The first candle is a symbol of the kindly light and of hope that gives us ‘the resolve to run forth to meet Christ’ whose presence dispels darkness.

When we remove all obstacles to Christ’s presence he will come, at any hour or moment, to dwell spiritually in our hearts.

I love you, Lord, my strength, my rock, my fortress, my Saviour.

Feast of St Andrew: “Follow me, says the Lord, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Today is World AIDS Day. We pray for those who suffer from this disease. We pray for their families, their carers and their healthcare workers.

The Lord is my light and my help.

We ask Mary to watch over all those who are sick this Christmas and to support those who care for them at home and in hospitals. Amen.

We ask God for strength to be like John the Baptist, preparing the way of the Lord.

Be strong, 

let your heart take courage, all who hope in the Lord. 

“Show patience in times of trouble; never cease praying.” Romans 12:12

Jesus said, ‘Come to me, 

all you who labour and are overburdened,

and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28 

The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Our Lady, overflowing with grace, all creation receives new life from your abundance.

We pray for those who are struggling and we ask the Lord to keep them in his care. Amen.

Give us hope, Lord, to steady our steps, for we walk by faith and not by earthly sight.

Gaudete Sunday. 

Rejoice! For the Lord is near!

Do not worry about who is and is not on your side: simply make sure that God is with you in all you do.

O glorious Saint Lucy, virgin and martyr who gave her life for the church, we venerate your sacrifice for our faith.

Today we pray for all who are housebound and for all those in care facilities. Amen.

We thank you, Lord, for all that we have: move us to give of our plenty to those who have little.

We give thanks and praise for mothers and fathers, young and old. We remember those who are no longer with us but who live forever in our memory and nourish us with their love. Amen.

The natural environment is a collective good, the patrimony of all humanity and the responsibility of everyone. (Laudato Si’, 95)

May the light of Christ enter our hearts so that we may share the warmth of God’s love with those we meet. 

Lord, we ask you to hold closely young people who are struggling with everyday life. Let them see how much they are valued and loved. Amen.

Today we pray for all those living with dementia. May they know in their hearts God’s comforting embrace and continue to realise, as names and memories fade, that they are loved by family, friends, and especially by you. Amen.

As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, let us be mindful that many people will be struggling to put food on their tables.

Bless the work of those running food banks and centres; move us to give to them as generously as we can. Amen.

Lord Jesus, look after the children of the world, protect them and hear their prayers.

May Jesus light in our hearts, love, hope and peace.

With Mary and Joseph we rejoice in the birth of Jesus. May we welcome Christ as they did. Amen.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 

John 1:1

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Happy Christmas!