MARCH 2024

Intercessory Prayer Network

This month, we continue our Lenten Journey alongside St. Joseph, whose feast we celebrate on March 19. As the weeks of Lent progress, let us not tire of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, as we observe a holy and purgative journey to the Cross.


Confession 

The Gospel affirms that “there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance” (Luke 15:7). Jesus longs to forgive our sins. In the Sacrament of Confession, he speaks to us personally through the ministry of his priests. This Lenten season, let us make an effort to seek the Crucified Christ in the Sacrament of Confession which is widely available in the weeks to come.   

Let us pray for the faithful in the Archdiocese of Vancouver: that they will recognize the love of Jesus in the hearts of our priests. May they, through the Sacrament of Confession, be reconciled with God and grow closer to him this Lenten season. Let us pray also in thanksgiving for our priests: that God will fill their hearts with hope and joy as they participate in Christ’s ministry.


Solemnity of Saint Joseph

On March 19, we celebrate the Solemnity of St. Joseph, who was an earthly father to Jesus. As Pope Francis reminds us, “Every child is the bearer of a unique mystery that can only be brought to light with the help of a father who respects that child’s freedom. A father who realizes that he is most a father and educator at the point when he becomes ‘useless,’ when he sees that his child has become independent and can walk the paths of life unaccompanied. When he becomes like Joseph, who always knew that his child was not his own but had merely been entrusted to his care. In the end, this is what Jesus would have us understand when he says: ‘Call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven’ (Mt 23:9).”

Let us pray for all fathers, that they will model their vocations after the life of St. Joseph. 

Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. To you God entrusted his only Son; in you Mary placed her trust; with you Christ learned to be a man. Blessed Joseph, to us, too, show yourself a father, and guide us in the path of life. Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage, and defend us from every evil. Amen.


Together For Good Marriage Workshop

In partnership with FamilyLife Canada, the Archdiocese is offering the Together for Good Marriage Workshop. This gathering will give couples tools, exercises and guided conversations to help grow a healthier and resilient marriage, to move beyond their differences to a place of greater closeness and trust. We pray that the participants will discover how incredibly good marriage can be — for themselves, their families and their community.

Let us pray for the married couples attending this workshop: that they will have a more joy-filled marriage and be a beautiful witness to those around them. We pray that all married couples will seek out opportunities to strengthen their marriages, for the sake of their families.  We also pray specifically for couples who are struggling to see the goodness of their marriage: that they may find the support and grace they need to overcome these challenges. 


Lay Leaders in Lent 

In March, the Ministries & Outreach team will be hosting a discussion group for members of leadership teams from parishes across the Archdiocese. We will read and reflect on the role of the laity in the Church.

Father, we thank you for those across this Archdiocese who are serving in leadership teams. We ask that this discussion group will be a blessing for them. May they be encouraged in their ministry and make good connections with others. May the readings and discussion touch their hearts and give them practical ways to grow in holiness in their everyday lives.


Indigenous Relations

Please pray for the ongoing work of healing and reconciliation with our Indigenous brothers and sisters. Pray especially for the committee of Indigenous and Church leaders who decide where local funds are invested to best promote healing and reconciliation.


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