Fourth Sunday of Lent

The Readings

Available from the USCCB here.

First Reading 2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 137:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6

Let my tongue be silenced, if I ever forget you!

Second Reading Ephesians 2:4-10

Gospel John 3:14-21

Prayers of the Faithful

• For Church leaders and members to be witnesses of God’s truth and compassion. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
• For governments to recognize the rights and provide for the basic needs of all their people. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
• For the light of Holy Eucharist and Confirmation to come to those receiving the sacraments this Spring. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
• For encouragement in our journey this Lent and a renewal of prayer, fasting and sharing from our abundance with those less fortunate. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
• For an end to the darkness caused by illness, worry, unemployment and grieving. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
• For teachers, students, and staff that this upcoming week of spring break can be a period of relaxation and renewal during this ongoing pandemic. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
• For John A. Baumgartner; the Honkamp/Wubben Family; Patrick Anglin; Barb Setter; Mary Collins; and all who have come to believe in the promise of eternal life with God. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

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.