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AIDS Day LiturgiesThe following liturgy offers some suggestions through which students might pray and reflect on the experience of those who live with HIV/AIDS:Gathering Song: Nš 509 Gather Australia Who will speak if we don't? Chorus IntroductionWe gather today to present a challenge to all students in Catholic schools. We are invited to think about those who struggle to live with HIV/AIDS and how we might be a light for them as we work towards the building of acceptance and support. God's Word Ceremony of Light(Leader lights taper from central candle and passes light around the community).Leader: As we reflect on this reading we light our tapers remembering people with HIV related illnesses within Australia and throughout the world. Illuminated by the Word of God, we give thanks for their families, friends and agencies, who, often at the risk of being outcasts themselves, carry the light in their support and encouragement. Responsary PrayersLeader: Please remember people with HIV-related conditions here and throughout the world, their families and friends; whose who care for them, the many agencies who offer support and those involved in research. Let us join in prayer together. Left Side: Lord Jesus, free us from our ailments and anxieties that we too may give you thanks and praise. Right Side: Lord Jesus, give us the compassion to make exceptions to the rules, that we might be free to love people who are disadvantaged or outcast. Left Side: Lord Jesus, when we are crippled by our own prejudice, help us to recognise you in those we meet. Right Side: Lord Jesus, sometimes we are paralysed by fear. Give us the courage to take risks, so that we go beyond ourselves in supporting those affected by HIV and AIDS. Left Side: Lord Jesus, let us not be complacent but open our hearts to our fellow human beings by getting involved in promoting their well-being and quality of life. Right Side: And may we be the light that illuminates the darkness, that shows others Your Way, Lord. All: Amen. Call to Prayer & ServiceLeader: Let us, as a community, pray to our God of tenderness and compassion, asking for the courage to show the face of human kindness that we might work together towards becoming a common voice for shunned and outcast people.Reader: We pray especially for agencies such as the Catholic AIDS Ministry, San Michel, Rosehaven, Camp Seaside and others who serve in the ministry for people with AIDS, that they persist in their care and work. Who will speak if we don't? All: Who will speak so their voice will be heard? Oh who will speak if we don't? Reader: Lord, open our hearts to the loneliness and poverty experienced by those touched by AIDS and HIV. Who will speak if we don't? All: Who will speak so their voice will be heard? Oh who will speak if we don't? Reader: We pray that our governments and world leaders become more active in the promotion of further research into the disease of HIV/AIDS and provide more education in prevention. Who will speak if we don't? All: Who will speak so their voice will be heard? Oh who will speak if we don't? Reader: As a community of believers, we need greater spiritual discernment and capacity for listening. Grant us these gifts Lord as we make your gospel a reality in the world. Who will speak if we don't? All: Who will speak so their voice will be heard? Oh who will speak if we don't? Blessing: May the Lord of compassion and kindness touch each of us. May our gracious God light the flame in our hearts and enkindle in us the desire to be a people of action. May what we have asked in faith by your grace be received through Jesus Christ Our Lord. All: Amen. Concluding SongWho will speak if we don't? Chorus |