Day of Prayer for Refugees and Migrants: 21 June
Migrants and refugees are part of our community, but they may not always be seen or heard. This Sunday 21 June is a special Day of Prayer to remember our migrant brothers and sisters who are experiencing exploitation.
Pope Francis challenges us to all play our part with courage, patience and perseverance to hear their cry for help.
Where is your brother or sister?
"I have always been distressed at the lot of those who are victims of various kinds of human trafficking. How I wish all of us would hear God's cry, "Where is your brother?" (Gen 4:9) Where is your brother or sister who is enslaved? Let us not pretend to look the other way. There is greater complicity than we think. This issue involves everyone." Pope Francis, 2013, Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium.
Image credits: 1. Care Insights 2. Catholic News Agency 3. Caritas Internationalis
Psalm 68
R. Lord in your great love, answer me.
It is for you that I suffer taunts,
that shame covers my face,
that I have become a stranger to my brothers,
an alien to my own mother's children.
I burn with zeal for your house
and taunts against you fall on me.
Response
This is my prayer for you,
my prayer for your favour.
In your great love, answer me, O God,
with your help that never fails:
Lord answer, for your love is kind;
in your compassion, turn towards me.
Response
The poor when they see it will be glad
and God-seeking hearts will revive;
for the Lord listens to the needs
and does not spurn servants in their chains.
Let the heavens and the earth give him praise,
the sea and all its living creatures.
Response
Music for Psalm 68 - Michael Herry Here
Music suggestions
Gather us in by Marty Haugen 3:23 dur. Here
There is a longing by Anne Quigley 2:30 dur. Here
Psalm 34. The Lord hears the cry of the poor by John Foley SJ 3:02 dur. Here
When I needed a neighbour Funky young persons version 1:49 dur. Here
When I needed a neighbour Flowing version. 2:25 dur. Here
Make me a channel of your peace Child singing with lyrics. 2:51 dur. Here
Christ be our light by Bernadette Farrell with lyrics 4:00 dur. Here
For Prayer of the faithful prepared by Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand Here.
More on Day of Prayer for Refugees and Migrants at This Link
Images from Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand resources 2020
2 February 2024 - Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life
Messages from Pope Francis for World Day for Consecrated Life
11 February - World Day of Prayer for the Sick
Message from Pope Francis for World Day of the Sick 2024 HERE. "It is not good that man should be alone." Healing the sick by healing relationships.
National Association of Catholic Chaplains resources, including prayer cards, prayer of the faithful, a healing service in a hospital setting, world day of the sick programme
Catholic Health Association of the United States resources, including prayer card, video reflection
13 February - World Marriage Day
Catholic Network of Marriage Educators HERE
14 February - Ash Wednesday
16 Feb - Day of Prayer and Penance for Victims of Abuse and Violence
Suggestions for Prayer of the Faithful
3 March - Children's Day (NZ) Te Rā o Ngā Tamariki
Link to National Childrens' Day NZ HERE
13 March - Anniversary of the Election of Pope Francis
Mass for the Pope - NZ Roman Missal pg. 1245
8 April - Day of Prayer for Family life
Celebrated in place of 25 March which falls in Hoy Week this year.
21 April to 27 April - National Vocations Awareness Week
Contact your local diocesan website.
25 April - ANZAC Day - National Day of Remembrance
12 May - World Communications Day
Theme 2024: "Artificial intelligence and wisdom of the heart: for a fully human communication."
12-19 May - Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2024
Theme 2024."You shall love the Lord your God and your neighbour as yourself." Luke 10:27
26 May - Laudato si' Week
Season of Creation Theme 2024: To hope and act with creation.
23 June - Day of Prayer for Refugees and Migrants
14 July - Day of Prayer for Seafarers
The Apostleship of the Sea New Zealand
28 July - World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
15 August - The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Patronal Feast of Aotearoa New Zealand.
1 September - World Day of Prayer for Care of Creation
This Day of Prayer initiates the Season of Creation 1 September – 4 October.
"To hope and act with creation." Web link HERE
Pope Francis's Prayer in Union with Creation Here.
8-14 September - Social Justice Week
The theme continues "Imagine peace for all."
6 October - Celebration Day for Suzanne Aubert
Celebrated on the first Sunday in October.
Visit suzanneaubert.co.nz for more information.
13 October - Day of Prayer to Support Life
Support Life Sunday is an opportunity to focus together on how our Catholic tradition celebrates and protects all of life. Theme for 2024 to be confirmed.
13-20 October - Week of Prayer for World Peace
Communities throughout New Zealand are encouraged to celebrate the Week both in their own observances and together with people of different faiths.
20 October - World Mission Sunday.
Theme for 2024 to be confirmed.
October Extraordinary Missionary month. Read more
'What is World Mission Sunday?' video from Missio UK
17 November - World Day of the Poor. (Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand Mass)
"It is my wish that Christian communities will make every effort to create moments of encounter and friendship, solidarity and concrete assistance." Pope Francis