Lesser Festivals

2 January
Basil the Great

and Gregory of Nazianzus
Bishops, Teachers of the Faith, 379 and 389
White
Collect

Lord God,

whose servants Basil and Gregory

proclaimed the mystery of your Word made flesh,

to build up your Church in wisdom and strength:

grant that we may rejoice in his presence among us,

and so be brought with them to know the power of your unending love;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Teachers of the Faith and Spiritual Writers (here).

12 January
Aelred of Hexham

Abbot of Rievaulx, 1167
White
Collect

Almighty God,

who endowed Aelred the abbot

with the gift of Christian friendship

and the wisdom to lead others in the way of holiness:

grant to your people that same spirit of mutual affection,

so that, in loving one another,

we may know the love of Christ

and rejoice in the eternal possession of your supreme goodness;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Members of Religious Communities (here).

13 January
Hilary

Bishop of Poitiers, Teacher of the Faith, 367
White
Collect

Everlasting God,

whose servant Hilary

steadfastly confessed your Son Jesus Christ to be both human and divine:

grant us his gentle courtesy

to bring to all the message of redemption in the incarnate Christ,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Teachers of the Faith and Spiritual Writers (here).

17 January
Antony of Egypt

Hermit, Abbot, 356
White
Collect

Most gracious God,

who called your servant Antony to sell all that he had

and to serve you in the solitude of the desert:

by his example may we learn to deny ourselves

and to love you before all things;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Members of Religious Communities (here).

19 January
Wulfstan

Bishop of Worcester, 1095
White
Collect

Lord God,

who raised up Wulfstan to be a bishop among your people

and a leader of your Church:

help us, after his example,

to live simply,

to work diligently

and to make your kingdom known;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Bishops and other Pastors (here).

21 January
Agnes

Child Martyr at Rome, 304
Red
Collect

Eternal God, shepherd of your sheep,

whose child Agnes was strengthened to bear witness

in her living and her dying

to the true love of her redeemer:

grant us the power to understand, with all your saints,

what is the breadth and length and height and depth

and to know the love that surpasses knowledge,

even Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Martyrs (here).

24 January
Francis de Sales

Bishop of Geneva, Teacher of the Faith, 1622
White
Collect

Holy God,

who called your bishop Francis de Sales

to bring many to Christ through his devout life

and to renew your Church with patience and understanding:

grant that we may, by word and example,

reflect your gentleness and love to all we meet;

through Jesus Christ our Saviour,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Teachers of the Faith and Spiritual Writers (here).

26 January
Timothy and Titus

Companions of Paul
White
Collect

Heavenly Father,

who sent your apostle Paul to preach the gospel,

and gave him Timothy and Titus to be his companions in faith:

grant that our fellowship in the Holy Spirit

may bear witness to the name of Jesus,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Lectionary

The following readings may supersede the readings in the Daily Eucharistic Lectionary. The daily Psalms and readings at Morning and Evening Prayer are not usually superseded by those for Lesser Festivals.

Isaiah 61.1-3a; Psalm 100; 2 Timothy 2.1-8 or Titus 1.1-5; Luke 10.1-9

Common of Missionaries (here).

28 January
Thomas Aquinas

Priest, Philosopher, Teacher of the Faith, 1274
White
Collect

Eternal God,

who enriched your Church with the learning and holiness of your servant Thomas Aquinas:

give to all who seek you

a humble mind and a pure heart

that they may know your Son Jesus Christ as the way, the truth and the life;

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Teachers of the Faith and Spiritual Writers (here).

30 January
Charles

King and Martyr, 1649
Red
Collect

King of kings and Lord of lords,

whose faithful servant Charles

prayed for those who persecuted him

and died in the living hope of your eternal kingdom:

grant us by your grace so to follow his example

that we may love and bless our enemies,

through the intercession of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Martyrs (here).

3 February
Anskar

Archbishop of Hamburg,

Missionary in Denmark and Sweden, 865
White
Collect

God of grace and might,

who sent your servant Anskar

to spread the gospel to the Nordic peoples:

raise up, we pray, in our generation

messengers of your good news

and heralds of your kingdom

that the world may come to know the immeasurable riches of our Saviour Jesus Christ,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Missionaries (here).

