Throughout Ordinary Time: Winter we are asked to pray for the following intentions:
especially on 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time & Racial Justice Day — 3 Sundays before 1st Sunday of Lent
The World Day of Prayer for Peace is marked on 1 January. As this day is when the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God and it is the beginning of the new year in England and the day is transferred to 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time. There maybe a collection for the work of Pax Christi
The day of prayer for Racial Justice is organised by the ecumenical Churches’ Commission for Racial Justice. A collection may be taken on this day.
O God of peace, who are peace itself
and whom a spirit of discord
cannot grasp,
nor a violent mind receive,
grant that those who are one in heart
may persevere in what is good
and that those in conflict
may forget evil and so be healed.
Roman Missal
one of the following may be used or adapted according to local needs
may be used when permitted – see Table of Rubrics
especially during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: 18–25 January.
The Week of was originally begun in 1908 by the American Episcopalian clergyman Paul Wattson who later became a Catholic. The Week begins on 18 January and ends on 25 January—the Feast of the Conversion of St Paul. Material for the Week of Prayer is prepared in collaboration by Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and The Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches. Each year this material is produced by Christians in a different country.
May the divisions among Christians be overcome
so that we may hasten
to your eternal Kingdom in the perfect communion
of the Church.
cf. Roman Missal
one of the following may be used or adapted according to local needs
may be used when permitted – see Table of Rubrics
especially on feast of St Josephine Bakhita — 8 February
St Josephine Bakhita is the Sudanese Saint who at the age of nine was kidnapped and sold into slavery. She suffered terribly at the hands of her kidnappers so much so that she forgot her birth name. Her kidnappers gave her the name ‘Bakhita’ which means ‘Fortunate’.
O God, who led Saint Josephine Bakhita
from abject slavery
to the dignity of being your daughter
and a bride of Christ,
grant, we pray, that by her example
we may show constant love
for the Lord Jesus crucified,
remaining steadfast in charity
and prompt to show compassion..
Roman Missal
one of the following may be used or adapted according to local needs
may be used when permitted – see Table of Rubrics
especially on World Day of Prayer for the Sick — 11 February
11 February is the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. On this the Church all to pray and give attention to the sick and those who care for them. Each year the Holy Father writes a message.
Accept the prayers we offer
for our brothers and sisters
who are ill,
that, having been anxious
for them in their danger,
we may rejoice
at their recovery of health.
cf. Roman Missal
one of the following may be used or adapted according to local needs
may be used when permitted – see Table of Rubrics
especially on the Sunday before 1st Sunday of Lent.
The Day of Prayer for the Unemployed was organised by Church Action on Poverty. They have recently renamed their day as Poverty Action Sunday. Caritas-Social Action is the agency in the Catholic Church which acts an umbrella for many diocesan and local organisations concerned with poverty and other social issues.
O God, the source of human dignity,
in your image every person is fashioned
and by your Son all people are redeemed.
Make us honour the work of your hands,
that we may reverence you in those whom the world considers least
and serve you in all whom society neglects.
one of the following may be used or adapted according to local needs