Mass Introductions - 4th Sunday in the Easter Season - 7 May 2017

Introduction to the Mass and to the Penitential Rite: 

Our Easter celebration continues today on “Good Shepherd Sunday,” because the Gospel on the Fourth.  Today is a good day to reflect on and be thankful for all the people who have been good shepherds in your faith life, to pray for all pastors and priests and lay leaders, as well as for vocations for the future of our Church. Let us ask Jesus, Our Good Shepherd, help us to call to mind our sins:  

Penitential Act C:

Lord Jesus, you are the gate for the sheep—the way to eternal life:

Lord, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you are the the Good Shepherd—the way to true and lasting peace: Christ, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you are the way to union with the Father: Lord, have mercy.

Introduction to the Nicene Creed: 

With Jesus as our Lord Shepherd and Redeemer, let us now profess our faith in him:  

Prayer of the Faithful

As we return to the shepherd and guardian of our souls, let us now

pray for the needs of all in the world around us.

1. For Pope Francis and all the leaders in our Church, both ordained leaders and lay leaders, as they strive to follow Christ the Good Shepherd and encourage us to do the same, let us pray to the Lord.

2. For governmental leaders in our country and the world, that they might follow the example of the Good Shepherd in caring for the needs of all those with whom they have been entrusted, let us pray to the Lord.

3. For all those who are celebrating their Confirmation and First Communion this Easter season, as they deepen their faith and commitment to the Lord, let us pray to the Lord.

4. For men and women in every faith community, that they might hear the voice of the Good Shepherd calling them into ordained and lay ministries, let us pray to the Lord.

5. For the lost and wounded sheep of our own flock, that they may know the love and care of the Good Shepherd through our efforts, let us pray to the Lord.

6. For the sick and shut-in of our parish community, for those in the hospice, hospital, and nursing home - for healing and wholeness. 

7. For the the repose of the souls of the faithful departed. 

Priest: Tender God, your care for us knows no bounds. Lead us with your love, and graciously hear these our prayers that we make through Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd and Risen Lord for ever and ever. Amen.