14 February
Cyril and Methodius

Missionaries to the Slavs, 869 and 885
White
Collect

Lord of all,

who gave to your servants Cyril and Methodius

the gift of tongues to proclaim the gospel to the Slavs:

make your whole Church one as you are one

that all Christians may honour one another,

and east and west acknowledge one Lord, one faith, one baptism,

and you, the God and Father of all;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Missionaries (here).

17 February
Janani Luwum

Archbishop of Uganda, Martyr, 1977
Red
Collect

God of truth,

whose servant Janani Luwum walked in the light,

and in his death defied the powers of darkness:

free us from fear of those who kill the body,

that we too may walk as children of light,

through him who overcame darkness by the power of the cross,

Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever

Common of Martyrs (here).

23 February
Polycarp

Bishop of Smyrna, Martyr, c.155
Red
Collect

Almighty God,

who gave to your servant Polycarp

boldness to confess the name of our Saviour Jesus Christ before the rulers of this world

and courage to die for his faith:

grant that we also may be ready

to give an answer for the faith that is in us

and to suffer gladly for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Martyrs (here).

27 February
George Herbert

Priest, Poet, 1633
White
Collect

King of glory, king of peace,

who called your servant George Herbert

from the pursuit of worldly honours

to be a priest in the temple of his God and king:

grant us also the grace to offer ourselves

with singleness of heart in humble obedience to your service;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Bishops and other Pastors (here).

1 March
David

Bishop of Menevia, Patron of Wales, c.601
White
Collect

Almighty God,

who called your servant David

to be a faithful and wise steward of your mysteries for the people of Wales:

in your mercy, grant that,

following his purity of life and zeal for the gospel of Christ,

we may with him receive the crown of everlasting life;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Bishops and other Pastors (here).

2 March
Chad

Bishop of Lichfield, Missionary, 672
White
Collect

Almighty God,

from the first fruits of the English nation who turned to Christ,

you called your servant Chad

to be an evangelist and bishop of his own people:

give us grace so to follow his peaceable nature, humble spirit and prayerful life,

that we may truly commend to others

the faith which we ourselves profess;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Missionaries (here).

7 March
Perpetua, Felicity

and their Companions
Martyrs at Carthage, 203
Red
Collect

Holy God,

who gave great courage to Perpetua, Felicity and their companions:

grant that we may be worthy to climb the ladder of sacrifice

and be received into the garden of peace;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Martyrs (here).

8 March
Edward King

Bishop of Lincoln, 1910
White
Collect

God of peace,

who gave such grace to your servant Edward King

that whomever he met he drew to Christ:

fill us, we pray, with tender sympathy and joyful faith,

that we also may win others to know the love that passes knowledge;

through him who is the shepherd and guardian of our souls,

Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Bishops and other Pastors (here).

17 March
Patrick

Bishop, Missionary, Patron of Ireland, c.460
White
Collect

Almighty God,

who in your providence chose your servant Patrick

to be the apostle of the Irish people:

keep alive in us the fire of the faith he kindled

and strengthen us in our pilgrimage towards the light of everlasting life;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Missionaries (here).

20 March
Cuthbert

Bishop of Lindisfarne, Missionary, 687
White
Collect

Almighty God,

who called your servant Cuthbert from following the flock

to follow your Son and to be a shepherd of your people:

in your mercy, grant that we, following his example,

may bring those who are lost home to your fold;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Missionaries (here).

21 March
Thomas Cranmer

Archbishop of Canterbury, Reformation Martyr, 1556
Red
Collect

Father of all mercies,

who through the work of your servant Thomas Cranmer renewed the worship of your Church

and through his death revealed your strength in human weakness:

by your grace strengthen us to worship you

in spirit and in truth

and so to come to the joys of your everlasting kingdom;

through Jesus Christ our Mediator and Advocate,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Martyrs (here).

