Prayers of the faithful - 4th Sunday in the Easter Season - 11 May 2025

Introduction: Our Easter celebration continues today on “Good Shepherd Sunday,” the fourth Sunday of Easter. Today is a good day to reflect upon and be thankful for all the people who have been good shepherds in our faith life. Let us pray for all pastors, priests, and lay leaders, as well as for vocations for the future of our Church. 

Priest - Penitential Rite - 

Lord Jesus, your flock hears your voice— Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you are the the Good Shepherd— Christ, have mercy. 

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

PRIEST: As we return to the shepherd and guardian of our souls, let us now pray for our needs and the needs of all.


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

2. For all governmental leaders in our country and in the world, that they might follow the example of the Good Shepherd in caring for the needs of those who are entrusted in their care. We pray to the Lord.

3. For vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, consecrated religious life, and lay ministry. We pray to the Lord. 


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

5. We pray for all of our mothers, grandmothers, and great grandmothers, giving thanks for them and wishing them a blessed Mother’s Day. We pray to the Lord. 

6. For the sick and afflicted of our parish community. For those in the hospice, hospital, and nursing home. For healing and wholeness. We pray to the Lord.


7. For the the repose of the souls of the faithful departed. For their entry into eternal life. We pray to the Lord.


8. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts, we pray to the Lord. 

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