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Fourth Sunday Easter – Prayers of the Faithful etc

Opening Comment

The Fourth Sunday of Easter is often called Good Shepherd Sunday, because the readings are about the care we receive from Christ, our true shepherd, a care Christians are invited to copy. Today is also the day of prayer for vocations. Penitential Rite: Knowing that God cares for us every step of the way, let us recall our struggles with sinfulness: (pause) Lord Jesus, you have shown us the way to the Father …

Introduction to the Scripture Readings

Acts 4:8-12 — Peter explains how he healed a cripple. He did it by praying in the name of the Lord Jesus.

1 John 3:1-2 — John reflects on the love of God the Father, which is lavished on all God’s children.

John 10: 11-18 — We are told that Jesus is like a shepherd who lovingly cares for his sheep.

THE GENERAL INTERCESSIONS

Introduction (by the Presider) Confident that the Lord’s love for us has no end, we bring forward our needs and the needs of the whole world.

  1. For those who serve and lead in the Church, that they may follow the example of Christ, the good shepherd (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  2. For all the members of the caring professions, that the Lord’s compassion may be visible in them (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  3. For young people deciding how they will spend their lives, that they may consider serving God’s people (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  4. For farmers, shepherds and those who work on the land, that they may show respect for all of God’s creation (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  5. For people who call on the name of the Lord Jesus in their sufferings, that they may experience God’s healing power (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  6. For all who have gone before us in faith (especially N & N), that they may see God, face to face (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) God of beauty and compassion, you love us as a shepherd loves all the flock: continue to support your people with your grace, we pray, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Liturgical Suggestions Begin Mass with blessing and sprinking of holy water: ‘We’re halfway through Easter this Sunday, so this is a good time to recall the Easter graces we have received. We do this by blessing and sprinkling Holy Water, praying that all the baptised may continue the work of the Good Shepherd, whom we honour especially in today’s celebration. Blessing of water (page 1353): Dear brothers and sisters, let us humbly beseech ... (then formula for Easter Time, page 1354). Or Penitential Act VI. In either case, the Gloria follows immediately. Preface of Easter 2 (page 428). Eucharistic Prayer 3. Solemn Blessing 6 (Easter Time, page 551). Songs ‘The Lord’s My Shepherd’; ‘Shepherd Me O God’.

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