Priest: Brothers and sisters, on this feast of the Mother and Head of all Churches,
we give thanks for the living temple God has built in Christ — His Church, made of living stones.
Let us pray for the Church and for the world.

For the Holy Church of God
That she may be renewed in holiness,
steadfast in truth,
and radiant with the beauty of Christ her Bridegroom.
May the river of grace flow from the sacraments
to bring life and healing to the world.
Lord, hear us. Response: Lord, graciously hear us.

For our Holy Father, the Pope, and for all bishops and priests
especially for the Church of Rome, whose cathedral we honour today —
that they may shepherd God’s people in unity and love,
building up the Body of Christ upon the one foundation of faith.
Lord, hear us. Response: Lord, graciously hear us.

For our parish and all who worship in this church
that we may truly be a holy temple of God’s presence —
faithful in prayer, generous in service,
and alive with charity toward one another.
Lord, hear us. Response: Lord, graciously hear us.

For those who build and maintain our churches,
and for all who gather within them
that our sacred places may always be houses of prayer,
not marketplaces of distraction,
and that reverence for the Eucharist may deepen among all the faithful.
Lord, hear us. Response: Lord, graciously hear us.

For the sick, the weary, and the forgotten
that they may find comfort within the embrace of Christ’s Church,
and experience the healing water that flows from His side.
Lord, hear us. Response: Lord, graciously hear us.

For all who have died, especially those who built up this parish community in years past
that they may now dwell in the heavenly temple,
and rejoice forever in the presence of the Lord.
Lord, hear us. Response: Lord, graciously hear us.

Let us pause now for a moment of silent prayer,
asking God to make His Church — and each of us — a worthy dwelling place of His Spirit.

(Pause in silence.)

Together we honour Mary, the Mother of the Church and Queen of the Apostles:
Hail Mary, full of grace…

Priest: God our Father,
from living stones You build an eternal dwelling for Your glory.
Hear our prayers, renew Your Church in holiness, and make us temples of Your Spirit,
that the world may see in us the light of Christ,
who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Amen.