10 April
William Law

Priest, Spiritual Writer, 1761
White
Collect

Almighty God,

who called your servant William Law

to a devout and holy life:

grant that by your spirit of love

and through faithfulness in prayer

we may find the way to divine knowledge

and so come to see the hidden things of God;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Teachers of the Faith and Spiritual Writers (here).

19 April
Alphege

Archbishop of Canterbury, Martyr, 1012
Red
Collect

Merciful God,

who raised up your servant Alphege

to be a pastor of your people

and gave him grace to suffer for justice and true religion:

grant that we who celebrate his martyrdom

may know the power of the risen Christ in our hearts

and share his peace in lives offered to your service;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Martyrs (here).

21 April
Anselm

Abbot of Le Bec, Archbishop of Canterbury,

Teacher of the Faith, 1109
White
Collect

Eternal God,

who gave great gifts to your servant Anselm

as a pastor and teacher:

grant that we, like him, may desire you with our whole heart

and, so desiring, may seek you

and, seeking, may find you;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Teachers of the Faith and Spiritual Writers (here).

29 April
Catherine of Siena

Teacher of the Faith, 1380
White
Collect

God of compassion,

who gave your servant Catherine of Siena

a wondrous love of the passion of Christ:

grant that your people may be united to him in his majesty

and rejoice for ever in the revelation of his glory;

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Teachers of the Faith and Spiritual Writers (here).

2 May
Athanasius

Bishop of Alexandria, Teacher of the Faith, 373
White
Collect

Ever-living God,

whose servant Athanasius testified to the mystery of the Word made flesh for our salvation:

help us, with all your saints,

to contend for the truth

and to grow into the likeness of your Son,

Jesus Christ our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Teachers of the Faith and Spiritual Writers (here).

4 May
English Saints and Martyrs

of the Reformation Era
White
Collect

Merciful God,

who, when your Church on earth was torn apart by the ravages of sin,

raised up men and women in this land

who witnessed to their faith with courage and constancy:

give to your Church that peace which is your will,

and grant that those who have been divided on earth may be reconciled in heaven

and share together in the vision of your glory;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Lectionary

The following readings may supersede the readings in the Daily Eucharistic Lectionary. The daily Psalms and readings at Morning and Evening Prayer are not usually superseded by those for Lesser Festivals.

Isaiah 43.1-7 or Ecclesiasticus 2.10-17; Psalm 87; 2 Corinthians 4.5-12; John 12.20-26

Post Communion

God, the source of all holiness and giver of all good things:

may we who have shared at this table as strangers and pilgrims here on earth

be welcomed with all your saints to the heavenly feast on the day of your kingdom;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Common of Martyrs (here)

(or)

Common of Any Saint; Holy Men and Women (here).

8 May
Julian of Norwich

Spiritual Writer, c.1417
White
Collect

Most holy God, the ground of our beseeching,

who through your servant Julian

revealed the wonders of your love:

grant that as we are created in your nature and restored by your grace,

our wills may be so made one with yours

that we may come to see you face to face

and gaze on you for ever;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Teachers of the Faith and Spiritual Writers (here).

19 May
Dunstan

Archbishop of Canterbury, Restorer of Monastic Life, 988
White
Collect

Almighty God,

who raised up Dunstan to be a true shepherd of the flock,

a restorer of monastic life

and a faithful counsellor to those in authority:

give to all pastors the same gifts of your Holy Spirit

that they may be true servants of Christ and of all his people;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Bishops and other Pastors (here).

20 May
Alcuin of York

Deacon, Abbot of Tours, 804
White
Collect

God of wisdom, eternal light,

who shone in the heart of your servant Alcuin,

revealing to him your power and pity:

scatter the darkness of our ignorance

that, with all our heart and mind and strength,

we may seek your face

and be brought with all your saints to your holy presence;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Members of Religious Communities (here).

24 May
John and Charles Wesley

Evangelists, Hymn Writers, 1791 and 1788
White
Collect

God of mercy,

who inspired John and Charles Wesley with zeal for your gospel:

grant to all people boldness to proclaim your word

and a heart ever to rejoice in singing your praises;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Bishops and other Pastors (here).

