Cycle of Prayer | Easter

New Members of the Church

Background

The Easter Vigil is the usual time to celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) with Adults. The Easter Season is therefore the time for post-baptismal catechesis or ‘mystagogy’ with the newly baptised or ‘neophytes’.

This is a time for the community and the neophytes together to grow in deepening their grasp of the paschal mystery and in making it part of their lives through meditation on the Gospel, sharing in the eucharist, and in doing works of charity.RCIA 234

In many communities and dioceses the Easter Season is a privileged time to celebrate the Sacraments of First Communion and Baptism.

Prayer

Father,
you give your Church
constant growth
by adding new members
to your family.
Help us put into action
in our lives
the baptism
we have received in faith

Roman Missal

Prayer of the Faithful

one of the following may be used or adapted according to local needs

  • For new members of the Church,
    may they grow in love and understanding.
  • For priests, deacons, teachers and catechist
    and all who form people in faith
    may they deepen their own faith through those whom they meet.

Mass Texts

may be used when permitted – see Table of Rubrics

  • For the Universal Church
  • For the Laity

Opportunities and Challenges

  • As in the Season of Lent the readings of Year A have a particular focus on initiation.
  • The neophytes, with their godparents, should have a special place within the Sunday assembly. The homily and prayer of the faithful should take into account their needs.
  • To bring an end to period of post-baptismal catechesis there should be some sort of celebration near to Pentecost Sunday. This might well be with the bishop who is encouraged to meet with the recently baptised and celebrate the Eucharist with them.
  • Mystagogy – the reflection on liturgical celebrations, and on life, and drawing spiritual insight from it – is a lifelong activity of the baptised Christian.

Links

Vocations

Especially on World Day of Prayer for Vocations — 4th Sunday of Easter

Background

The World Day of Prayer for Vocations is held each year on the Fourth Sunday of Easter. In the Gospel of John read on this Sunday, in each of the three years, Jesus speaks of himself as the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd who has come so that people may have life to the full, the one who lays down his life for his sheep, the one who knows his sheep — they recognise his voice.

There may be a collection.

Prayer

Father,
in your plan for our salvation
you provide shepherds for your people.

Fill your Church with the spirit
of courage and love.
Raise up worthy ministers
of your altars
and ardent but gentle servants
of the gospel.

Roman Missal

Prayer of the Faithful

one of the following may be used or adapted according to local needs

  • For vocations to the priesthood and the religious life
    may those whom God chooses be open to his call.
  • • For all people who follow God’s call,
    may they find fulfilment in the life they have chosen.

Mass Texts

may be used when permitted – see Table of Rubrics

  • For Priestly Vocations
  • For Religious Vocations

Opportunities and Challenges

  • Explore ways in which a culture of vocation can central to the community.
  • How do parish ministries support the work of the clergy? How might they hinder it?

Links

The Church

Especially on Pentecost

Background

Throughout the Season of Easter the first reading at Mass is taken from the Acts of the Apostles. Luke tells the story of the early Church from the Ascension and Pentecost to the early missions of the apostles.

When the work which the Father gave the Son to do on earth was accomplished, the Holy Spirit was sent on the day of Pentecost in order that he might continually sanctify the Church.” Then “the Church was openly displayed to the crowds and the spread of the Gospel among the nations, through preaching, was begun.” As the “convocation” of all men for salvation, the Church in her very nature is missionary, sent by Christ to all the nations to make disciples of them. Catechism 767

Those who with God’s help have welcomed Christ’s call and freely responded to it are urged on by love of Christ to proclaim the Good News everywhere in the world. This treasure, received from the apostles, has been faithfully guarded by their successors. All Christ’s faithful are called to hand it on from generation to generation, by professing the faith, by living it in fraternal sharing, and by celebrating it in liturgy and prayer. Catechism 3

Prayer

God our Father,
in all the churches
scattered throughout the world
you show forth the one, holy,
catholic and apostolic Church.

Through the gospel
and the eucharist
bring your people together
in the Holy Spirit
and guide us in love.
Make us a sign of your love
for all people,
and help us show forth
the living presence of Christ
in the world.

Roman Missal

Prayer of the Faithful

one of the following may be used or adapted according to local needs

  • For the Holy Father,
    may he be a focus for unity and peace.
  • • For the Church of God,
    that the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit may be given to all people.

Mass Texts

may be used when permitted – see Table of Rubrics

  • Eucharistic Prayer for Masses for Various Needs and Occasions
  • For the Universal Church
  • For the Pope
  • For the Bishop

Opportunities and Challenges

  • Explore how the Eucharistic Prayers express the communion of the Church.
  • How might the links between the local parish and the wider Church, diocese and universal, be expressed and understood.
  • How does the church building express the nature of the Church – write a guide for visitors
  • What opportunities are there for people to get know Church teaching? A book stall or service, a reading group, extracts in the Newsletter, reference in homilies might all be ways of helping people.

Links