Happy Feast of Saint Joseph!

It's too late to do a novena in his honor for his feast day this year, but here's one you can do next year:

O glorious descendant of the kings of Judah, Inheritor of the virtues of all the patriarchs. Just and happy St. Joseph, listen to my prayer. Thou art my glorious protector, and shall ever be, after Jesus and Mary the object of my most profound veneration and confidence. Thou art the most hidden, though the greatest Saint, and art particularly the patron of those who serve God with the greatest purity and fervor. In union with all those who have ever been most devoted to thee I now dedicate myself to thy service; beseeching thee, for the sake of Jesus Christ, who vouchsafed to love and obey thee as a son, to become a father to me; and to obtain for me the filial respect, confidence and love of a child towards thee. 

O powerful advocate of all Christians, whose intercession, as St. Theresa assures us, has never been found to fail, deign to intercede for me now, and to implore for me the particular intention of this Novena. 

(Mention your intentions here)

Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be. 

Present me O great Saint to the adorable Trinity, with Whom thou hadst so glorious and so intimate a correspondence. Obtain that I may never efface by sin the Sacred Image according to the likeness of which, I was created. Beg for me that my divine Redeemer would enkindle in my heart and in all hearts, the fire of His Love, and infuse therein the virtues of His adorable infancy, His purity, simplicity, obedience, and humility. 

Obtain for me likewise a lively devotion to thy virgin spouse, and protect me so powerfully in life and death, that I may have the happiness of dying as thou didst, in the friendship of my Creator, and under the immediate protection of the Mother of God. Amen.

It is apparently the custom to begin this prayer on March 10 and end it on the 18th, the eve of his feast.

Shrines of Saint Joseph you can make a pilgrimage to:

Shrine of Saint Joseph in Santa Cruz, CA (cared for by the Oblates of Saint Joseph)

Shrine of Saint Joseph in St. Louis, MO

Shrine of Saint Joseph in Stirling, NJ

Shrine of Saint Joseph in Yarnell, AZ

Shrine of Saint Joseph in Farnborough, UK

Shrine of Saint Joseph in Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Shrine of Saint Joseph in Grass Lake, MI

Shrine of Saint Joseph in Pontiac, MI (in St. Damien of Molokai parish)

More on Saint Joseph

at the OrthodoxWiki

Saint Joseph, pray for us!

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday...

...so I'm a day late with this post.


From the Book of Common Prayer*

The First day of Lent,

Commonly called Ash-Wednesday.

The Collect.

Almighty and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that Thou hast made and dost forgive the sins of all them that are penitent; Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of Thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

*I forget which year the wording is from. (The 1928 BCP?)

The Orthodox Churches have many rich prayers.

Here's part of the Akathist to St. Joseph the Betrothed (Jesus's foster-father):


O holy, righteous Joseph!
Whilst still living on earth, thou hadst great boldness before the Son of God, Who was pleased to call thee His father, as thou wast betrothed to His Mother, and to obey thee: we believe that now, taking up thine abode with the choirs of the righteous in heavenly habitations, thou wilt be heard in thine every request to our God and Saviour.

Therefore, taking refuge in thy protection and help, we ask and humbly entreat thee, that as thou thyself wast delivered from the storm of doubtful thoughts, so too deliver us who are beset by the stormy waves of our troubles and passions; as thou didst guard the all-pure Virgin from human slander, guard us likewise from all false witness; as thou didst keep the incarnate Lord from all harm and evil intent, keep also His Orthodox Church and all of us from all malice and harm.

Thou knowest, O Saint of God, that the Son of God too in the days of His incarnation had need of bodily things, and thou didst serve Him; for this cause we pray thee: aid us in our temporal needs by thine intercession, granting us all good things needful unto us in this life: and especially we ask thee to pray Him Who was called thy son, Who is the Only-begotten Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, to grant us remission of our sins, that we may be worthy of inheritance in the kingdom of heaven, so that, taking up our abode in the higher habitations with thee, we may alway glorify the God Who is One in the Holy Trinity: the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and unto ages of ages.

Amen.


Let us add the further petition:


"St. Joseph, pray for the unity of the Church. May the Armenian, Catholic, Coptic, Oriental Orthodox, and Orthodox Churches share the accord we had in the beginning of the Church. By your intercession, grant us that unity of life for which Jesus prayed, the unity of truth as God knows the truth to be, and eternal life with each other in Your Presence. Amen."

