11th week in Ordinary Time Background Refugee Week 2013 aims to encourage a better understanding of Britain’s proud history of giving sanctuary to people escaping persecution, and to highlight the many ways in which refugees have contributed to, and become part of, our rich history and heritage

We will begin by making the sign of the Cross Leader: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. All: Amen We pause to think of any special intention we want to pray for today. We light our Form Candle for all our prayers today.

Monday 17 th June Reader: Indeed the love of Christ holds us and we realise that if he died for all, all have died. He died for all so that those who live may no longer live for themselves, but for him, who died and rose again. (St Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians 5:14) Together we pray: Jesus, friend and brother, You know what it is like to be hungry and thirsty. You know the plight of the Stranger who is made unwelcome. You know the suffering of all who have lost everything. We pray that by welcoming the asylum seeker we may show love for our neighbour and draw closer to you. Amen. © Tony Singleton/CAFOD

Tuesday 18 th June Reader: Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not judge and you will not be judged; because the judgements you give are the judgements you will get, and the amount you measure out is the amount you will be given.” (Gospel of Matthew 7:1-2) Together we pray:Almighty and merciful God, whose Son became a refugee and had no place to call his own; look with mercy on those who today are fleeing from danger, homeless and hungry. Bless those who work to bring them relief; inspire generosity and compassion in all our hearts; and guide the nations of the world towards that day when all will rejoice in your Kingdom of justice and of peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord Amen. (from invitation to prayer - a prayer for refugees)

Wednesday 19 th June Reader: “Do not forget; thin sowing means thin reaping; the more you reap the more you sow.” (St Paul’s letter to the Corinthians9:6) Together we pray: Lord, we pray for the peace keepers in war torn countries, who are so often doing a thankless job. We pray for politicians, often criticised by all sides but so many working for justice. We pray for aid workers, risking so much to help the needy, strengthen them in their work, do not let them become disheartened, work through them to bring peace that lasts. Amen

Thursday 20 th June Saint Alban Reader: St Alban was a pagan soldier who gave shelter to a Christian priest who was fleeing from persecution under the Emperor Decius in the 3rd Century, and was converted to believing in Jesus. He put on the priest’s clothes and was arrested and executed in his place. He was the first person to be a martyr, to die for their Christian faith in Britain. Reader: “If we have died with him, then we shall live with him. If we hold firm, then we shall reign with him.” (St Paul’s letter to Timothy 2:12)

Together we pray… Lord, when we see the troubles on our TV screens, we cannot be surprised that people flee. Help us to welcome the stranger, to provide for the needy, to care for the abused. Make our country a place of refuge and hope. For the love of Jesus. Amen

Friday 21 st June Saint Aloysius Gonzaga Reader: Guide me in the path of your commands; for there is my delight. Bend my heart to your will and not to love of gain.” (Psalm 118:35) Together we pray: Lord guide our nation to celebrate diversity with mutual trust, taking away any prejudice or fear. May we welcome suffering people into our communities and surround them with our care and protection.Through Christ our Lord. Amen

Pray for those to be Confirmed at St Thomas More Church Leicester this evening Pray for all pilgrims on the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Rodsley on Sunday

School Prayer Prayer of Saint Benedict We pray Lord, that everything we do may be prompted by your inspiration, so that every prayer and work of ours may begin from you, and be brought by you to completion. Amen Saint Benedict – Pray for us