Liturgy for Thanksgiving Sunday
For 6th October 2024


Introduction

The first Sunday of October is celebrated as Thanksgiving Sunday by the Archdiocese of Bombay. Today, we gather as a community to express our gratitude to God for the abundant blessings of life-giving food and a bountiful harvest. Let us take this opportunity to open our hearts and recognize the many other gifts we have received, reminding ourselves of our role in our covenant with Him.

Prayer of the faithful

Celebrant : Abba Father, our hearts are filled with gratitude for your constant love. As one community of faith, we now present our petitions, saying,

Response : Lord hear our prayer.

  1. That our Holy Father, Bishops, Priests, and Religious leaders may continue to guide us as a pilgrim Church, growing in appreciation and gratitude for the tremendous blessings we receive as the Body of Christ, we pray to the Lord .... Response

  2. For the ongoing Synod of Bishops, that through the inspiration and action of the Holy Spirit, they may lead us in being a listening Church, we pray to the Lord .... Response

  3. As we celebrate "Togetherness Day" in our clusters, may we strengthen our bonds of companionship and grow together in faith, we pray to the Lord .... Response

  4. As we celebrate "Agera" a day of thanksgiving, let us offer our gratitude and prayers to our Almighty Father for the good harvest He has provided us, we pray to the Lord .... Response

  5. That our leaders may seek understanding and compassion, collaborating for peace in the Middle East. May they strive to foster harmony, healing and hope, bringing unity to all nations and hearts. We pray to the Lord .... Response
(Pray for community and personal needs.... we pray to the Lord....)

Celebrant : Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of your Son Jesus, who taught us to live our lives trusting in your providence. Help us to experience your presence in our midst, renewing and strengthening our lives. We make this prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer After Communion

Lord, we thank You for the beauty of creation - food, plants, trees, flowers, fish, and animals. We are grateful for the nourishing rain and the abundant harvest. Above all, we cherish the gift of people. Help us always to remember that everything we have comes from You. May we open our hearts to share our blessings generously and recognize Your loving presence in our lives each day.   Amen.