Join parishioners Erin and Aaron Lorch in a Family Prayer Service, written by parishioner and seminarian Zach Jones.
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer (Collect of Mass for Pandemic):
Almighty and eternal God, our refuge in every danger, to whom we turn in our distress; in faith we pray look with compassion on the afflicted, grant eternal rest to the dead, comfort to mourners, healing to the sick, peace to the dying, strength to healthcare workers, wisdom to our leaders and the courage to reach out to all in love, so that together we may give glory to your holy name. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
A Reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (4:35-41):
One day, as evening drew on, Jesus said to his disciples:
“Let us cross to the other side.” Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him. A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke Jesus and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” They were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?”
Petitions:
Let us pray for Pope Francis, Bishop Nickless, and all priests and deacons of Sioux City, that they be good leaders in this difficult time. We pray to the Lord...
Let us pray for the healthcare workers who are helping to bring healing to those sick with the virus and other illnesses. We pray to the Lord…
Let us pray for the sick and suffering, that they know of Christ’s healing and mercy. We pray to the Lord…
For those who have died from the Covid-19 virus, that they be welcomed into God’s loving embrace in heaven. We pray to the Lord…
Prayer to Our Lady for help during pandemic:
“O Mary, you shine continuously along our journey as a sign of salvation and hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick, who at the Cross were near to the pain of Jesus, keeping your faith firm. You, Salvation of the Christian people, know what we need, and we trust that you will provide for those needs so that, as at Cana of Galilee, joy and celebration may return after this moment of trial. Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform ourselves to the will of the Father and to do what Jesus tells us, He who took our sufferings upon Himself, and took up our sorrows to bring us, through the Cross, to the joy of the Resurrection. Amen."
We seek refuge under your protection, O Holy Mother of God. Do not despise our Pleas, we who are put to the test and deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin. Amen.
Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be…
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
(If you or your family are interested in leading a virtual prayer service, please send St. Joseph Catholic Church a Facebook message or email [email protected].)