Week 1: starting Pentecost
Sunday, 19 May 2013
Intention
for this week: that we may live as followers of Jesus,
called at baptism
This week’s theme:
Today
we begin nine weeks of special prayer for vocations. A vocation is a call from
God. We begin by remembering that we were first called to be followers of Jesus
on the day of our baptism. Later, in confirmation, we receive the Holy Spirit, just
as the first disciples did at Pentecost. Let us pray that we may all hear and
answer God’s call to follow Jesus.
Suggested scripture passage:
John
15:12-17 – Jesus teaches that we did not choose him, but he chose us, and he
wants us to follow him by loving others, as he loves us.
Intercession for use at Mass
/ in Assembly:
Let
us pray that we may have courage and strength to be good followers of Jesus,
who shows us the way to God.
Week 2: starting Trinity
Sunday, 26 May 2013
Intention
for this week: for vocations to the religious life (monks
and nuns)
This week’s theme:
This
week we pray for vocations to the religious life. Religious sisters and
brothers (nuns and monks) show us in a special way how to devote our lives to
God. They give up all their possessions so that they can live lives dedicated
to prayer and service. They live in communities to teach us the importance of
loving one another. We pray for those God is calling to make this special
commitment, and for those who already live this way of life.
Suggested scripture passage:
Acts
2:42-27 – the description of the early Church provides the model for religious
communities. Those who live in religious life (for example in convents or
monasteries) still try to live by these values today.
Intercession for use at Mass
/ in Assembly:
Let
us pray for vocations to the religious life, and for all nuns and monks, who
serve God by lives of prayer and service.
Week 3: starting on the
feast of Corpus Christi, 2 June 2013
Intention
for this week: for vocations to the priesthood
This week’s theme:
On
the feast of Corpus Christi (the Body of Christ), we thank God for the gift of
the Eucharist, in which Jesus is truly with us. God gives us the Eucharist
through priests, and so this week we pray for vocations to the priesthood. Let
us ask God to send us the priests we need to serve the Church, and to help
those young men who are called to be priests.
Suggested scripture passage:
1 Corinthians
11:23-26 – St Paul recalls how Jesus
took bread and wine at the Last Supper, and offered us his Body and Blood. St
Paul passed on this gift, and it is through priests that this gift is still
given to us today.
Intercession for use at Mass
/ in Assembly:
Let
us pray for vocations to the priesthood, and let us thank God for the gift of
Jesus’ Body and Blood, given to us in the Mass.
Week 4: starting 10th
Sunday of Ordinary Time, 9 June 2013
Intention
for this week: for those seeking God’s guidance
This week’s theme:
Every
one of us is created by God with a special purpose. He gives us the gifts and
talents we need to carry out his plan. The best way to find happiness is by
discovering what God made us for, and by following that way of life. This week
we pray for all those people who have to make decisions about how to live their
lives, and are seeking God’s guidance as they plan for the future.
Suggested scripture passage:
1
Kings 3:5-14 – Solomon has just become king, and God offers him whatever he
wishes. He asks for wisdom, so that he can be a good and faithful king. Since
that time, Somolon has always been remembered as Israel’s wisest king.
Intercession for use at Mass
/ in Assembly:
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, for parents, and
for all who look after us
This week’s theme:
We
all need others to show us God’s love. This week we thank God for all those who
look after us, and for all the ways in which they show us love and care. We
know that they are a gift from God. We pray for all those who look after children,
and ask God to help them.
Suggested scripture passage:
Mark
10:13-16 – Jesus blesses the little children and so shows God’s love for them. He
teaches us the importance of looking after those in our care.
Intercession for use at Mass
/ in Assembly:
Let
us pray for all who show us love and care, and ask God to help them. May we
never forget that those who love us are a gift from God.
Week 6: starting 12th
Sunday of Ordinary Time, 23 June 2013
Intention
for this week: for single people who devote their lives
to God
This week’s theme:
Every
person has a different path through life. Some people get married, some have
children, some people serve God as priests or nuns. There are also people who
never do any of these things, but serve God in their day-to-day lives, spending
time in prayer and helping other people. This week we pray for them, and ask
God to help them in their work.
Suggested scripture passage:
Luke
2:25-38 – Simeon and Anna are two single people who devote their lives to God,
spending time in prayer in the temple and speaking to others about him.
Intercession for use at Mass
/ in Assembly:
Let
us pray for all single people who devote their lives to serving God and other
people. May they always feel his love and care in their lives.
Week 7: starting on the
feast of Saints Peter and Paul, 30 June 2013
Intention
for this week: for those called to be deacons
This week’s theme:
Deacons
have a special role in the Church. They preach the Gospel and devote their time
to works of charity, helping those in need. Perhaps they visit sick people at
home or in hospital, or look after those who do not have enough to eat. This
week we pray for deacons. Just as Saints Peter and Paul were called to preach God’s
word, so may the Lord call more deacons to bring His Gospel to the world, in
word and in loving service.
Suggested scripture passage:
Matthew
5:14-16 – Jesus teaches that we are the light of the world, and that by our
good deeds we should draw others closer to God. In a special way deacons are called
to be light to the world by their preaching and their works of service.
Intercession for use at Mass
/ in Assembly:
Let
us pray those who are called to be deacons in the Church. May they always
spread the Good News of Jesus by their words and by their acts of kindness.
Week 8: starting 14th
Sunday of Ordinary Time, 7 July 2013
Intention
for this week: for seminarians
This week’s theme:
Those
who are preparing to be priests are called ‘seminarians’. For six years they
pray, study and learn about how to serve God’s people. This week we pray for
seminarians, especially those training for our Diocese of Lancaster, and we ask
God to help and encourage them as they prepare to serve as priests.
Suggested scripture passage:
Luke
10:1-9 – before sending out seventy-two of his followers, Jesus instructs them
and teaches them how to live. In the same way, seminarians spend time learning
about God and learning how to live before they are sent out to serve him as priests.
Intercession for use at Mass
/ in Assembly:
Let
us pray for those who are preparing to be priests. May the Lord help them to
grow in faith and in love as they get ready to serve him in this special way.
Week 9: starting 15th
Sunday of Ordinary Time, 14 July 2013
Intention
for this week: for the courage to respond to God’s call
This week’s theme:
It
can be really hard to hear God’s call and to have the courage to respond. Think
of Jesus’ disciples: they didn’t always find it easy to do what he asked! Sometimes
things or people can get in the way of answering God’s call. This week we pray
that all of us may be able to listen to God’s voice and do what he asks of us.
Suggested scripture passage:
1
Sam 3:1-10 – Samuel learns the importance of listening to God’s voice. Later he
goes on to be a great prophet and leader, finding courage to answer God’s call.
Intercession for use at Mass
/ in Assembly:
Let
us pray for those people who find it difficult to know what God wants for them,
or who find it difficult to answer his call. May they all find wisdom and
courage to do God’s will. 