MAY
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
NOTE: When the Ascension of the Lord is celebrated on the following Sunday, the Second Reading and Gospel from the Seventh Sunday of Easter (see Lec. 61) may be read on the Sixth Sunday of Easter.
SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2016SIXTH SUNDAY
(Lec. 57)OF EASTER
1)Acts 15:1-2, 22-29
2)Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23
3)John 14:23-29
FOCUS:Jesus offers us a peace the world cannot give.
The peace of Christ is truly a precious gift, offering us the blessed assurance that Jesus walks with us every step of our journey of faith. Jesus leads and guides us along the path to everlasting life, giving us the strength and grace to overcome obstacles and difficulties along the way.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
The first reading describes how the early Church welcomed the Gentiles without burdening them with keeping the full law of Moses. The second reading offers a majestic vision of the new and heavenly Jerusalem. In the Gospel, Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit to his disciples before returning to his Father.
UNIVERSAL PRAYER
PRIEST:In trust and confidence, let us join together in offering our prayers to our loving Father in heaven.
1)For all members of the Church, that we may extend the gift of the peace of Christ to others through love and service, giving glory to God, let us pray to the Lord.
2)For the leaders of our nation and all world leaders, that their actions may be guided by justice and mercy, let us pray to the Lord.
3)For the poor, may they find strength in their faith and be assisted in their need by compassionate Christians and people of good will, let us pray to the Lord.
4)For those in our parish who are seriously ill, that they may feel God’s presence through the support of friends and family, and may experience God’s healing through the compassionate care of medical professionals, let us pray to the Lord.
5)For the faithful departed, that they may join all the angels and saints in singing God’s praises for all eternity in heaven, let us pray to the Lord.
6)(Special petition/s)
PRIEST:Almighty God and Father, we ask that you hear and answer our prayers. We offer them to you through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord.
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Monday, May 2, 2016MONDAY OF
(Lec. 291)SIXTH WEEK OF EASTER
1)Acts 16:11-15(OBL. MEM. Saint Athanasius,
2)John 15:26—16:4aBishop and Doctor
of the Church)
FOCUS:The Holy Spirit bolstered the first Christians as the message of the Gospel spread.
Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit from the Father to guide and strengthen the disciples in giving witness to the truth. This assurance would give the Christians courage when their witness to Christ led to persecution. We, too, must rely on the Holy Spirit so we may give a faithful and effective witness to the Gospel.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
The first reading recalls how Paul, after arriving in the city of Philippi, shared the Gospel message with a woman named Lydia. Lydia, upon hearing the message, believed and was baptized. In the Gospel, Jesus tells the disciples that the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, will give them the strength and guidance needed to preach the Gospel.
UNIVERSAL PRAYER
PRIEST:With confidence in the Father’s love for us, we offer our prayers to him.
1)That our Church leaders may continue to defend religious freedom in times of persecution and that we, as a Church, will support and pray for those who face threats to their well-being because of their beliefs, let us pray to the Lord.
2)That government officials may take to heart Pope Francis’ call to care for our common home, and will work together to implement measures to protect the planet for generations to come, let us pray to the Lord.
3)That the victims of human trafficking may find freedom from oppression and healing through the efforts of committed Christians and people of goodwill, let us pray to the Lord.
4)That we in this faith community may have the courage to bear witness to Jesus in our daily lives, let us pray to the Lord.
5)That those who have died may enter into the peace of heaven, let us pray to the Lord.
6)(Special petition/s)
PRIEST:Good and gracious God, we ask you to hear and answer our prayers. We ask in the name of Jesus, our Lord.
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Tuesday, May 3, 2016SAINTS PHILIP AND JAMES,
(Lec. 561)APOSTLES
1)1 Corinthians 15:1-8- FEAST
2)John 14:6-14
FOCUS:Saints Philip and James are witnesses to the resurrection of Christ, and an example of faithful witness to the Gospel.
The Twelve Apostles knew that Jesus had truly risen from the dead. They saw him, touched him and had a conversation with him. He commissioned them to preach this Good News to the world. Today, we celebrate the feast of Saints Philip and James, whose example challenges us to give a courageous and faithful witness to the Gospel every day.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
In the first reading, Paul states that he wants the people to recall the message he preached to them. He stresses that it was not his own message, but one he received from Jesus. The Gospel emphasizes that message by affirming that those who believe in the risen Christ will help bring salvation to the world.
UNIVERSAL PRAYER
PRIEST: Recognizing that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, let us join with trust and confidence in offering our prayers and petitions to the Lord.
1)That Pope Francis and our bishops may be blessed with the strength they need to preach the Gospel in those areas of the world most in need of its healing message, let us pray to the lord.
2)That government officials may recognize the needs of those who live in poverty and act in just and compassionate ways, let us pray to the Lord.
