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.

Opening Prayer

Almighty ever-living God,
direct our actions according to your good pleasure,
that in the name of your beloved Son
we may abound in good works.
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.
Amen.

Sing or listen

FIRST READING

Jonah 3:1-5, 10

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9
R: Teach me your ways, O Lord.

SECOND READING

1 Corinthians 7:29-31

Gospel

Mark 1:14-20

After John had been arrested, Jesus went into Galilee. There he proclaimed the Good News from God. ‘The time has come’ he said ‘and the kingdom of God is close at hand. Repent, and believe the Good News.’

As he was walking along by the Sea of Galilee he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net in the lake – for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you into fishers of men.’ And at once they left their nets and followed him.

Going on a little further, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John; they too were in their boat, mending their nets. He called them at once and, leaving their father Zebedee in the boat with the men he employed, they went after him.

This section is designed to be adapted depending on how you are gathering to pray. These are links to external resources for children and young people. There is also a reflection which can be used by individuals or adapted to be used in groups.

Closing Prayer

Lord, you have chosen us each with a specific mission in mind. Whether it is a mission that we are already familiar with or a mission we have yet to learn of, you have designed it perfectly for us. Be with us today as we desire to reach our hand up to you and follow you with everything we have. Amen.