SONG: Laudato Si © words Damien Lundy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tCkCfyg5bU

SIGN OF THE CROSS: In name of the Father… OR Ki te ingoa… Extend a warm welcome anyone else with you. Today is the 6th Sunday of Easter and today we begin Laudato Si Week, initiated by Pope Francis, who speaks to the whole Church and asks each one of us to participate by planning out what we might do to respond. Pope Francis speaks to us in this video https://laudatosiweek.org/.

Reader: Let’s remember God’s rich mercy and turn to God in prayer. For times we have not heard the cry of the earth; Lord have mercy (All) Lord have mercyFor contamination of the Earth’s waters, land and air; Christ have mercy

(All)Christ have mercyFor unrestrained consumerism; Lord have mercy (All) Lord have mercy

READER: The Father is the ultimate source of everything, the loving and self-communicating foundation of all that exists. The Son, his reflection, through whom all things were created, united himself to this earth when he was formed in the womb of Mary. The Spirit, infinite bond of love, is intimately present at the very heart of the universe, inspiring and bringing new pathways. (Laudato Si 238) With a spirit of praise let us rejoice in the wonder of all that is.READER: For the vastness of interstellar space ALL: Praise be you my Lord.READER: For the radiance of Brother Sun ALL: Praise be you my Lord.READER: For the light of Sister Moon and the stars ALL: Praise be you my Lord.READER: For the generosity of Sister Earth ALL: Praise be you my Lord.READER: For the minuteness of micro-organisms ALL: Praise be you my Lord.READER: For the delicateness of a snowdrop ALL: Praise be you my Lord.READER: For the unfolding rhythms of tides, times and seasons ALL: Praise be you my Lord.READER: For the energy of Brother wind ALL: Praise be you my Lord.READER: For the preciousness of Sister Water ALL: Praise be you my Lord.READER: For the vitality of animals that walk, fly or creep ALL: Praise be you my Lord.

Liturgy of the Word 6th Sunday Easter, Laudato Si Week beginsPrepare: There is a link to the Pope speaking briefly on Laudato Si week, and to some songs – prepare beforehand. You will need a Bible. If you are by yourself, read all the parts, otherwise, take turns.

Liturgy CentreCatholic Diocese of Auckland May 17th

2. All the earth must worship God and

Sing their praises to the Lord.

Come and see what God has done and

Say to-- God’ how great your deeds’.

READER: For the grace of creatures that live in the oceans ALL: Praise be you my Lord.READER: For the grandeur of trees and plants, mosses and fungi ALL: Praise be you my Lord.Pause for a time to reflect on these words – notice which words touch you more strongly.

COLLECT: Let us bring to mind all we want to pray for. (Allow silence, 1 minute) Grant, almighty God, that we may celebrate with heartfelt devotion these days of joy, which we keep in honour of the risen Lord, and that what we relive in remembrance we may always hold to in what we do. Through our Lord Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. All: Amen.

First READING: Acts 8:5-8,14-17 Allow a time of silence after the reading. (1-2 minutes).PSALM: 66 (These words can be sung to the tune, Firmly I believe and Truly)

1. Make a joyful noise to God nowSing the glory of God’s name.To God give our glorious praise andSay to-- God ‘how great your deeds’.

3. Come and hear all you who fear GodI will tell what God has done.My prayer God has not re—jectedNor removed God’s steadfast love.

Second READING: 1 Peter 3:15-18 Allow a time of silence after the reading (1-2 minutes).

GOSPEL: John 14:15-21SILENT REFLECTION: Recall a few words from the reading that seemed to stand out as you read or listened. Sit quietly and let these words go over and over in your mind. Then, a Question: Jesus said ‘if you love me, you will keep my commandments.’ How might we understand this command in the light of Laudato Si? If you are with someone else, discuss this. If by yourself, you could write or draw your reflection. Allow 5 or more minutes for this. For reflection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlxcGBoBDsc

PRAYER ALL: Father, we praise you with all your creatures.They came forth from your all-powerful hand;

they are yours, filled with your presence and your tender love.Praise be to you!

Son of God, Jesus, through you all things were made.You were formed in the womb of Mary our Mother,

you became part of this earth,and you gazed upon this world with human eyes.

Today you are alive in every creature in your risen glory.Praise be to you!

Holy Spirit, by your lightyou guide this world towards the Father’s loveand accompany creation as it groans in travail.

You also dwell in our hearts and you inspire us to do what is good.Praise be to you!

Triune Lord, wondrous community of infinite love,teach us to contemplate youin the beauty of the universe,

for all things speak of you.Awaken our praise and thankfulnessfor every being that you have made.

Give us the grace to feel profoundly joinedto everything that is.

God of love, show us our place in this worldas channels of your love

for all the creatures of this earth,for not one of them is forgotten in your sight.

Enlighten those who possess power and moneythat they may avoid the sin of indifference,

that they may love the common good, advance the weak,and care for this world in which we live.The poor and the earth are crying out.

O Lord, seize us with your power and light,help us to protect all life,

to prepare for a better future,for the coming of your Kingdom

of justice, peace, love and beauty.Praise be to you! Amen.

Prayer of the Faithful: As God’s people, we are called to pray for the needs of the whole world. If you are by yourself pray the petition and the whole response.For the Church – that Bishops, clergy, diocesan and parish administrators, seek ways to encourage the people of God to participate in the call Laudato Si Week puts forth, and that people respond willingly.Silence: Reader: Christ has died, Christ is risen! All: Alleluia. Let us rejoice!

For leaders of nations – that they demonstrate great willingness to overcome barriers and differences, and work together for the benefit of the earth and all peoples. Silence: Reader: Christ has died, Christ is risen! All: Alleluia. Let us rejoice!

For people who suffer from draught, hurricanes, ocean level rise, flooding and bush fires – that positive action taken by people, will give practical support and hope to all who are affected. Silence: Reader: Christ has died, Christ is risen! All: Alleluia. Let us rejoice!

For we who are dust of the earth – that our gratitude for the earth and all its riches will deepen and find expression in compassion and a willingness to live simply.Silence: Reader: Christ has died, Christ is risen! All: Alleluia. Let us rejoice!

For all people of the world – that there will be a profound willingness to enter into conversations about the state of the earth and what we all must do to care for the planet and for all its creatures. Silence: Reader: Christ has died, Christ is risen! All: Alleluia. Let us rejoice!

For the natural world – that climate change be halted, the atmosphere protected, water pollution prevented, cruelty towards animals ended, eco systems respected, oceans guarded and disregard for the wonder of life overturned.Silence: Reader: Christ has died, Christ is risen! All: Alleluia. Let us rejoice!

For humanity as it battles Covid-19 – that we act to protect poor and vulnerable peoples who are without proper healthcare facilities.Silence: Reader: Christ has died, Christ is risen! All: Alleluia. Let us rejoice!

THE LORD’S PRAYER: We pray the prayer Jesus gave us.

COLLECTION: Part of our commitment as Christian is to give to those in need. Think about what you might like to make a donation to, or offer to help in another way. These are some ideas.

Thank you for your kindness. Thank you for your participation in today’s Liturgy of the Word. Let us go in peace to love and serve God –All: Thanks be to God.

SONG: Laudato Si © words Damien Lundy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tCkCfyg5bU

The document Laudato Si http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20150524_enciclica-laudato-si.html

- Your Parish: your parish and presbytery still have operating costs.- The Caring Foundation Covid-19 appeal to donate, click here- Catholic Social Services Auckland to donate, click here- The Catholic aid agency Caritas to support their work, click here- St Vincent de Paul contact your parish or click here- Pacific Islands after cyclone Harold