This blog is becoming a repository of prayers, I think.

Here are some more of them which I've been using quite often, of late. These are great prayers, and I'm glad I found them because I am a grievous sinner who needs God's grace every moment. When I was still an Evangelical, I was good at extemporaneous prayer, but no longer am. These prayers, however, are teaching me to pray again. I hope other people find them beneficial, too.

A Prayer for Others

Traditional Old English

Extend from on high, O Lord, the saving strength of Thy right hand to all Thy faithful people, to Bishops, Abbots, Canons, Monks, Kings, and Rulers ; to my kindred, and to all who have commended themselves to my prayers, or who have assisted me. By Thy help may they seek after Thee with all their strength, and obtain what they worthily desire. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Thy Son, who livest and reignest with Thee and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Amen.

A Prayer Against Evil Thoughts

Traditional Old English

O Almighty and most loving God, mercifully regard my prayer and free my heart from the temptation of evil thoughts, so that I may become the worthy dwelling-place of Thy Holy Spirit. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who livest and reignest with Thee and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Amen.

A Prayer to Saint Joseph the Worker

Pope Saint Pius X

Glorious Saint Joseph, model of all who are devoted to labor, obtain for me the grace to work in the spirit of penance in expiation of my many sins; to work conscientiously by placing love of duty above my inclinations; to gratefully and joyously deem it an honor to employ and to develop by labor the gifts I have received from God; to work methodically, peacefully, and in moderation and patience, without ever shrinking from it through weariness or difficulty to work; above all, with purity of intention and unselfishness, having unceasingly before my eyes death and the account I have to render to God of time lost, talents unused, good not done, and vain complacency in success, so baneful to the work of God. All for Jesus, all for Mary, all to imitate thee, O patriarch Saint Joseph! This shall be my motto for life and eternity.

A Prayer for Grace

Traditional Old English

In Thy loving kindness incline Thine ears to our supplications, we pray Thee, O Lord. Do Thou, who art mindful of the prayers of those who seek Thee in secret, hear us in Thy mercy, so that by Thy help we may attain to eternal life. Amen.

A Prayer of Thanksgiving

Traditional Old English

To Thee, my merciful God, do I offer my praise and thanks, who hast deigned to bring me to a knowledge of Thyself, and to admit me by the cleansing waters of holy baptism into the ranks of Thy adopted sons.

To Thee do I offer my praise and my thanks, who, in the inexhaustible patience of Thy mercy, hast waited from the earliest years of my youth unto this very hour, that I, who have swerved from Thy paths by my many vices, may amend my life.

I praise Thee and glorify Thee for that Thou hast oftentimes shielded me from calamity and misery by the right hand of Thy power, and hast saved me from eternal punishment and from the pains of this mortal body.

I praise and glorify Thee because Thou hast often helped me in much tribulation, in frequent dangers of death, and in deserved trouble.

I praise and glorify Thee because Thou hast deigned to bestow on me health of body, peace of life, with the love, affection, and charity of Thy faithful servants, and because whatsoever there be in me is the gift of Thy loving kindness. Amen.

*I added the phrase "to God" at this point.

Some prayers to pray before reading the Holy Scriptures

From our Orthodox brethren:

Illumine our hearts, O Master who lovest mankind, with the pure light of Thy divine knowledge. Open the eyes of our mind to the understanding of Thy gospel teachings. Implant also in us the fear of Thy blessed commandments, that trampling down all carnal desires, we may enter upon a spiritual manner of living, both thinking and doing such things as are well-pleasing unto Thee. For Thou art the illumination of our souls and bodies, O Christ our God, and unto Thee we ascribe glory, together with Thy Father, who is from everlasting, and Thine all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

From The Catechism, or Christian Doctrine, by Way of Question and Answer

O Lord, through Thy great mercy, teach me all that is necessary for knowing Thee, for loving Thee, and for doing Thy holy will. Amen.

The collect for the Second Sunday of Advent from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer

Blessed Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of Thy holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which Thou hast given us in our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Long Live Pope Benedict XVI!

On April 11th, the Knights of Columbus began a novena for Pope Benedict XVI* in honor of the fifth anniversary of his election. While the novena officially ended on April 19th, I'd like to suggest that we take it up again and make it a perpetual novena.

