Go quickly and tell the disciples

Women Led Prayer

April 21, 2007

Sponsored by

Justice for Women in the Catholic Church

Catholic Action Network

Chairs are gathered in a circle. The center space is set with a  barren tree upon which hangs a single red egg.  An icon of Mary Magadalen holding her egg and the Easter candle stand beside it.  Other red eggs lie beneath the tree on a cloth.

Introductions

Presider:  As we begin let us take amount to introduce ourselves.

Opening song:  Breaking Bread  601

Christ be our Light , Bernadette Farrell

Opening Prayer

Presider:  Gracious God,

You have shone on us and

 gathered us together to sing your praises,

may we be illumined

by the Light of your Beloved Son

during this Easter season.

May the Spirit remove

all that blinds us to the truth. 

We ask this in Jesus Name.

Amen

Readings with Response

The response will be spread throughout the readings.

Response:  Open Our Hearts by Joe Rowley

RS:  O pen our hearts to the Word of your love.

              Strength en our minds to un der stand your truth.

Matthew 28:  1, 5-8

              RS

Mark 16: 9-11

              RS

Luke 24: 9-11

              RS

Soul Sisters by Edwina Gateley

              Responses throughout after brief silences.

Homily

Sharing

Please take a few minutes in silence to reflect.

What are the torn threads of your journey lead to your resurrection story? 

What truth lies at the heart of it?

What vision arises fluttering with new hope?

Small group sharing

Please gather in groups of three and share briefly on your reflection. (10 minutes)

Large Group sharing

Let us each take an egg and hang it on the tree saying.

My vision/My truth is…  

Let us respond:

We hear and Believe Alleluia!

Sign of Peace

Presider:  Having heard and believed one another.

 Let us strengthen each other

 with Christ Easter gift of Peace.

Closing Prayer

Presider:  Light of our lives,

                       You take the torn threads of our lives

and weave them into a new creation. 

May the strands of Mary’s story embellish our fabric

and embolden us to speak beyond these walls

of your truth and a vision of peace for all of creation. 

Knowing you hear our prayers

and it is accomplished we proclaim.

Alleluia. Alleluia.

RS. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Closing song: Ye sons and daughters

Jena Tisserand, 15th cent chant                  O Fili et Filiae

Tr. John M. Neale (1818-1886)

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

Ye sons and daughters let us sing

Oh God of heav’n, our glorious spring.

O’er death today rose triumphing. Alleluia.

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

That Easter morn at break of day,

The faithful women went their way

 To seek the tomb were Jesus lay. Alleluia.

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

An angel clad in white they see,

Who sat, and spoke unto the three,

“Your Lord has gone to Galilee.”  Alleluia.

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

On this most holy day of days,

To god your hearts and voices raise,

In laud and jubilee and praise.  Alleluia.

Please join us for coffee and tea.

A short meeting will follow fellowship for those interested.

Women lead prayer is held the third Saturdays of the month.  Women who are called to ordination are welcome to preside and give the homily.  If you are interested please contact Marie Andrews 314-776-3912.

If you are interested in helping to prepare the liturgy or share any talent you might have please let Marie Andrews know.

All men and women are invited to join us in prayer.

Prayer is scheduled for May 19