25 May
The Venerable Bede

Monk at Jarrow, Scholar, Historian, 735
White
Collect

God our maker,

whose Son Jesus Christ gave to your servant Bede

grace to drink in with joy the word that leads us to know you and to love you:

in your goodness

grant that we also may come at length to you,

the source of all wisdom,

and stand before your face;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Members of Religious Communities (here).

26 May
Augustine of Canterbury

First Archbishop of Canterbury, 605
White
Collect

Almighty God,

whose servant Augustine was sent as the apostle of the English people:

grant that as he laboured in the Spirit to preach Christ’s gospel in this land,

so all who hear the good news

may strive to make your truth known in all the world;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Bishops and other Pastors (here).

30 May
Josephine Butler

Social Reformer, 1906
White
Collect

God of compassion and love,

by whose grace your servant Josephine Butler

followed in the way of your Son

in caring for those in need:

help us like her to work with strength

for the restoration of all to the dignity and freedom of those created in your image;

through Jesus Christ our Saviour,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Post Communion

God our redeemer,

who inspired Josephine Butler to witness to your love

and to work for the coming of your kingdom:

may we, who in this sacrament share the bread of heaven,

be fired by your Spirit to proclaim the gospel in our daily living

and never to rest content until your kingdom come,

on earth as it is in heaven;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Common of Any Saint; Holy Men and Women (here).

1 June
Justin

Martyr at Rome, c.165
Red
Collect

God our redeemer,

who through the folly of the cross taught your martyr Justin

the surpassing knowledge of Jesus Christ:

remove from us every kind of error

that we, like him, may be firmly grounded in the faith,

and make your name known to all peoples;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Martyrs (here).

5 June
Boniface (Wynfrith) of Crediton

Bishop, Apostle of Germany, Martyr, 754
Red
Collect

God our redeemer,

who called your servant Boniface

to preach the gospel among the German people

and to build up your Church in holiness:

grant that we may preserve in our hearts

that faith which he taught with his words and sealed with his blood,

and profess it in lives dedicated to your Son

Jesus Christ our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Martyrs (here).

8 June
Thomas Ken

Bishop of Bath and Wells, Nonjuror, Hymn Writer, 1711
White
Collect

O God, from whom all blessings flow,

by whose providence we are kept

and by whose grace we are directed:

help us, through the example of your servant Thomas Ken,

faithfully to keep your word,

humbly to accept adversity

and steadfastly to worship you;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Bishops and other Pastors (here).

9 June
Columba

Abbot of Iona, Missionary, 597
White
Collect

Almighty God,

who filled the heart of Columba

with the joy of the Holy Spirit

and with deep love for those in his care:

may your pilgrim people follow him,

strong in faith, sustained by hope,

and one in the love that binds us to you;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Missionaries (here).

16 June
Richard

Bishop of Chichester, 1253
White
Collect

Most merciful redeemer,

who gave to your bishop Richard a love of learning,

a zeal for souls and a devotion to the poor:

grant that, encouraged by his example,

we may know you more clearly,

love you more dearly,

and follow you more nearly,

day by day,

who with the Father and the Holy Spirit are alive and reign,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Bishops and other Pastors (here).

22 June
Alban

First Martyr of Britain, c.250
Red
Collect

Eternal Father,

when the gospel of Christ first came to our land

you gloriously confirmed the faith of Alban

by making him the first to win a martyr’s crown:

grant that, following his example,

in the fellowship of the saints

we may worship you, the living God,

and give true witness to Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Martyrs (here).

23 June
Etheldreda

Abbess of Ely, c.678
White
Collect

Eternal God,

who bestowed such grace upon your servant Etheldreda

that she gave herself wholly to the life of prayer

and to the service of your true religion:

grant that we, like her,

may so live our lives on earth seeking your kingdom

that by your guiding

we may be joined to the glorious fellowship of your saints;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Members of Religious Communities (here).

