Pope Francis has called the Church a "house of joy."/ Grant this to be so in our world of loneliness,/ pain and hatred./ We pray to the Lord.
The singing of the Advent O Antiphons begins on Wednesday - first calling Jesus the Wisdom of our God Most High./ We ask to be shown the path of knowledge - God's way of justice,/ compassion,/ and mercy./ We pray to the Lord.
This Sunday's liturgical color is rose/ a color taken from the dawn sky:/ In Christ there is a new beginning./ We pray with those who long to begin life again after sickness,/ war or disaster./ We pray to the Lord.
In the time of winter darkness and cold we pray for those who lack the necessities of shelter,/ warmth,/ food or friend./ We pray to the Lord.
We ask to be kept from a spirit of discontent and ingratitude./ Grant us to live Mary's way of awe before God's active presence in our own lives./ We pray to the Lord.
Our country suffers an insatiable thirst for drugs./ Give us a national and cultural sobriety/ born of satisfied hearts and a desire to serve./ We pray to the Lord.
We pray for those who have died since last holiday time to enter a heavenly life of joy in the Holy Trinity. We pray to the Lord.
