19 June 2026 - prayers of the faithful for Friday of the 11th week in Ordinary time

Lord have mercy - you send us God’s Holy Spirit. 

Christ have mercy - you forgive the sins of the contrite. 

Lord have mercy - you are the beloved son of the Father. 

Priest: Let us unite our voices in prayer for our needs, the needs of the Church, and the needs of the world.

1. That our Church leaders be filled with the Holy Spirit and speak the Gospel in ways that all can understand. 

2. That our world leaders seek to build bridges where there is division and conflict. May the work together tobuild societies marked by peace and justice. 

3. That those who feel voiceless or unseen feel known and loved in their faith. 

4. That we who serve in ministry learn to speak the languages of the heart through compassion, listening, and service. 

5. That our deceased loved ones and family members be drawn into the eternal communion of the Father, Son, and Spirit. 

6. For strength and courage for all medical professionals and care givers. 

7. For the prayers we hold in our hearts today. 

Priest: O God, you breathe new life into the world through your Spirit. Hear our prayers and set our hearts ablaze with love for you and for neighbor. We ask this through Christ our Lord forever and ever. AMEN. 

18 June 2026 - prayers of the faithful for Thursday of the 11th week in Ordinary time

Lord have mercy - you call us to missionary in spirit. 

Christ have mercy - you proclaim the good news of the Gospel. 

Lord have mercy - you bring us God’s peace.

Priest: As we gather in God's sacred stillness, let us lift up our hearts in petition.

1. That we in the Church may find strength in prayer and unity in the Spirit. 

2. That those in positions of public trust and authority govern with humility and serve with compassion, especially in places of conflict.

3. For peace in nations and communities experiencing war, terrorism, and violence. 

4. That those in times of transition and waiting may find peace in God’s timing and hope in his promises. 

5. That our community of faith may embrace both contemplation and action in our Christian witness. 

6. For healing and wholeness for the sick, the afflicted, and the suffering. 

7. That our deceased loved ones may rest in the presence of the God who is merciful and faithful. 

8. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts. 

Priest: Faithful God, as we receive the outpouring of your Spirit, hear our prayers and prepare our hearts to receive your grace. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

19 June 2026 - homily for Friday of the 11th week in Ordinary Time - 11:1-4, 9-18, 20

Juliana Falconieri was born into a noble family in the city of Florence in the year 1270. Her faith was profoundly impacted by her uncle, Alexis Falconieri, one of the Seven Founders of the Servite Order. Her uncle taught her humility, charity, and a profound reverence for the Eucharist. Choosing not to follow the paths of marriage and wealth, Juliana dedicated her life to God and to serving others. Her spiritual journey led her to establish the Servite Third Order of the Servants of Mary. This community focused on caring for the marginalized while maintaining a deep spiritual life centered around the Eucharist. Juliana's devotion to the Eucharist was most profoundly demonstrated at the end of her life in the year 1341. Suffering from a severe illness that prevented her from swallowing, she was unable to receive the Eucharist in the traditional manner. In her final act of devotion, she requested that the Holy Host be placed on her chest. Miraculously, the Host disappeared, and Juliana passed away, her soul united with Jesus. St Juliana Falconieri is a patron saint of bodily ills and of the sick.         

In our first reading from the 2nd book of Kings, the Queen mother kills all but one of her grandchildren who is hidden in an attempt to gain control of the throne after the death of her son. That child goes into hiding in the Temple. With the help of the priest and the guards, justice is brought to Athaliah, the Queen mother, who is put to death, and the temple of the pagan idol Baal is destroyed. We see so much violence and destruction take place in our cities and our communities, and we wonder why such things are tolerated, why we do not take a hard stand for justice and peace and the values of our faith. Some years ago, in a response to a mass shooting that occurred, Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago stated that: “In response to hatred, we are called to sow love. In response to violence, peace. And, in response to intolerance, tolerance.”  Indeed, we need to find ways to implement our Gospel values into solutions that will address the violence and terrorism that we hear about each day. We may want tolerance and kindness ourselves when we are hurting or when we are reaching out for help, but how do we show tolerance and kindness to others in those messy, complicated realities that we often face in life?  There are no easy answers to this complicated reality, to be sure. But we are called to work for the values of our faith and to live out those values. 

18 June 2026 - homily for Thursday of the 11th week in Ordinary Time - St Gregory Barbarigo - Sirach 48:1-14

St Gregory Barbarigo was an Italian cardinal and bishop in the 17th century recognized for his commitment to Church reform, Catholic education, and reaching out to the poor. Influenced by the Council of Trent, he implemented the reforms advocated by the Council as the Bishop of Bergamo and later as the Bishop of Padua. He established seminaries and libraries, promoted education, and advocated for clerical discipline and clergy renewal. Known for his humility and pastoral care, he was canonized in 1960 by Pope John XXIII. He is the patron saint of the Dioceses of Bergamo and Padua in Italy. 

