Devotions

John Carroll, America’s first bishop
urged this prayer to be recited in the parishes throughout the young nation.
It's a fitting time to do the same.

December Parish Intentions
Daily Scripture Readings    
December Bringing Home the Word (Commentary & prayers for each Sunday of the month)
December Prayers for Priests   

Father of all,
Creator and ruler of the universe, You entrusted your world to us as a gift.
Help us to care for it and all people, that we may live in right relationship--
   with You,
   with ourselves,
   with one another,
   and with creation.

Christ our Lord, both divine and human,
You lived among us and died for our sins.
Help us to imitate your love for the human family
by recognizing that we are all connected—
to our brothers and sisters around the world,
to those in poverty impacted by environmental devastation,
and to future generations.

Holy Spirit,
giver of wisdom and love, You breathe life in us and guide us.
Help us to live according to your vision, stirring to action the hearts of all—
individuals and families, communities of faith, and civil and political leaders.

Triune God, help us to hear the cry of those in poverty, and the cry of the earth, so that we may together care for our common home.
Amen.

Pope Francis urges the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics and all people of good will to take urgent action against the injustice of the climate emergency and the ecological crisis, to protect the poor and future generations.

His encyclical letter Laudato Si’ is a compelling call to care for our common home, Earth, and builds on a long history of Catholic teaching. 

 

Praying for Peace and Unity.  Asking for God's MERCY and GRACE.

Prayers Included:
Prayer for Conscience Formation, Prayer for Protection of Conscience Rights, Prayer for Government,
Prayer for Our Nation, Prayer for Religious Liberty
 

"But racism still profoundly affects our culture, and it has no place in the Christian heart. This evil causes great harm to its victims, and it corrupts the souls of those who harbor racist or prejudicial thoughts. The persistence of the evil of racism is why we are writing this letter now."

Read the excellent pastoral letter from the USCCB against racism - an enduring call to love!
Open Wide Our Hearts

Gracious Lord, we pray for all the members of your holy Church, that all may abide in you and you in them, that they may be one in your love and bear much fruit.
We also pray for the world, that all may come to believe in your love for them by the fruit of our witness.
We know that our divisions are a source of scandal to your world, and we know that in love we are called to unite as one in the vine and branches.
The vine is our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son. We are meant to be his branches. Help us we pray, to love, to forgive, to seek justice and to be your prophetic voice in the world.
May your grace effect growth of good fruit among us, that our world may realize peace.
We ask all this in the name of Jesus, your Son and in the power of the Holy Spirit, One God, for ever and ever. Amen.
 

Praying for Unity in Our Country