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St Thomas the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, West Hartford, CT

Easter Vigil and Sunday

Good Friday Intercessions

Holy Thursday, Mass of the Lord's Supper, April 21, 2011

Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion

April 10, Fifth Sunday of Lent

April 10, Rite of Welcoming

GENERAL INTERCESSIONS

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Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday) - April 30, May 1, 2011

Presider: Called to live the same life as the early Christians, let us pray for the church throughout the world and for this community gathered here today.

Minister:

For the leaders of our church: for the grace to be faithful to the teaching of the apostles; to be examples of integrity, wisdom and love ... we pray, Hear us O Lord, Alleluia!

For all Christian communities: for the grace to be faithful to each other; to be examples of generosity, service and charity, we pray ... Hear us O Lord, Alleluia!

For those called to the table of the Lord: for the grace to welcome each other in love; to be examples of hope, joy and delight in the Lord ... 10:30 -[for Connor who receives 1st the Eucharist today], we pray ... Hear us O Lord, Alleluia!

For those who pray and who help others to pray: for the grace to pray always; to be examples of sincerity, perseverance and generosity in our common prayer, we pray ... Hear us O Lord, Alleluia!

For our parish family, that we may share our gifts with those in need through the Miracle of Sharing - the 2011 Archbishop's Appeal, we pray ... Hear us O Lord, Alleluia!

For those who cannot be with their community today: for travelers and missionaries; for those who are ill or infirm ... for Angelo Faenza; _____________; for those suffering from natural disasters ... for those who are without a faith community, we pray ... Hear us O Lord, Alleluia!

For those who have died ... Jill Brunelle; Deacon Maurice Walsh; Cormac Browne [of Ireland];___________________________________. For those who are mourning the loss of someone dear to them and for those who have died with no one to mourn them, we pray ... Hear us O Lord, Alleluia!

Presider: God of life, hear our prayers this day for your church and for all those who are in need. We pray always in the name of Jesus, your Son and our risen Lord, forever and ever. Amen.

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Easter Vigil and Sunday - April 23/24, 2011

Presider: My friends, on this day that we celebrate Jesus risen from the dead, let us pray for new life.

Minister:

For new life for the church: where there is weariness, apathy and indifference, may there be energy, passion and inspiration, we pray ... Hear us O Lord, Alleluia!

For new life for the nations: where there is war, enmity and greed, may there be peace, dialogue and generosity, we pray ... Hear us O Lord, Alleluia!

For new life for our country: where there is discord, injustice and despair, may there be cooperation, fairness and hope, we pray ... Hear us O Lord, Alleluia!

For new life for our families: where there is harshness, rigidity and worry, may there be tenderness, acceptance and calm, we pray ... Hear us O Lord, Alleluia!

For new life for those who are suffering: where there is pain, loneliness and fear, may there be relief, companionship and trust, we pray ... Hear us O Lord, Alleluia!

We remember those who have died ... _______________________. Where there is grief, despair and anger, may there be faith, hope and love, we pray ... Hear us O Lord, Alleluia!

And we pray especially for those baptized and received into the church: in gratitude for the sign of new life that they are to all of us, we pray ... Hear us O Lord, Alleluia!

Presider: God of life, hear our prayers for new life for our church, our world, our families and for all who are in need. We pray in Jesus' name, who is our risen Lord forever and ever. Amen.

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Good Friday - General Intercessions - April 22^nd, 2011

(The priest sings or recites the introduction, in which each intention is stated. All kneel and pray silently for some period of time, and then the priest, with hands extended, sings or says the prayer.)

I. For the Church

Celebrant: Let us pray, dear friends, for the holy Church of God throughout the world that God the almighty Father guide it and gather it together so that we may worship him in peace and tranquility.

(Silent prayer. Then the priest says:)

Almighty and eternal God, you have shown your glory to all nations in Christ, your Son. Guide the work of your Church. Help it to persevere in faith, proclaim your name, and bring your salvation to people everywhere. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

All:
Amen..

II. For the Pope

Celebrant: Let us pray for our Holy Father, Pope Benedict, that God who chose him to be bishop may give him health and strength to guide and govern God's holy people.

(Silent prayer. Then the priest says:)

Almighty and eternal God, you guide all things by your word, you govern all Christian people. In your love protect the Pope you have chosen for us. Under his leadership deepen our faith and make us better Christians. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

All:
Amen..

III. For the clergy and laity of the Church

Celebrant: Let us pray for Henry Mansell, our Archbishop, for all bishops, priests, and deacons; for all who have a special ministry in the Church and for all God's people.

(Silent prayer. Then the priest says:)

Almighty and eternal God, your Spirit guides the Church and makes it holy. Listen to our prayers and help each of us in his own vocation to do your work more faithfully. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

All:
Amen..

