Suggested prayers of intercession
We give thanks to God for the life, fidelity, courage and service of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth. May her dedication to a life of service to the nation and Commonwealth remain a great example for all leaders.
Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the eternal repose of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth. May her devout and faithful Christian witness throughout her life reward her with eternal rest with the risen Lord.
Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray for the members of the Royal Family who mourn the loss of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth. May they receive a loving consolation from our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Let us pray to the Lord.
(For the new king)
We pray for His Majesty, King Charles III. That he may serve the people entrusted to his care with wisdom and dedication.
Let us pray to the Lord.
Some liturgy notes
- A memorial service can be celebrated for Her Majesty outside the Sunday Mass using Various Commemoration for One Deceased Person in the Roman Missal, pp. 1450–1455.
- Readings for funerals can also be used. Choosing appropriate readings should reflect Her Majesty’s life of service as head of state and an exemplary Christian witness.
- As a sign of respect for Her Majesty as head of state, flags are to be lowered to half-mast (except the Vatican flag), and except on the days of Proclamation for Australia and in Victoria, when the flags will be raised to full mast. Flag protocol dictates that flags are not flown at half-mast overnight.
Presider
We are empowered to live trustworthy lives through grace. We lift our hearts and pray that in your mercy, you will listen to the needs of your people.
Reader
We pray for Pope Francis and all religious leaders who proclaim the Gospel. May they inspire people to seek the true Gospel values of truth and justice.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all leaders of government. May they cooperate to overcome conflicting values and exercise their power to improve the lives of all people.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
In light of the feast of St Vincent de Paul this week, we pray with gratitude for those who offer their time and talents to reach out to people in need in our society.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for our faith community as we share the Eucharist. May we be more devoted to God than to money so that we may bring the riches of love and mercy to our society.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for …
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all who are sick in our parish and for all who have asked for our prayers.
We also pray for those who have died recently and those whose anniversaries we recall. May God welcome these people into the eternal kingdom and reward them for their faithful service.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Presider
Receive our prayers of petition, merciful God, so that all people may live their lives in peace and tranquillity. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
Presider
Just as the lepers cried out to Jesus for mercy, we open our hearts and seek healing, compassion and mercy for all those whom we lift up in prayer.
Reader
We pray for Pope Francis and all leaders of the Church. May they continue proclaiming the Good News in the spirit of St Paul and St Timothy.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all who minister to, and care for, the outcasts of our society. May their example encourage others to serve where the need is greatest.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all people who are isolated or socially rejected because of illness or disease. May they find comfort and hope in the knowledge that Jesus reaches out to all people.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for our faith community. May we recognise and gratefully acknowledge the blessings that God has given us.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for …
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for our parishioners and family members who are ill.
We also pray for those who have died recently and for those whose anniversaries occur at this time. May God welcome them into his eternal kingdom.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Presider
God of mercy, listen to these prayers of intercession that we bring before you and reveal your loving kindness to us, through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Entrance
- Firmly I believe and truly—CWB 677, CWBII 486, GA 382
- Gather your people—AOV1 71, CWBII 490, G 837, GA 530
- God of mercy and compassion—CWB 692, CWBII 290, GA 302
- In faith and hope and love—CWB 722, CWBII 520, GA 442
- Praise the Lord—CWB 790, CWBII 583, GA 409
- Rejoice! The Lord is King—CWB 799, CWBII 377
- The Church of Christ, in every age—CWB 818, CWBII 613
Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Ordinary Time)
- Psalm 94 (95): If today you hear his voice (Carroll)—CWB 334
- Psalm 94 (95): If today you hear God’s voice (Wood)—GA 55
- Psalm 94 (95): If today you hear his voice (Willcock)—PFS 50
- Common Psalm 24 (25): To you, O Lord (Haugen)—G 39
- Common Psalm 24 (25): To you, O Lord (Pishner)—G 40
- Common Psalm 24 (25): To you, O Lord (Willcock)—CWBII 632, GA 26, PFS 2
Gospel acclamation
1 Peter 1:25
Alleluia, Alleluia!
The word of the Lord stands for ever;
it is the word given to you, the Good News.
Alleluia!
