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A Prayer for His Holiness
Lord God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, We lift up in prayer Pope Francis, The successor of Peter, The Bishop of Rome, Our Holy Father, The Vicar of Christ on Earth. He has been called to lead your Church. Strengthen …
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A Prayer Service For A New Pope
Preparation - Prior to the beginning of prayer, you may select three young people to assist: a presider and two readers. - You will notice that the response to the Litany of the Saints is in both English and Latin. …
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In Memory and Hope: A Prayer Service
Materials Needed incense charcoal brazier or some type of container to hold burning incense candles Music Suggestions "Be Not Afraid," Bob Dufford, Gather Comprehensive (Chicago: GIA Publications, 1994), no. 608. "Grant Us Peace, Lord," Tony Alonso, Fresh As The Morning …
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Advent: Let God be God . . .
----- Being in the wilderness reminds me to let God be God. When I'm at home In the day to day I forget Sometimes I try to make God mine To make God do things the way I think they …
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Prayer by a High School Senior
Dear God, As I finish my senior year in high school, watch over me. Be with me as I go out in the real world to find myself. Give me the strength I need to stick with my education and …
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I Feel . . .
I feel most happy when the ground is breaking, the dark earth giving way to the warmth of a yellow sun. I feel most content when I breathe the cool air and it runs through my little green veins, giving …
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Disciple's Prayer
Scripture Reading: John 1:1-5 Presider: God of love, you provide us with light: from the moon and stars at night and the sun by day. By night and by day, your light brings life and makes things grow. It keeps the …
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For Love Is Stronger than Death
(20 minutes) Before the session have the all participants (including the facilitator) bring to the session a personal symbol. This symbol should be an object from among the participant's personal belongings that acts as a reminder of a much loved …
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Prayers for Reflecting on Christ's Passion
Before the Movie: Loving God, You sent your only Son to show us the way. As we recall and meditate on his crucifixion, help us to recognize the gift you place before us. On the cross Christ washed clean our …
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Praying with John Baptist de la Salle
In reaction to Martin Luther's emphasis on personal reading of the Bible, the Council of Trent discouraged laypeople from meditating on the word of God. Catholics were told to listen to the preaching of their priests, who would explain the …
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Gethsemane - Prayer Service
(15 minutes) Before the session have your students do the Reflection Exercise: My Least Answerable Questions. If you do not plan on reading the Scripture passage (Mark 14:32-42) yourself, use the break time to ask a young person to read …
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Presidents' Day
I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. (Genesis 12:2) These words from Genesis are the words spoken by God to Abraham, a …
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February 12: Abraham Lincoln's Birthday
Above all, my beloved, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your "Yes" be yes and your "No" be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation. (James 5:12) We …
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Month of the Rosary: Our Lady of Perpetual Help
One of the most enduring Marian images is that of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. This familiar painting appears to be a single frame taken from a larger action. The image has the child Jesus in the arms of Mary; …
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December 12: The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
December 12: OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute. Speak out, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy. (Proverbs 31:8–9) In December 1531 Mary appeared to …
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Instruments of God's Grace
May this selection, from Let Us Remember: Stories of the Holy Presence of God encourage and inspire you in your good work!
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Prayer Service in Memory of Pope Saint John Paul II
Preparation For this prayer service you will need four candles, a presider, and two readers. The Summons to Prayer Presider: At the seventeenth World Youth Day, Pope John Paul II said to the young people: "When the light fades or …
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Back to School: Intentions for the Start of the School Year
Please respond "Lord hear our prayer" Let us pray for all Believers around the world and those who seek Christ, that they may receive blessings and open their hearts to God's word… We pray to the Lord For all experiencing …
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Back to School: Prayer for the Start of the School Year
Loving God, Our creator, our savior, our companion, bless this journey of a new school year that we undertake today. Refresh our souls and renew our spirits as we embrace the beautiful ministry you have called us to. We welcome …
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God's Work or My Work? What is Ministry to Teens?
It had been a very successful year for the youth ministry program in the parish. Young people where involved everywhere in the church, adult volunteers were both plentiful and dedicated, and young people were being transformed. But I was perplexed. …
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Month of the Rosary: Scriptural Rosary
With the monumental addition of the Luminous Mysteries, there are now twenty mysteries in the Rosary. For the month of October - the month of the Rosary-- one can now take one day with each mystery. While the following format …
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My Heaven
As I lay awake And watch the time go by, I wonder as I shed another tear: If only there were no hatred, No violence, no war . . . And all that was left was Love and happiness . …
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Hear the Cries of the Victims of Violence
Almighty God, Hear the cries of the victims of violence. Find a place of peace for those who are troubled and in harm's way. Let those whose violence has roots in addiction to harmful substances seek help before they hurt …
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Save Me, O God
Save me, O God, . . . I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me. (Psalm 69:1-2) God, so many pressures seem too difficult to deal with. From parents to school to just growing up, I …