Before you begin: read this then delete this slide Feel free to adapt this to your needs There is a piece of music needed for this power point I suggest Bon Jovi Welcome to wherever you are- you would move to next slide on the words welcome (but it can be anything you like). Fade out after slide 10 (9- when you delete this one) Music easily downloadable from ITunes Start the music on slide 1 (after you delete this one) as they arrive once you click the slides will move on automatically till slide 10 (9 after you delete this one) At the end of 10 you will need to click on From there on they are all moved on by click There are bidding prayers to accompany the final pictures

The Year of Mercy

A compassionate community living Christ’s call Standing with those who need it. Wrapping my arms around someone suffering. What is Mercy to you?

There was a man with two sons The younger son was bored at home, he wanted to get out and do stuff. He always argued with his dad. One day he said: “I wish you were dead so I could have my share of your money now “ The dad was really upset but gave the son money so he could go off by himself

The son took the money, went off. He wasted the money. He discovered that the people he thought were his friends just left him when the money was gone. He had nothing. He was desperate so he thought, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.” And he set off

But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son. But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.

Feed the Hungry Give a drink to the Thirsty Shelter the homeless Help those who are sick Ransom Captives Forgive Bear wrongs patiently Pray for the living and the dead Find out more about God And help others do the same Comfort those who are in need Try to show others the right way to live

We pause now to remember and pray for those in need of justice comfort and Mercy The response to our prayers is ‘ Hear our Prayer’

For the people of Paris

For Refugees

For the missing Nigerian schoolchildren taken from their homes

For all in our world who face hunger and poverty

For those who face difficulties in our own country

For ourselves

We pray That in this Year of Mercy We will be filled by your Spirit So that we will be able to: forgive others Be compassionate be peacemakers Live more simply and Be a people of hope We ask this of you, Lord Jesus, through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Mercy; you who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen.