Mission Report – May 11, 2017

Once again our celebration of Edmund Rice Day was a great occasion. We commenced with Mass in the morning, led by Fr Justin Driscoll, followed by our Walkathon and finishing with possibly the most entertaining St Pat’s has Talent in recent years. The experience of a unified community is one that we must treasure and nurture as we continue the traditions of St Patrick’s College. During Mass, our College Vice-Captains led our Universal Prayers, where we seek to unite our hopes and struggles with the hopes and struggles of our world. Nick Stuhldreier stood alone on the balcony and invited us into a spirit of prayer. Josh Duggan responded by translating this spirit into prayerful words, and then we all responded as one. Our prayers are offered for your own reflection.-

Fr Justin:- – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – God wills that there be a new heaven and a new earth. His new Jerusalem is being formed already, wherever the new commandment to -love one another- is put into action. Our prayer for others extend that love.

Nick (from balcony)

Jesus said that wherever two or three gather in his name he will be there. Do our hearts long to know the presence of Jesus in our lives? Do we long for the unity that only God’s love can bring?

Josh (from lectern)

For the universal Church – that it may ever more fully and eagerly embrace its mission to proclaim the gospel to all the world through the witness of loving service. We pray to the Lord.-

All: Lord, hear our prayer.

Nick (from balcony)

When I walk today will I think of those for whom I am walking? With each step, will I grow in my commitment to justice and peace, so that when I stop walking, I am standing with the marginalised?

Josh (from lectern)

For all who follow in the footsteps of Blessed Edmund Rice and the Christian Brothers -“ that they may respond with the same courage and generosity to the call of Christ to the marginalised of our own day. We pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, hear our prayer.

Nick (from balcony)

Let us hear the words again -“ we are a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice Tradition. Are we inspired to recognise Jesus as the living reality in our community?

Josh (from lectern)

For the community of St Patrick’s College -“ Just as Blessed Edmund was inspired and motivated by his love for God, may we too love others because God loves us. We pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, hear our prayer.

Nick (from balcony)

We know from the great story of the Good Samaritan that anyone in need is our neighbour. Do I make our community accepting and welcoming? Do I foster right relationships?

Josh (from lectern)

For all who suffer disability and illness -“ may our society recognise the sacred dignity of all human life. We pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, hear our prayer.

Nick (from balcony)

Our hearts desire freedom. Do I see that my time here at St Patrick’s College helps me to ask the hard questions and never stop until I encounter the truth?- Am I freed from fear and jealousy to build a better world?- –

Josh (from lectern)

For all who suffer oppression and injustice -“ that they may know hope through the witness and courage of God’s people. We pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, hear our prayer.

Nick (from balcony)

God is Love and Love fears nothing. Love is even stronger than death. Do I live in the knowledge of eternal life?- –

Josh (from lectern)

For those who have died recently -“ we pray especially for Emma-Kate McGrath, that her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, may rest in peace. We pray for her brothers Mitchell and Jack, and all her family and friends, that they may feel the consolation of God’s love. We pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, hear our prayer.

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Fr Justin:- – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Father, hear the prayers of your people. Grant to us all that you have inspired us to ask for in faith. Through Christ our Lord.-

All: – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Amen

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