Quotations

"St. Augustine said that where there is love there is no toil because the toil is loved. It is a privilege to serve the Lord and his Church in any capacity.  May we always have good shepherds who know the way to God, who show us the way to God, who make the gospel attractive by the way they live"

(Most Rev Martin Drennan, DD. Bishop of Galway, Kilmacduagh & Apostolic Administrator of Kilfenora)


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Prayers

SUGGESTED INTERCESSIONS

The intercessions follow the Creed. It is suggested that the leader of the commemoration (and not the priest) would open the prayer.  After the intercessions, the final prayer is proclaimed by the whole people (therefore it should be written in the bulletin)

Leader:  Let us offer our prayers of petition to our God, who is Compassion and Love.

For Benedict our pope, _________ our bishop and all priests:May they continue to be faithful loving ministers of Christ's mission, {Pause for personal prayer} Let us pray to the Lord;  Response: Lord, hear our Prayer

For nations and their governments: May they work toward peace, justice and equity between one another and for the people they serve, {Pause for personal prayer} Let us pray to the Lord;    Response: Lord, hear our Prayer

For an increase in religious vocations: May men and women respond to the Holy Spirit's call to serve the church in the priesthood, diaconate and religious life, {Pause for personal prayer} Let us pray to the Lord;   Response: Lord, hear our Prayer

For all of us gathered in this holy place: May God continue to teach us to be bearers of God's love to a world in need, {Pause for personal prayer} Let us pray to the Lord;  Response: Lord, hear our Prayer

For Fr.             ‘s Family and all who have supported him to this day, that they may be blessed in the Graces for which he ministers every day, {Pause for personal prayer} Let us pray to the Lord;   Response: Lord, hear our Prayer

For all our dead, especially our deceased priests from this parish that they may enjoy a heavenly reward for their life of faithful ministry, Here you may wish to mention anniversaries occurring in your own church; {Pause for personal prayer} Let us pray to the Lord;  Response: Lord, hear our Prayer

Leader:  Loving and True God, hear the prayer of your people. In your merciful love, inspire our priests to faith-filled and loving service. Answer the prayers of all who believe in you.  We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 BLESSING PRAYER OF THE PRIEST
The priest should be invited to the foot of the altar steps and the congregation may extend both hands in prayer;

All:  In your loving kindness, O good and gracious God, you sent your Son to be our shepherd and guide.
Father ________ continues Christ's ministry of working in the vineyard by sustaining and guiding your holy people in our parish.
Bless Father _______. Let your Spirit uphold him always in his service to the people of this parish.  We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The above blessing is adapted from "Blessing of Those Who Exercise Pastoral Service" from the Book of Blessing (Washington, D.C.: ICEL, 1987), p. 689.

Alternative
BLESSING OF THE PARISH PRIEST(S)
A member of the parish council or other parish leadership organization, may invite the members of the congregation to join in a blessing over the parish priest(s). This blessing may take place after the prayer after communion. This blessing is an alternate to the blessing following the General Intercessions.

The ministries of the Church are many and varied, but God shows God's goodness by sending priests to care for the people of God. Today we ask God to bless Father ________, who faithfully builds up the body of Christ. {Pause for silent Prayer}  We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 Strengthening in Holiness for Priests

This composition is an arrangement of phrases from ancient ordination liturgies (cf. Bradshaw, Ordination Rites of the Ancient Churches of the East and West) that emphasize the call to holiness. Ordinations always began with a Rite of Election. The proclamation which begins this prayer was at the end of that rite and invited the people to affirm the calling by prayer that the person would be strengthened in holiness to conform to their calling, recognizing that both calling and holiness come from God.

Divine Grace, which always heals that which is infirm and supplies that which is lacking has called our beloved brothers to sacred ministry. Let us pray that they be confirmed and strengthened with the grace of the Holy Spirit. Fill them with grace and counsel, that they may love you with all their hearts, all their minds, and all their strength.

Grant them irreproachable conduct, steadfast faith, and good works so that they may help and guide your people with unselfish motivation. Grant them wisdom, let their minds be sober and watchful, so that they may be filled with works of healing and words of instruction.

May they teach your people in meekness and serve you in holiness with a undivided mind and a willing soul. May they be the light of your only begotten Son that the word of your gospel may be spread and your name may be glorified in every creature.

May they serve at your holy altar with pure hearts and good consciences. Grant that they may prosper in all your commandments and the keeping of your laws, so that they may be able to minister joyfully on the day of your coming.  Amen.

 
 
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