July 20, 2025
July 20, 2025
General Intercessions, Prayers of the Faithful for Sunday Mass.
General Intercessions,Prayers of the Faithful for Sunday Mass.
For the Church: that our deeds of hospitality and service may reveal for us a glimpse of the face of God
For the fulfillment of God’s saving work: that we may have a deeper connection with Christ through the sufferings that we endure and so make present God’s loving plan
For the recognition and development of the ministries of women: that God will help all to appreciate and affirm the gifts that women bring to the church and support them in using their gifts
SOURCE: Sunday Website
The Church
16th Sunday of Year C
SHALOM WORLD (11:05) - On the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pope Leo XIV addresses priests from around the world with a homily at Saint Peter’s Basilica. He reflects on what it truly means to be a shepherd today, rooted in the Eucharist, shaped by mercy, and sent to bring unity and healing.
May priests emphasize the importance of love, unity, charity, and a selfless ministry to lead others to Christ and spread the peace of the risen Lord. May the Eucharist be in the center of our lives.
it is Christ in you, the hope for glory.
It is he whom we proclaim,
admonishing everyone and
teaching everyone with all wisdom,
that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
SECOND READING
CHURCH LEADERS
FIRST READING
Petition for Welcoming Leadership:
May our Church leaders, like Abraham, extend hospitality and welcome to all in need, fostering unity and compassion within our communities. We pray to the Lord...
Petition for Faithfulness in Leadership:
Grant our Pope, Bishops, Priests, and Deacons unwavering faith, O Lord, that they may trust in Your promises and lead Your people with wisdom and courage. We pray to the Lord...
Petition for Leaders' Spiritual Nourishment:
Nourish the spiritual lives of our Church leaders, Heavenly Father, that they may find strength and inspiration in Your Word and presence. We pray to the Lord...
SECOND READING
Petition for Sacrificial Leadership:
Inspire our Pope, Bishops, Priests and Deacons to emulate St. Paul, offering their lives in service to the Gospel and the Church, with humility and dedication. We pray to the Lord...
Petition for Leaders' Evangelization Efforts:
Guide our Church leaders, O Lord, to proclaim Your truth boldly and wisely, inviting others to experience the transformative power of the Gospel. We pray to the Lord...
Petition for Wise and Compassionate Leadership:
Grant our Church leaders wisdom and compassion, dear Lord, that they may respond to the needs of Your people and foster a spirit of unity and love within the Church. We pray to the Lord...
GOSPEL
Petition for Leaders' Contemplative Spirit:
May our Pope, Bishops, Priests, and Deacons cherish moments of quiet contemplation and prayer, O Lord, that they may be nourished by Your Word and presence. We pray to the Lord...
Petition for Prioritizing Spiritual Guidance:
Inspire our Church leaders to prioritize their spiritual guidance and teaching, like Jesus, guiding Your people on the path of faith and discipleship. We pray to the Lord...
Petition for Leaders' Humility and Service:
Grant our Pope, Bishops, Priests, and Deacons the humility and dedication of Christ, that they may serve Your people with love, selflessness, and compassion. We pray to the Lord...
Governing Authorities and the Salvation of the World
For immigrants and refugees: that God will protect them from harm, guide them through the bureaucratic procedures and lead them to a new home where they can share their talents
For peace: that God will turn hearts from violence in our cities and families, open new opportunities for dialogue, and protect innocent people from attacks and errant gunfire
For a greater spirit of stewardship: that the Spirit will guide us in sharing our time, talents, and resources in support of the church and the forgotten of our society
SOURCE: Sunday Website
The World
16th Sunday of Year C
CBN NEWS (8:56) - Reports say tens of thousands of mosques in Iran have closed, with millions of people leaving Islam to follow Jesus. What on earth is this happening? CBN's Raj Nair is joined by Hooman Khalili, who was born in Iran to a Muslim family, to find out the overwhelming details.
Almighty God, protect Christians everywhere in the world who are facing persecution for their faith, and grant them the freedom to worship and follow Your divine path. Grant that the seeds of faith sown in them may grow and flourish; Guide the leaders of their country to govern with wisdom and justice, and may they recognize the value of religious freedom and diversity within their nation.
He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.
Who harms not his fellow man,
nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor;
by whom the reprobate is despised,
while he honors those who fear the LORD.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
WORLD PEACE
FIRST READING
Petition for Hospitality and Unity in the Middle East:
May the nations of the Middle East, like Abraham, extend hospitality and friendship to their neighbors, fostering peace and unity in the region. We pray to the Lord...
