The good Shepherd – 22nd April 2018
Today is Good Shepherd Sunday. It is a great image to have of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Jesus himself says, ‘The Good Shepherd lays down his life for his sheep.’
Deep within our hearts we pray: Lord Jesus, with you as our shepherd, we shall want for nothing. Lord Jesus, even if we have to walk through the valley of darkness, we will fear no evil, for you are with us. Lord Jesus, you guide us along the right path; in your house we will dwell.
Today we include in our thoughts and prayers all who care for us and serve us Bishop Pat, the priests and religious of the Diocese of Sale, all our teachers, influencing young minds and hearts in a knowledge and love of God, doctors and nurses, and all in caring professions, that their understanding, patience and love be constantly replenished. May our hearts reach out too, to all in need of our care and love, especially those who have lost their way in life.
We pray for Vocations – we pray for our Deacons Avinash George and Hiep Nguyen preparing for ordination to the Priesthood and for our Seminarians Paul Zaher, Stanly Devasia, Confidence Masvosva, Jithin Anto and Mark Hughes, that the good Shepherd protects them in their journey. We pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and the religious life.
Serran Prayer for Vocations
O God, Who wills not the death of a sinner, but rather that he be converted and live, grant we beseech You through the intercession of the Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, Saint Joseph, her spouse, Blessed Junipero Serra, and all the saints, an increase of labourers for your Church, fellow labourers with Christ to spend and consume themselves for souls, through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Let us not forget our priests and religious now in retirement that they may know they are in our hearts and prayers and for Bishops, priests, religious who have served us so faithfully and are now at rest in the arms of the Father. Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord. May they rest in peace.
Love and prayers
Dean Peter