Novena for Pope Benedict XVI

Lord, Source of eternal life and truth,

give to Your shepherd, Benedict,

a spirit of courage and right judgment,

a spirit of knowledge and love.

By governing with fidelity those entrusted to his care,

may he, as successor to the Apostle Peter and Vicar of Christ,

build Your Church into a sacrament of unity, love, and peace for all the world.

Amen.

V. Let us pray for Benedict, the Pope.

R. May the Lord preserve him, give him a long life, make him blessed upon the earth, and not hand him over to the power of his enemies.

V. May Your hand be upon Your holy servant,

R. and upon Your son, whom You have anointed.

Our Father...

Hail, Mary...

Glory Be...






*PDF warning.

In honor of the Feast of All Saints:

New Advent on the Litany of the Saints.

The Litany of the Saints

V. Lord, have mercy upon us.
R. Christ, have mercy upon us.
V. Lord, have mercy upon us.

V. O Christ, hear us.
R. O Christ, graciously hear us.

V. O God the Father of heaven.
R. Have mercy upon us.

V. O God the Son, Redeemer of the world.
R. Have mercy upon us.

V. O God the Holy Ghost.
R. Have mercy upon us.

V. O Holy Trinity, one God.
R. Have mercy upon us.

V. Holy Mary.
R. Pray for us.

V. Holy Mother of God.
R. Pray for us.

V. Holy Virgin of virgins.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Michael.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Gabriel.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Raphael.
R. Pray for us.

V. All ye holy Angels and Archangels.
R. Pray for us.

V. All ye holy orders of blessed Spirits.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint John Baptist.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Joseph.
R. Pray for us.

V. All ye holy Patriarchs and Prophets.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Peter.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Paul.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Andrew.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint James.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint John.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Thomas.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint James.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Philip.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Bartholomew.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Matthew.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Simon.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Jude.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Matthias.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Barnabas.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Luke.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Mark.
R. Pray for us.

V. All ye holy Apostles and Evangelists.
R. Pray for us.

V. All ye holy Disciples of the Lord.
R. Pray for us.

V. All ye Holy Innocents.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Stephen.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Lawrence.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Vincent.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Fabian and Saint Sebastian.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint John and Saint Paul.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Cosmas and Saint Damian.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Gervasius and Saint Protasius..
R. Pray for us.

V. All ye holy Martyrs.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Sylvester.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Gregory.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Ambrose.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Augustine.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Jerome.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Martin.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Nicholas.
R. Pray for us.

V. All ye holy Bishops and Confessors.
R. Pray for us.

V. All ye holy Doctors.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Anthony.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Benedict.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Bernard.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Dominic.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Francis.
R. Pray for us.

V. All ye holy Priests and Levites.
R. Pray for us.

V. All ye holy Monks and Hermits.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Mary Magdalene.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Agatha.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Lucy.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Agnes.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Cecilia.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Catherine.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Anastasia.
R. Pray for us.

V. All ye holy Virgins and Widows.
R. Pray for us.

V. All ye Holy, Righteous, and Elect of God.
R. Intercede for us.

V. Be Thou merciful.
R. Spare us, good Lord.

V. Be Thou merciful.
R. Graciously hear us, good Lord.

V. From all evil.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. From all deadly sin.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. From Thine anger.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. From sudden and unrepentant death.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. From the crafts and assaults of the devil.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. From anger, and hatred, and all uncharitableness.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. From the spirit of fornication.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. From lightning and tempest.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. From the peril of earthquake, fire, and flood.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. From pestilence, famine, and battle.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. From everlasting damnation.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. By the mystery of Thy holy Incarnation.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. By Thine Advent.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. By Thy Nativity.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. By Thy Baptism and holy Fasting.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. By Thy Cross and Passion.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. By Thy precious Death and Burial.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. By Thy holy Resurrection.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. By Thy glorious Ascension.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. By the coming of the Holy Ghost the Comforter.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. In the day of judgment.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. Even though we be sinners.
R. We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

V. That it may please Thee to spare us.
R. We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

V. That it may please Thee to pity and pardon us.
R. We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

V. That it may please Thee to give us true repentance.
R. We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

V. That it may please Thee to rule and govern Thy holy Church.
R. We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

