• Parish meeting prayer
  
  For use during Lent 2015
  
  Introduction
  Leader: People from various cultures are being baptized, confirmed and receiving First Communion at Mary Queen this Easter. During Lent, we prepare to become one family with them.
  
  Opening Prayer - Galatians 3:27-29
  All: Uniting God, Maker of families, you have called many difference faces to be in your house. Lead us to make a home with the diverse people you have called to be members of our parish family. We pray in Jesus’ name through the Spirit of unity. Amen.
  
  
  Reader: A Reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Galatians

  For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.^* There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendant, heirs according to the promise.
  
  Reader: The Word of the Lord
  
  

  Pause for silent reflection after the reading.)

  Discuss these questions in two’s or three’s.

  
  1. Do you have relationships with parishioners whose native language is different than your own?
  
  2. Have you ever attended a bilingual Mass at any parish?
  
  3. Share your reflections on your experiences or lack thereof.
  
  
  Response (Psalm 122)
  
  Side 1 I rejoiced when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.”
  Side 2 And now our feet are standing within your gates, Jerusalem.
  Side 1 Jerusalem, built as a city, walled round about.
  Side 2 There the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD,
  Side 1 As it was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
  Side 2 For the peace of Jerusalem pray: “May those who love you prosper!
  Side 1 May peace be within your ramparts, prosperity within your towers.”
  Side 2 For the sake of my brothers and friends I say, “Peace be with you.”
  All: For the sake of the house of the LORD, our God, I pray for your good.
  

  last updated 02/13/2015 jm