Fourth Sunday of Advent

Our Blessed Mother Mary

Inviting Our Lady into our lives etc.   input and delivery by Sr. Anne

For your choice of Elizabeth,

Pregnant much later than she dreamed,

For your choice of Mary,

Pregnant much sooner than she expected:

We bless you, Father, with a full heart.

We pray for all pregnant mothers:

That they may be secure and safe

In heart and mind and body

That they may be strengthened

For the responsibility ahead of them,

And know the consolation of loving support.

We pray for all Mothers:

That they may always delight in the presence

Of the children entrusted to their safe-keeping;

That they may be a shelter for them

And a source of love and wisdom.

For all children we pray:

That they may grow in the security of family life

And experience their dignity as children of God

May they always stay connected to their parents

In true affection and respect.

Fourth Sunday: The word of God     Hebrews: 1;1-3

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways,but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

Pause for reflection

Advent Mysteries in a time of Pandemic

1^st Mystery: The Annunciation:
Mary waited for what the angel Gabriel had to say and she waited for her cousin Elizabeth to confirm her news. Later, she would wait by the cross. Waiting was part of Mary’s life and it’s part of our lives too.

We remember all who are waiting this Advent, waiting to see their loved ones, waiting for test results, waiting for appointments, waiting to start work again.

2nd Mystery: Proclamation of the Kingdom
Mary waited for news of her Son . . . Waited to hear the news from others telling her Jesus healed the sick, healed the lame, calmed those who were afraid, taught with authority. We remember all whose plans have been affected by the corona virus – waiting to reschedule their weddings, holidays, special occasions.

3rd Mystery: The Descent of the Holy Spirit
Mary trusted the guidance of the Holy Spirit in her own life and knew that same Holy Spirit would guide her when the sword of sorrow pierced her soul. Even in sorrow she trusted in the grace of the Holy Spirit.

We remember all who are in a position of power. May the Holy Spirit guide the politicians, leaders and scientists as they continue to try and find a solution.

4th Mystery: The Crucifixion
Mary knew the pain of separation when her Son was arrested. She knew the pain of sorrow when He was crucified to the cross and she had to depend on another’s generosity to find a place where He could be buried.

We remember families who have been separated from their loved ones in hospital, unable to be with them in their final hours and prevented from having a public funeral.

5^Th Mystery: The Coronation of our Lady as Queen of Heaven and Earth.

Mary, the Mother of Jesus, Mother of God who is our God too. We entrust to her care all who are suffering from coronavirus, all those who care for the sick in hospital, in care homes, in the community and at home. We remember all front line workers who ensure our lives continue as normally as possible. We ask Mary to carry our prayers to her Son.

Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, hail, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve: to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears. Turn then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus, O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary! Amen.
Pray for us O Holy Mother of God
that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray: O God, Whose only-begotten Son, by His life, death and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, grant, we beseech You, that meditating upon these Mysteries of the Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain, and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prayer at the end of the Rosary

When the song of the angels has been stilled,

When the star has gone from the night sky,

When the kings have reached their far shores,

When the shepherds have returned to their flocks,

Then the work of Jesus really begins.

As his followers we are pledged:

To find those who are lost;

To heal those who are broken in spirit;

To feed those who are hungry;

To released those who are oppressed

To rebuild those torn by strife;

To bring peace among all people;

To bring the light of the Gospel

Into the darkest corners of our world.

May the joy of the angels,

The eagerness of the shepherds,

The perseverance of the wise men,

The love of Joseph and Mary,

And the peace of the Christ Child

Be ours to share with all we meet.

Prayer to Venerable Catherine McAuley for a Sick Person
God of love and mercy, you inspired Catherine McAuley to serve your Son by responding to the needs of her time. Moved by her care for the sick, we ask that, through her prayers, you reach out with your healing love and restore ............................ to full health. We ask this in complete confidence through Jesus Christ your Son, Amen.
Catherine McAuley, Pray For Us.

Hymn: Suscipe - Catherine McAuley’s Personal Prayer of Consecration
Composed by Sr. Elaine Deasy and sung by Sr. Marie Cox.

Blessing at the end

May the Lord’s face shine upon us and be gracious to us.

May the Lord look upon us with kindness and give us peace Amen

End with Come Lord Jesus

Closing Hymn: The Peace of God by Sr. Briege O’Hare and sung by Sr. Marie Cox