V. That it may please Thee to preserve the household of the Apostles, and to keep all orders in the Church in Thy true religion.
R. We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

V. That it may please Thee to overthrow the enemies of Thy holy Church.
R. We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

V. That it may please Thee to bestow on all Christian kings and princes true peace and concord.
R. We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

V. That it may please Thee to give to all Christian nations both peace and unity.
R. We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

V. That it may please Thee to restore unity to Thy Church, and to lead all unbelievers into the light of Thy holy Gospel.
R. We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

V. That it may please Thee to strengthen and preserve us in true worshipping of Thee.
R. We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

V. That it may please Thee to endue our hearts with heavenly desires.
R. We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

V. That it may please Thee to bestow on all our benefactors Thine everlasting benefits.
R. We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

V. That it may please Thee to deliver from eternal damnation our souls, and those of our brethren, kindred, and benefactors.
R. We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

V. That it may please Thee to give and preserve to our use the kindly fruits of the earth.
R. We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

V. That it may please Thee to bestow upon all Thy faithful departed rest eternal.
R. We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

V. That it may please Thee graciously to hear our prayer.
R. We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

V. O Son of God.
R. We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

V. O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world.
R. Spare us, good Lord.

V. O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world.
R. Graciously hear us, good Lord.

V. O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world.
R. Have mercy upon us.

V. O Christ, hear us.
R. O Christ, graciously hear us.

V. Lord, have mercy upon us.
R. Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.

Our Father.
Which words are said aloud, and the rest secretly to:
V. And lead us not into temptation.
R. But deliver us from evil.

Psalm 70. Deus, in adjutorium.

To the Chief Musician: A Psalm of David. To Bring to Remembrance.

O God, come to my assistance;
O LORD, make haste to help me.
Let them be ashamed and confounded
that seek after my soul;
let them be turned backward and put to confusion
that desire my hurt.
Let them be turned back
as a reward for their shame
that say, "Aha, aha!"
Let all those that seek Thee
rejoice and be glad in Thee;
and let such as love Thy salvation
say continually,
"Let God be magnified!"
But I am poor and needy;
make haste unto me, O God.
Thou art my help and my deliverer;
O LORD, make no tarrying.
(bow) Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; (end bow)
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen.

V. O God, save Thy servants.
R. That put their trust in Thee.

V. Be unto us, O Lord, a tower of strength.
R. From the face of the enemy.

V. Let the enemy prevail nothing against us.
R. Nor the son of wickedness approach to afflict us.

V. O Lord, deal not with us after our sins.
R. Neither reward us according to our iniquities.

V. Let us pray for our Pope N.
R. The Lord preserve him and grant him life, and make him blessed upon earth; and deliver him not unto the will of his enemies.

V. Let us pray for our benefactors.
R. Vouchsafe, O Lord, for Thy Name's sake, to reward with eternal life all them that do us good. Amen.

V. Let us pray for the faithful departed.
R. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them.

V. May they rest in peace.
R. Amen.

V. Let us pray for our absent brethren.
R. Save Thy servants, O my God, that put their trust in Thee.

V. Send them help, O Lord, from Thy holy place.
R. And from Zion deliver them.

V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come unto Thee.

V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.

Let us pray.

Collects

O God, whose nature and property is ever to have mercy and to forgive: receive our humble petitions; and though we be tied and bound by the chain of our sins, yet let the pitifulness of Thy great mercy loose us.

We beseech Thee, O Lord, mercifully to hear the prayers of Thy humble servants, and to forgive the sins of them that confess the same unto Thee: that they may obtain of Thy loving-kindness pardon and peace.

O Lord, we pray Thee, show forth upon us Thy servants the abundance of Thy unspeakable mercy: that we may be delivered from the chain of our sins, and from the punishment which for the same we have most righteously deserved.

O God, who art wroth with them that sin against Thee, and sparest them that are penitent: we beseech Thee to hear the prayers of Thy people that call upon Thee; that we, which have most justly deserved the scourges of Thine anger, may by Thy great mercy be delivered from the same.

Almighty and everlasting God, we beseech Thee to have compassion upon N., our Pope, and by Thy mercy govern him in the way of everlasting life: that, being endued with Thy grace, he may ever seek those things that are pleasing unto Thee, and with his whole strength perform the same.

