PARENTS’ DAY PRAYER SERVICE IN SCC CLUSTER Prior preparation: Place a crucifix on a table laid with cloth and candles placed on stands besides it. One candle each for the participant of the prayer service. Animators should encourage children of their cluster a few days in advance to secretly prepare greeting cards or gifts for thanking their parents for being the best parents in the world.

Opening Hymn: We are happy Christians all united in the Lord, we belong to one family

OR We are gathering together unto Him.

Opening Prayer: Good evening – to one and all gathered here. We have assembled here this evening to celebrate Parents day.

Parenthood is a great responsibility, for Christian parents, that responsibility extends beyond physical care for

their children to the salvation of their souls. We need to turn to God as in this prayer, for guidance and for the grace necessary to fulfil this greatest of duties.

Scripture Reading: Luke 15:11-32 (Read slowly, preferably twice from different versions or language)

Reflection: This parable gives us a wonderful example of the parent towards children. As parents we impart them with the best of the things we can manage for the child: food, clothes, toys, school, tuition class, bus

service, pocket money etc. When we are hurt by their remarks and unjust demands yet we try to forgive them and do their will so that they may be happy. The parents try to keep their children happy even if there are more

children. Giving them attention, besides the job, kitchen, taking studies, etc. Parents eagerly await their return

even for grown up children late from college or work. When they reach back Parents are very happy and give them something to eat which is like by them. As Christian parent we have to do much more than normal parent,

giving them Christian values from Spirituality to their studies and all. All parents want to see their children prosper and rejoice in their efforts.

Prayer of the Faithful: Response: (To be sung) O Lord Hear us We Pray, O Lord give us Your Love. • We pray for Pope, Bishops, Clergy and all the Laity. Deepen their faith Lord in continuing to do your will

and make them instruments of your grace and love .....response... (To be sung) O Lord Hear us We Pray, O Lord give us Your Love.

• We pray for our parents and all parents in our cluster, community and parish, that they may know our

gratitude and be blessed in knowing that they have made a difference in our lives ......our response

• We pray for our family and friends who are close to our hearts, but are far away, or closely watching

from above, that God may bless them and keep them always in His Love. ......our response • For all the needy, sick and the suffering parents, those in nursing homes, hospitals and aged homes, that

they may see God’s mercy by the works of his people......our response

• We pray specially this year for those parents and grandparents who are Senior Citizens, that We may

truly love, honour and take care of them and be their strength in giving them all the comforts that they need. ......our response

• For the sick and suffering, physically, emotionally, financially and spiritually, especially those who were

unable to be with us today, that they may find comfort and healing in God’s Loving Spirit ......our response

• We pray for all our dear priest of our parish: Frs. Dominic Vas, Michael Shenoy, Ivan D’Souza, Agnello

Rebello, Roshan D’Souza and Ivo Dias, that they inspire us to be true followers of Christ. .....our response

• For all our intentions, especially those that we hold silently in our hearts......our response

The Lord’s Prayer: Our Father,

After the Lord’s Prayer each one is given a candle to light from the candle placed besides the crucifix.

Prayer and Blessing for Parents: Dear Lord! Fill our parents with Thy choicest blessings; enrich their souls

with Thy holy grace; grant that they may faithfully and constantly guard that likeness to Thy union with Thy

Church, which Thou didst imprint upon them on their wedding day, Fill them with Thy Spirit of holy fear, which is

the beginning of wisdom; inspire them to impart it to their children. May they ever walk in the way of Thy

commandments, and may we their children be their joy on earth and their crow of glory in heaven. Lord God,

grant that both our father and mother may attain extreme old age and enjoy continuous health in mind and

body. May they give Thee abundant thanks because Thou has bestowed upon them the great gift of

parenthood. AMEN.

Concluding Hymn: Bind us together Lord OR I got that joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart, down in my heart.

Thereafter sing: Happy Parents day to you (Sung in the tune of ‘Happy Birthday to you’) Now Children who

have prepared greeting/thank you cards or have some gifts can give them to their parents and grandparents,

and in turn Children receive blessings.