Intention for this week: for the grace to live out our baptismal call
Newsletter insert:
Today our Diocese begins nine weeks of prayer for vocations. We begin by remembering that we are first called, in baptism, to be disciples – followers of Christ. To help us live as God calls us, we receive the Holy Spirit in confirmation, just as the first disciples did at Pentecost. Let us pray for the grace to be faithful to the Lord’s call.
Intercession for use at Sunday Mass:
Let us pray for the grace to be faithful in following Christ, who calls us in baptism and gives us His Spirit in Confirmation.
Week 2: starting Trinity Sunday, 26 May 2013
Intention for this week: for vocations to the religious life, and for those in formation for religious lifeNewsletter insert:
This week we pray for vocations to the religious life. Religious sisters and brothers give us a powerful sign of what it means to live faithfully in the love of God who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Let us pray that the Lord may help all those who are in formation for religious life, and grant courage to those He is calling to this commitment.
Intercession for use at Sunday Mass:
Let us pray for vocations to the religious life, and for all who are trying to answer God’s call to serve Him in poverty, chastity and obedience.
Week 3: starting on the feast of Corpus Christi, 2 June 2013
Intention for this week: for vocations to the priesthoodNewsletter insert:
As today the Church celebrates the great gift of the Eucharist, we pray for vocations to the priesthood. The Eucharist is at the centre of a priest’s life and mission: he is called to bring Christ into the world through the sacraments. Let us pray that God will always provide sufficient priests for His people.
Intercession for use at Sunday Mass:
Let us pray for vocations to the priesthood – that God’s people may always know the joy of meeting Christ in the sacraments.
Week 4: starting 10th Sunday of Ordinary Time, 9 June 2013
Intention for this week: for those discerning their vocationNewsletter insert:
Each of us was created with a purpose in mind. Finding happiness is not so much about making the right ‘choices’ as about finding the path that God made us to follow. The process of finding God’s will for us – finding our vocation – is called ‘discernment’. This week we pray for those who are discerning God’s will for them.
Intercession for use at Sunday Mass:
Let us pray for those who are seeking God’s will for their lives – that by prayer they may discover the path the Lord has chosen for them.
Week 5: starting 11th Sunday of Ordinary Time, 16 June 2013
Intention for this week: For married couples and for parentsNewsletter insert:
One of the greatest calls from God is the vocation to marriage and to parenthood. Married couples are called to show God’s love to the world and especially to their own children. They are also the first teachers of their children in the ways of faith. This week we pray for those God calls to married life and for those he calls to be parents – co-creators with Him.
Intercession for use at Sunday Mass:
Let us pray for married couples, that the Lord may strengthen their love, and for parents, that they may reveal God’s love to their children.
Week 6: starting 12th Sunday of Ordinary Time, 23 June 2013
Intention for this week: for single people who devote their lives to GodNewsletter insert:
Some single people are actively devoting their lives to discernment – to seeking God’s will. But there are also those who choose to remain single to devote their lives completely to God’s service. Some make formal vows and so consecrate their life to God in following a ‘rule’; others do so informally. This week we pray for all single people who give their lives in God’s service.
Intercession for use at Sunday Mass:
Let us pray for all single people who devote their lives to serving God and His people – that they may know His love and His grace.
Week 7: starting on the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, 30 June 2013
Intention for this week: for vocations to the permanent diaconateNewsletter insert:
Deacons are ordained to be ministers of God’s word and of service. They are heralds of the Gospel who are called to service especially in charity. This week we pray for vocations to the permanent diaconate. Just as Saints Peter and Paul were called to preach God’s word, so may the Lord call deacons to bring His Gospel to the world, in word and in loving service.
Intercession for use at Sunday Mass:
Let us pray for vocations to the permanent diaconate – that the Church may always show forth the Gospel, preached in words and lived in charity.
Week 8: starting 14th Sunday of Ordinary Time, 7 July 2013
Intention for this week: for seminariansNewsletter insert:
Those who are training for priesthood are called ‘seminarians’. Over several years they pray, study and gain experience as they prepare to serve God’s people. This week we pray for seminarians, especially those training for our Diocese of Lancaster, that the Lord may guide, bless and sustain them.
Intercession for use at Sunday Mass:
Let us pray for those who are preparing for priestly ministry – that the Lord may help them to grow in faith and in love as they seek to devote their lives to His service.
Week 9: starting 15th Sunday of Ordinary Time, 14 July 2013
Intention for this week: for the courage to respond to God’s callNewsletter insert:
Hearing God’s call is often difficult enough; having the courage to respond can be even harder! Many voices compete with God’s and it can be hard to listen to Him alone. In this final week of our diocesan novena we pray for those who find it hard to discover God’s will for them, and for those who lack the courage to respond to His call.
Intercession for use at Sunday Mass:
Let us pray for all those who feel unable to hear or respond to God’s call to serve Him – that they may find courage to listen and to follow where He leads.