3)That those who suffer and are persecuted because of their faith in Jesus Christ may continue to seek the help of God and be strengthened by the prayers of faith-filled Christians, let us pray to the Lord.
4)That all members of this faith community may continue to grow in their commitment to safeguard and protect the dignity of all human life from conception to natural death, let us pray to the Lord.
5)That those who have died may enjoy the banquet prepared for them in the heavenly kingdom, let us pray to the Lord.
6)(Special petition/s)
PRIEST: Merciful Father, hear our petitions. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.
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Wednesday, May 4, 2016WEDNESDAY OF
(Lec. 293)SIXTH WEEK OF EASTER
1)Acts 17: 15, 22—18:1
2)John 16:12-15
FOCUS:The Gospel message must be shared with all, with perseverance and faith.
Christians face many challenges when they proclaim the message of the Gospel. Many questions will be asked. It takes a great deal of prayer, patience and time to give witness the Gospel. Some people will receive the message and decide to become Christians. Others will reject it.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Paul arrives in Athens. Upon noticing the great amount of idolatry in the city, he proclaims the truth about God, who is not confined to sanctuaries made by human hands. In the Gospel, Jesus teaches the disciples that when the Holy Spirit comes, the Spirit will guide them to all truth.
UNIVERSAL PRAYER
PRIEST: Grateful for God’s good gifts and manifold blessings, let us join in offering our prayers and petitions to the Father.
1)That our Holy Father, Pope Francis, will be given the grace and strength needed to continue to share the faith throughout the world, let us pray to the Lord.
2)That public officials may be attuned to the virtue of tempering justice with mercy, let us pray to the Lord.
3)That those who are hungry or homeless may be assisted in their need by committed Christians and people of goodwill, let us pray to the Lord.
4)That each of us may continue to grow in our knowledge and love of the Lord, in order to lead lives that bear faithful witness to the Gospel, let us pray to the Lord.
5)That those who have died might come to enjoy perpetual peace and joy in heaven, let us pray to the Lord.
6)(Special petition/s)
PRIEST: Gracious and loving God, we ask that you hear and answer our prayers, which we offer through Christ, our Lord.
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NOTE: Regarding the Ascension of the Lord, the ecclesiastical provinces of Boston, Hartford, New York, Newark, Omaha, and Philadelphia have retained its celebration on the proper Thursday, while all other provinces have transferred this solemnity to the Seventh Sunday of Easter, May 8. If transferred, Thursday, May 5, is observed as an Easter Weekday. The following readings are used: Acts 18:1-8/John 16:16-20 (Lec. 294).
Thursday, May 5, 2016THE ASCENSION
(Lec. 58)OF THE LORD
1)Acts 1:1-11- SOLEMNITY
2)Ephesians 1:17-23(Holy Day of Obligation)
or Hebrews 9:24-28; 10:19-23
3)Luke 24:46-53
FOCUS:Trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
It is easy to trust that which we can see, hear or otherwise tangibly sense. Trusting in someone or something in their absence can be difficult. When our hearts are awakened to faith in Jesus Christ, it is through the prompting of the Holy Spirit. This gift of faith enables us to see that we can trust the Spirit’s guidance.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
The first reading from the Acts of the Apostles recounts how Jesus commissioned the disciples to preach the Gospel to all nations. He then ascended into heaven. Suddenly, two men in white garments appeared to the disciples, urging them to stop staring at the sky and instead prepare themselves to preach the Gospel. In the Gospel, Jesus blesses and commissions the disciples to preach his message to all the nations before he ascends into heaven.
UNIVERSAL PRAYER
PRIEST:Trusting in the guidance of the Holy Spirit, let us offer our petitions to the Lord.
1)For all who minister in the Church, may they be blessed with the grace and strength to continue in their work of helping others to know God’s healing and saving grace and mercy, let us pray to the Lord.
2)For all those in positions of authority, may they turn to God for guidance for making good and just decisions for those they serve, for the greater glory of God, let us pray to the Lord.
3)For those who live with the cross of chronic illness, may they be blessed with the support and assistance needed to help them heal and recover, let us pray to the Lord.
4)For each of us, may we continue to strive to be more attentive and responsive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit in order to lead lives that bear an effective witness to the Gospel, let us pray to the Lord.
5)For those who have died, may they come to enjoy eternal life in heaven, let us pray to the Lord.
6)(Special petition/s)
PRIEST: God of mercy and forgiveness, we ask you to hear and answer our prayers. We offer them in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
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*Optional Commentary for May 5, 2016
Thursday, May 5, 2016THURSDAY OF
(Lec. 294)SIXTH WEEK OF EASTER
1)Acts 18:1-8
2)John 16:16-20
FOCUS: When we are struggling in life, God is our great hope.
