Universal Prayer for Sunday and weekday Masses
Prayers of the faithful
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.
Intercessions 2nd Lent 2021.docx
First Sunday of Lent 2021
Sunday February 21 - Saturday February 27
In Adelaide we celebrate the 6th anniversary of the episcopal ordination of our Archbishop.
If outside of Adelaide you might like to change the first petition on Sunday to name your own bishop or Pope Francis.
On Saturday we mark the optional memorial of St Gregory of Narek, Armenia, placed recently by Pope Francis on the Universal Calendar. If he is honoured, it is only with the Collect.
The other texts are of the Lenten Mass.
Sixth Sunday and Ash Wednesday / Year B
Sunday February 14 - Saturday February 20
Two sets for 6th Sunday
For Australia for the launch of Project Compassion for outside of Australia a different set of prayers.
Project Compassion is an Australian initiative since the mid 1960s when families and groups contribute money from their Lenten penances by means of a small box or set of envelopes to support the international work of Caritas Australia. Each week has a particular theme with a focus on the works of Caritas Australia which will be reflected in the petitions
Ash Wednesday
A reminder that the Vatican Office of Worship has modified the way in which ashes are distributed in 2021 because of COVID-19.
After the blessing the priest prays once over the assembly one of the two texts for the distribution, and then he sprinkles ash on the head of each person. He and other ministers do not touch the foreheads of the people. Where appropriate the priest and ministers wear a mask.
It might be helpful to draw this change to the attention of the priests deacons and other ministers in your parish and community.
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time | Year B
Sunday February 7 - Saturday February 13
Sunday 7th (First Sunday in February) is observed as Day of the Word of God, transferred from the 3rd Sunday of January like the rest of the world which is during Australian Summer holidays and close to Australia Day. There are two versions of the Universal Prayer - one for Australia and one for outside of Australia. Regards, Maurice
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday January 31 - Saturday February 5
On Wednesday February 3 the Funeral Mass and burial of our previous Archbishop, Emeritus Archbishop Philip Wilson will take place. Because of COVID restrictions there will be three Masses. This week there are two sets of the Universal Prayer for Wednesday February 3: one for within the Archdiocese of Adelaide and one beyond the Archdiocese. In Christ, Maurice