God of comfort God of comfort hear ushear us

To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven:

a time to be born and a time to die,    a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal,

   a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,    a time to mourn and a time to

dance,

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

   a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,

a time to search and a time to give up,    a time to keep and a time to throw

away,

a time to tear and a time to mend,    a time to be silent and a time to

speak,

a time to love and a time to hate,    a time for war and a time for peace.

Today is the time to pray. Today is the time to hope.Today is the time to mourn.Today as a school community and as a

New Zealand community we stop to think about and pray for those affected by the earthquake in Christchurch yesterday.

A reading from the Gospel according to John:

Jesus said: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.

This is the Gospel of the Lord

Let us pray:

We pray for the children in Christchurch, especially those in our fellow Catholic Schools, that they may be cared for and supported within their communities

God of comfort, hear usLord hear our prayer

We pray for those who have died in the earthquake, that they may find a dwelling in our Father’s house.

God of comfort, hear usLord hear our prayer

We pray for those who have lost loved ones in the earthquake, that they may believe that God will care for their loved ones until they meet again.

God of comfort, hear usLord hear our prayer

We pray for the rescuers, search parties, emergency services, support organisations and all volunteers helping in Christchurch, that they may keep safe while they put Jesus love into action

God of comfort, hear usLord hear our prayer

We pray for the mayor of Christchurch, the New Zealand government, and all leaders involved in the current rescue efforts and later the rebuilding of the city, that they may work together for the common good.

God of comfort, hear usLord hear our prayer

We pray for all those who have lost their homes or livelihoods and those who are trapped and can’t get home, that they may be comforted by the Holy Spirit

God of comfort, hear usLord hear our prayer

We pray for all families and friends in Christchurch who have connections with families and friends of our school, that they may be safe and well and know God’s presence and love.

God of comfort, hear usLord hear our prayer

Hail Mary full of grace the Lord is with youBlessed are you among women and blessed

is the fruit of your womb, JesusHoly Mary, Mother of GodPray for us sinnersNow and at the hour of our death

Amen

Our Father in heavenHallowed be your nameYour kingdom comeYour will be done on earth as it is in heavenGive us this day our daily breadAnd forgive us our sinsAs we forgive those who sin

against usSave us from the time of trialAnd deliver us from evil

Amen

Glory be to the FatherAnd to the SonAnd to the Holy SpiritAs it was in the beginning,

is now and ever shall beWorld without end

Amen