Mary, Queen of Heaven

Prayer Celebration Directions

GATHERING SONG
GATHERING PRAYER
Leader		We pray at this time to honor Mary as Mother of God and Queen of Heaven. We also recognize Mary as our Mother and Mother of the Church.
Group 1		Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy; our life, our sweetness, and our hope!
Group 2		To you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to you do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears.
Group 1		Turn, then, most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us; and after this exile, show to us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Group 2		O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary!
All		Amen.
Leader		Loving God, you chose Mary to be the Mother of your Son. You have given her a special place in heaven. Mary is a wonderful model for us to follow as we strive to live faithfully in this world. Help us to live for you and to reject sin. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus.
All		Amen.
READING
Reader		A reading from the Gospel of John. (Read John 17:6, 20-24.) The Gospel of the Lord.
All		Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
LITANY TO MARY
Leader		We reach out to Mary in a litany of prayer.
Reader		Mary, you are in heaven with God the Father, Jesus your Son, the Holy Spirit, and the saints who have gone before us. We, too, wish someday to be in heaven and have eternal life with you. (Participant brings forth symbol.)
All		Mary, Queen of Heaven, pray for us.
Reader		Mary, you implore us to pray for peace. You saw the violence that hatred and prejudice caused when your Son Jesus was crucified. We ask for the grace to be people of peace. (Participant brings forth symbol.)
All		Mary, Queen of Heaven, pray for us.
Reader		Mary, we celebrate your connection with Jesus. You have given us the Rosary as a special way to pray. Keep us faithful to prayer throughout our lives. (Participant brings forth symbol.)
All		Mary, Queen of Heaven, pray for us.
Reader		Mary, we are the Church, a community of believers, and you are our Mother. Help us to appreciate the diversity within our community. (Participant brings forth symbol.)
All		Mary, Queen of Heaven, pray for us.
CLOSING PRAYER
Leader		Loving God, bless all of us gathered here today. You asked Mary to be the mother of your Son, Jesus. In the same way, you ask each of us to be members of your Church. Help us to be people of peace, justice, and love. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ.
All		Amen.
CLOSING SONG