These prayers are exactly what their name suggests – prayers of the gathered faithful. In praying this prayer, the faithful are carrying out their role of praying for the entire world as well as for the needs of the local community. No two congregations will have exactly the same prayers, since their perception of the world's needs and of the local community will vary. Therefore they are written anew for each Sunday and weekly celebrations.

Australia's compulsory Federal Election takes place Saturday May 3.

The Jubilee of Workers begins on Thursday, the Memorial of St Joseph the Worker.

Below you have the following Universal Prayers:

• 5th Week of Lent 
• Holy Week, Sacred Triduum and Easter Sunday
• The Octave of Easter
• The Second week of Easter.

– Fr Maurice Shinnick

During this Easter Octave, Anzac Day falls for Australia and New Zealand within the week. This day commemorates those who sacrificed their lives in the defense of our nations. Anzac stands for Australia and New Zealand Army Corp.

The Masses of Easter Octave rank higher than all solemnities, feasts and special commemorations and therefore on the 25th April this year the Mass is of Easter and not of Anzac Day which can however feature in the Universal Prayer.

Therefore, on April 25 there are two sets of Universal Prayers for Australia and New Zealand and a different one for the rest of the world.

– Fr Maurice Shinnick

.

A couple of things to note:

• Australia is preparing for a Federal Election on Saturday May 3.
  There are petitions therefore which are appropriate for Australia only.
   
• On next Sunday there are some special commemorations of the departed.
  Towards the end of the Vietnam War some Sisters of Mercy from Adelaide and former Sisters were involved in the care of orphans. Some were of mixed race, and their future in Vietnam was uncertain. Some were being flown out in an operation instigated by President Ford to be adopted in various countries. One particular flight ended in tragedy as the cargo plane's tail gate flew open and 150 people were killed including over 70 orphans. This was 50 years ago on Friday April 4. It affected the Archdiocese of Adelaide because many supported the work of caring for the orphans and knew the women involved who were caring for them.
  
  Almost on the same day five Australia journalists were shot in Balbo as they were covering the Timor-Leste war of independence. That event had a big impact on Australians and the quest to find those guilty of their murders.
  There is therefore a final petition convening those significant anniversaries. It has three forms - one for South Australia to include the Saigon tragedy and the journalists; one for Australia including just the journalists; and a third one for places beyond Australia.
   
• With Holy Week and Resurrection Week fast approaching, and parish secretaries working weeks shorter than usual, I have been working on the Universal Prayers for Holy Week, Easter Week and the Second Week of Easter. I hope to make them all available from tomorrow.

– Fr Maurice Shinnick

.