8 October 2023 - 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time - prayers of the faithful - CMCF prison ministry

Introduction: We gather at Mass today to celebrate around the altar of the Lord, to hear his holy word, and to receive the body and blood of Christ in the Eucharist. As we hear the Gospel parable of the vineyard today, we are called to reflect upon our very home with the Lord. As we live as the Body and Blood of Christ each day of our lives, let us resolve to be productive servants in the vineyard of the Lord. 

Lord Jesus - you are the Lord of the harvest. 

Christ Jesus - you are the way the leads to peace. 

Lord Jesus - you are the tireless servant of the Father. 

Priest: As St Paul calls Christians to make their requests known to the Lord, let us present our prayers to our heavenly Father for our needs, the needs of the Church, and the needs of the world:

1. That we in the Catholic community of St Michael the Archangel may lovingly and steadfastly tend the Lord’s vineyard, bearing fruit for the benefit of God’s kingdom, we pray to the Lord. 

2. That our elected officials may lead us to work to eradicate poverty, unemployment, and injustices, so that we may all share in the treasures of God’s kingdom, we pray to the Lord. 

3. For our outreach to the men here at CMCF, for outreach and ministry programs in parishes throughout our Diocese, that we may produce good fruits of faith, we pray to the Lord. 

4. For our first responders, the men and women in the military, our veterans, and our medical professionals, may they feel our gratitude and thanksgiving for their service to society and for the sacrifices they make, we pray to the Lord. 

5. For healing for the sick in body, mind, and spirit.  We pray for those who are struggling with depression, mental illness, and addictions, we pray to the Lord. 

6. For respect life month, that we all may respect human life in all its forms in our words and our actions, we pray to the Lord. 

7. For the repose of the souls of the faithful departed, for our dearly departed family members, community members and loved ones, we pray to the Lord. 

8. For all the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts, for all our prayer intentions spoken and unspoken, we pray to the Lord.  

Priest: God of all kindness, you have given us the mission to be stewards of your creation.  Guide us in your loving care and grant us hope for the future.  We present our prayers through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever.  AMEN.