We will begin by making the sign of the Cross

1. 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.

2. Seventh week of Easter BACKGROUND: In this final week of the Easter season, Jesus has ascended to Heaven and the disciples wait together not sure of what Jesus has commanded them to do. It is then that the Holy Spirit comes upon the disciples and fills them with the power and confidence to go out and boldly tell people about Jesus.

3. Monday 13th May Our Lady of Fatima & St Mary Mazzarello Reader: St Mary Mazzarello born in 1837 at Mornese, Italy. At 23 frail after a bout of typhoid she opened a dress-making workshop to teach the local girls. In 1872 Don Bosco chose her to be the first superior of a new order, the Salesian Sisters Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians. She died in 1881.

4. Let us pray together: “Open our heart, O Lord, to accept the words of your Son.” God our Father, you gave the Holy Spirit to your apostles, as they joined in prayer with Mary, the Mother of Jesus. By the help of her prayers keep us always faithful in your service and let all our actions and words be inspired, so that we may bring glory to your name. through Christ our Lord. Amen We ask Our Lady of Fatima to pray with us … Hail Mary...

5. Tuesday 14th May – St Matthias Reader: Matthias was chosen by the disciples to replace Judas Iscariot, to be listed as one of the twelve apostles. Jesus said “This is my commandment; love one another as I have loved you. A man can have no greater love than to lay down his life for his friends… you are my friends, because I have made known to you everything I have learnt from my Father.” (Gospel of John 15:12,14)

6. Let us pray together: Come Holy Spirit, give us the reverence to invite you into our lives and the wisdom to follow where you lead and I ask that your presence will inspire me now and for ever. Amen

7. Wednesday 15th May Reader: “The Lord is my Shepherd, there is nothing I shall want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters.” (Psalm 23) Let us pray together: Father, with Jesus and with the Holy Spirit, you reign over all the earth. Strengthen our faith so that one day, we too will be united with you. Amen

8. Thursday 16th May Reader: Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said: “Father, may they be one in us, as you are in me and I am in you, so that the world may believe it was you who sent me.” (Gospel of John 17:20-26) Together we pray: Father, let your Spirit, be poured out upon us with the power to use our gifts. May your spirit cleanse our hearts so that they may be pleasing to you and always ready to do your will. We make this prayer through Christ, your Son, Our Lord. Amen

9. Friday 17th May Reader: My soul give thanks to the Lord, all my being bless his holy name. my soul, give thanks to the Lord and never forget all his blessings.” (Psalm 102) Let us pray together: Father, when you glorified your Son and sent us your Spirit, you opened for us the way to eternal life. May our sharing of this gift increase our love and make our faith grow stronger. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen

10. This weekend Pope Francis meets with thousands of people who are involved in Church movements, on Friday for a candlelit Vigil and on Sunday to celebrate Mass in St Peter’s square. This is one of the great gatherings of people to come together to celebrate the Year of Faith called for by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. We pray that many blessings will be received by the church as their witness to living a Christian life is celebrated and cherished. For more information see: www.vatican.it

11. 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