Petition for Trust in God's Promises for Eastern Europe:
Grant the people of Eastern Europe unwavering faith in Your divine promises, O Lord, that they may work together towards peace and prosperity. We pray to the Lord...
SECOND READING
Petition for Reconciliation in Asia:
Inspire the nations of Asia to seek reconciliation and unity, as St. Paul worked for the unity of the Church, promoting dialogue and understanding among all. We pray to the Lord...
Petition for Wisdom in Trade Relations:
Guide the leaders of China and the world in their trade negotiations, O Lord, that they may make wise decisions for the good of all people. We pray to the Lord...
GOSPEL
Petition for Prioritizing Peace in Eastern Europe:
May the leaders of Eastern Europe prioritize peace and harmony, like Mary chose to listen to Jesus, seeking Your guidance on the path to reconciliation. We pray to the Lord...
Petition for Spiritual Nourishment in China:
Nourish the spiritual lives of the people of China, Heavenly Father, that they may find strength and comfort in Your divine presence amidst their struggles. We pray to the Lord...
For Those Facing Adversities
We pray for couples unable to have children or who have suffered the grief of miscarriage, that they will find peace of heart and other ways of living fruitful lives. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
SOURCE: Australian Catholics
For all who feel barraged by commercials and reasons to buy: that they may realize that their dignity and meaning is found in being children of God rather than in their possessions
For all who are busy about work and progress: that God will free us from overworking, help us find the life-giving balance, and recognize the relationships which bring us life
For all who live a life of service, particularly those who care for the sick, assist travelers, or serve in public safety: that they may offer their service joyfully and be renewed by God’s love
SOURCE: Sunday Website
Special Needs
16th Sunday of Year C
IBELIEVE (2:11) - The tug of war between hope and disappointment can be exhausting for any couple trying to conceive a baby, but for couples facing infertility, the struggle can be brutal. Prayer helps us capture our anxious thoughts and bring them to the place where hope is found.
For all couples who wish to become pregnant: that God will hear the desires of their hearts and gift them with a child to love, nurture and guide to maturity
SOURCE: Sunday Website
They asked Abraham,
"Where is your wife Sarah?"
He replied, "There in the tent."
One of them said,
"I will surely return to you about this time next year,
and Sarah will then have a son."
FIRST READING
RESPECT FOR LIFE
FIRST READING
Petition for Nurturing Life:
May we, like Abraham, welcome and nurture the gift of life from its very beginning, promoting a culture of life and love in our world. We pray to the Lord...
Petition for Protection from Harmful Influences:
Shield us, O Lord, from the influences of pornography and other harmful media, that we may respect the inherent dignity of every person. We pray to the Lord...
SECOND READING
Petition for Compassionate Leadership:
Inspire our leaders, O Lord, to defend the dignity of the unborn and vulnerable, working tirelessly for the protection of all life. We pray to the Lord...
Petition for Conversion and Healing:
Grant healing and conversion to those who support the death penalty and abortion, that they may embrace a culture of life and mercy. We pray to the Lord...
GOSPEL
Petition for Listening and Understanding:
May we, like Mary, choose to listen to Your teachings on the sanctity of life, promoting dialogue and understanding among those with differing views. We pray to the Lord...
Petition for Respect and Hospitality:
Teach us, Heavenly Father, to extend respect and hospitality to all, fostering a culture that values and cherishes every human life. We pray to the Lord...
YEAR OF HOPE
FIRST READING
Year of Hope: Restoration and Comfort
Almighty Father, during this Year of Hope, may Your Church be a source of restoration and comfort for those wounded by sorrow and pain. As Jerusalem nurtured her children, let the faithful find solace and renewed hope in Your embrace. We pray to the Lord...
Year of Hope: Rejoicing in God's Promises
Lord, as we celebrate the Year of Hope, remind us of Your promise to bless us with peace and prosperity when we turn to You with all our hearts. May our hope in Your faithfulness bring healing to our wounds and strength to persevere. We pray to the Lord...
SECOND READING
Year of Hope: Reconciliation through Christ
Eternal God, during this Year of Hope, may Christ's redemptive work inspire reconciliation and unity within Your Church and the world. As He reconciles all things to Himself, grant us hope for healing and wholeness amidst brokenness. We pray to the Lord...