Procession of the gifts/offertory
- A Trusting Psalm—AOV1 115, CWBII 293, GA 455
- Be still and know—AOV2 54, GA 401
- I will sing forever of your love—AOV2 161
- Servant Song—AOV2 169, CWBII 461, G 751, GA 487
- Wait for the Lord (Taizé)—CWBII 251, G 406, GA 283
Communion
- Be not afraid (Dufford)—AOV1 114, CWBII 653, G 683, GA 449
- Centre of my life—AOV2 170, G 679, GA 444
- My peace—AOV2 96, CWBII 558, GA 518
- On eagle’s wings—AOV1 153, CWBII 654, G 691, GA 452
- One bread, one body—AOV1 129, CWBII 579, G 932, GA 193
- The fullness of God—AOV2 62
- We remember how you loved us—AOV1 81, GA 446
Thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all)
- In the Lord I’ll be ever thankful (Taizé)—AOV2 109, CWBII 522, G 639, GA 429
- Sing to God with joy and gladness—AOV2 39, CWBII 603
Sending forth
- Filled with the Spirit’s power—CWBII 385
- Lord of all hopefulness—CWB 738, CWBII 541, G 663
- Lord, you give the great commission—CWBII 308, G 544, GA 313
- Praise to you, O Christ, our Saviour—AOV1 28, CWBII 587, G 596, GA 407
- Song for the Journey—AOV2 106
- Though the mountains may fall—AOV1 182, G 689, GA 453
- We walk by faith—AOV1 63, CWBII 641, G 680, GA 447
Presider
God has given us a spirit of power and love. With the Holy Spirit’s help, we open our hearts and pray for all who are prisoners of injustice, sickness, violence and war.
Reader
We pray for Pope Francis and all Church leaders. May they build on the mustard seed of their faith as they proclaim the Good News and the teachings of Christ.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all the ordained who have been commissioned by the laying on of hands. May they follow St Paul’s challenge and ‘fan into a flame’ the gifts of the Spirit that they have received.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
In acknowledgement of the International Day of Non-Violence this week, we pray that more people in our world commit themselves to living the Good News of peace, justice and non-violence.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for our faith community. May we find courage in the words of St Paul and never be ashamed of witnessing to the Lord, as we know that the power of God is with us.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for …
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all who are ill among us and for all who take care of them.
We pray for those who have died recently and for those whose anniversaries we remember at this time. May these people share fully in the glory of God’s promise.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Presider
Lord our God, listen to our prayers. Look at our world in its poverty and need as we cry out to you. In faith, we come to you through Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
Entrance
- All that is hidden—AOV1 127, G 746
- Christ, be our light—AOV2 3, CWBII 540, G 590, GA 404
- Christ is alive, with joy we sing—CWB 639, CWBII 353, GA 365
- Church of God—CWB 652, CWBII 471, GA 480
- Come to the feast—AOV1 151, G 585, GA 400
- God, whose purpose is to kindle—CWBII 500
- Seek, O seek the Lord—CWB 802, CWBII 595, GA 211
- The Church of Christ, in every age—CWB 818, CWBII 613
Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Ordinary Time)
- Psalm 145 (146): Praise, praise the Lord (Ancell)—CWB 416, GA 83
- Alternate Psalm 117 (118): Alleluia (Mews)—CWB 295
- Alternate Psalm 117 (118): Alleluia (Twynham)—CWB 289b
- Alternate Psalm 117 (118): Alleluia (Willcock)—CWB 293
- Alternatel Psalm 117 (118): Alleluia (Willcock)—CWB 294
- Alternate Psalm 117 (118): Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia (Willcock)—PFS 70
- Common Psalm 84 (85): Lord, let us see your kindness (Haugen)—G 62, GA 49
- Common Psalm 84 (85): Lord, let us see your kindness (Willcock)—PFS 4
- Common Psalm 50 (51): Be merciful, O Lord (Haugen)—G 51
- Common Psalm 50 (51): Be merciful, O Lord (Pishner)—G 52
- Common Psalm 50 (51): Be merciful, O Lord (Willcock)—GA 41, PFS 14
Gospel acclamation
2 Corinthians 8:9
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Jesus Christ was rich but he became poor,
to make you rich out of his poverty.
Alleluia!
Procession of the gifts/offertory
- A Touching Place—GA 469
- Come to me (Joncas)—GA 471, G 731
- Come to me (Norbert)—AOV1 37, CWB 660, GA 228
- Come to me, all you who labour—CWBII 470
- Come to the water (Andersen)—AOV1 74, CWBII 473, GA 403
- Come to the water (Foley)—AOVNG 34, G 584, GA 403
- I heard the voice of Jesus say—AOV1 54, CWBII 512, G 724, GA 468
- Open my eyes—AOV1 166, CWBII 582, G 651
- The Beatitudes (Kearney)—CWB 817, CWBII 456, GA 489
- The cry of the poor—AOV1 83, CWBII 618, G 47, GA 36
Communion
- Bread of life (Fisher)—DD (OCP)
- Bread of life (Stephan)—DD (OCP)
- Bread of life, hope of the world—AOV1 164, CWBII 459, GA 199
- Bread of life—AOVNG 15
- Ubi caritas (Taizé)—CWBII 633, 634, GA 324
Thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all)
- For the fruits of all creation—CWBII 488, GA 426
- Jesus Christ, you are my life—CWBII 523
- My soul rejoices in God, my Saviour—CWBII 212, GA 250
- O God of earth and space—CWBII 575
Sending forth
- Be thou my vision—AOV1 9, CWBII 455
- Hail, Redeemer, King divine!—CWB 703, CWBII 400, G 390
- In labour all creation groans—AOV2 40, CWBII 521
- In faith and hope and love—CWB 722, CWBII 520, GA 442
- Tell out, my soul—CWBII 213, GA 550
- The Church of Christ, in every age—CWB 818, CWBII 613
Presider
God is forever faithful, and he secures justice for the oppressed. We pray with confidence on behalf of all who need God’s loving and abiding presence.
