Ask anyone on the street how they celebrate St Patrick’s Day, and they’ll probably mention dressing in green, going to the pub and drinking a pint of Guiness. But there’s more to celebrating the feast day of this most influential saint than dressing up and drinking beer!
We’ve put together a short liturgy which you can use for yourself or within your families to honour and pray to St Patrick.
Pause
Take a moment to still yourself. Take a deep breath and ask God for a renewed sense of presence with you in this moment.
Sing or Listen
Opening Prayer
O God, who chose the Bishop Saint Patrick to preach your glory to the peoples of Ireland, grant, through his merits and intercession, that those who glory in the name of Christian may never cease to proclaim your wondrous deeds to all. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
Scripture Reading
Luke 5:1 – 11
While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret. He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat.
After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.”
Simon said in reply, “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.”
When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come to help them. They came and filled both boats so that they were in danger of sinking.
When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him, and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners of Simon.
Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.”
When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him.
Prayers of Intercession
We pray for the faith of Saint Patrick, that church leaders may have the courage and wisdom needed to bear witness to Jesus and to shepherd their flock.
Lord hear us.
We pray for the courage of Saint Patrick, that Civic leaders will bear witness to Christian values: honesty, generosity, and compassion.
Lord hear us.
We pray for the willingness of Saint Patrick, to answer even our most difficult callings. Please speak to us today as you spoke to Saint Patrick when he received your call to return to Ireland to preach the gospel.
Lord hear us.
We pray for the voice of Saint Patrick as he preached throughout Ireland. Help us never to stop telling others the Good News of your love for people of all faiths, for refugees and for the emigrants. May they through us feel welcome in your kingdom.
Lord hear us.
We pray for the hope of Saint Patrick, that our loved ones who have gone before us, may find rest in the loving arms of Jesus.
Lord hear us.
Closing Prayer
May the Strength of God guide us.
May the Power of God preserve us.
May the Wisdom of God instruct us.
May the Hand of God protect us.
May the Way of God direct us.
May the Shield of God defend us.
May the Angels of God guard us
Against the snares of the evil one.
Amen.
From Catholic Online