Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of 2025, a fresh canvas of hope and new beginnings; grant us grace, peace, and wisdom to walk Your path, letting go of past burdens, embracing Your
blessings, and serving You with renewed faith, strength, and love, so that our lives reflect Your glory and bring good to the world. Amen.

Lord Jesus, your heart is moved with compassion when we are suffering, when we need your help and when we pray for each other. I ask you to listen to my prayer during this novena, and grant what I ask (make your request silently). If what I ask is not for my own good and the good of others, grant me always what is best for me, that I may build up your kingdom of love in our world. Amen.

Risen Christ

No one expected your return.

You astonished your disciples

When you slipped from the tomb.

You came extending peace,

Offering forgiveness for denial,

Extending faith to the doubtful.

You met them at the seashore

And on the road toward home.

Each one’s grieving heart overjoyed.

Each one’s closed mind opened wide.

Today: I let myself be astonished

Lord God, amidst signs and wonders Christ Jesus was born in
Bethlehem of Judea: his birth brings joy to our hearts and
enlightenment to our minds.

Let your blessing come upon us  as we illumine this tree.

May the light and cheer it gives

be a sign of the joy that fills our hearts.

With this tree, decorated and adorned, may we welcome Christ among us;

may its lights guide us to the perfect light.

May all who delight in this tree

come to the knowledge and joy of salvation.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.      R/. Amen.

God, give us eyes to see

the beauty of the Spring,

And to behold Your majesty

in every living thing –

And may we see in lacy leaves

and every budding flower

The Hand that rules the universe

with gentleness and power –

And may this Easter grandeur

that Spring lavishly imparts

Awaken faded flowers of faith

lying dormant in our hearts,

And give us ears to hear, dear God,

the Springtime song of birds

With messages more meaningful

than man’s often empty words

Telling harried human beings

who are lost in dark despair –

‘Be like us and do not worry

for God has you in His care.

–Helen Steiner Rice