Prayer Celebration Directions

Mary: Woman of Joy

GATHERING SONG
GATHERING PRAYER
Leader		Whenever we recall the story of our salvation in Jesus Christ, we are joyful—as Mary was—because we believe God gives each of us the strength and courage to be faithful servants. Let us pray. Lord God, we thank you for the gift of Mary’s joy. Help us to listen in prayer and to be patient as we seek to understand the special tasks to which we are called. And as we grow in understanding, give us joyful and willing hearts to accept the responsibilities that you give to us.
All		We ask for the strong faith of Mary to say yes to your will and for the courage to accomplish your will. We ask all these things in the name of Jesus, our Lord. Amen.
READING
Leader		Luke’s Gospel tells the story of the angel’s announcement to Mary. This Scripture passage is also known as the Annunciation, the first of the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary.
Reader		A reading from the Gospel of Luke. (Read Luke 1:26-38.) The Gospel of the Lord.
All		Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
THE JOYFUL MYSTERIES
Leader		We begin the Rosary in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All		Amen.
Leader		I believe in God, the Father almighty…
All		(All complete the Apostles’ Creed.)
Leader		Our Father, who art in heaven…
All		(All complete the Lord’s Prayer.)
Leader		Hail Mary, full of grace…
All		(All complete three Hail Mary’s.)
Leader		Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit…
All		(All complete the Glory Be.)
(Participants offer reflections at the beginning of each Mystery, or the following can be read before each.)
1. The Annunciation The angel of the Lord appears to Mary and announces God’s invitation for her to be the mother of Jesus. Mary says "Yes."
2. The Visit of Mary to Elizabeth Mary visits Elizabeth to share the joyful news of Christ’s coming birth. She helps her cousin who is also pregnant.
3. The Birth of Jesus Jesus is born to Mary and Joseph in a stable in the town of Bethlehem. The Holy Family had no other place to stay.
4. The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple Mary and Joseph take the baby Jesus to the Temple, present him in accord with Jewish law, and give him the name Jesus.
5. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple After three days of searching, Mary and Joseph are relieved to find Jesus. He is in the Temple talking with rabbis.
Leader		Glorious God, we thank you for the fulfillment of all your promises. May the events we have recalled and meditated upon today be a continual source of strength and encouragement for all who have shared in this time of prayer. We pray this in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All		Amen.
CLOSING SONG