28 June
Irenæus

Bishop of Lyons, Teacher of the Faith, c.200
White
Collect

God of peace,

who through the ministry of your servant Irenæus

strengthened the true faith

and brought harmony to your Church:

keep us steadfast in your true religion,

and renew us in faith and love,

that we may always walk in the way that leads to eternal life;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Teachers of the Faith and Spiritual Writers (here).

11 July
Benedict of Nursia

Abbot of Monte Cassino,

Father of Western Monasticism, c.550
White
Collect

Eternal God,

who made Benedict a wise master

in the school of your service

and a guide to many called into community

to follow the rule of Christ:

grant that we may put your love before all else

and seek with joy the way of your commandments;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Members of Religious Communities (here).

14 July
John Keble

Priest, Tractarian, Poet, 1866
White
Collect

Father of the eternal Word,

in whose encompassing love

all things in peace and order move:

grant that, as your servant John Keble

adored you in all creation,

so we may have a humble heart of love

for the mysteries of your Church

and know your love to be new every morning,

in Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Bishops and other Pastors (here).

15 July
Swithun

Bishop of Winchester, c.862
White
Collect

Almighty God,

by whose grace we celebrate again

the feast of your servant Swithun:

grant that, as he governed with gentleness

the people committed to his care,

so we, rejoicing in our Christian inheritance,

may always seek to build up your Church in unity and love;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Bishops and other Pastors (here).

19 July
Gregory and Macrina

Gregory, Bishop of Nyssa, and his sister Macrina, Deaconess,

Teachers of the Faith, c.394 and c.379
White
Collect

Lord of eternity, creator of all things,

in your Son Jesus Christ you open for us the way to resurrection

that we may enjoy your bountiful goodness:

may we who celebrate your servants Gregory and Macrina

press onwards in faith to your boundless love

and ever wonder at the miracle of your presence among us;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Teachers of the Faith and Spiritual Writers (here).

26 July
Anne and Joachim

Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary
White
Collect

Lord God of Israel,

who bestowed such grace on Anne and Joachim

that their daughter Mary grew up obedient to your word

and made ready to be the mother of your Son:

help us to commit ourselves in all things to your keeping

and grant us the salvation you promised to your people;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Lectionary

The following readings may supersede the readings in the Daily Eucharistic Lectionary. The daily Psalms and readings at Morning and Evening Prayer are not usually superseded by those for Lesser Festivals.

Zephaniah 3.14-18a; Psalm 127; Romans 8.28-30; Matthew 13.16,17

Post Communion

Father,

from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name,

your servants Anne and Joachim revealed your goodness in a life of tranquillity and service:

grant that we who have gathered in faith around this table

may like them know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge

and be filled with all your fullness;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Common of Any Saint; Holy Men and Women (here).

29 July
Mary, Martha and Lazarus

Companions of Our Lord
White
Collect

God our Father,

whose Son enjoyed the love of his friends,

Mary, Martha and Lazarus,

in learning, argument and hospitality:

may we so rejoice in your love

that the world may come to know

the depths of your wisdom, the wonder of your compassion,

and your power to bring life out of death;

through the merits of Jesus Christ,

our friend and brother,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Lectionary

The following readings may supersede the readings in the Daily Eucharistic Lectionary. The daily Psalms and readings at Morning and Evening Prayer are not usually superseded by those for Lesser Festivals.

Isaiah 25.6-9; Psalm 49.5-10,16; Hebrews 2.10-15; John 12.1-8

Post Communion

Father,

from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name,

your servants Mary, Martha and Lazarus revealed your goodness in a life of tranquillity and service:

grant that we who have gathered in faith around this table

may like them know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge

and be filled with all your fullness;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Common of Any Saint; Holy Men and Women (here).

30 July
William Wilberforce

Social Reformer, 1833
White
Collect

God our deliverer,

who sent your Son Jesus Christ

to set your people free from the slavery of sin:

grant that, as your servant William Wilberforce

toiled against the sin of slavery,

so we may bring compassion to all

and work for the freedom of all the children of God;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Post Communion

God our redeemer,

who inspired William Wilberforce to witness to your love

and to work for the coming of your kingdom:

may we, who in this sacrament share the bread of heaven,

be fired by your Spirit to proclaim the gospel in our daily living

and never to rest content until your kingdom come,

on earth as it is in heaven;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Common of Any Saint; Holy Men and Women (here).