O God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works do proceed: give unto Thy servants that peace which the world cannot give; that our hearts may be set to obey Thy commandments, and also that by Thee we being defended from the fear of our enemies may pass our time in rest and quietness.

Grant, O Lord, we pray Thee, that the fire of Thy Holy Spirit may in such wise cleanse our reins and our hearts: that we serving Thee in pureness both of body and soul may be found an acceptable people in Thy sight.

O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all them that believe: grant unto the souls of Thy servants and handmaidens the remission of all their sins; that, as they have ever desired Thy merciful pardon, so by the supplications of their brethren they may receive the same.

Prevent us, O Lord, in all our doings with Thy most gracious favor, and further us with Thy continual help: that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in Thee, we may glorify Thy holy Name, and finally by Thy mercy obtain everlasting life.

Almighty and everlasting God, who hast dominion both of the quick and the dead, who likewise hast mercy upon all men, whom by reason of their faith and works Thou hast foreknown: we commend unto Thee all those for whom we now do offer our prayers, whether in this world they still be held in the bonds of the flesh, or being delivered therefrom have passed into that which is to come; beseeching Thee that at the intercession of all Thy Saints they may of Thy bountiful goodness obtain the remission of all their sins. Through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord: Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.
R. Amen.

V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.

V. May the Almighty and Merciful Lord graciously hear us.
R. Amen.

V. And may the souls of the faithful departed, † through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
R. Amen.

Happy All Saints' Day!

New Advent on the Litany of the Saints.

The Litany of the Saints

V. Lord, have mercy upon us.
R. Christ, have mercy upon us.
V. Lord, have mercy upon us.

V. O Christ, hear us.
R. O Christ, graciously hear us.

V. O God the Father of heaven.
R. Have mercy upon us.

V. O God the Son, Redeemer of the world.
R. Have mercy upon us.

V. O God the Holy Ghost.
R. Have mercy upon us.

V. O Holy Trinity, one God.
R. Have mercy upon us.

V. Holy Mary.
R. Pray for us.

V. Holy Mother of God.
R. Pray for us.

V. Holy Virgin of virgins.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Michael.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Gabriel.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Raphael.
R. Pray for us.

V. All ye holy Angels and Archangels.
R. Pray for us.

V. All ye holy orders of blessed Spirits.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint John Baptist.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Joseph.
R. Pray for us.

V. All ye holy Patriarchs and Prophets.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Peter.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Paul.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Andrew.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint James.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint John.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Thomas.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint James.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Philip.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Bartholomew.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Matthew.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Simon.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Jude.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Matthias.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Barnabas.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Luke.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Mark.
R. Pray for us.

V. All ye holy Apostles and Evangelists.
R. Pray for us.

V. All ye holy Disciples of the Lord.
R. Pray for us.

V. All ye Holy Innocents.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Stephen.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Lawrence.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Vincent.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Fabian and Saint Sebastian.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint John and Saint Paul.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Cosmas and Saint Damian.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Gervasius and Saint Protasius..
R. Pray for us.

V. All ye holy Martyrs.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Sylvester.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Gregory.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Ambrose.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Augustine.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Jerome.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Martin.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Nicholas.
R. Pray for us.

V. All ye holy Bishops and Confessors.
R. Pray for us.

V. All ye holy Doctors.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Anthony.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Benedict.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Bernard.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Dominic.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Francis.
R. Pray for us.

V. All ye holy Priests and Levites.
R. Pray for us.

V. All ye holy Monks and Hermits.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Mary Magdalene.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Agatha.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Lucy.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Agnes.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Cecilia.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Catherine.
R. Pray for us.

V. Saint Anastasia.
R. Pray for us.

V. All ye holy Virgins and Widows.
R. Pray for us.

V. All ye Holy, Righteous, and Elect of God.
R. Intercede for us.

V. Be Thou merciful.
R. Spare us, good Lord.

V. Be Thou merciful.
R. Graciously hear us, good Lord.

V. From all evil.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. From all deadly sin.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. From Thine anger.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. From sudden and unrepentant death.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. From the crafts and assaults of the devil.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. From anger, and hatred, and all uncharitableness.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. From the spirit of fornication.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. From lightning and tempest.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. From the peril of earthquake, fire, and flood.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. From pestilence, famine, and battle.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. From everlasting damnation.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. By the mystery of Thy holy Incarnation.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. By Thine Advent.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. By Thy Nativity.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. By Thy Baptism and holy Fasting.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. By Thy Cross and Passion.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. By Thy precious Death and Burial.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. By Thy holy Resurrection.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. By Thy glorious Ascension.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. By the coming of the Holy Ghost the Comforter.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. In the day of judgment.
R. Good Lord, deliver us.

