Prayer Celebration Directions

GATHERING SONG
Leader		This liturgy honoring Elizabeth Ann Seton invites us to look at our lives and think about vocations. Listen now to some of the vocations to which God called her throughout her life. Elizabeth Ann Seton was a wife. God called her to live with her husband and to be a loving spouse.
All		We thank you God for vocations to married life.
Leader		Elizabeth Ann Seton was a mother. God called her to love her children and meet their needs.
All		We thank you God for vocations to parenthood.
Leader		Elizabeth Ann Seton was a teacher. God called her to educate children in the faith.
All		We thank you God for vocations of educators.
Leader		Elizabeth Ann Seton was a religious sister. God called her to live as a Sister of Charity in community.
All		We thank you God for vocations to religious life.
Leader		Elizabeth Ann Seton lived these vocations in a holy way and became a saint of our Church. God calls each of us to live our vocation in a holy way.
All		We thank you God for all vocations. Amen.
READING
Leader		A reading from the Gospel of Matthew. (The reader reads Matthew 12:15–21.) The Gospel of the Lord.
All		Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
RESPONSE
Leader		God chooses each of us just as God chose Elizabeth Ann Seton. When we listen to God’s call, God helps us through the Spirit. Listen now to the music and consider what God might be calling you to do and to be. (All meditate as instrumental music plays in background.)
Reader		Loving God, give us eyes of faith to see the vocations to which you call us in life.
All		Call us always with your holy love.
Reader		Loving God, give us strong hands to use the talents with which you have endowed us.
All		Call us always with your holy love.
Reader		Loving God, give us loving hearts to be of service to others.
All		Call us always with your holy love.
Reader		Loving God, give us generous spirits to avoid the temptations of money and power in our lives.
All		Call us always with your holy love.
Reader		Loving God, give us encouragement to choose always what is good, right, and just.
All		Call us always with your holy love.
CLOSING PRAYER
Leader		Loving God, you call us by name to live in your love. Hear our prayer for enlightenment and lead us along the road to your kingdom. We ask this in the name of Jesus, your Son.
All		Amen.
CLOSING SONG