Prayer of the Faithful
Vocation / Laity Sunday & End of Jubilee Year
(For 18th January 2026)
Introduction

Today, we conclude our Jubilee celebrations. As we observe Vocation Sunday and Laity Sunday, we remember that while the Holy Door in Rome closed on the Epiphany, and our own archdiocesan celebration concluded in December, our pilgrimage does not end. The Jubilee Cross remains our guide-its anchor holding us firm in Christ, its sail filled with the Spirit's wind. Our journey is not finished, but we are sent forth. Each of us, to follow the light toward a new horizon. Today, we ask: How is God calling me, and calling us as a community, to be that symbol of hope for the world? Let us now begin our liturgy with open and grateful hearts.

Prayer of the faithful

Celebrant : Guided by the symbols of our pilgrimage, let us now bring our prayers before God, our anchor and our sail. With confidence as children of a loving Father, we present the needs of the Church and the world, saying,

Response : Lord, hear our prayer.

  1. For the Church, our Pilgrim Community - The Figures hugging the cross: That, united in solidarity like the figures embracing the Cross, we may be a witness of fraternity to a divided world, always welcoming those who seek Christ with joyful longing. We pray to the Lord. .... Response

  2. For All Who Navigate Life's Storms - The Waves: For those overwhelmed by sickness, grief, poverty, or fear, that through our compassionate care they may feel the steadying presence of Christ and find safe harbour in our community. We pray to the Lord. .... Response

  3. For Clarity and Courage in Vocations - The Sail: That on this Vocation Sunday, the Holy Spirit may stir the hearts of many-young and old-moving them to offer their lives as priests, deacons, religious, and committed laypersons, to be a sail that guides the Church into the future. We pray to the Lord. .... Response

  4. For the Mission of the Laity and Our Associations- The Anchor: That on this Laity Sunday, all our Parish Associations and lay ministries, anchored in Christ, may be renewed in their mission. May their witness energize our entire parish to live our call: "Together towards fullness of life in openness and involvement," making us a steadfast sign of God's faithful love. We pray to the Lord. .... Response

  5. For the Stewardship of Creation - Our Pilgrim Journey: That in this new year, inspired by our pilgrimage of hope, we may be faithful stewards and wise guardians of your creation, making responsible choices to heal our common home and protect the precious gift of life. We pray to the Lord. .... Response
(Let us now pray silently for our own personal intentions and for the needs of our community…… we pray to the Lord.)

Celebrant : Eternal Father, you guided your Church through this Jubilee Year. As the Holy Door closes, open our hearts to your call. May the Cross be our anchor and sail, that its grace may bear fruit in our lives. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Thanksgiving Prayer

God of all grace, who nourishes us with the Body and Blood of your Son, we thank you for the gift of our Parish Associations and the zeal of the laity. Bless their work and witness. May this Eucharist strengthen them, and all of us, to go forth from this Jubilee as joyful missionary disciples, serving your people and building your Kingdom. Through Christ our Lord.   Amen.