5 August
Oswald

King of Northumbria, Martyr, 642
Red
Collect

Lord God almighty,

who so kindled the faith of King Oswald with your Spirit

that he set up the sign of the cross in his kingdom

and turned his people to the light of Christ:

grant that we, being fired by the same Spirit,

may always bear our cross before the world

and be found faithful servants of the gospel;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Martyrs (here).

8 August
Dominic

Priest, Founder of the Order of Preachers, 1221
White
Collect

Almighty God,

whose servant Dominic grew in the knowledge of your truth

and formed an order of preachers to proclaim the faith of Christ:

by your grace give to all your people a love for your word

and a longing to share the gospel,

so that the whole world may come to know you

and your Son Jesus Christ our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Members of Religious Communities (here).

9 August
Mary Sumner

Founder of the Mothers’ Union, 1921
White
Collect

Faithful and loving God,

who called Mary Sumner to strive for the renewal of family life:

give us the gift of your Holy Spirit,

that through word, prayer and deed your family may be strengthened and your people served;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Post Communion

Father,

from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name,

your servant Mary Sumner revealed your goodness in a life of tranquillity and service:

grant that we who have gathered in faith around this table

may like her know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge

and be filled with all your fullness;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Common of Any Saint; Holy Men and Women (here).

10 August
Laurence

Deacon at Rome, Martyr, 258
Red
Collect

Almighty God,

who made Laurence a loving servant of your people

and a wise steward of the treasures of your Church:

fire us with his example to love as he loved

and to walk in the way that leads to eternal life;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Martyrs (here).

11 August
Clare of Assisi

Founder of the Minoresses (Poor Clares), 1253
White
Collect

God of peace,

who in the poverty of the blessed Clare

gave us a clear light to shine in the darkness of this world:

give us grace so to follow in her footsteps

that we may, at the last, rejoice with her in your eternal glory;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Members of Religious Communities (here).

13 August
Jeremy Taylor

Bishop of Down and Connor, Teacher of the Faith, 1667
White
Collect

Holy and loving God,

you dwell in the human heart

and make us partakers of the divine nature

in Christ our great high priest:

help us who remember your servant Jeremy Taylor

to put our trust in your heavenly promises

and follow a holy life in virtue and true godliness;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Teachers of the Faith and Spiritual Writers (here).

20 August
Bernard

Abbot of Clairvaux, Teacher of the Faith, 1153
White
Collect

Merciful redeemer,

who, by the life and preaching of your servant Bernard,

rekindled the radiant light of your Church:

grant us, in our generation,

to be inflamed with the same spirit of discipline and love

and ever to walk before you as children of light;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Teachers of the Faith and Spiritual Writers (here).

27 August
Monica

Mother of Augustine of Hippo, 387
White
Collect

Faithful God,

who strengthened Monica, the mother of Augustine, with wisdom,

and through her patient endurance encouraged him to seek after you:

give us the will to persist in prayer

that those who stray from you may be brought to faith in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Post Communion

Father,

from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name,

your servant Monica revealed your goodness in a life of tranquillity and service:

grant that we who have gathered in faith around this table

may like her know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge

and be filled with all your fullness;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Common of Any Saint; Holy Men and Women (here).

28 August
Augustine of Hippo

Bishop of Hippo, Teacher of the Faith, 430
White
Collect

Merciful Lord,

who turned Augustine from his sins

to be a faithful bishop and teacher:

grant that we may follow him in penitence and discipline

till our restless hearts find their rest in you;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Teachers of the Faith and Spiritual Writers (here).

29 August
The Beheading of John the Baptist
Red
Collect

Almighty God,

who called your servant John the Baptist

to be the forerunner of your Son in birth and death:

strengthen us by your grace

that, as he suffered for the truth,

so we may boldly resist corruption and vice

and receive with him the unfading crown of glory;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Lectionary

The following readings may supersede the readings in the Daily Eucharistic Lectionary. The daily Psalms and readings at Morning and Evening Prayer are not usually superseded by those for Lesser Festivals.