V. Even though we be sinners.
R. We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

V. That it may please Thee to spare us.
R. We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

V. That it may please Thee to pity and pardon us.
R. We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

V. That it may please Thee to give us true repentance.
R. We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

V. That it may please Thee to rule and govern Thy holy Church.
R. We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

V. That it may please Thee to preserve the household of the Apostles, and to keep all orders in the Church in Thy true religion.
R. We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

V. That it may please Thee to overthrow the enemies of Thy holy Church.
R. We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

V. That it may please Thee to bestow on all Christian kings and princes true peace and concord.
R. We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

V. That it may please Thee to give to all Christian nations both peace and unity.
R. We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

V. That it may please Thee to restore unity to Thy Church, and to lead all unbelievers into the light of Thy holy Gospel.
R. We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

V. That it may please Thee to strengthen and preserve us in true worshipping of Thee.
R. We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

V. That it may please Thee to endue our hearts with heavenly desires.
R. We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

V. That it may please Thee to bestow on all our benefactors Thine everlasting benefits.
R. We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

V. That it may please Thee to deliver from eternal damnation our souls, and those of our brethren, kindred, and benefactors.
R. We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

V. That it may please Thee to give and preserve to our use the kindly fruits of the earth.
R. We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

V. That it may please Thee to bestow upon all Thy faithful departed rest eternal.
R. We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

V. That it may please Thee graciously to hear our prayer.
R. We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

V. O Son of God.
R. We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

V. O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world.
R. Spare us, good Lord.

V. O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world.
R. Graciously hear us, good Lord.

V. O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world.
R. Have mercy upon us.

V. O Christ, hear us.
R. O Christ, graciously hear us.

V. Lord, have mercy upon us.
R. Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.

Our Father…
Which words are said aloud, and the rest secretly to:
V. And lead us not into temptation.
R. But deliver us from evil.

Psalm 70. Deus, in adjutorium.

To the Chief Musician: A Psalm of David. To Bring to Remembrance.

O God, come to my assistance;
O Lord, make haste to help me.

Let them be ashamed and confounded
that seek after my soul;
let them be turned backward and put to confusion
that desire my hurt.
Let them be turned back
as a reward for their shame
that say, "Aha, aha!"
Let all those that seek Thee
rejoice and be glad in Thee;
and let such as love Thy salvation
say continually,
"Let God be magnified!"
But I am poor and needy;
make haste unto me, O God.
Thou art my help and my deliverer;
O Lord, make no tarrying.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen.

V. O God, save Thy servants.
R. That put their trust in Thee.

V. Be unto us, O Lord, a tower of strength.
R. From the face of the enemy.

V. Let the enemy prevail nothing against us.
R. Nor the son of wickedness approach to afflict us.

V. O Lord, deal not with us after our sins.
R. Neither reward us according to our iniquities.

V. Let us pray for our Pope N.
R. The Lord preserve him and grant him life, and make him blessed upon earth; and deliver him not unto the will of his enemies.

V. Let us pray for our benefactors.
R. Vouchsafe, O Lord, for Thy Name's sake, to reward with eternal life all them that do us good. Amen.

V. Let us pray for the faithful departed.
R. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them.

V. May they rest in peace.
R. Amen.

V. Let us pray for our absent brethren.
R. Save Thy servants, O my God, that put their trust in Thee.

V. Send them help, O Lord, from Thy holy place.
R. And from Zion deliver them.

V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come unto Thee.

V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.

Let us pray.

O God, whose nature and property is ever to have mercy and to forgive: receive our humble petitions; and though we be tied and bound by the chain of our sins, yet let the pitifulness of Thy great mercy loose us.

We beseech Thee, O Lord, mercifully to hear the prayers of Thy humble servants, and to forgive the sins of them that confess the same unto Thee: that they may obtain of Thy loving-kindness pardon and peace.

O Lord, we pray Thee, show forth upon us Thy servants the abundance of Thy unspeakable mercy: that we may be delivered from the chain of our sins, and from the punishment which for the same we have most righteously deserved.

