Presider: The sign of blessed ashes invites us to respond to the God who calls us to come back to him with all our heart. The penance of Lent has begun. Our prayers enrich the charity and faith of that penance. May the Church, enter into the desert in company with Jesus, who overcame the

Presider: Let us make our prayers to the Father, asking him to renew the cleansing and healing grace of his Son in our world today. For the Church of God in every place, that she may shine forth as a community of reconciliation, we pray. That the gospel message of repentance and the good news

Presider: Through the Gospel, Christ speaks to us with words of eternal authority and deeds of healing power. Through him, let us pray with confidence. That the Church may continue to teach Christ’s truth with authority, we pray. That the gospel message of the good news of justice may touch the hearts of the leaders

Presider: We have heard the word of God proclaimed to us. He sees our sincere efforts to lead good lives and once again we ask him for his help. That the Church of God will fearlessly call people to repentance and belief in the Good News, we pray. That the gospel message of repentance and

Presider: God calls his chosen ones to fulfill this will. Let us pray confidently to our Father, knowing that he wishes his people to intercede for the world. For our Holy Father, Pope Francis , as he leads us with apostolic service and authority, we pray. For the statesmen who guide the future of nations,

Presider: The glory of the Lord shines upon us, revealing the scope of God’s love. In prayer, we now ask the Lord to spread that love to others. For God’s people, the church that seeks God’s glory, for those who need enlightenment, we pray. For peoples shrouded in clouds of war, for nations constrained by

Presider: The family of Nazareth inspires us to imitate the virtues of holiness and piety. With this ideal before us, we ask the Lord to hear our prayers on this family day. For the family of the Church, that we may give respect and dignity to all God’s children, we pray. For the family of

Presider: As we honor Mary today as the Mother of God, we mark this 51st World Day of Prayer for Peace across the Catholic Church with its theme, “Migrants and Refugees: men and women in search for peace.” Let us join Mary as we come to the Father in prayer. For the Holy Father, Pope