Jeremiah 1.4-10; Psalm 11; Hebrews 11.32–12.2; Matthew 14.1-12

Post Communion

Merciful Lord,

whose prophet John the Baptist

proclaimed your Son as the Lamb of God

who takes away the sin of the world:

grant that we who in this sacrament have known

your forgiveness and your life-giving love

may ever tell of your mercy and your peace;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

See also 24 June, The Birth of John the Baptist (here).

30 August
John Bunyan

Spiritual Writer, 1688
White
Collect

God of peace,

who called your servant John Bunyan

to be valiant for truth:

grant that as strangers and pilgrims

we may at the last rejoice with all Christian people in your heavenly city;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Teachers of the Faith and Spiritual Writers (here).

31 August
Aidan

Bishop of Lindisfarne, Missionary, 651
White
Collect

Everlasting God,

you sent the gentle bishop Aidan

to proclaim the gospel in this land:

grant us to live as he taught

in simplicity, humility and love for the poor;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Missionaries (here).

3 September
Gregory the Great

Bishop of Rome, Teacher of the Faith, 604
White
Collect

Merciful Father,

who chose your bishop Gregory

to be a servant of the servants of God:

grant that, like him, we may ever long to serve you

by proclaiming your gospel to the nations,

and may ever rejoice to sing your praises;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Teachers of the Faith and Spiritual Writers (here).

8 September
The Birth of the

Blessed Virgin Mary
White
Collect

Almighty and everlasting God,

who stooped to raise fallen humanity

through the child-bearing of blessed Mary:

grant that we, who have seen your glory

revealed in our human nature

and your love made perfect in our weakness,

may daily be renewed in your image

and conformed to the pattern of your Son

Jesus Christ our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of The Blessed Virgin Mary (here).

13 September
John Chrysostom

Bishop of Constantinople, Teacher of the Faith, 407
White
Collect

God of truth and love,

who gave to your servant John Chrysostom

eloquence to declare your righteousness in the great congregation

and courage to bear reproach for the honour of your name:

mercifully grant to those who minister your word

such excellence in preaching,

that all people may share with them

in the glory that shall be revealed;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Teachers of the Faith and Spiritual Writers (here).

15 September
Cyprian

Bishop of Carthage, Martyr, 258
Red
Collect

Holy God,

who brought Cyprian to faith in Christ,

made him a bishop in the Church

and crowned his witness with a martyr’s death:

grant that, after his example,

we may love the Church and her teachings,

find your forgiveness within her fellowship

and so come to share the heavenly banquet

you have prepared for us;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Martyrs (here).

16 September
Ninian

Bishop of Galloway, Apostle of the Picts, c.432
White
Collect

Almighty and everlasting God,

who called your servant Ninian to preach the gospel to the people of northern Britain:

raise up in this and every land

heralds and evangelists of your kingdom,

that your Church may make known the immeasurable riches of your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Missionaries (here).

17 September
Hildegard

Abbess of Bingen, Visionary, 1179
White
Collect

Most glorious and holy God,

whose servant Hildegard, strong in the faith,

was caught up in the vision of your heavenly courts:

by the breath of your Spirit

open our eyes to glimpse your glory

and our lips to sing your praises with all the angels;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Members of Religious Communities (here).

20 September
John Coleridge Patteson
First Bishop of Melanesia,

and his Companions, Martyrs, 1871
Red
Collect

God of all tribes and peoples and tongues,

who called your servant John Coleridge Patteson

to witness in life and death to the gospel of Christ

amongst the peoples of Melanesia:

grant us to hear your call to service

and to respond trustfully and joyfully

to Jesus Christ our redeemer,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Martyrs (here).

25 September
Lancelot Andrewes

Bishop of Winchester, Spiritual Writer, 1626
White
Collect

Lord God,

who gave to Lancelot Andrewes many gifts of your Holy Spirit,

making him a man of prayer and a pastor of your people:

perfect in us that which is lacking in your gifts,

of faith, to increase it,

of hope, to establish it,

of love, to kindle it,

that we may live in the light of your grace and glory;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Bishops and other Pastors (here).

