Readings & Prayers

Saint Mark Social Justice Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We graciously ask You to pour out Your spirit on our parish and fill us with Your grace to be instruments of peace and charity to all those whom You place in our path who are less fortunate, defenseless, marginalized, or forgotten:

May we recognize You in everyone we meet, whether stranger or neighbor, no matter their race or nationality, no matter their age or economic status, no matter their physical or mental condition, no matter their circumstances.

• • • • • • • May we know the homeless as our brethren and be generous with our material blessings, our gifts, and our hearts.
            • May we see Your reflection on the poor and be moved to action and empathy
            • May we demonstrate Your mercy toward the incarcerated by works of faith and fellowship through cooperation with the Holy Spirit.
            • May we advocate in Your name for the unborn, the elderly, and the most vulnerable.
            • May the troubled, the sick, and the disabled know comfort and experience Your love through our assistance and care.
            • May we recognize and challenge racial injustice wherever it exists.
            • May we welcome all immigrants and refugees as Your children and support their integration into our society, as we see the value of all who seek to be our neighbors.
            • May we provide assistance from our abundance to those challenged by unemployment and financial stress, and fight for policies that uphold the rights to dignified work and a living wage.

Through the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary we pray. Amen.