Ordinary Time: Autumn
Intentions
Throughout Ordinary Time: Autumn we are asked to pray for the following intentions:
Further Resources
- Ordinary Time: Autumn prayer card [pdf]
- Ordinary Time; Autumn intentions [pdf]
notes (from this page) for Liturgy groups - Guidance on celebrating Special Days of Prayer [pdf]
- Table of Rubrics
- Ordinary Time: Seasonal Information
The Spread of the Gospel
especially on Home Mission Day: 3rd Sunday in September & World Mission Day: the penultimate Sunday in October
Background
Home Mission day is on the 3rd Sunday in September. Material for the day is prepared by the Catholic Agency to support Evangelisation (CASE). There may be a collection to support the work of the agency.
World Mission Day is on the penultimate Sunday in October. A Mass 'for the Spread of the Gospel' may be celebrated on this Sunday. Each year the Holy Father writes a message for World Mission day. In England and Wales material is produced for parishes by the Pontifical Mission Societies. There may be a collection for their work on this day.
Prayer
God our Father,
you will all men to be saved
and come to the knowledge of your truth.
Send workers into your great harvest
that the gospel may be preached to every creature
and your people, gathered together by the word of life
and strengthened by the power of the sacraments,
may advance in the way of salvation and love.
Roman Missal
Prayer of the Faithful
one of the following may be used or adapted according to local needs
- For the courage to live lives faithful to the gospel.
- For the ability to recognise Christ in all whom we meet.
Liturgical Texts
may be used when permitted - see Table of Rubrics
- For the Spread of the Gospel
Opportunities and Challenges
- How is the parish a welcoming community?
- What opportunities for common prayer or liturgy does the parish offer other than Mass
- What would be necessary to keep the church open.
- What are the ways the parish can support celebrations of wedding and funerals?
- Put a phrase from the gospel in the newsletter each week and invite people to reflect upon it.
- Find out more about the Pontifical Mission Societies by subscribing to one of the magazines they produce.
Links
Justice and Peace in the World
especially on Racial Justice Day: 2nd Sunday in September & Harvest Fast Day: 1st Friday on October
Background
The day of prayer for Racial Justice is organised by the ecumenical Churches' Commission for Racial Justice. Within the Catholic Church material is distributed by Catholic Association for Racial Justice (CARJ) for whom a collection may be taken on this day.
Prayer
Lord,
you guide all creation with fatherly care.
As you have given all men common origin,
bring them together peacefully into one family
and keep them united in brotherly love.
Roman Missal
Prayer of the Faithful
one of the following may be used or adapted according to local needs
- For tolerance and respect,
for an openness to neighbours and strangers. - For the broadening of our horizons
and an awareness of what is happening in the world.
Liturgical Texts
may be used when permitted - see Table of Rubrics
- For Peace and Justice
Opportunities and Challenges
- How well do those who minister to the assembly represent the diversity present in the parish?
- The use of music from around the world can both remind us that we belong to a worldwide Church and give us fresh insight into our beliefs.
- Invite different ethnic groups within the parish to contribute to an evening of food and entertainment.
Links
The Harvest, the Fruits of Human Work,
and the Reverent Use of Creation
especially on last Sunday in September or whenever Harvest Festivals are held.
Background
The Church has long celebrated the agricultural harvest. This intention also includes all human work. In all circumstances of human life there are choices to be made regarding the environment and our reverent stewardship of the God's gift of creation.
"The external deserts in the world are growing, because the internal deserts have become so vast. Therefore the earth's treasures no longer serve to build God's garden for all to live in, but they have been made to serve the powers of exploitation and destruction" (Benedict XVI, homily at Inaugural Mass, 2005).
Prayer
God our Father,
you have place all the powers of nature
under the control of man and his work.
May we bring the spirit of Christ to all our efforts
and work with our brothers and sisters at our common task,
establishing true love and guiding your creation to perfect fulfilment.
Roman Missal
Prayer of the Faithful
one of the following may be used or adapted according to local needs
- For a fair and just trade
so that all may receive a just wage for the work of their hands. - For politicians and all who make decisions that affect the future of the earth
may they safeguard the planet for future generations.
