Seeking Silence

Fr Peter Edwards   |   15th March 2009

Seeking silence in our busy lives is essential for nourishing our relationship with God who speaks to us, not only through the Scripture readings, but deep in the silence of our souls. The moments before and after Mass are especially precious for opening our hearts to God.

Silence is not only an essential element in our relationship with God - it is also a gift we can offer to our neighbour. How much noise is there in everyday life! Traffic, mobile phones, electronic gadgets of sort, piped music, 24 hour television… For very many people, the little time they spend in Church is their only chance to find any peacefulness at all. Please try and help us to value and use the sacred silence of the Church.

Of course, we also come to Church to meet our Catholic friends - conversation builds community. But this can be done in the Pastoral Centre, the Bookshop, the porch area, or around the doors, where we as priests enjoy greeting our parish family. The Church itself, however, is different to any other place on earth - a sacred space, and the gate of heaven! This Lent (and afterwards!) let’s remind ourselves of how valuable that is.

Prayer for Directing Intention before Mass

I desire to participate in offering the Sacrifice of Mass,
according to the rites of the holy Catholic Church,
to the praise of almighty God, and the whole Church in heaven;
for my own benefit, and that of the whole Church here on earth;
for all who have commended themselves to my prayers
in general, and in particular ... [ here state your intention for this Mass ]
and for the good of the holy Catholic Church. Amen.

Prayer for Thanksgiving after Mass

I give You thanks, almighty God, for nourishing me, a sinner
with the Sacred Body and Blood of your Son, and I pray that
I may be freed from my vices, destroy all evil desires in me,
increase in me charity and patience, humility and obedience,
and every virtue, and bring me to the Sacred Banquet of Heaven. Amen.