Opening Prayer for VOTF Meetings

VOICE OF THE FAITHFUL, together we pray:

For all victims of sexual abuse by Roman Catholic priests,
We pray always for you.
We mean to be agents of your healing.

Response: We are the Church; we are the Body of Christ.
Hear us, Christ our strength and salvation,
Help us all.

For all our brothers and sisters in faith,
As we struggle to become the Spirit-filled Church we are called to be,
Move us to accept the challenges of reform that are demanded by today's injustices.

Response: We are the Church; we are the Body of Christ.
Hear us, Christ our truth and salvation,
Help us all.

For all bishops of the Roman Catholic Church,
That their hearts and minds be opened to the Church's call to genuine holiness and truth,
A call to inclusion and collaboration with the faithful.

Response: We are the Church; we are the Body of Christ.
Hear us, Christ our hope and salvation,
Help us all.

For all who minister in the name of Jesus Christ,
and especially for our Roman Catholic priests.
We pray for your continued faithfulness to the Gospel and to the voice of the faithful.

Response: We are the Church; we are the Body of Christ.
Hear us, Christ our strength and salvation,
Help us all.

We are the Church; we are the Body of Christ.
Strengthen us, fill us with wisdom,
Lead us to holy action in building up your reign.
Help us to respect our voice and the voices of all the faithful.

Response: We are your Church; we are the Body of Christ.
Hear us, Christ our true life and salvation.
Amen.