SUNDAY PRAYERS at HOME for EASTER SEASON 2020

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United with men and women of faith throughout the world, we gather in prayer on these sacred and holy days. As we look forward to returning to our church for Mass, we remember that in every generation there are inspiring examples of faithful and holy Catholics who have been deprived of Mass even for many years. Some are deprived of Mass because of persecution, others because they are elderly or disabled or sick. Some are homebound or hospitalized or in prison, still others isolated in remote areas or prevented because of military service or the shortage of priests. In our own situation today, as we pray for protection from the spread of contagious disease, we humbly ask the Lord for healing and for His loving grace in this time of need. May our time of prayer at home glorify the Lord as we place our trust in His merciful love. Our time of prayer, separated and yet united, expresses our faith, hope and love. Our faith will endure. God is with us. He is a good shepherd -- He will never abandon His sheep. We give thanks for our Catholic Faith. We are united in prayer with our Pastor, Our Bishop, our Pope, and with all men and women of faith, those in this world, those who have died, and with all the angels and saints in Heaven.

Please adapt these prayers according to your own special circumstances. For example, you may wish to share the Scriptures from a Children’s Bible with small children. You may wish to combine your own prayers with watching Mass on television, but remember that worshipping the Lord and keeping holy these sacred days should be active, not just passively watching someone else pray on a screen. That is the reason for this prayer guide.

The Bible readings printed here are short selections from the Sunday readings. The chapters and verses are provided for you to read the full text in your Bible. All of the Church readings for each day of the year are conveniently found on our USA Bishop’s website: www.usccb.org Just click on any day on the calendar.

Oh Mary, Loving Mother and Our Perpetual Help, we know that you are there for us in this moment of need. As you presented the needs of the wedding couple in Cana to Jesus, and asked them to “do whatever He tells you” we ask that you present our needs to Jesus your Son, as together with you, we place our trust in Him. We ask for protection from disease, we pray for all those who are suffering, and we pray that very soon we will be able to return to the celebration of Mass, where we desire to receive Jesus in Holy Communion with the same love, devotion and purity in which you first received Him in your virginal womb. Amen.

A PRAYER SERVICE for CELEBRATING the LORD’s DAY at HOME Opening Prayer

Grant Almighty God that we may celebrate with heartfelt devotion these days of joy which we keep in honor 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, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen

Let us take a moment of silence to be sorry for our sins . . .

Lord you are the Resurrection and the Life Lord, have mercy (Lord, have mercy) You came that we might have life and have it to the full Christ, have mercy (Christ, have mercy) You are victorious over sin and death forever Lord, have mercy (Lord, have mercy) May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.

Glory to God in the Highest

And on earth peace to people of good will. We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glory, Lord God, heavenly King, Oh God, almighty Father. Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son, Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, You take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us; you take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer; You are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, You alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Sharing God’s Holy Word: You will find the Sunday Bible Readings on the following pages or at www.usccb.org The Nicene Creed

I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten not made, consubstantial with the Father; Through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven And by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried And rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, Who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. I believe in one, holy, Catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins And I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Petitions: See the following page The Lord’s Prayer “Our Father Who Art in Heaven” Spiritual Communion

My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Come into my heart. I embrace You and unite myself entirely to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. I adore you and I praise you Lord, in every Tabernacle and upon every holy altar on earth, because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world. Oh Sacrament Most Holy, Oh Sacrament Divine, all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment thine! Spend a moment of silence adoring the Lord Jesus in your heart.

Concluding Prayer

Look upon your flock, kind Shepherd, and be pleased to settle in eternal pastures the sheep you have redeemed by the Precious Blood of your Son, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

(You may wish to add your own devotional prayers, such as the Divine Mercy Chaplet or Holy Rosary)

P E T I T I O N S: 1. For protection from the coronavirus and all other diseases. For all who are suffering and for all who care for them with generosity and compassion, we pray to the Lord . . . “Lord, Hear Our Prayer” 2. For all who have died in our country and throughout the world, that they may share in the full glory of the Lord’s Resurrection; and for healing in the hearts of all who have lost a loved one, we pray to the Lord . . . 3. For all who are preparing and waiting to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion, we pray to the Lord . . . 4. That the Lord will inspire and direct our words and actions so that in this time of sadness and fear the Holy Church of God may be seen as a sign of healing, comfort, mercy and hope, we pray to the Lord . . . 5. That the Spirit of the Risen Lord will shine brightly at the center of every marriage, family and home, we pray to the Lord . . . . 6. That our separation during this time from the Sacrament of Confession and Holy Communion may increase our appreciation and desire to humbly and faithfully receive these Sacraments of His Divine Love, we pray to the Lord 7. For all who serve as shepherds in our Church, including Pope Francis, Bishop Joseph, our Pastor . . . , and for our Deacons, religious sisters and for all spiritual leaders, we pray to the Lord . . . 8. (Mention now your own special needs and intentions and of those gathered with you) . . . .

