INTERCESSIONS FOR THE FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY YEAR (C)

Priest:

Today we celebrate the Holy Family of Nazareth, who experienced joy and sorrow,
peace and anxiety just as we do. We bring to the Lord the needs of all families.

Reader:

1. We pray for all families,
   that they may be full of love, respect, and forgiveness for each other,
   and welcoming to the stranger.
   (Pause) Lord in your mercy – Hear our prayer.

2. We pray for parents under stress,
   those with a sick or dying child,
   and those who are searching for a child who is lost or in trouble.
   May they be consoled and strengthened.
   (Pause) Lord in your mercy – Hear our prayer

3. We pray for children who are suffering from neglect or abuse,
   and those who are abandoned or orphaned
   that they may be rescued and cared for.
   (Pause) Lord in your mercy – Hear our prayer

4. We remember in our prayers all those babies
   who were not allowed to be born.
   Grant that all who believe in Jesus Christ
   may proclaim the Gospel of life,
   with honesty and love, to the people of our time.
   (Pause) Lord in your mercy – Hear our prayer

5. We pray for our parish as we commemorate the opening
   of our Diamond Jubilee Year.
   May our faith increase and our community life be enhanced.
   (Pause) Lord in your mercy – Hear our prayer

6. We pray for all in our community who are ill,
   may the Lord bless them and bring them healing.
   (Pause) Lord in your mercy – Hear our prayer

Let us ask Mary, the Mother of our Saviour, to support us with her prayers
as we say: Hail Mary.

Now, in silence, we pray for our own needs and intentions.

Priest:

These and all our prayers we bring to you , Loving Father,
through Jesus Christ , your Son, who is Lord for ever and ever. Amen.