Second Sunday of Easter
There are many opportunities to access live streamed Masses and the Catholic Parliamentary Office has helpfully produced a list. For information about watching live streamed Masses please go here.
There will be further opportunities to watch streamed Masses, including those in our own archdiocese. The news link to the archdiocese can be found here.
Here in the Cluster, we too would like to offer people some useful aids to prayer.
These are not liturgical services following the normal rubrics; rather they are prayer resources for people and their families which we hope they will find helpful and useful in recalling these important events in the life of every Christian.
These are not liturgical services following the normal rubrics; rather they are prayer resources for people and their families which we hope they will find helpful and useful in recalling these important events in the life of every Christian.
We value your feedback so please tell us what you found helpful and ways in which we might be able to improve.
We would be particularly interested to hear your thoughts about the gospel passage, no matter how short - and sweet!
Simply reply to our email address:
southedclust@btinternet.com
Let us pray
As we become conscious of the presence of God in our lives, so we find ourselves in prayer...
May the grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us. Amen.
The readings for the 2nd Sunday of Easter
follow: (a useful commentary on these readings here)
Reflection time.
The story of the woman who felt she could "open up" to the nun is an interesting one. Those who wear religious clothing nowadays are fewer in number, so how would we sense that someone is caring and sympathetic?
We know such people instantly when we see them. Pope Francis says they are the face of Christ to the world.
These were the kind of people in the early Church. Their words and actions were their religious garments signalling to others that the risen Jesus in their hearts was available to all.
- Do you ever identify with Thomas in your spiritual life? How do you handle periods of doubt?
- Share an experience when you hesitated to admit that you were a Catholic.
- Doubt doesn’t always weaken faith – but often strengthens it, if we explore it. Share something of yourself with someone in the cluster whom you trust. Listen for the Spirit in their response.
Adapted from "Faith Sharing for Small Church Communities" by Rev Arthur Baranowski (ed) St Anthony Messenger Press
Prayers of Intercession Second Sunday of Easter A
Let us pray
For world leaders at this difficult time
That they respect the rights of all people for just treatment
Let us pray
For world leaders at this difficult time
That they respect the rights of all people for just treatment
and basic services of food, water and shelter.
And act with compassion towards the marginalised,
especially asylum seekers and refugees in overcrowded camps.
May governments be given the wisdom to invest in long term solutions
for a disease that knows no borders.
Lord hear us (R)
For people over the world of all faiths and none
That this time of lockdown and reflection instils in everyone
Lord hear us (R)
For people over the world of all faiths and none
That this time of lockdown and reflection instils in everyone
a desire to protect the health and well being of the earth, God’s creation, and our common home.
Lord hear us (R)
We continue to pray for those who put their daily lives at risk
Lord hear us (R)
We continue to pray for those who put their daily lives at risk
in order to heal and to help those in need.
May they be valued for their dedication and be kept safe with essential equipment and testing.
Lord hear us, (R)
For ourselves
That in this time of uncertainty, we will know what is ours to do.
Lord hear us, (R)
For ourselves
That in this time of uncertainty, we will know what is ours to do.
May we recognise the presence of the Risen Jesus
in small acts of kindness, moments of silence and in the beauty of God’s creation.
Lord hear us, (R)
For all who are sick at this time, those known to us and those unknown.
Lord hear us, (R)
For all who are sick at this time, those known to us and those unknown.
For those affected by the Coronavirus,
especially if alone and anxious and unable to be with those who care for them.
May we help them understand that they are not alone and that we will do anything we can to help.
We hold Gerry Mulvenna,
We hold Gerry Mulvenna,
who is recovering from surgery in hospital,
in our prayers and ask that he experiences God’s healing love.
Lord hear us (R)
For all those who have died, especially Janet Moan, and for those who grieve them.
Lord hear us (R)
For all those who have died, especially Janet Moan, and for those who grieve them.
May they rest in God’s peace.
Lord hear us (R)
Lord hear us (R)
Let us call to mind our own intentions at this time...
Closing Prayer.
"Behold I stand at the door and knock (Revelation 3 v20
Lord continue to bless our community
in this time of transition.
Help us on our journey
to grow from a maintenance church
to a missionary church.
Give us the courage
to be missionary disciples.
Make our doors wide enough
to receive all who need
human love and fellowship;
narrow enough to shut out
all envy, pride and prejudice.
Kindle in us the fire of your love
that all who come here
will find joy, peace and love.
Make this a house of prayer
and a gateway to your kingdom.
AMEN
in this time of transition.
Help us on our journey
to grow from a maintenance church
to a missionary church.
Give us the courage
to be missionary disciples.
Make our doors wide enough
to receive all who need
human love and fellowship;
narrow enough to shut out
all envy, pride and prejudice.
Kindle in us the fire of your love
that all who come here
will find joy, peace and love.
Make this a house of prayer
and a gateway to your kingdom.
AMEN
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord!
End of Prayer resource