Children being exploited for labour provokes outrage

With the issue of child labour on the agenda this week (Friday, June 14 is World Day Against Child Labour), the prayers of intention sent out to parishes in the Brisbane Archdiocese, by Catholic Mission, seek to raise awareness of this global blight.

Heavenly Father: You sent your Son Jesus to die for us, so that His blood would be poured out for all men and women. We come before you now, humbled by such love and grateful for the sacrifice of Jesus, who is the Christ. We ask that you respond with similar generosity to these intentions.

For all our Church leaders who, like Moses, guide us in the right way of maintaining the covenant established by the death of your Son Jesus on the Cross.

(Pause) Lord hear us. Response: Lord hear our prayer.

For each of us who are part of the new covenant, that we will recognise the role we have to play and be generous with our gifts, in the service of You and others.

(Pause) Lord hear us. Response: Lord hear our prayer.

For all children, especially those who are exploited for cheap labour: may we never stop being outraged that some boys and girls do not experience peace and safety as a natural part of growing up.

(Pause) Lord hear us. Response: Lord hear our prayer.

For all those who are engaged in Mission, both at home and abroad, and for those who may not see that what they do, everyday, can also be a part of Your Mission to create the Kingdom of God, here on Earth.

(Pause) Lord hear us. Response: Lord hear our prayer.

For all those who are sick, emotionally, physically or spiritually, and for those who have entered the promise of eternal life, especially (insert names of relevant parishioners or loved ones)

(Pause) Lord hear us. Response: Lord hear our prayer.

Loving God, You call us into a covenant each and every day. May we always strive to be like your Son Jesus, willing to lay our bodies down in the service of your Kingdom. Be with us now as we make these prayers, in Jesus’ name.

AMEN

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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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