Year of Hope: Unity in the Body of Christ
O Lord, in this Year of Hope, may the Church be a vibrant witness to Your divine love and reconciliation. As Christ is the head of the Church, unite us in our mission to heal the wounds of division, hatred, and despair. We pray to the Lord...
GOSPEL
Year of Hope: Compassionate Outreach
Gracious God, as we observe this Year of Hope, empower us to extend the compassion of the Good Samaritan to all who suffer. May our acts of mercy and love bring healing, hope, and wholeness to the wounded and marginalized. We pray to the Lord...
Year of Hope: Inspiring Action and Transformation
Lord, during this Year of Hope, inspire us to be agents of transformation in our world, addressing the root causes of hopelessness and despair. May our efforts to promote justice, peace, and love bring hope to those in need. We pray to the Lord...
The Local Community
For all who do not feel appreciated: that they may find in Christ the courage to continue to love and serve without praise or recognition
For all who suffer for their faith: that their witness may strengthen the church and deepen our faith and commitment to the Gospel
For all who are traveling during these summer weeks: that God will protect them, renew, and restore them through this time away and strengthen their bonds with their loved ones
For all who are ill: that God’s healing spirit will bring them through their illness and restore them to wholeness
SOURCE: Sunday Website
Local Community
16th Sunday of Year C
ARCHDIOCESE OF MILWAUKEE (3:07) - This video touches on the three key components of ecclesiology -- Church as Mystery, Church as Sacrament and Church as Communion.
For freedom from jealousy and criticism: that the Spirit will guide us in sharing and living out our gifts even when those of others seem more significant...
"Martha, Martha, you are anxious
and worried about many things.
There is need of only one thing.
Mary has chosen the better part
and it will not be taken from her."
GOSPEL
FAMILIES
FIRST READING
Petition for Family Unity:
May our families, inspired by Abraham's hospitality, extend love and unity to one another, fostering strong and supportive bonds. We pray to the Lord...
Petition for Nurturing Faith in Children:
Nurture the seeds of faith in our children, O Lord, that they may grow in Your divine love and wisdom, guided by the example of Abraham's faithfulness. We pray to the Lord...
SECOND READING
Petition for Faith-Filled Parenting:
Grant parents the wisdom and grace to raise their children in the ways of faith, that they may be filled with the knowledge of Christ's love. We pray to the Lord...
Petition for Joyful Service in Families:
Inspire our families to serve one another with joy, as St. Paul rejoiced in his sufferings for the Church, building up the domestic church in faith and love. We pray to the Lord...
GOSPEL
Petition for Spiritual Nourishment in Families:
May our families find time for prayer and reflection, like Mary chose to listen to Jesus, growing together in faith and spiritual understanding. We pray to the Lord...
Petition for Respect and Understanding Among Siblings:
Grant siblings the grace to respect and understand one another, like Jesus taught us, fostering peace and unity within our families. We pray to the Lord...
SACRAMENTS
FIRST READING
Petition for Hospitality through the Eucharist:
May our celebration of the Eucharist nurture within us a spirit of hospitality, like Abraham's welcome to the strangers, fostering unity and love in our communities. We pray to the Lord...
Petition for Matrimony's Grace:
Strengthen the bond of matrimony within our parish, O Lord, that couples may draw inspiration from Abraham and Sarah's faithfulness, and nurture love and unity in their families. We pray to the Lord...
SECOND READING
Petition for Anointing of the Sick:
Grant healing and comfort to those suffering, dear Lord, that they may unite their sufferings with Christ, as St. Paul offered his sufferings for the Church. We pray to the Lord...
Petition for Confirmation's Wisdom:
May the gift of wisdom, received through Confirmation, guide our leaders and communities to serve with humility and dedication, inspired by St. Paul's example. We pray to the Lord...
GOSPEL
Petition for Contemplation in the Eucharistic Presence:
Inspire us, O Lord, to spend time in silent contemplation before Your Eucharistic Presence, like Mary chose to sit at Your feet, deepening our understanding of Your love. We pray to the Lord...
Petition for Reconciliation's Grace:
Grant us the grace to seek forgiveness through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, dear Lord, that we may experience the peace and unity found in Your loving embrace. We pray to the Lord...
SUNDAY WEBSITE | AUSTRALIAN CATHOLICS | UN OBSERVANCES