Reader
We pray for Pope Francis and all our Church leaders. May the Holy Spirit continue inspiring them to proclaim the Gospel of life—that God’s image is alive and well.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
On this Social Justice Sunday, we pray for all who make our laws and administer justice. May they acknowledge that the Christian values of forgiveness and reconciliation can lead to peace and non-violence in our society.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all non-government agencies and their projects that address the desperate needs of people who are starving. May governments collaborate with them to meet these needs.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for our faith community. As we enjoy the fruits of God’s creation, may we be willing to share with others our time, talents and wealth.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for …
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for the sick of our parish and for all who have asked for our prayers.
We pray for those who have died recently and for those whose anniversaries occur at this time. May they be welcomed to the heavenly banquet of God’s promise.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Presider
God of life, hear us as we seek healing, justice and peace for all who are in need. We make our prayer through Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
Entrance
- All the earth proclaim the Lord—AOV1 184, CWB 611, CWBII 447, GA 534
- Christ, be our light—AOV2 3, CWBII 540, G 590, GA 404
- Christ is alive, with joy we sing—CWB 639, CWBII 353, GA 365
- Come to set us free—AOV1 39, CWBII 233, GA 277
- Gather us in—AOV1 12, CWBII 501, G 848, GA 526
- Out of darkness—AOV1 134, GA 504
- What does the Lord require—CWBII 642
- Whatsoever you do—CWB 860
Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Ordinary Time)
- Psalm 112 (113): Praise the Lord who lifts up the poor (Jones)—CWB 423
- Common Psalm 24 (25): To you, O Lord (Haugen)—G 39
- Common Psalm 24 (25): To you, O Lord (Pishner)—G 40
- Common Psalm 24 (25): To you, O Lord (Willcock)—CWBII 632, GA 26, PFS 2
- Common Psalm 50 (51): Be merciful, O Lord (Haugen)—G 51
- Common Psalm 50 (51): Be merciful, O Lord (Pishner)—G 52
- Common Psalm 50 (51): Be merciful, O Lord (Willcock)—GA 41, PFS 14
Gospel acclamation
2 Corinthians 8:9
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Jesus Christ was rich but he became poor,
to make you rich out of his poverty.
Alleluia!
Procession of the gifts/offertory
- A Touching Place—GA 469
- Come to the water (Andersen)—AOV1 74, CWBII 473, GA 403
- Come to the water (Foley)—AOVNG 34, G 584, GA 403
- The Beatitudes (Kearney)—CWB 817, CWBII 456, GA 489
- The cry of the poor—AOV1 83, CWBII 618, G 47, GA 36
- The kingdom of God—CWBII 616, G 736
Communion
- Gift of finest wheat/You satisfy the hungry heart—CWB 685, CWBII 651, G 940, GA 191
- God of mercy (Manalo)—DD (OCP)
- Lord, to whom shall we go? (Herry)—AOV1 6, CWBII 549, GA 189, DD (Marist Music, free)
- Song of the Lord’s Supper—CWBII 311, GA 322
- What you have done for me (Alonso)—G 816, DD (GIA)
Thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all)
- Praise to the Lord, the Almighty—AOV2 132, CWB 792, CWBII 586, G 616, GA 421
- Praise to you, O Christ, our Saviour—AOV1 28, CWBII 587, G 596, GA 407
- Shine, Jesus, shine!—AOV2 59, CWBII 550
Sending forth
- Be thou my vision—AOV1 9, CWBII 455
- God, whose purpose is to kindle—CWBII 500
- Keep in mind—AOV1 180, CWB 730, CWBII 530, G 646
- Praise to you, O Christ, our Saviour—AOV1 28, CWBII 587, G 596, GA 407
- Praise, my soul, the King of heaven—AOV1 78, CWB 789, CWBII 588, G 613, GA 392
- Send down the fire—AOV2 164, CWBII 389, GA 475, G 557
- Song for Human Rights—AOV2 135, CWBII 606
In 2014, Pope Francis called on those who work for the wellbeing of seafarers and their families to ‘be the voice of those workers who live far from their loved ones and face dangerous and difficult situations.’
On Sunday 10 July, we celebrate Sea Sunday—a national appeal undertaken by the Catholic Church in Australia each year on the second Sunday in July to raise awareness of the needs of seafarers, those seldom recognised but vital workers who keep our economies going, often at great personal cost to themselves and their families.
