Prayer Celebration Directions

GATHERING SONG
Leader		Loving and compassionate God, we give you thanks for the goodness of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. She gave of herself freely to immigrants, the poor, and underprivileged. Like her, may we be mindful of the needs of people all around us. We ask this in the name of Jesus.
All		Amen.
READING
Leader		A reading from the Book of Sirach. (Reader reads Sirach 2:7–11.) The word of the Lord.
All		Thanks be to God.
RESPONSE
Leader		Let us pray together.
All		Lord, we praise you.
Reader 1		I will worship at your holy temple and praise your holy name.
Reader 2		By your mercy and your truth, you are great above all things.
All		Lord, we bless you.
Reader 1		When I called you answered me; you renewed my strength within me.
Reader 2		All the leaders of the earth shall praise you, O Lord, when they hear you speak.
All		Lord, we praise you.
Reader 1		They shall sing of your ways: "Great is the glory of the Lord."
Reader 2		The Lord is exalted, yet sees the lowly.
All		Lord, we bless you.
Reader 1		Lord, complete what you have begun for me.
Reader 2		Your kindness lasts forever.
All		Lord, we praise you. (based on Psalm 138)
PETITIONS
Leader		St. Elizabeth overcame many difficulties in her life. Through it all, she remained faithful to God and grew in love by serving others. She successfully opened Catholic schools in America. We pray to give thanks for the gift of religious education in parishes and schools.
Reader		For the opportunity to learn about God and ourselves, let us pray.
All Sign		Thank you, God.
Reader		For catechists who are patient and kind, let us pray.
All Sign		Thank you, God.
Reader		For the people in our parish community, let us pray.
All Sign		Thank you, God.
Reader		For the gift of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, let us give thanks.
All Sign		Thank you, God. Amen.
CLOSING SONG