T h e E A S T E R S E Q U E N C E Christians, to the Paschal victim offer your thankful praises! A Lamb the sheep redeems: Christ, who only is sinless, reconciles sinners to the Father. Death and life have contended, in that combat stupendous: The Prince of life, who died, reigns immortal. Speak, Mary, declaring what thou saw, wayfaring: "The tomb of Christ, who is living, the glory of Jesus' Resurrection; bright angels attesting, the shroud and napkin resting. Christ my hope is arisen; to Galilee he goes before you." Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining; have mercy, victor King, ever reigning! Amen. Alleluia!

T h e C H A P L E T o f D I V I N E M E R C Y The Chaplet of Mercy is recited using ordinary rosary beads of five decades. On each large bead say:

“Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.” On each small bead say:

“For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.” Concluding Prayer:

“Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world. (3 Times) Eternal God your mercy is endless and your treasury of compassion is inexhaustible; look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself.”

SCRIPTURE READINGS for SUNDAYS in the EASTER SEASON

April 19: DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY (2nd Sunday of Easter) ACTS 2:42-47

“They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of bread and to the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.” RESPONSORIAL PSALM: PS 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24

R. “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his love is everlasting” or “Alleluia” 1 PETER 1:3-9

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” GOSPEL: JOHN 20:19-31

“Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

APRIL 26: 3rd SUNDAY of EASTER ACTS 2:14, 22-33

“Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and proclaimed: “God raised Jesus; of this we are all witnesses. Exalted at the right hand of God, he received the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father and poured him forth, as you see and hear.” RESPONSORIAL PSALM PS 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11

R. “Lord, you will show us the path of life” or: “Alleluia” 1 PETER 1:17-21 “Conduct yourselves with reverence during the time of your sojourning, realizing that you were ransomed from your futile conduct…not with perishable things like silver or gold but with the precious blood of Christ as of a spotless unblemished lamb…God raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.” GOSPEL: LUKE 24:13-35

“Beginning with Moses and all the prophets, Jesus interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures . . . later while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?” So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the eleven and those with them who were saying, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of bread.”

MAY 3: 4th SUNDAY of EASTER: GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY ACTS 2:14A, 36-41

“Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and proclaimed: “Let the whole house of Israel know for certain that God has made both Lord and Christ this Jesus whom you crucified.” Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and they asked Peter and the other apostles, “What are we to do, my brothers?” Peter said, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand persons were added that day.”

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm23: 1-3A, 3B4, 5, 6 R. “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want” or: “Alleluia” 1 PETER 2:20B-25 “Beloved, if you are patient when you suffer for doing what is good, this is a grace before God; He himself bore our sins in his body upon the cross, so that, free from sin, we might live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you had gone astray like sheep, but you have now returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.” GOSPEL: JOHN 10:1-10

“Jesus said, “Amen, amen, I say to you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.”

MAY 10: 5th SUNDAY of EASTER (Mothers’ Day) ACTS 6:1-7 “The word of God continued to spread, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly; even a large group of [Jewish] priests were becoming obedient to the faith.” RESPONSORIAL PSALM PS 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19 R. “ Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.” or: “Alleluia” 1 PETER 2:4-9 Beloved: Come to him, a living stone, rejected by human beings but chosen and precious in the sight of God, and, like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. . . .You are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises” of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” GOSPEL JOHN 14:1-12

“Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. Where I am going you know the way.”

Thomas said to him, “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me . . . whoever has seen me has seen the Father.”

MAY 17: 6th SUNDAY of EASTER ACTS 8:5-8, 14-17

“Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Christ to them. With one accord, the crowds paid attention to what was said by Philip when they heard it and saw the signs he was doing. For unclean spirits, crying out in a loud voice, came out of many possessed people, and many paralyzed or crippled people were cured. There was great joy in that city. RESPONSORIAL PSALM PS 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20

R. “Let all the earth cry out to God with joy” or: “Alleluia” 1 PETER 3:15-18

“Beloved, sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear . . . for it is better to suffer for doing good if that be the will of God, than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the sake of the unrighteous, that he might lead you to God.” Gospel JOHN 14:15-21

“Jesus said to his disciples: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments and I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows him. But you know him, because he remains with you, and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me, because I live and you will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you. Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.”

“The Easter Story” (A poem by Fr. Gregory Beaumont)

Angels what are you saying? He is not here? “Come look and see!” An empty cave, just cloth & wrappings Where His Body used to be.

