Priest: Brothers and sisters, grateful for the gifts of creation and for the mercy by which God continually calls us back to Himself, let us bring before our heavenly Father the needs of the Church and of the whole world.
Reader: For the holy Catholic Church, that she may faithfully call all people to conversion, helping us not only to profess the faith with our lips, but to do the will of the Father in our lives.
Lord, hear us.
For our Holy Father, Pope Leo, for Bishop Patrick, and for all bishops, priests and deacons, that they may proclaim the mercy of God with courage and lead His people by lives of humility, obedience and faithful service.
Lord, hear us.
On this Harvest Thanksgiving, we give thanks for the fruits of the earth, for those who farm the land, produce and transport our food, and for all whose work provides for the needs of others; may God bless their labour and grant favourable seasons and a just reward for their work.
Lord, hear us.
For all who suffer through hunger, poverty, failed harvests or the effects of war and natural disaster, that the abundance of the earth may be shared justly and that those who have plenty may recognise their responsibility towards those in need.
Lord, hear us.
For our families and parish, that the mind of Christ may grow within us, teaching us to put aside selfishness, to serve one another generously, and to be grateful for the many ordinary gifts which we so easily take for granted.
Lord, hear us.
For those who have turned away from God, from prayer or from the Sacraments, that they may hear again the Father’s call and discover that, however badly the journey may have begun, His grace can still turn a sincere “no” into a faithful “yes”.
Lord, hear us.
For the sick, the lonely, the anxious and all whose lives are burdened, that they may know the loving care of Christ and receive practical help, encouragement and companionship from those around them.
Lord, hear us.
For our deceased relatives, friends and benefactors, and for all the faithful departed, that having completed their earthly labour, they may be purified from every sin and gathered into the eternal harvest of God’s Kingdom.
Lord, hear us.
For a few moments, let us place before God the intentions we carry silently in our hearts.
Silence.
Let us ask the prayers of Our Lady, who answered God with her whole life, as together we say: Hail Mary, full of grace…
Priest: God our Father, from your goodness the earth yields its fruit and from your mercy sinners find the way home. Receive our thanksgiving for all that you provide. Give us grateful hearts, make us generous towards those in need, and grant that our words and our lives may together become a faithful “yes” to your will. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