O God, who art wroth with them that sin against Thee, and sparest them that are penitent: we beseech Thee to hear the prayers of Thy people that call upon Thee; that we, which have most justly deserved the scourges of Thine anger, may by Thy great mercy be delivered from the same.

Almighty and everlasting God, we beseech Thee to have compassion upon N., our Pope, and by Thy mercy govern him in the way of everlasting life: that, being endued with Thy grace, he may ever seek those things that are pleasing unto Thee, and with his whole strength perform the same.

O God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works do proceed: give unto Thy servants that peace which the world cannot give; that our hearts may be set to obey Thy commandments, and also that by Thee we being defended from the fear of our enemies may pass our time in rest and quietness.

Grant, O Lord, we pray Thee, that the fire of Thy Holy Spirit may in such wise cleanse our reins and our hearts: that we serving Thee in pureness both of body and soul may be found an acceptable people in Thy sight.

O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all them that believe: grant unto the souls of Thy servants and handmaidens the remission of all their sins; that, as they have ever desired Thy merciful pardon, so by the supplications of their brethren they may receive the same.

Prevent us, O Lord, in all our doings with Thy most gracious favor, and further us with Thy continual help: that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in Thee, we may glorify Thy holy Name, and finally by Thy mercy obtain everlasting life.

Almighty and everlasting God, who hast dominion both of the quick and the dead, who likewise hast mercy upon all men, whom by reason of their faith and works Thou hast foreknown: we commend unto Thee all those for whom we now do offer our prayers, whether in this world they still be held in the bonds of the flesh, or being delivered therefrom have passed into that which is to come; beseeching Thee that at the intercession of all Thy Saints they may of Thy bountiful goodness obtain the remission of all their sins. Through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord: Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.
R. Amen.

V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.

V. May the Almighty and Merciful Lord graciously hear us.
R. Amen.

V. And may the souls of the faithful departed, † through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
R. Amen.

The Sacrifice of the Mass

Although a convert, I've learned something about Mass that many cradle Catholics, even cradle Catholics who know and practice their faith, seem to be unaware of. Namely, you can have Masses said for living people as well as for the dead. At the last meeting of the COURAGE/EnCOURAGE* group I attend, our priest-chaplain suggested that we enter our families and friends into Mass Associations. Not only did most of the EnCOURAGE group not seem to know what a Mass Association is, they also were apparently not aware that one can have Mass said for living persons. I was surprised at their reaction because I've known for years about this.

Well, just in case you read my blog, and you were unaware of this: you can have Masses said for your loved ones, living or dead, or for yourself! Not only can you ask your local parish priest to say Mass for these intentions, you can enroll yourself, your friends, your family, etc. in a Mass Association. I will give you the information for one right here in this blog entry.

The Mariannhill Missionaries are a religious order with a Mass Association They call it the Mariannhill Mass League. Here's some information on it (taken from their pamphlet):

"Enroll yourself, your family, your friends, and your departed loved ones in the Mariannhill Mass League. [The League] was established in 1983 by Pope [Saint] Leo the XIII for the Trappist monks of Mariannhill Monastery in South Africa, the forefathers of the Mariannhill Missionaries. It has been recommended and blessed several times by successive popes, most recently by Pope Benedict XVI on May 25, 2006, when he wrote, 'To all the members of the Marianhill Mass League, who support the Church's indispensible task of spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ...as a pledge of joy and peace in our Lord Jesus Christ, I cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing.'"

Daily Holy Mass is offered for the members of the League every day. Here are the donations to enroll:

To enroll an individual (living or deceased) in membership for one year: $2.00 (Yes, only two dollars).

A one year Family Membership is $5.00. (Family consisting of husband, wife, their parents, their kids).

To enroll an individual (living or deceased) in membership forever: $10.00.

A perpetual Family Membership is $25.00. (Once more, Family consisting of husband, wife, their parents, their kids).

A perpetual membership for an entire family (husband, wife, their parents, their siblings and siblings' spouses and children, their children and childrens' spouses and children): $50.00.

To enroll a family, write only the names of the husband and wife.

The Mariannhill Missionaries will send you a certificate with the name of the person(s) enrolled. (Unless you specifically request "No Certificate.")

