Advent – Christmas
Intentions
Throughout Advent and Christmas we are asked to pray for the following intentions:
Further Resources
- Advent–Christmas prayer card [pdf]
- Advent-Christmas intentions [pdf]
notes (from this page) for Liturgy groups - Guidance on celebrating Special Days of Prayer [pdf]
- Table of Rubrics
- Advent: Seasonal Information
- Christmas: Seasonal Information
Openness to the Word of God
especially on 2nd Sunday of Advent
Background
In many denominations this Sunday is known as Bible Sunday. This originates from the Collect for this Sunday in the Book of Common Prayer:
Blessed Lord,
who caused all holy Scriptures
to be written for our learning:
help us so to hear them,
to read, mark, learn,
and inwardly digest them,
that, through patience,
and the comfort of your holy word,
we may embrace and for ever hold fast
the hope of everlasting life,
which you have given us
in our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Advent is a time when the Church 're-reads and re-lives the great events in salvation history in the '"today" of her liturgy'. [CCC 1095]
Prayer
All-wise God,
as you have granted us
to drink with delight
from the Word
that leads us to know you,
in your goodness grant us also
to come at length to you,
source of all wisdom,
and stand for ever before your face.
based on a prayer of the Venerable Bede
Prayer of the Faithful
one of the following may be used or adapted according to local needs
- For our openness to the Word,
so that we may hear God speaking to us each day. - For all called to proclaim the word
that they may communicate God's message to all.
Mass Texts
may be used when permitted - see Table of Rubrics
- For the Spread of the Gospel
Opportunities and Challenges
- Advent might be a good time to Scripture Reflection group perhaps looking at the gospel for the coming liturgical year.
- Why not include the references for next Sunday's readings in the bulletin.
- The presentation of a Bible or Gospel can be part of a process of Sacramental preparation (RCIA, Confirmation, Marriage). Consider how best to help people to use the scriptures for reflection and prayer.
Links
- The Gift of Scripture - Bishops' Conference teaching document on the Bible
- Liturgy Office Resources to accompany The Gift of Scripture
- Bishops' Conference Scripture Working Group
- Catholic Biblical Association of Great Britain
- The Bible Society
Migrants and Refugees
especially on 3 December.
Background
On December 3rd the Church commemorates St Francis Xavier. This is the day chosen by the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People to mark World Migration Day. Each year there is a message from the Holy Father reflecting on the 'signs of the times'.
Asylum seekers and refugees — I wish to underline how the tendency is to stop at the question of their arrival while disregarding the reasons for which they left their native land. [Benedict XVI - Message for World Migration day 2005]
Prayer
Lord, no one is a stranger to you
and no one is ever
far from your loving care.
In your kindness watch over
refugees and exiles,
those separated from their loved ones,
young people who are lost,
and those who have left
or run away from home.
Bring them back safely
to the place where they long to be
and help us always
to show your kindness
to strangers and those in need.
Roman Missal: For Refugees and Exiles
Prayer of the Faithful
one of the following may be used or adapted according to local needs
- For our society,
may it always welcome the stranger. - For those countries from which asylum seekers and refugees have fled,
may all work together for peace and justice.
Mass Texts
may be used when permitted - see Table of Rubrics
- For Refugees and Exiles
Opportunities and Challenges
- Make copies of 'The Dispossessed - a brief guide to the Catholic Church's Concern for Refugees and Migrants' available for people.
- Find out how the Church is assisting asylum seekers and refugees locally.
- Be aware of migrants in the local community. What have they to offer the parish. How can the parish support them and respond to their needs.
- Provide the text of the Sunday readings in different languages - see Parish Resources link.
Links
Expectant Mothers
especially on 4th Sunday of Advent
Background
The Gospel on the 4th Sunday of Advent focusses on the role of Mary in our salvation. Over the three year cycle the gospel tells of the betrothal of Mary to Joseph, the Annunciation and the Visitation. The stories prepare us for the Birth of our Lord at Christmas.
Prayer
God has brought gladness
and light to the world
through the Virgin Mary’s
delivery of her son.
Grant the prayer of all mothers to be
as they ask for the birth
of a healthy child.
May they safely deliver
a son or daughter
to be numbered among your family,
to serve you in all things,
and to gain eternal life.
adapted from the Book of Blessing
Prayer of the Faithful
one of the following may be used or adapted according to local needs
- For all who are waiting for a birth of a child,
may they be given patience and strength. - For all who work in maternity units and with parents,
may they always recognise and cherish the gift of life.
Liturgical Texts
may be used when permitted
- Book of Blessings - Blessing of a mother before childbirth
Opportunities and Challenges
- What provisions does the parish make for families with young children?
- Consecrated for Worship has guidance on the use or avoidance of 'cry-chapels
- Remember in the Order of Christian Funerals the Church makes provision for those who suffer a stillbirth or a miscarriage.
Links
- Day for Life
- Everybody's Welcome
- Cherishing Life - Bishops' teaching document
