Feast of Christ the king th November 24

Feast of Christ the king th November 24 2013 This day marks the end of the Year of Faith. Pope Francis reminds us that what continues is the call to all Christians to respond daily to Jesus, who calls us to be his disciples, sent out into the world to bear witness to the joy of a life lived in Faith

The year of Faith has brought many blessings to our homes, schools parishes and dioceses. There have been many faith enriching experiences for adults and young people – courses, conferences, retreats, pilgrimages and special parish events

World Youth Day Many young adult pilgrims and their leaders travelled from Ireland to attend World Youth Day. Some were lucky enough to represent Ireland at the Vigil and met Pope Francis. The Vigil is the highlight of the pilgrimage and 3. 2 million young people attended. Pope Francis waves from the popemobile to assembled crowds in Rio De Janeiro

Some of the 3. 2 million young people on Copacabana Beach on World Youth Day

"Go and make disciples of all nations!" (cf. Mt Pilgrims gather for the closing Mass for World Youth Day. Pope Francis urges young people to bring the joy of Jesus to the world

Words of Pope Francis to young people………. ‘You have an important part in the celebration of faith! You bring us the joy of faith and you tell us that we must live the faith with a young heart, always: a young heart, even at the age of seventy or eighty. Dear young people! With Christ, the heart never grows old! Yet all of us, all of you know very well that the King whom we follow and who accompanies us is very special: he is a King who loves even to the Cross and who teaches us to serve and to love’

We need saints without cassocks, without veils – We need saints with jeans and tennis shoes. We need saints that go to the movies, that listen to music, that hang out with their friends. We need saints that place God in first place ahead of succeeding in any career. We need saints that look for time to pray every day and who know how to be in love with purity, chastity Thoughts of Pope Francis…? ? and all good things.

Christ the King It is fitting that the ending of the Year of Faith is marked on the feast of Christ the king. Jesus knew the oppressive nature of secular kings, and in contrast to them, he connected his role as king to humble service, and commanded his followers to be servants as well. His teachings spell out a kingdom of justice and judgment balanced with radical love, mercy, peace, and forgiveness. When we celebrate Christ as King, we are not celebrating an oppressive ruler, but one willing to die for humanity and whose "loving-kindness endures forever. " Christ is the king that gives us true freedom, freedom in Him.

Let us pray God our Father as the Year of Faith draws to a close we thank you for its many blessings. We pray for the grace to journey in faith and to live as people of His Kingdom. We ask you to help us respond to the challenge Pope Francis puts to us when he asks us to lives of humble service. We ask this through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Intercessions Response is: Hear our prayer. Gathered as the family of God we place before You our prayers: (1) We pray that the Church of Christ the Universal King will continue to grow. We ask you Lord to watch over it and protect it. Grant our Holy Father Pope Francis our bishops and our priests the courage to faithfully proclaim your Gospel. Response: Hear our prayer

Intercessions (2) Father we pray for peace today in all the troubled parts of the world, may peace and justice once more flourish and hatred and war be no more. Response: Hear our prayer (3) For all who suffer illness of any kind - in mind, body or soul, that the Lord will place his healing hand upon them and restore them to the fullness of health. Response: Hear our prayer

Intercessions (4) In this month of November we remember our loved ones who have entered eternal life. Lord forgive them any sin they have committed and welcome them into your heavenly Kingdom. Response: Hear our prayer Eternal God, you rule your Kingdom with mercy, compassion and love. Hear the prayers of your family who are gathered here before you. Grant what we need to live as worthy members of your kingdom. We unite these with the unspoken prayers of our heart as we pray together : Our Father………. .