The monies go to support the missionary outreach of the Mariannhill Missionaries.

Now, the Mariannhill Missionaries don't say this on their pamphlet, but I'm going to: "The more individuals you enroll, the more money goes to the mission." I would encourage everyone to enroll every member of a family individually so that more money will go to the mission.

Oh, and here's the address:

The Mariannhill Fathers
P.O. Box 87
Dearborn, MI 48121-0087

Here are links to the Mariannhill Missionaries:

The U.S. page: http://www.rc.net/detroit/mariannhill/

The International page: http://www.mariannhill.org/dcms/sites/cmm/english/flash_start.html

Support the missions! Receive the blessings and graces of the Mass! Get the Pope's Apostolic Blessing!

Let the Marianhill Fathers know I sent you to them!

*So called because I'm the only member of COURAGE who actually attends the meetings every month. (Alas! We only meet once a month.) The EnCOURAGE group meets faithfully, so I usually meet with them, with their blessing.

The Te Deum Laudamus

We praise thee, O God: we acknowledge Thee to be the Lord.
All the earth doth worship Thee, the Father everlasting.
To Thee all Angels cry aloud: the Heavens and all the powers therein.
To Thee Cherubim and Seraphim continually do cry,
"Holy, Holy, Holy: Lord God of Sabaoth;
Heaven and earth are full of the Majesty of Thy Glory."
The glorious company of the Apostles praise Thee.
The godly fellowship of the Prophets praise Thee.
The noble army of Martyrs praise Thee.
The holy Church throughout all the world doth acknowledge Thee;
The Father of an infinite Majesty;
Thine honorable, true, and only Son;
Also the Holy Ghost: the Paraclete.

Thou art the King of Glory, O Christ.
Thou art the everlasting Son of the Father.
When Thou tookest upon Thee to deliver man:
Thou didst not abhor the Virgin's womb.
When Thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death,
Thou didst open the Kingdom of Heaven to all believers.
Thou sittest at the right hand of God in the glory of the Father.
We believe that Thou shalt come to be our Judge.
We therefore pray Thee,
help Thy servants whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy precious blood.
Make them to be numbered with Thy Saints in glory everlasting.

O Lord, save Thy people: and bless Thine heritage.
Govern them and lift them up for ever.
Day by day we magnify Thee; and we worship Thy Name,
ever world without end.
Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this day without sin.
O Lord, have mercy upon us.
O Lord, let Thy mercy lighten upon us: as our trust is in Thee.
O Lord, in Thee have I trusted: let me never be confounded.

Prayers

Betty Scott Stam's Prayer of Dedication

Lord, I give up all my own plans and purposes, all my own desires and hopes, and accept Thy will for my life. I give myself, my life, my all utterly to Thee to be Thine forever. Fill me and seal me with Thy Holy Spirit. Use me as Thou wilt. Send me where Thou wilt. Work out Thy whole will in my life at any cost, now and forever.



Make Me Thy Fuel by Amy Carmichael

From prayer that asks that I may be
Sheltered from winds that beat on Thee,
From fearing when I should aspire,
From faltering when I should climb higher,
From silken self, O Captain, free
Thy soldier who would follow Thee.

From subtle love of softening things,
From easy choices, weakenings,
(Not thus are spirits fortified,
Not this way went the Crucified),
From all that dims Thy Calvary,
O Lamb of God, deliver me.

Give me the love that leads the way,
The faith that nothing can dismay,
The hope no disappointments tire,
The passion that will burn like fire;
Let me not sink to be a clod:
Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God.

The Angelus

This is a centuries-old prayer traditionally recited at 6am, 12 noon, and 6pm. I love the use of the Scriptures* in this prayer.

The Angelus

V. The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary;

R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.

V. "Behold the handmaid of the Lord:

R. "Be it unto me according to thy word."

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.

V. And the Word was made flesh:

R. And dwelt among us.

(One should bow deeply for a few seconds when saying the words "And the Word was made flesh." The bow should be maintained for a few seconds before saying the words "And dwelt among us." This is done to honor the fact that "Jesus who, though He was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness." Philippians 2:5b-11 NRSV)

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.

V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God,

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

V. Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His passion and cross be brought to the glory of His resurrection, through the same Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.



*Scripture verses not marked are from the Third Millennium Bible. Verses marked NRSV are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.