PRAYERS

Post date: Jun 12, 2020 10:15:33 AM

CONFESSION

Unfortunately no confessions are available at the moment due to the possibility of infection. The bishop has said that all obligation to receive Holy Communion and go to Confession (known as the Easter duties) is remitted for 2020. He asks that we remind the faithful that in such circumstances as these a perfect act of contrition suffices to forgive even grave sin. To perform a perfect act of contrition one simply confesses one's sins privately to God, with the firm intention of repentance, expressing sorrow for our sins based on love of God not on fear of damnation. One must also have the firm resolution to go to sacramental confession as soon as is reasonably possible when circumstances return to normal.

HOW TO MAKE A PERFECT ACT OF CONTRITION

Among the penitent’s acts of contrition occupies first places. Contrition is the sorrow of the soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again. When it arises from a love by which God is loved above all things, contrition is called ‘perfect’ (contrition of charity). Such contrition remits venial sins; it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1451-1452). You can express this contrition through an Act of Contrition that is already familiar to you, or else for example the prayer below which we traditionally associate with the Stations of the Cross. The important thing is not the precise words but to mean what they express: ‘I love you Jesus, my love above all things, I repent with my whole heart for having offended you. Never permit me to separate myself from you again. Grant that I may love you always and do with me whatever you will.’

AN ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION

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.

THE ANGELUS PROMISE

The Angelus Promise is a spiritual exercise created to assist you to embrace the message of Our Lady, as expressed in the Angelus. It invites you to “share in the joy of the Annunciation” by following Mary’s openness to God’s call, through her faith-filled “yes”. Through your own faith-filled “yes”, the Lord will work wonders in your life.

R: The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary

V: And she conceived by the Holy Spirit

As God once chose Mary to become the Mother of His Son through the message of an angel, so He chooses me this day, and invites me through the ministry of the Church or the example of another, to seek and do His Will at this moment in my life.

Hail Mary full of Grace…

R: Behold the handmaid of the Lord

V: Be it be done unto me according to thy Word

Mary’s response to her invitation, “let it be done to me according to your Word”, opened her heart to God’s grace and all things became possible. Let my “yes” today take away fear, as I embrace God’s Will, and like Mary “ponder these things in my heart”.

Hail Mary full of Grace…

R: And the Word became flesh (Bow or genuflect)

V: And dwelt among us

At a moment in history, Mary’s faith-filled “yes” conceived Him, first in her heart, which then led to the birth of our Saviour. Through accepting Him in my heart, enable me to recognise my role in bringing Christ to my sisters and brothers today.

Hail Mary full of Grace…

R: Pray for us most holy Mother of God

V: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ

Let us pray: O Holy Mother of God, pray for us, and assist us as we dedicate ourselves this day. Your Yes at the Annunciation brought our Saviour Jesus into the world, and you invite us to contemplate the great mystery of the Incarnation, sharing your joy in announcing, “the Word was made flesh and lived among us.” May our yes, this day, open our hearts to serve our sisters and brothers in this your Dowry, that they too may share our joy in the Good News that God walks among us. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.

GOD WHO SPEAKS PRAYER

Living God, you walk alongside us and speak to us throughout the Scriptures.

Your Son, Jesus Christ, listens to our hopes and fears and shows us

how to live for one another

Send us the Holy Spirit to open our hearts and minds so that we may be

your witnesses throughout the world. Amen.