IV. For those preparing for baptism

Celebrant: Let us pray for those (among us) preparing for baptism, that God in his mercy make them responsive to his love, forgive their sins through the waters of new birth, and give them life in Jesus Christ our Lord.

(Silent prayer. Then the priest says:)

Almighty and eternal God, you continually bless your Church with new members. Increase the faith and understanding of those (among us) preparing for baptism. Give them a new birth in these living waters and make them members of your chosen family. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

All:
Amen..

V. For the unity of Christians

Celebrant: Let us pray for all our brothers and sisters who share our faith in Jesus Christ, that God may gather and keep together in one Church all those who seek the truth with sincerity.

(Silent prayer. Then the priest says:)

Almighty and eternal God, you keep together those you have united. Look kindly on all who follow Jesus your Son. We are all consecrated to you by our common baptism. Make us one in the fullness of faith, and keep us one in the fellowship of love. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
All:
Amen..

VI. For the Jewish people

Celebrant: Let us pray for the Jewish people, the first to hear the word of God, that they may continue to grow in the love of his name and in faithfulness to his covenant.

(Silent prayer. Then the priest says:)

Almighty and eternal God, long ago you gave your promise to Abraham and his posterity. Listen to your Church as we pray that the people you first made your own may arrive at the fullness of redemption. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
All:
Amen..

VII. For those who do not believe in Christ

Celebrant: Let us pray for those who do not believe in Christ, that the light of the Holy Spirit may show them the way to salvation.

(Silent prayer. Then the priest says:)

Almighty and eternal God, enable those who do not acknowledge Christ to find the truth as they walk before you in sincerity of heart. Help us to grow in love for one another, to grasp more fully the mystery of your godhead, and to become more perfect witnesses of your love in the sight of men. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
All:
Amen..

VIII. For those who do not believe in God

Celebrant: Let us pray for those who do not believe in God, that they may find him by sincerely following all that is right.

(Silent prayer. Then the priest says:)

Almighty and eternal God, you created mankind so that all might long to find you and have peace when you are found. Grant that, in spite of the hurtful things that stand in their way, they may all recognize in the lives of Christians the tokens of your love and mercy, and gladly acknowledge you as the one true God and Father of us all. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

All:
Amen..

IX. For those in public office

Celebrant: Let us pray for those who serve us in public office, that God may guide their minds and hearts, so that all men may live in true peace and freedom.

(Silent prayer. Then the priest says:)

Almighty and eternal God, you know the longings of men's hearts and you protect their rights. In your goodness watch over those in authority, so that people everywhere may enjoy religious freedom, security, and peace. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

All:
Amen..

X. For those in special need

Celebrant: Let us pray, dear friends, that God the almighty Father may heal the sick, comfort the dying, give safety to travellers, free those unjustly deprived of liberty, and rid the world of falsehood, hunger, and disease.

(Silent prayer. Then the priest says:)

Almighty, ever-living God, you give strength to the weary and new courage to those who have lost heart. Hear the prayers of all who call on you in any trouble that they may have the joy of receiving your help in their need. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

All:
Amen..

XI. Diocesan Intercession

Celebrant: Let us pray, dear sisters and brothers, for those who suffer from earthquake, tsunami, war and unrest, that God the all-merciful will grant healing and wholeness to those who suffer and eternal life to all who have died.

(Silent prayer. Then the priest says:)

Almighty and loving God, you know our needs before we bring them to you. Watch over your people who suffer in so many ways. Give them peace, security and the courage to rebuild their lives, their lands and their homes. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

All:
Amen..

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Holy Thursday - Mass of The Lord's Supper - April 21^st, 2011

Presider: My friends, Jesus gave us an example of how we are to be with one another and a command to imitate him. Let us pray tonight, Lord, let us be like you.

Minister:

Lord Jesus, we pray for your church: that we may be your message of good news to the world, we pray ... Lord, let us be like you..

Lord Jesus, we pray for peace: that we may be instruments of peace wherever we encounter dissension, we pray ... Lord, let us be like you.

Lord Jesus, we pray for those who most need our prayers: that we may do our part to alleviate the suffering of others, we pray ... Lord, let us be like you.

Lord Jesus, we pray for those who do not know you: that we may be witnesses to your love for all, we pray ... Lord, let us be like you.

Lord Jesus, we pray for those we love so much that we would die for them: that we may love them as they need to be loved, we pray ... Lord, let us be like you.

Lord Jesus, we give you thanks for this meal we are about to share: that we may come to the table with grateful hearts, we pray ... Lord, let us be like you.

