Third Sunday of Advent

The Readings

Available from the USCCB here.

First Reading Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11

Responsorial Psalm Luke 1:46-48, 49-50, 53-54

My soul rejoices in my God.

Second Reading 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Gospel John 1:6-8, 19-28

Prayers of the Faithful

• For the church and her leaders, that the Holy Spirit gives them wisdom and compassion as they tend to the needs of all people, we pray: Come, Lord Jesus, come!
• For government leaders to work towards the peace of this season for their people, we pray: Come, Lord Jesus, come!
• For a quick release of the vaccines for COVID-19 and that they prove to be effective and available to all, we pray: Come, Lord Jesus, come!
• For an awareness of Christ in our midst, right now, right here, and we   recognize him in others, we pray: Come, Lord Jesus, come!
• For those who walk in the darkness of addiction, illness, terror or hopelessness may they find the light of Jesus’ birth this season, we pray: Come, Lord Jesus, come!
• For Albert, Earl & Dorothy Cady Family; Deceased members Dunne Family; Connie Kelly; Jack Holmes; Russ Goebel; David & Judy Ochs; Melvin Schuster; Jim Kircher; Howard Cushman; Conlan Family; and all who have died live on in the glory of the light of Christ, we pray: Come, Lord Jesus, come!

Spiritual Communion Prayer

My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.

A Prayer for During the Pandemic

Holy Virgin of Guadalupe,
Queen of the Angels and Mother of the Americas.
We turn to you today as your beloved children.
We ask you to intercede for us with your Son,
as you did at the wedding in Cana.

Pray for us, loving Mother,
and gain for our nation and world,
and for all our families and loved ones,
the protection of your holy angels,
that we may be spared the worst of this illness.

For those already afflicted,
we ask you to obtain the grace of healing and deliverance.
Hear the cries of those who are vulnerable and fearful,
wipe away their tears and help them to trust.

In this time of trial and testing,
teach all of us in the Church to love one another and to be patient and kind.
Help us to bring the peace of Jesus to our land and to our hearts.

We come to you with confidence,
knowing that you truly are our compassionate mother,
health of the sick and cause of our joy.

Shelter us under the mantle of your protection,
keep us in the embrace of your arms,
help us always to know the love of your Son, Jesus. Amen.