Living as a Catholic Prayer What Is Prayer? For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy. (St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Manuscrits autobiographiques, C 25r.) A Prayer for Ukraine Lord Jesus Christ,Prince of Peace and Saviour of the World: Our world is in need of your peace at this time,as we see the effects of evil deeds. We hold before you our brothers and sisters in Ukraine:those who are living through the trauma of staying, under threat of their lives and homesand those who have left all they know in search of safety. We are seeing too the best of humanityin those who are welcoming others into their countries and communities:new friendships which are emerging from the ashes of destruction;death leading to resurrection. As the Season of Lent began with prayer for the people of Ukraine,may it continue to be our prayer each day,that darkness will be transformed into light,hatred into love,and a deep respect for common humanitybe expressed between nations. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, we place all our trust in you.Amen. Mgr Timothy MenezesCathedral Dean Praying for Peace in the Holy Land The charity Friends of the Holy Land have compiled reflections and prayers to use during this time of war. Prayers for December The Pope Video Let us pray that people with disabilities may be at the center of attention in society, and that institutions offer inclusion programs that enhance their active participation. Pope Francis – December 2023 People with disabilities are among the most fragile among us.Some of them suffer rejection, rooted in either ignorance or prejudice, which then marginalizes them.Civil institutions need to support their projects through access to education, employment, and places where they can express their creativity.Programs and initiatives are needed that promote their inclusion.Above all else, big hearts are needed who want to accompany.It means changing our mentality a little and opening ourselves to the abilities and talents of these people who are differently abled, both in society as well as in the life of the Church.And so, creating a completely accessible parish does not only mean eliminating physical barriers. It also assumes that we stop talking about “them” and start talking about “us.”Let us pray that people with disabilities may be at the center of attention in society, and that institutions offer inclusion programs that enhance their active participation. December is the Season of Advent and Christmas Access resources Prayers for Schools Advent 1 prayer for school (First Sunday of Advent until 16th December) Come, Lord Jesus,Your people come to this Advent SeasonWith hope in our hearts. Throughout history, the Prophets have spoken your Word,And promised a Messiah, a Leader of your People. Open our ears to hear your living Word,Open our hearts to know the best ways to changeand to make our lives today like the life of heaven. Give us the wisdom of those who have lived long lives.Teach us daily to accept the wisdom of those who teach us.May we be a sign in the world of your gift of hope. Come, Lord Jesus. Amen. Advent 2 prayer for school (17th to 24th December) Lord Jesus,we now look forward excitementto your birth at Bethlehem. We have waited with joyful hope through this season of Advent,and now we think about all that is to come. Warm our hearts with the knowledge of the journeys that people madeto Bethlehem for this event which did not seem big at the time,but which changed history. Help us to know that every moment of our lives has a meaning,even if we do not know it at the time. Come, Lord Jesus.Do not delay.Prepare our hearts for the days to come. Amen. Christmas prayer for school Glory to God in the highestand on earth peace to people of good will! All creation sings togetherat the birth of Jesus our Saviour. Men and women, rich and poorand even the animals witnessed this event:not the glorious splendour of a Warrior Kingbut the humble arrival of a Servant King. We know that Christmas is a time for familiesand we pray for peace in our families this Christmas. We know that Christmas is a time for being together.We pray for those who will be alone this Christmas.May they know that they are never alonebecause they belong to the family of God. O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord. Amen. More Prayers for Schools Prayer for the Diocesan Vision Written by the Liturgy and Worship group: Spirit of God,descend on me this day.Grant me the Spirit of joy, to lift me,the Spirit of hope to inspire me,the Spirit of love to surround me andthe Spirit of truth to enlighten my path. Holy Spirit,I pray for a new outpouring of your grace,so that I may grow in worship of your namein love of you in my prayerand in my actions towards others. Come Holy Spirit into my life to guide me.Strengthen and defend me,so that I may be drawn ever closer to you.Help me this day and alwaysto be a channel of gracein all I say and doand invite others into relationship with you. Amen Open prayer card Pray with Archbishop Bernard Manage Cookie Preferences