1. Assembly to mark the beginning of the Year of Mercy on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception December 8, 2015

2. Today is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Our Lady, a day when we celebrate Mary as the girl who was chosen to be the Mother of God

3. Pope Francis has also chosen today’s feast as the beginning of an Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy.

4. Letter from Bishop of Derry, Donal McKeown, to all young people at the beginning of the Year of Mercy

5. ‘Has no one condemned you? Neither do I condemn you’ From John’s Gospel (8:1-11)

8. ‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear That hour I first believed. Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; ‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home. The Lord has promised good to me, His Word my hope secures; He will my Shield and Portion be, As long as life endures.

9. Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail, And mortal life shall cease, I shall possess, within the veil, A life of joy and peace. The earth shall soon dissolve like snow, The sun forbear to shine; But God, who called me here below, Will be forever mine. When we’ve been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun, We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise, Than when we’d first begun.

10. Conscious of the need for mercy and peace in so many places in our world today we pray for an end to terrorist attacks, may countries learn to respect one another and live in peace. Lord Hear Us Lord Graciously Hear Us We pray for mercy and healing for the people of Paris, Russia, Syria and other nations that are struggling to cope with loss and destruction. Lord Hear UsLord Graciously Hear Us We pray for mercy for refugees and all those who find themselves displaced and threatened. Loving God help these people find a compassionate and loving response to their needs. Lord Hear UsLord Graciously Hear Us Prayers for Mercy

11. Lord, help us to be young people of mercy, may we be humble enough to ask forgiveness when we do wrong and strong enough to response to those who hurt us with love and respect. Lord Hear UsLord Graciously Hear Us God we thank you that Pope Francis has declared this year of Mercy, may it be a grace filled time to grow in love and mercy within our family, school and community. Lord Hear UsLord Graciously Hear Us Prayers for Mercy

12. Pope Francis reminds us that in mercy we find proof of how God loves us. He gives his entire self, always, freely, asking nothing in return. May each of us this year be aware of God’s mercy more deeply and be renewed in celebrating, living and sharing this mercy daily. Closing Prayer

13. Our Father…