Each year, more than 28,000 merchant ships—crewed by more than 300,000 seafarers—visit Australian ports. Stella Maris seafarers’ ministry runs seafarers’ welfare services centres in all the major Australian ports and offers chaplaincy services in many others. Stella Maris Seafarer Centres are places where the stranger is welcomed, and where volunteers assist seafarers to keep in touch with their families.
On Sea Sunday, parishes are encouraged to acknowledge the work of seafarers and pray for their safety. It is also an opportunity to respond to the call to mission that we all share.
To assist parishes to celebrate Sea Sunday, the following resources have been prepared by Stella Maris Australia:
Gospel
Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.
As the time drew near for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely took the road for Jerusalem and sent messengers ahead of him. These set out, and they went into a Samaritan village to make preparations for him, but the people would not receive him because he was making for Jerusalem. Seeing this, the disciples James and John said, ‘Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to burn them up?’ But he turned and rebuked them, and they went off to another village.
As they travelled along they met a man on the road who said to him, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ Jesus answered, ‘Foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’
Another to whom he said, ‘Follow me’, replied, ‘Let me go and bury my father first.’ But he answered, ‘Leave the dead to bury their dead; your duty is to go and spread the news of the kingdom of God.’
Another said, ‘I will follow you, sir, but first let me go and say goodbye to my people at home.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Once the hand is laid on the plough, no one who looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’
(Luke 9:51–62)
Did you know?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
- The journey is a central theme in Luke’s writings. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem is the vehicle for his preaching and for forming the disciples into true followers of Christ.
- Luke’s second volume is the Acts of the Apostles. In this book, the journey continues—with the Church taking Jesus' message outward from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.
- An ancient rivalry existed between the Samaritans and the Jews, and it caused each group to be suspicious of the other. The region of Samaria lay between Galilee in the north and Judea in the south of Israel.
Exploring the Word
This gospel text marks a turning point in Luke’s story of Jesus. In the text, Jesus makes a momentous decision. When the first village he approaches rejects him, the disciples want to punish the village. However, Jesus refuses violence and coercion as a means of conversion. He wants willing disciples! The three brief exchanges that follow in the story outline essential aspects of discipleship: it won’t necessarily be comfortable, it is lived with a sense of urgency, and it requires single-mindedness and sometimes difficult choices to be made. Comfort or family relationships cannot take priority over the kingdom of God, and once one becomes a follower of Christ, there is no turning back. This gospel focuses not only on Jesus but also on all who seek to follow the road that God has set for them.
- One character in this text says, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ What made you embark on this journey? Has the road been difficult?
- What have you had to turn your back on to continue this journey? Are there still hurdles to overcome?
Making connections
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
- You too have resolutely embarked on a journey. How do you feel about where this road is leading you?
- What difficulties have you experienced on the road to Christ?
- What have you had to leave behind?
- Reflect on when you have had to make difficult decisions and choices—perhaps to turn your back on something you value so you can pursue an even greater goal. How did this make you feel? What motivated your actions? Share your reflections.
- ‘Your duty is to spread the news of the kingdom of God.’ Reflect on the available methods you can use to spread the news of the kingdom of God. Make an extra effort to spread this news this week.
- Use this adaptation of this week’s collect as your prayer:
O God, you chose us to be children of light. Grant that we may not be wrapped in the error of darkness but always stand in the light of truth.
Sharing the tradition
A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ
Throughout history, there were times when the Church forgot Jesus' attitude to forcing conversion to faith. The free will of humanity is at the heart of the Christian story because we are made in the image of God. The freedom to choose is a gift, and it comes with responsibility. God’s revelation is offered freely to all; however, each person must freely choose to accept that revelation with faith. Human freedom underpins the very concept of being made in the image of God, and of being destined for a full and eternal life with God. Just as Jesus freely chose to die on the cross for our liberation, we too have the grace to freely choose what is good.
- Discuss this notion of human freedom and responsibility. You will find useful material in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (§1730 and following).
Symbols and images
The true meaning of being a disciple lies at the heart of this text. The imagery of the road, and of Jesus and his disciples having nowhere to lay their heads, reminds us that sometimes discipleship entails discomfort and requires a firm focus on the real prize in life: the kingdom of God and eternal life with him.
Living the Word
Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
- What methods could communities develop to explore human freedom and responsibility more deeply? To whom are we responsible? How does your community manifest that responsibility to others?
- You could use the open Scriptures as a focus for prayer and include a brief, informal commitment to continuing the journey to Christ through the Word. A suitable hymn could be The Summons (GA 502). Pray for strength for each other. Conclude with an adaptation of the prayer of exorcism in the RCIA at §94J, which speaks of not looking back.
