SATURDAY 8 AUGUST
Novena | Day One
Daily Opening Prayer
Come, Holy Spirit.
Shape us in love that seeks the good of all,
in joy that does not fade amid uncertainty,
and in peace that gives clarity to our listening and discernment.
Teach us patience in our shared journey together,
kindness in our words,
and goodness in the choices set before us.
Ground us in faithfulness to the way of Jesus,
attune us to gentleness in our relationships with others,
and steady us with self-control when we are tempted to rush.
Draw us into a deeper conversion of heart,
renewing what has grown weary,
reorientating what has lost its way,
and opening us again to the life you are bringing forth.
Amen.
Finding God Where We Are
As we begin this Novena, we place ourselves before God with hope and openness. Renewal does not begin with plans or strategies, but with trusting that God is already present in the ordinary places of our lives. St Mary of the Cross MacKillop lived this trust – finding Christ in people’s homes, classrooms, on country roads, and among the poor – and encouraged those around her to recognise God at work in the ordinariness of life. The Gospel for today’s Solemnity echoes this same freedom from anxiety and a clear focus on the Kingdom: seek first the Kingdom of God. Renewal in our Archdiocese needs to be both practical and tender: policies that promote and safeguard human dignity; budgets that prefer the poor and those on the margins; and classrooms and workplaces that awaken faith. Like Mary MacKillop, may we be renewed by finding God where we are, and responding with practical faith and courage.
Strive first for his kingdom, and righteousness, and all these other things will be given you as well.
Matthew 6:33
Intention
We ask for searching hearts that find God in our workplaces, schools, universities, shopping centres, gyms, cafes, streets, parks and parishes. We pray that our stewardship be transparent, accountable, and shaped by a preferential love for others and those in need. May our teaching, mentoring and accompaniment be expressed with love and form us all in faith, justice and hope.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
Daily Closing Prayer
Holy Spirit, you who move in our hearts and lives,
seal in us the grace we have asked for today.
Bless the work of the Archdiocesan Assembly and the ongoing renewal of our local Church.
Guide our conversations, planning and decisions,
so that all we do may serve the Gospel and make Jesus known and loved.
Shape us into signs of communion and hope,
as we share our gifts for the life of the world.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Mary, Help of Christians, pray for us.
St Christopher, pray for us
St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, pray for us