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The Prayers of the Faithful |
The Constitution on the liturgy of the Second Vatican Council restored, especially on Sundays and holydays of obligation, the “universal prayer” or more familiarly called “prayer of the faithful”. By this prayer, in which the people are to take part, intercession shall be made containing at least one petition from each of the following four intentions – “the needs of the Church universal; national and world affairs, those beset by poverty or tribulation; the congregation and members of the local community”.
The prayer is a petition addressed to God at the very end of every celebration of the word of God. Having been “instructed, stirred and renewed by the word, all stand together to offer prayer for the needs of the whole Church and the whole world”. Thus, this prayer is the fruit as it were, “of the working of the word of God in the hearts of the people”.
“Firm in its faith in the communion of saints and in its all-embracing vocation, the gathered Church in offering this prayer stands as the great entreater and advocate appointed for all humanity. The holy people of God exercise their royal priesthood to the fullest above all by sharing in the sacraments, but also by joining in this prayer”. For the last few years, four groups, numbering 14 people, have prepared the prayers of the faithful for the Sunday liturgy. If there are any parishioners who would like to participate, please email Brian Alt.
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