Pope declares special Sunday each year dedicated to word of God

To help the Church grow in love and faithful witness to God, Pope Francis has declared the third Sunday in Ordinary Time (Sunday 19^th January) to be dedicated to the word of God.

12th January - Today we celebrate the feast day of the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by John the Baptist.

Feast of Epiphany - 6th January

Fourth Week - Advent

Father, all-powerful God, your eternal Word took flesh on our earth when the Virgin Mary placed her life at the service of your plan. Lift our minds in watchful hope to hear the voice which announces his glory and open our minds to receive the Spirit who prepares us for his coming. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Third Week - Advent

Lord God, may we, your people, who look forward to the birthday of Christ experience the joy of salvation and celebrate that feast with love and thanksgiving. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Second Week of Advent

God of power and mercy open our hearts in welcome. Remove the things that hinder us from receiving Christ with joy so that we may share his wisdom and become one with him when he comes in glory, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Prayers for Lighting the Advent Wreath Candles    -   First Week

All-powerful God, increase our strength of will for doing good that Christ may find an eager welcome at his coming and call us to his side in the kingdom of heaven, where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit one God, forever and ever.