

The last chapter in Matthew’s Gospel before the Passion narrative consists of three parables.

Serving as a prelude to the climax of Jesus’ life and mission, they call the disciples to decisive action. Jesus has made his choice, so must they.

Today’s tale of the 10 bridesmaids may leave us puzzled about ancient Middle Eastern wedding customs but in no doubt about its message: be prepared.

It’s a wake-up call to shake us out of lethargy, not a menacing threat to paralyse us with fear. Be on the alert, Jesus says. Be ready for life. Be guided by the wisdom that highlights what’s at stake. Delay no longer, choose life. It will be given.

Prayers of the Faithful

Celebrant: Dear friends, Jesus calls us to be ready for the coming of the kingdom. Awake and alert, let us pray for God to guide and govern our world.

Commentator: For the leaders of faiths and nations, that they will have the wisdom to grasp and act on the signs of the times.
(pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator: For countries where COVID-19 is out of control, that authorities will take the urgent action they need to protect their people.
(pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator: For all who have suffered as a result of war, that Remembrance Day this year will bring them healing and hope.
(pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator: For the Aboriginal and Islander peoples of Australia, that this week’s NAIDOC observance will highlight their ancient and on-going custodianship of the land.
(pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Commentator: For students facing decisive exams, that they will succeed in overcoming the handicap of their disrupted academic year.
(pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Celebrant: We pray for the ancestors of the Wurundjeri people on whose land we stand, for the recently deceased Maria Cozzi, Peter Muscat and Giuseppe Manganelli and for those whose anniversaries occur about this time, especially the loved ones we remember during this month, Bill Dooley, Gertrude and Bernard Evans, Oligario and Emilia Naval, Serafin and Julita, Annanis Crus and Manuel de Jesus, Alphonse Massako, Berthe Besseke, Marie Ebelle, Marie Therese Ngongah, Henri Yepmout, Alexandre Djoki, Bruno Tonye, Michel Edouka, Zita Raymonde No, Leonard Ebaha, Antoine Mbong, Adolphe Stephane Ebongo, Charlotte Singui Dioh, Norbert Ulrich Moukoko Djoki, Etienne Ewandje, Germaine Zita Tadonki Kana, Marie Ngo Nguiten, Emy Saffarese, Natu Portelli, Geff Ruthburn, Ron Gamble that they will be raised with Christ to live forever.
(pause………………………we pray to the Lord)

Closing Prayer :

Celebrant: Holy God, you have anointed us with your Spirit of wisdom. Give us the courage to follow the path of wisdom wherever it may lead. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.