What happened? Where did they put him? Weren’t there guards here all night long He is not here for HE IS RISEN Raise your hearts in joyful song!

It all started in the garden At the very dawn of time A paradise of peace and pleasure Lost forever by Adam’s crime

Exiled in a world of suffering Toil and misery, fear and sin But with a promise to Abraham Salvation’s story would begin The Lord sent patriarchs, judges, Kings and prophets To make straight a path and prepare the Way For the coming of the Son of David Who was born on Christmas Day

He taught us to call God “Our Father” To love our neighbor and serve the poor And that the way to peace is forgiveness Not through violence and war “Love one another as I have loved you” He showed us how by washing feet Then the greatest gift of all He gave us “This is my Body – take and eat.” He was betrayed – not just by Judas You and I rejected Him In our neglect of one another In our selfishness, pride and sin “It should have been us up on the Cross We’re the ones who deserved to die” “Forgive them Father, they don’t know what they’re doing” Our loving Savior did reply. His limp and lifeless Body cradled In the arms of His Mother dear She who rejoiced to see his birthday Now could not hold back her tears

All seemed lost for he was buried Disciples scattered. It was night. But life from death He ROSE triumphant A glorious dawn of eternal light Christ reigns victorious! He’s broken the chains of death and sin Open wide the gates of paradise Let all his people enter in! The poor disciples were afraid They didn’t know what it all meant The Holy Spirit gave them courage To the ends of the earth they were sent In your life, is there still worry? Anxiety, conflict, fear or strife? Turn to Jesus for hope and glory “I am the Resurrection and the Life” The Lord is Risen ! Alleluia! Jesus Christ is Risen Today! Tell the World the Good News of Salvation Life from Death on Easter Day!

Pray a Decade of the Holy Rosary with a Bible Verse for each Hail Mary:

The Resurrection of Jesus from the Dead

1. As the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene came with the other Mary to the tomb. (Mt 28:1) 2. The angel came to the stone, rolled it back and sat on it. (Mt 28:2) 3. The angel said to the women: "Do not be afraid. I know you are looking for Jesus, the crucified

but he is not here. He has been raised, exactly as he promised." (Mt 28:5-7) 4. “He has been raised from the dead and now goes ahead of you to Galilee.” 5. On the evening of the first day of the week, even though the disciples had locked the doors,

Jesus came and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be with you." (Jn 20:19) 6. At the sight of the Lord the disciples rejoiced. (Jn 20:20) 7. "Peace be with you." Jesus said again. "As the Father has sent me, so I send you." (Jn 20:21) 8. “I am going to prepare a place for you. I will come back and take you to myself.

Where I am going you know the way.” (Jn 14:6) 9. “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (Jn 14:8) 10. "I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord. Whoever believes in me, even though he should die,

will come to life." (Jn 11:25-26)

Prayer for Protection from the Corona Virus Covid-19 and from all Physical and Spiritual Danger

The Lorica (Breastplate) of Saint Patrick of Ireland

I arise today through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, Through belief in the Threeness, confession of the Oneness of the Creator of creation.

I arise today through the strength of Christ's birth and baptism, Through the strength of His crucifixion and burial, Through the strength of His resurrection and ascension, Through the strength of His judgment on the final day.

I arise today through the strength of the love of cherubim, In the obedience of angels, in the service of archangels, In the prayers of patriarchs, in the teaching of prophets, In the preaching of apostles, in the faith of the saints and martyrs, In the innocence of holy virgins, in the deeds of righteous men.

I arise today through the strength of heaven, The light of the sun, the radiance of the moon, The splendor of fire, the speed of lightning, The swiftness of wind, the depth of the sea, The stability of the earth, the firmness of rock.

I arise today through God's strength to direct me, God's might to uphold me, God's wisdom to guide me, God's eye to watch over me, God's ear to hear me, God's word to speak for me, God's hand to guard me, God's shield to protect me, God's host to save me

From snares of devils, from temptation of vices, From everyone who shall wish me ill, near and afar. I summon today all these powers between me and those evils, Against every cruel and merciless power that may oppose my body and soul, Against incantations of false prophets, Against black magic of pagans, against the false teaching of heretics, Against witchcraft and idolatry, against every sin which corrupts man's body and soul;

Christ always with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ within me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise

Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me.

I arise today Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, Through belief in the Threeness, Through confession of the Oneness of the Creator of creation. AMEN. This Prayer Booklet was prepared by Prepared by Rev. Gregory J. Beaumont, Holy Family Catholic Church, Kingsburg, CA Please use and distribute freely. May the Lord save us from the spread of disease and soon bring us back together for Mass.