When things in our lives are dark or confusing, it is especially important that we trust God and rely on him to be our strength. God alone gives us the grace and strength needed to persevere in faith. God will lead us to the light of a brighter day, and gives us the grace and gifts needed to keep our feet firmly planted on the path to life.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
In the first reading, Paul leaves for Corinth and begins preaching to the Jews and Greeks there. Rejected by the Jews, he focuses on the Gentiles and brings many to salvation. In the Gospel, the disciples fail to understand what Jesus means when he tells them they will not see him for a little while and then, in a little while, they will see him.
UNIVERSAL PRAYER
PRIEST:Trusting in God's goodness, let us present to him these petitions for our needs and those of the world.
1)For the Church, that her members may strive to trust Jesus in all aspects of their lives, especially when they are in difficult situations, let us pray to the Lord.
2)For those working with people suffering in the midst of war, terrorism oreconomic crises, that they may help protect their human dignity, as well as theirphysical well-being, let us pray to the Lord.
3)For those who are in turmoil or sorrow, may they trust in God's love, and may their faith sustain them, let us pray to the Lord.
4)For members of this faith community, that we may offercomfort to those who are grieving, helping to reassure them of God’s love and care for them, let us pray to the Lord.
5)For those who have died, that they may come to experience everlasting peace and joy in heaven, letus pray to the Lord.
6)(Special petition/s)
PRIEST:Heavenly Father, hear and answer our prayers according to your holy will. We offer them through your son, Jesus Christ.
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Friday, May 6, 2016FRIDAY OF
(Lec. 295)SIXTH WEEK OF EASTER
1)Acts 18:9-18
2)John 16:23b-28
FOCUS:When people are doing the work of the Lord, they are given signs of encouragement.
Proclaiming the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is hard work. The Lord knows this and gives us his support in many ways, some of them unexpected. His care and encouragement provide us with the strength needed to deal with what lies ahead.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
The first reading tells of Paul receiving a message from the Lord in a vision that he was to take courage and continue preaching the Gospel in Corinth, for the Lord was with him. In the Gospel, Jesus tells the disciples that their grief will be turned to joy.
UNIVERSAL PRAYER
PRIEST: In humility, trust and confidence, let us join in offering our prayers to our loving Father in heaven.
1)That all bishops and clergy may be blessed and strengthened as they proclaim the faith throughout the world, let us pray to the Lord.
2)That leaders of nations, in this Year of Mercy, may govern with fairness and mercy, let us pray to the Lord.
3)That those who are feeling discouraged because of unemployment may be strengthened by their faith and perseverein their search for work, let us pray to the Lord.
4)That our faith community may warmly welcome all those inquiring about the Catholic faith and encourage their inquiries, let us pray to the Lord.
5)That those who have died may experience the joy and peace of the heavenly kingdom, let us pray to the Lord.
6)(Special petition/s)
PRIEST: Gracious and loving God, we ask that you hear and answer our prayers, which we offer through Christ, our Lord.
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Saturday, May 7, 2016SATURDAY OF
(Lec. 296)SIXTH WEEK OF EASTER
1)Acts 18:23-28
2)John 16:23b-28
FOCUS: Christian community is crucial for growing in faith.
Emboldened by a profound experience of Christ, we often desire to share the joy of the Gospel with all those we meet. Seeking wisdom and counsel is imperative. Just as Priscilla and Aquila assisted Apollos in deepening his understanding of the faith, Catholic doctrine and tradition guide us in learning and understanding the faith.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
In the first reading, Paul continues to travel extensively to spread the Good News. Apollos, new in the faith, ardently preaches and teaches in Ephesus. Priscilla and Aquila assist him in deepening his knowledge of the faith. In the Gospel, Jesus encourages the disciples to ask the Father for anything in his name. He assures them that the Father loves them because they love Jesus.
UNIVERSAL PRAYER
PRIEST:As a community of faith-filled disciples, Jesus assures us that because of our love for him we can seek what we desire by asking the Father. We do so now as we offer our petitions.
1)For the Church, the body of Christ, may she continue to extend hospitality, compassion and mercy to those who are seeking the truth that will set them free, let us pray to the Lord.
2)For all those in civic leadership, may they set aside any desire for power and notoriety and defer to the wisdom and counsel of the Holy Spirit to inform their leadership, let us pray to the Lord.
3)For the poor and marginalized, may faith-filled Catholics intheir communities, especially in this Year of Mercy, seek to alleviate their suffering through the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, let us pray to the Lord.
4)For members of this faith community engaged in the ministry of faith formation, may they continue to be inspired by the Holy Spirit and the teachings of the Church to strengthen their ministry, let us pray to the Lord.