The Feast of the Baptism of Our LordJanuary 7, 2013Luke 3:15-16,21-22Opening PrayerJesus, through your baptism in the Jordan, you gained a full understanding that you were the Son of God. At our Baptism we became the adopted sons and daughters of God. Help us live out our roles as sons … Read more...

Fulfillment of God's PromiseFourth Sunday of Advent, December 23, 2012Luke 1:39-45Opening PrayerHail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of … Read more...

Preparing for the Coming of the LordSecond Sunday of Advent, December 9, 2012Luke 3:1-6Opening PrayerGod, we pray that through hearing your word, our hearts will be ready this Christmas to again welcome the Christ child. May our acts of charity throughout the year condition each of us to be willing … Read more...

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King November 25, 2012 John 18:33b-37 Opening Prayer You may use the following short prayer or the prayer on page 6 of the peer leader's guide, or any member of the group may want to pray in his or her own words. … Read more...

Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary TimeSunday, November 11 Mark 12:38-44 Opening PrayerJesus, you point out the widow to your disciples as a model of a person who trusts in God completely. Give us the same faith to be able to act as the widow did by risking it all and putting … Read more...

Break Open the Word Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time 21-Oct-12 Mark 10:35-45 Opening Prayer Jesus, in Sunday's Gospel, you invite us to drink from your cup and to make sacrifices in our lives so that others may grow more deeply in their relationship with you. As we share our reflections … Read more...

Break Open the Word Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time 7-Oct-12 Mark 10:2-16 Opening Prayer Jesus, we know you are with us as we gather, because you told us that where two or more gather in your name, you are there (Matthew 18:20). We call on your presence in a special … Read more...

Break Open the Word Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time 23-Sep-12 Mark 9:30-37 Opening Prayer Jesus, while we share your word today, we ask you to send your Holy Spirit among us in a special way. Help us more clearly understand your challenge to be servants of all. You tell us … Read more...

Break Open the Word Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time 9-Sep-12 Mark 7:31-37 Opening Prayer Jesus, we know justice and mercy meet in you. You are quick to extend your hand to heal and reshape our brokenness. We draw life from your loving kindness. You are even quicker to extend to … Read more...

Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time September 2, 2012 Mark 7:1-8,14-15,21-23 Opening Prayer Jesus, through your words that we reflect on today, you ask for a conversion of our hearts. You want us to have hearts guided by justice and compassion, hearts of love that inspire our actions toward you and … Read more...

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time August 19, 2012 John 6:51-58 Opening Prayer Jesus, in the Eucharist you offer yourself to us so we may share in your life. Your offering of your very self nurtures us and enables us to be your presence in the world today. As we receive … Read more...

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time July 15, 2012 Mark 6:7-13 Opening Prayer You may use the following short prayer or the prayer on page 6 of the peer leader's guide, or any member of the group may want to pray in his or her own words. Good and gracious God, … Read more...

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time June 17, 2012 Matthew 4:26-34 Opening Prayer In this Sundays Gospel, Mark uses seeds and their growth to speak about faith. Faith is a gift we are given at baptism. It is like a little seed planted within us that is nurtured and matures into … Read more...

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity June 3, 2012 Matthew 28:16-20 Opening Prayer You may use the following short prayer or the prayer on page 6 of the peer leader's guide, or any member of the group may want to pray in his or her own words. God, you … Read more...

Pentecost Sunday May 27, 2012 John 15:26-27; 16:12-15 Opening Prayer Lord Jesus, as we gather today to reflect on the Gospel reading from John in preparation for the celebration of Pentecost Sunday, we ask that you make us especially aware of your Holy Spirit acting in our lives. Just as … Read more...

The Ascension of Our Lord May 17, 2012 Mark 16:15-20 This week the Gospel e-news reflection you use will depend on decisions made by the bishops in your area. In some parishes, on May 20 you will observe the Ascension of our Lord and will read the Gospel of Mark … Read more...

Sixth Sunday of Easter May 13, 2012 John 15:9-17 Opening Prayer God, your love for us is higher than the highest mountain, wider than the widest river, and deeper than the deepest sea. Continue to teach us how to share your love with everyone we meet. As you have loved … Read more...

Fifth Sunday of Easter May 6, 2012 John 15:1-8 Opening Prayer We gather today in your name, Jesus. You are the eternal source of life, the true vine from which we gain strength to live our faith. May our sharing of your Word bring us to a deeper understanding of … Read more...