Liturgical Texts
may be used when permitted - see Table of Rubrics
- For the blessing of Man's Labour
- For Productive Land
- After the Harvest
Opportunities and Challenges
- The symbols that are used in the liturgy should be authentic — candles made from was, for example.
- The bread that is used in the Eucharist should have the appearance of real food — try baking bread for Mass.
- Some areas of the country may be able to use wine that is produced from a local vineyard.
- The celebration of the liturgical seasons can demand the awareness of the natural seasons of the year. The encouragement to eat more locally produced seasonal produce can inform our sense of the passing of liturgical time.
- Consider how this intention links with the previous intention: Justice and Peace in the World
Links
All Victims of War
especially on Remembrance Sunday: 2nd Sunday in November
Background
Remembrance Sunday falls on the Sunday nearest Armistice Day, 11 November, which marks the end of the First World War. On this day are remembered all those who gave their lives for their country, all who suffered and died through acts of war and those who were left behind to grieve and mourn. In England and Wales one Mass for the Dead may celebrated on this Sunday.
Prayer
God of power and mercy,
you destroy war and put down earthly pride.
Banish violence from our midst and wipe away our tears
that we may all deserve to be called your sons and daughters.
Roman Missal
Prayer of the Faithful
one of the following may be used or adapted according to local needs
- For peace and reconciliation between nations;
that enemies may put aside all differences. - For all those who have died through war or acts of violence;
may we never forget their sacrifice.
Liturgical Texts
may be used when permitted - see Table of Rubrics
- Masses for the Dead
One Mass for the Dead is permitted on this Sunday.
Opportunities and Challenges
- Explore how the texts of the Sunday could be used to speak about the hope of resurrection.
- Remember to pray for those who serve in the Armed Forces through the year.
Links
Prisoners and their Families
especially on 3rd Sunday in November and in Prisons Week: 3rd Week in November
Background
Prisoner's week was a Catholic initiative begun in 1975 by Bishop Victor Guazelli which has since ecumenical support and observance. It reflects the work of the Prison Advice and Care Trust which builds on its origins as the Bourne Trust — the Catholic Prisoner's Aid Society. The Sunday and the following week seek to focus attention not only on the needs of prisoners but on all those involved the field of prison care, prisoners families, victims of crime, prison staff and many volunteers.
Prayer
Father of mercy,
the secrets of all hearts are known to you alone.
You know who is just and you forgive the unjust.
Hear our prayers for those in prison,
Give them patience and hope in their sufferings,
and bring them home again soon.
Roman Missal
Prayer of the Faithful
one of the following may be used or adapted according to local needs
- For all in prison and their families that they may know the Lord's compassion and love.
- For the judicial system may it practice both justice and mercy.
Liturgical Texts
may be used when permitted - see Table of Rubrics
- For Prisoners
- For those unjustly deprived of liberty
Opportunities and Challenges
- Find out about the work of Prison Advice and Care Trust.
- Support the work of the Churches' Criminal Justice Forum.
Links
Young People
especially on Christ the King: 34th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Background
The Church in England and Wales has marked the contribution of young people on Christ the King for many years. Universally it is marked on Palm Sunday. In many parishes it is an opportunity to focus on the role of young people in the Sunday liturgy and in the life of the parish. Over the last few years material prepared to assist the day has used the livesimply campaign. There may be a collection for diocesan and nation youth services on this day.
Prayer
Father,
you have given all peoples one common origin,
and your will is to gather them as one family in yourself.
Fill the hearts of all young people with the fire of your love
and the desire to ensure justice
for all their brothers and sisters.
By sharing the good things you give us
may we secure justice and equality
for every human being,
an end to all division,
and a human society based on love and peace.
Roman Missal (adapted)
Prayer of the Faithful
one of the following may be used or adapted according to local needs
- For young people, may they grow in Christ
- For all who work with young people,
may they show leadership and compassion.
Opportunities and Challenges
- How can young people be integrated into the liturgy through the year?
- What opportunities are there for the formation of young people as liturgical ministers?
Links
- CBCEW —Young People
- Vatican — World Youth Day
- Revealed online — A Catholic youth ministry formation resource