Presider: Lord Jesus, hear our sincere prayers, that we may be like you and so play our part in creating your kingdom here on earth until that day when we join you in the heavenly kingdom where you live forever and ever. Amen.

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Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion, April 17^th, 2011

Presider: My brothers and sisters in Christ, as we enter this Holy Week, let us pray for our world and ourselves, asking God for what we need to make a holy difference.

Minister:

For a holy week of peace in those places where there is war or violence, we pray ... God, in your mercy, hear our prayer..

For a holy week of unity among all Christians, we pray ... God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For a holy week in those families where there is tension or hard feelings or a lack of affection, we pray ... God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For a holy week for those who are in hospitals or nursing homes or struggling with illness or pain, we pray ... God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For a holy week for those without homes, without jobs, without a means to provide for their loved ones, we pray ... God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For a holy week for all those who are looking for meaning, for purpose, for a worthy way to use their talents and energy, we pray ... God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For those who have died ... Carmela Pappalardo; Linda Arcari; Patricia Cummins; ___________________________. And for those who are dying, a peaceful death without fear or regret, we pray ... God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray today for each of us as we enter Holy Week. For those who will be received into the church at Easter. For those who struggle with doubt, and for those who are confident in their faith; for this community as we enter these holy days together, we pray ... God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Presider: Good and gracious God, hear the prayers of your people this day and grant your church and your world a Holy Week of calm, of joy, of love for each other and all humankind. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen

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Fifth Sunday of Lent, April 10^th, 2011

Presider: My friends, as Jesus wept for his friend Lazarus, we believe that he feels our pain. As Jesus heard the pleas of Martha and Mary for their brother, we believe he hears our prayers. Let us pray.

Minister:

Jesus called Lazarus to come out of the darkness of the tomb. This call is grace, the first necessary element of a good life. Let us pray then for grace - for guidance and inspiration and clarity in all situations, we pray ... God, in your mercy, hear our prayer..

Lazarus responded to the call of Jesus and, despite the bonds of death, dared to come out. This response is will, the second necessary element of a good life. Let us pray for the will of a faithful disciple, the will to follow Jesus and answer his call in all circumstances, we pray ... God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Jesus called the community to unbind Lazarus and let him go free. Community is the third necessary element of the good life, and so we pray for others: for those who love us and live with us; for those who teach and inspire us; for those who support us by their prayers … for the church, we pray ... God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For grace,...will...and a community for all - for those who are suffering in any way; for those who are dying; and for those who are mourning the loss of someone dear to them. And we remember those who have died ...______________________________________. For all who have died and those who grieve, we pray ... God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Presider: God of life and of all creation, you call us to new life with you; to forsake our tombs of despair and hopelessness for a life of faith, hope and love with you. Hear our prayers and give us all that we need this day to become the holy women and men you intend us to be. We pray always in Jesus' name. Amen.

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Fifth Sunday of Lent, Rite of Welcoming - April 10^th, 2011

Presider My friends, as Jesus wept for his friend Lazarus, we believe that he feels our pain. As Jesus heard the pleas of Martha and Mary for their brother, we believe he hears our prayers. Let us pray.

Minister:

Jesus called Lazarus to come out of the darkness of the tomb. This call is grace, the first necessary element of a good life. Let us pray then for grace - for guidance and inspiration and clarity in all situations ... and that God may reveal Christ to our candidate, John, more and more with each passing day, we pray ... God, in your mercy, hear our prayer..

That this candidate may come to a deeper appreciation of the gift of his baptism, which joined him to Christ, we pray, ... God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lazarus responded to the call of Jesus and, despite the bonds of death, dared to come out. This response is will, the second necessary element of a good life. Let us pray for the will of a faithful disciple, the will to follow Jesus and answer his call in all circumstances, that John's heart and ours may become more responsive to the needs of others, we pray ... God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Jesus called the community to unbind Lazarus and let him go free. Community is the third necessary element of the good life, and so we pray for others: for those who love us and live with us; for those who teach and inspire us; for those who support us by their prayers ... that John may find, in our community, compelling signs of unity and generous love ... for the church, we pray ... God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

That in due time John may be embraced by God's merciful forgiveness, sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit, and know the joy of being one with us at the table of Christ's sacrifice, we pray ... God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For grace,...will...and a community for all - for those who are suffering in any way; for those who are dying; and for those who are mourning the loss of someone dear to them. And we remember those who have died ...______________________________________. For all who have died and those who grieve, we pray ... God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Presider: God of life and of all creation, you call us to new life with you; to forsake our tombs of despair and hopelessness for a life of faith, hope and love with you. Hear our prayers and give us all that we need this day to become the holy women and men you intend us to be. We pray always in Jesus' name. Amen.

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