ANZAC Day Prayer Service Saturday 25 April 2020

ANZAC Day Prayer Service Saturday 25 April 2020 Created by Sydney Catholic Schools

Anzac Day is one of Australia’s most important national occasions. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand defence forces during World War One at Gallipoli.

Preparation As a family you may like to take part in Light up the Dawn. At 6 am on ANZAC Day, go to the end of your driveway or stand on your balcony and listen to a brief commemorative service or have a minute silence. Together – even while apart – we’ll remember those who served and sacrificed. You can sign the pledge to light up the dawn at rslanzacspirit. com. au

Preparation If you are able to, you may wish to set up a small prayer space. ❖ Put a cloth on a table. ❖ Place a cross, candle and a picture of the Australian flag (You may also place a New Zealand Flag). ❖ Your family might have photos or memorabilia, such as war medals belonging to family members who served in war. Place those on the prayer place as well. ❖ You might have flowers or a wreath you can decorate or perhaps make your own ANZAC Wreath or Red Poppy flowers. ❖ You may wish to bake ANZAC Biscuits to eat together after the prayer. It is ok if you don’t have all of these things at home, just use what you do have.

We Gather All: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Leader: We remember and honour the service and sacrifice of Australia’s servicemen and women in World War One and in all other wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. We remember them, as they offered their bodies, minds, hearts and spirits in fighting for a better world.

Opening Prayer All: O God, You have shown that peacemakers are your children. Grant to us, we pray, that we can work together to live in a world with justice which will bring us true and lasting peace. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

We Read or Listen A reading from the Gospel of John (15: 9 -14) As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. The Gospel of the Lord All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

We Respond Ode of Remembrance Leader: They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. All: We will remember them.

The Last Post This bugle call signalled the end of the day when all soldiers put down their weapons and prepared to rest for the night. Let us stand.

Let us pause in silence for 1 minute. Our silence offers a time to reflect on the significance of ANZAC Day. It is a sign of respect for all those who have died in war.

The Rouse

National Anthem Let us sing Advance Australia Fair Australians all let us rejoice, For we are young and free; We've golden soil and wealth for toil; Our home is girt by sea; Our land abounds in nature's gifts Of beauty rich and rare; In history's page, let every stage Advance Australia Fair. In joyful strains then let us sing, Advance Australia Fair. Beneath our radiant Southern Cross We'll toil with hearts and hands; To make this Commonwealth of ours Renowned of all the lands; For those who've come across the seas We've boundless plains to share; With courage let us all combine To Advance Australia Fair. In joyful strains then let us sing, Advance Australia Fair.

Closing Prayer Leader: God our Father, We have stopped to remember those who died in war. We pray for all men and women in the Australian and New Zealand defence forces who work to continue to keep our countries safe. We ask that like your Son Jesus who sacrificed his life for us, that the sacrifice of dying to protect our country made by our service men and women is never forgotten. Holy Spirit, send your loving power and strength to bring about peace in our world. We ask this through Christ our Lord, All: Amen. In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Abide With Me is a traditional hymn sung at ANZAC day services. Listen or sing along.

Acknowledgements Power. Point: Sydney Catholic Schools https: //sites. google. com/syd. catholic. edu. au/k 6 rehomelearning/prayer? authuser=0 Here They Come Video: https: //anzacportal. dva. gov. au/resources/here-they-come-dayremember Opening Prayer: adapted from the Collect for Preservation of Peace and Justice Roman Missal Catholic Truth Society St Paul’s Publications 2008 Scripture: New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) https: //www. biblegateway. com/passage/? search=John+15%3 A 914&version=NRSVCE Last Post, Rouse: https: //www. awm. gov. au/about/organisation/corporate/copyright https: //anzacportal. dva. gov. au/about-us/copyright#1 National Anthem: https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=NZWD 1 d. E 0 Iys Abide With Me: https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=84 YASWe 3_2 Q