The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

December 31, 2023

Let us pray for Francis, our Pope, and ____, our Bishop. May all leaders serve the love of God and the dignity of all people on earth. May we dedicate our lives to serve all human life.

We pray to the Lord.

Let us pray for the family of the Church. May we, born of water and the Holy Spirit, be united in the mission of justice and peace, of integrity and hope. May every worshipping community unite for the betterment of the Church and world.

We pray to the Lord.

Let us pray for peace among families in need of reconciliation. May we listen attentively to those whom we have hurt by our words and actions. May love be a healing balm to all families.

We pray to the Lord.

Let us pray for foster families, divorced families, our families of origin and those whom we trust to be our families. May we all find love and courage in this Christmas season. May love heal our loneliness. May we see the face of God in all whom we love.

We pray to the Lord.

Let us pray for the courage to serve people who are different from ourselves. May we welcome families at our borders and encourage families who seek employment and a better life. May hope be found in the wonder of our children.

We pray to the Lord.

Let us pray for families across the world in these times of war and violence. May the utter destruction of war be replaced with hope in the challenges of loss and grief. May we recognize the beauty of all life and humanity.

We pray to the Lord.

Let us pray for children who have been abused. May we bring dignity and courage to our young and may adult children be healed of past violence. May we trust in the loving presence of the Holy Spirit to mend our aching hearts.

We pray to the Lord.

For our elderly who live behind the closed blinds of their rooms. May we not forget those who have loved us in our families and who now need us in their ill-health and aging process.

We pray to the Lord.

For family members who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith. May our beloved dead find eternal happiness and light in the face of Christ Jesus.

We pray to the Lord.