Prayers provided as part of partnership with parishes

The following prayers of intention were prepared and distributed to parishes across the Brisbane Archdiocese, for use in Masses between June 1-7.

Gracious and merciful God: you not only sent your Son, Jesus, to die for us but you poured out your Holy Spirit on all who believe, so that we may know how to serve you and help build the Kingdom of God. Be with us now as we pray the following prayers:

For all our Church leaders, especially the Pope, our Archbishop and all the Bishops, that they will continue to lead by example and feel upheld by the Holy Spirit working in, and through, them. (Pause) Lord hear us.

Response: Lord hear our prayer.

For each of us and the specific part we have play in Mission, that we will feel empowered by the Holy Spirit and that we will willingly give of ourselves, no matter what the cost. (Pause) Lord hear us.

Response: Come Holy Spirit.

For all children who find themselves caught up in conflict and violence, especially those who become embroiled as participants or who witness, first-hand, atrocities and cruelty. (Pause) Lord hear us.

Response: Come Holy Spirit.

For the environment and our Mission to care for it, in all its glory and grandeur. (Pause) Lord hear us.

Response: Come Holy Spirit.

Heavenly Father: these prayers reflect the concerns of our hearts and minds. We ask that you will guide us all, to walk with the love of Jesus and inspired by the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. We make these prayers, in the name of the Faith, Son and Holy Spirit. AMEN


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We have to fight against children becoming victims of war

My son may be fighting a war against germs and disease but it's nothing compared to what some children have to endure...

Next week, on June 4, the world is asked to acknowledge the plight of young boys and girls who find themselves caught up in conflict and oppression, in their places of birth.

The International Day to mark Innocent Children Victims of Aggression will be held on Thursday, June 4. It is a time to remember all those child soldiers, those children who lose life and limb due to landmines or bombs and those who simply happen to be born in the wrong place, at the wrong time.

I would welcome your thoughts, comments and insights on how we, as Australians and as Christians, can impact on this tragic global trend.

Please also keep my son, Brodie, in your thoughts and prayers as he experiences another stint in hospital. Thanks.



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Monday morning and I'm Into the Wild

The acclaimed movie by Sean Penn, Into the Wild, is an inspiring tale with an 'un-Hollywood-like' ending...For anyone contemplating the week ahead, with some trepidation, grab a copy of Into the Wild to watch on DVD next weekend. It's a great film ((http://movies.nytimes.com/2007/09/21/movies/21wild.html)that depicts the tale of Christopher McCandless, a 23-year-old man who leaves the confines of his suburban life, including Mum, Dad and sister, for a life of trekking and living on the land. Beautifully shot, Into the Wild is a poignant tale that reminds us all that, quite often, we do indeed need to lose our life, if we want to discover the yearnings of our heart. The central character - Alexander Supertramp, as he dubs himself - is a man on a mission: to escape a life of superficiality and turmoil and seek solace in the "wild" of Alaska. As he discovers, however, true happiness only comes when it can be shared. As we set out on our daily commute, with headphones firmly in place or eyes down into our book or choice, it's worth remembering that we need others to make us truly complete.
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Happy World Communication's Day

There was plenty of food for thought at Mass this evening, the night of World Communication's Day (May 24, 2009)
I couldn't think of a more fitting time to begin this blog than on the day designated by the Vatican as World Communication's Day. (Co-incidentally, it's also the day on which the church celebrates the feast of Mary Help of Christians, as the Patron of Australia and when the World Council of Churches was established in 1948.)But it is the importance of communications, as a tool for evangelising and as a means of Mission, that really captures my attention. It also inspires me. So if you're reading this blog, it's because I would like you to share in my passion and join with me. Subscribe to this blog (there is a spot on the right-hand side of the page to do so) and let's work together to use modern technology to contribute to an age-old calling: "Go and make disciples of all nations", as the Gospel of today reminds us. As the guest preacher at St Rita's Catholic Church, Mike Jones, reminded us tonight, we each have a part to play in continuing Christ's Mission. He - through the Holy Spirit - works in, and through, each of us as to help us build the Kingdom of God, here on Earth. I look forward to sharing the journey with you.

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