Opening Comment We gather as God’s family, concerned for each other, supporting one another in sadness and joy. The challenge of living as part of the Christian family is laid out for us in today’s readings. Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal) Confirm, O God, in unity and truth the Church you gather in…

We gather to praise God and to ask for help and grace. We know the difficulties that can come when we try to live the right way. Often the road of life is like the way of the cross.