23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Readings

Available from the USCCB here.

First Reading Ezekiel 33:7-9

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9
If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Second Reading Romans 13:8-10

Gospel Matthew 18:15-20

Prayers of the Faithful

• For Pope Francis and all Church Leaders, may they serve as hopeful, humble, and merciful mediators in resolving conflicts during these trying time, we pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer.
• For Government Officials and National Leaders, May they hear the Lord’s voice, as they lead their citizens toward lives filled with Love, respect, and acceptance of our differences, we pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer.
• For hope and endurance for the many who have faced natural disasters especially those in the midst of California fires, those affected by Hurricane Laura and those recovering from the Iowa wind storms, we pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer.
• On this Labor Day Weekend, may those who are employed live with grateful hearts and those needing employment find doors open offering them honorable work and hope, we pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer.
• For Hope Siegert and her family who are celebrating baptism this weekend, we pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer.
• For our faith community, both those present here and those at home, may God continue to enliven our Spirit with joy and peace for one another, we pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer.
• For Roger & Lois Gerardy; Allan Heiar; Melvin Schuster; Roger Bahl; Daisy Stabenow; Ann Hemmer; John & Myra Welsh; Betty Tranel; Edward Ulve; and all who have died, may they enter God’s presence with thanksgiving joyfully singing God’s praise. We pray to the Lord. Lord, 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.