We have been hearing readings from the first and second book of Kings these past two weeks at daily Mass. The prophet Elijah has been prominent in those readings. Elijah is so important to the Jewish people that after the grace is said at the seder meal at Passover, a cup of wine is poured for Elijah, the door is opened to him, and his presence is recognized with a special seat reserved for him at the table. Elijah is not only considered the great prophet by the Jewish people, but he is also honored by Christians and Muslims for the way he stood up to false prophets and wicked kings. Tuesday, in the reading from the 2nd book of Kings, Elijah was taken up to heaven by a whirlwind at the end of his life, with Elisha chosen to be his successor as prophet to the people of Israel.  Elisha continued in his faithful service as prophet for many years. Today’s reading from Sirach is a hymn of praise to God for both Elijah and Elisha, for the ways they served the Lord. We hear about the crimes and violence that is often rampant in many of our communities. We are called to respect each other’s differences as a opposed to being judgmental and lashing out in anger. We are called in faith to build up the kingdom of God, not to tear it down. We all know that it is easier to tear something down, and much harder to build something up. 

17 June 2026 - homily for Wednesday of the 11th week in Ordinary Time - 2 Kings 2:1, 6-14

St Albert Chmielowski was born in 1845 in a small village near Krakow, Poland in a wealthy family. Both his parents died by the time he was ten years old. He was then raised by his aunt.  During the 1865 revolt in Poland against Czar Alexander III of Russia, Albert was wounded, leading to the amputation of his leg. He had a great talent for painting, which led to art studies in Warsaw, Munich, and Paris. He returned to Krakow and became a Secular Franciscan. In 1888, he founded the Brothers of the Third Order of Saint Francis, Servants to the Poor. Albert and his fellow Franciscans worked with the homeless. They lived completely on alms that people would donate to them. A community of sisters was established later. He died in 1916 from stomach cancer.  Pope John Paul II beatified Albert in 1983, canonizing him six years later. He is the patron saint of painters and members of the secular Franciscan. 

We have been hearing about Elijah in our first readings this week. Today, we hear about the moment before Elijah is taken up to heaven by the Lord, so the mantle of prophet needs to be passed to another. Elisha has been chosen to be the next great prophet of Ancient Israel. Elijah offers to do whatever Elisha wants before he is taken up by the Lord. Elisha’s response is remarkable: to receive a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. Elisha desires to serve the Lord as a prophet just as Elijah did, with integrity and respect. He wants to be legitimately recognized as such and to have Elijah’s spirit follow him. God blesses Elisha in this way, as he is able to part the Jordan River just as Moses and Elijah were able to do.  

The tenacious faith of Elijah and Elisha calls out to us today. They strongly heard their call to serve God as his special prophets, even as they recognized the frustration, danger, and challenges that accompany such a call. We also heard the story of St Albert Chmielowski, who was called to live as a secular Franciscan and to serve the poor. No matter what our specific vocational calling me be, we are called to be Christ’s disciples, to fervor and tenacity as we live out our faith and live out our vocation. May we open our hearts to the ways we can serve the Lord with humility and selflessness.

17 June 2026 - prayers of the faithful for Wednesday of the 11th week in Ordinary time

Lord have mercy - you are the son of God and son of Mary. 

Christ have mercy - you bring us God’s love. 

Lord have mercy - you are seated at the right hand of the Father. 

Priest: My brothers and sisters, as we put our trust in the power of our Lord Jesus, let us place our needs before our loving Father.

1. That we in the Church may boldly proclaim the Gospel to the world in word and in witness.  

2. That our governmental leaders be guided by justice and serve with a sense of responsibility toward the global community. 

3. For those who feel directionless or who are struggling in life, that they may they be consoled by the promise of Christ’s abiding presence. 

4. That we in our communities of Holy Savior and Immaculate Conception may receive the Eucharist as a commission and carry Christ into the world with faith and purpose. 

5. That the faithful departed may be lifted into the fullness of life with the risen Lord. 

6. That our children and families may enjoy the summer months. Safety for all who are traveling. 

7. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts today. 

Priest: God of glory, we ask that your hear our prayers and strengthen us to be witnesses to your love. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. Amen.

New 16 June 2026 - prayers of the faithful for Tuesday of the 11th week in Ordinary time

Lord have mercy - you embody God’s love and mercy. 

Christ have mercy - you forgive the sins of the contrite. 

Lord have mercy - you are seated at the right hand of the Father.

Priest: Knowing that Christ brings us salvation and lead us to eternal life, let us now lift up our prayers to God with joyful hearts: 

1. That we in the universal church may be a community of joy that draws others to the love of Christ.

2. That the leaders of nations: May they work for peace across divisions and promote the dignity of all people. We pray to the Lord. 

3. That those who feel excluded from the church or excluded from society may encounter joy and welcome in communities of faith. 

4. May our ministries and gatherings overflow with the love of our faith. 

5. That our beloved dead may rejoice forever in the risen life of Christ.

6. For the sick and the afflicted. For those struggling with mental health issues, addictions, anxiety, and depression. For healing and wholeness. 

Priest: Gracious God, you fill your people with the joy of the Gospel. Hear our prayers and grant us the grace to share that joy with a world in need. We ask this through Christ, our Lord forever and ever. Amen.