29 June 2025 - Solemnity of St Peter and St Paul - prayers of the faithful

Introduction: Since the solemnity of St Peter and St Paul falls on a Sunday this year, we have this wonderful opportunity these two great apostles in our weekend liturgies this year. Peter and Paul took two very different routes to their vocations. Their witness of faith has had a huge impact on the development of Christianity. May these two saints remind us that God calls us all at different times in our lives and in different ways. 

Priest - penitential rite: 

Lord Jesus - you are the Christ, the son of the living God - Lord have mercy. 

Christ Jesus - you are the Good Shepherd - Christ have mercy. 

Lord Jesus - you are the eternal son of the Father - Lord have mercy. 

Prayers:

Priest: St Peter and St Paul testified that God listens to our prayers and petitions. Let us give voice to our needs, the needs of the Church, and the needs of the world:

1. That Pope Leo XIV, the successor of St Peter, be blessed with wisdom and fortitude as he tends God’s flock. We pray to the Lord. 

2. That our missionaries may follow in the footsteps of St Peter and St Paul. May they always keep the faith that they preach. We pray to the Lord. 

3. For all victims of religious persecution. That religious tolerance may increase in all nations. We pray to the Lord. 

4. As we celebrate our nation’s independence day on July 4 this upcoming week, may we continue to meet the challenges that face us as a nation. We pray to the Lord. 

5. That we Christians be inspired by St Peter and St Paul as we grow on our journey of discipleship and as we bring the Gospel message to the world. We pray to the Lord. 

6. For healing for the sick and the afflicted in body, mind, and spirit. We pray to the Lord. 

7. For the prayers we hold in the silence of our hearts. We pray to the Lord. 

Priest: Heavenly Father, may we emulate St Peter and St Paul as we work to build up the Church so that we may witness to the whole world your saving grace. We ask that you grant the prayers we make through your son Jesus Christ, our Lord forever and ever. AMEN.