Celebrant: As we begin this Advent season of prayer and expectation, let us present our needs before God with confidence.

Deacon/Lector:

That the Church, with eager longing for the return of Christ, may prepare for Him by building a world of justice, we pray to the Lord.

That leaders of nations may seek that justice and peace which come from the Word of God, we pray to the Lord.

That all who have not yet heard of the coming of Christ may hear and believe the Good News, we pray to the Lord.

That the gift of justice may transform our land, making secure the lives of the poor, the vulnerable, and the unborn, we pray to the Lord.

That the sick and the lonely may find comfort in Christ and the Church, we pray to the Lord.

That all who have died may be freed from sin and stand securely before the Son of Man, we pray to the Lord.

Celebrant:

Father, we wait in joyful hope for the coming of Christ our Savior.  As you answer our prayers, make us holy, that we may greet him with eager hearts, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.

From someone who had an abortion…

“[The abortion] gave me grief and sorrow beyond expression. I was petrified to tell anyone. I have committed the most heinous of all crimes.  Yet, the Lord forgave me, just as he forgave Paul. Yet I will always regret what I did and will probably always feel grief. But I pray that my experience can somehow prevent other women from making the same fatal mistake. I’m a nurse now, so I wear my uniform to all the pro-life things I do! It helps.” Forgiveness and healing are available. Visit www.RachelsVineyard.org. 

Jer 33:14-16
1 Thes 3:12—4:2
Lk 21:25-28, 34-36

Watch a video with homily suggestions

The beginning of the Season of Advent provides a powerful opportunity to touch upon pro-life themes in the Liturgy.

First of all, the theme of the Second Coming of the Lord – a theme particularly strong in the first part of Advent – calls us as individuals and as a society to repentance in preparation for the Lord’s coming. This repentance includes living with active respect for every human life, and building a society of justice and welcome for the most vulnerable.

Secondly, Advent is about preparation for the birth of the Lord. The joy of his birth, as John Paul II wrote in Evangelium Vitae, is reflected in the joy at the birth of every child. Advent is a perfect time to commend to the prayers of our people all who are carrying a child, and may be tempted by fear or a lack of trust in God’s Providence.