Prayers for the week 13 - 17 May Prayer theme: Jesus, the Good Shepherd Sunday 12th May is called the Good Shepherd Sunday, referring to the image of Jesus as a good shepherd. It is also known as world day of vocations. So we pray for vocations for the priesthood and religious life. Year 11 and 13 are preparing for their exams so we pray especially for them these days.

Monday 13 May A reading from the gospel according to John THE GOOD SHEPHERD Jesus said: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” Loving God, At times there can be a lot of noise, distracting us from hearing your voice. Help us to be still sometimes to listen and connect with you, who know what we need most of all. Amen.

Monday 13 May Let us pray to Mary to intercede for us: Let us pause for a few moments in silence and remember those family members and friends who need our prayers and support today. We pray especially for the girls in year 11 and 13 as they prepare for their exams. Let us pray to Mary to intercede for us: Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst 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. May the Lord bless us and keep us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen

Tuesday 14 May 12th May: World Day of prayer for vocations LORD of the Harvest, BLESS young people with the gift of courage to respond to your call. Open their hearts to great ideals, to great things. INSPIRE all of your disciples to mutual love and giving— for vocations blossom in the good soil of faithful people. INSTILL those in religious life, parish ministries, and families with the confidence and grace to invite others to embrace the bold and noble path of a life consecrated to you. UNITE us to Jesus through prayer, so that we may cooperate with you in building your reign of mercy and truth, of justice and peace. Amen. (adapted from pope Francis)

Tuesday 14 May Let us pray to Mary to intercede for us: Let us pause for a few moments in silence and remember those family members and friends who need our prayers and support today. We pray especially for the girls in year 11 and 13 as they prepare for their exams. Let us pray to Mary to intercede for us: Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst 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. May the Lord bless us and keep us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen

Wednesday 15 May The Good Shepherd by Laura Smith There once was a flock that was lost and afraid It wandered around without direction for days But the Lord looked down with compassion from above And sent a good shepherd to lead them with love The shepherd was kind Loving and wise And he cherished his whole flock no matter the colour or the size Though the shepherd was quiet humble and meek Every ear listened whenever he would speak He showed them the way to walk in the light And he prayed every day for God to give them true sight He taught them about the blood of the Lamb And about the creator the great I AM They flourished and they grew through the knowledge they gained About the Saviour from above who lived without blemish or stain The flock was so thankful to the Lord up above For sending a wise leader who was so full of love He lead them with a strong and gentle good hand And took the whole flock safely into God's Promised Land.

Wednesday 15 May Let us pray to Mary to intercede for us: Let us pause for a few moments in silence and remember those family members and friends who need our prayers and support today. We pray especially for the girls in year 11 and 13 as they prepare for their exams. Let us pray to Mary to intercede for us: Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst 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. May the Lord bless us and keep us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen

Thursday 16 May LORD, you are my shepherd; nothing I shall want. Fresh and green are the pastures where you give me repose. Near restful waters you lead me to revive my spirit. You guide me along the right path; you are true to your name. If I should walk in the valley of darkness no evil would I fear. You are there with your crook and your staff; with these you give me comfort. You have prepared a banquet for me in the sight of my foes. My head you have anointed with oil; my cup is overflowing. Surely goodness and kindness shall follow me all the days of my life. In the LORD’S own house shall I dwell for ever and ever.

Thursday 16 May Let us pray to Mary to intercede for us: Let us pause for a few moments in silence and remember those family members and friends who need our prayers and support today. We pray especially for the girls in year 11 and 13 as they prepare for their exams. Let us pray to Mary to intercede for us: Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst 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. May the Lord bless us and keep us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen

Friday 17 May Song: Shepherd me, O God (Marty Haugen) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmFM4jZasvs

Friday 17 May Examen Be silent and place yourself in God’s loving presence. Think about the good things that have happened this week and give thanks.​ Who have you left a good memory with this week? Look back over your week. Where have you felt joy and what has been difficult and challenged you? In the quiet of your heart, tell God about your experiences.​ Give thanks for who you are. As you look ahead, with what spirit will you enter next week? Ask God to help you.