Posted October 30, 2008

As the United States approaches Election Day on Nov. 4, Cardinal Justin Rigali has asked the Catholic faithful to intensify their prayer to our nation. All parish churches in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will offer a period of exposition of the Blessed Sacrament following Masses on Sunday, Nov. 2.

The Cardinal has also asked that the following Prayer of the Faithful be used at every Mass this weekend. In this way the entire Archdiocese will be united in prayer to ask for spanine grace for our country. The intentions appear below in their entirety:

Introduction/Priest celebrant:

My brothers and sisters,
on this day of prayerful intercession,
the commemoration of all the faithful departed,
we bring our prayers before God, our Father,
for the souls in purgatory we remember in this Mass,
and for our beloved country in these days before the general election.

Deacon/reader/cantor:

For all the members of the Church in the United States,
that they may heed their Bishops’ call for responsible citizenship,
with a commitment to justice and the dignity of all,
and exercising the privilege to vote.
Let us pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, hear our prayer.

For the protection of the sanctity of human life in our nation,
that this primary issue may be fostered by all people
in their choices at home, at work and in the public square.
Let us pray to the Lord.

For the many needs that surface in our hearts during this holy Mass,
especially for those of the poor, the marginalized,
the victims of violence and hatred,
that, in God’s providence, these needs may be fulfilled.
Let us pray to the Lord.

For all the sick, especially the members of our parish, N. and N.,
that they may have the blessing of hope
and be comforted by our prayers for them.
Let us pray to the Lord.

For all of us, gathered this Sunday
to hear the Word of God
and to celebrate his sacred mysteries,
that we may be fortified by our Catholic faith
to be faithful citizens of our country
and to work with others to promote a society
that upholds justice and respects life.
Let us pray to the Lord.

Concluding Prayer/Priest celebrant:

Heavenly Father,
be near to us, your people,
as we pray for all the faithful departed
and for our nation.
With compassion and mercy,
grant us what we ask of you
through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.