27 September
Vincent de Paul

Founder of the Congregation of the Mission (Lazarists), 1660
White
Collect

Merciful God,

whose servant Vincent de Paul,

by his ministry of preaching and pastoral care,

brought your love to the sick and the poor:

give to all your people a heart of compassion

that by word and action they may serve you

in serving others in their need;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Members of Religious Communities (here).

4 October
Francis of Assisi

Friar, Deacon, Founder of the Friars Minor, 1226
White
Collect

O God, you ever delight to reveal yourself

to the childlike and lowly of heart:

grant that, following the example of the blessed Francis,

we may count the wisdom of this world as foolishness

and know only Jesus Christ and him crucified,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Members of Religious Communities (here).

6 October
William Tyndale

Translator of the Scriptures, Reformation Martyr, 1536
Red
Collect

Lord, give to your people grace to hear and keep your word

that, after the example of your servant William Tyndale,

we may not only profess your gospel

but also be ready to suffer and die for it,

to the honour of your name;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Martyrs (here).

10 October
Paulinus

Bishop of York, Missionary, 644
White
Collect

God our Saviour,

who sent Paulinus to preach and to baptize,

and so to build up your Church in this land:

grant that, inspired by his example,

we may tell all the world of your truth,

that with him we may receive the reward

you prepare for all your faithful servants;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Missionaries (here).

12 October
Wilfrid of Ripon

Bishop, Missionary, 709
White
Collect

Almighty God,

who called our forebears to the light of the gospel by the preaching of your servant Wilfrid:

help us, who keep his life and labour in remembrance,

to glorify your name by following the example of his zeal and perseverance;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Missionaries (here).

13 October
Edward the Confessor

King of England, 1066
White
Collect

Sovereign God,

who set your servant Edward

upon the throne of an earthly kingdom

and inspired him with zeal for the kingdom of heaven:

grant that we may so confess the faith of Christ by word and deed,

that we may, with all your saints, inherit your eternal glory;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Post Communion

God our redeemer,

who inspired Edward to witness to your love

and to work for the coming of your kingdom:

may we, who in this sacrament share the bread of heaven,

be fired by your Spirit to proclaim the gospel in our daily living

and never to rest content until your kingdom come,

on earth as it is in heaven;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Common of Any Saint; Holy Men and Women (here).

15 October
Teresa of Avila

Teacher of the Faith, 1582
White
Collect

Merciful God,

who by your Spirit raised up your servant Teresa of Avila

to reveal to your Church the way of perfection:

grant that her teaching

may awaken in us a longing for holiness,

until we attain to the perfect union of love

in Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Teachers of the Faith and Spiritual Writers (here).

17 October
Ignatius

Bishop of Antioch, Martyr, c.107
Red
Collect

Feed us, O Lord, with the living bread

and make us drink deep of the cup of salvation

that, following the teaching of your bishop Ignatius

and rejoicing in the faith

with which he embraced a martyr’s death,

we may be nourished for that eternal life

for which he longed;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Martyrs (here).

19 October
Henry Martyn

Translator of the Scriptures,

Missionary in India and Persia, 1812
White
Collect

Almighty God,

who by your Holy Spirit gave Henry Martyn

a longing to tell the good news of Christ

and skill to translate the Scriptures:

by the same Spirit give us grace to offer you our gifts,

wherever you may lead, at whatever the cost;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Missionaries (here).

26 October
Alfred the Great

King of the West Saxons, Scholar, 899
White
Collect

God, our maker and redeemer,

we pray you of your great mercy

and by the power of your holy cross

to guide us by your will and to shield us from our foes:

that, after the example of your servant Alfred,

we may inwardly love you above all things;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Post Communion

God our redeemer,

who inspired Alfred to witness to your love

and to work for the coming of your kingdom:

may we, who in this sacrament share the bread of heaven,

be fired by your Spirit to proclaim the gospel in our daily living

and never to rest content until your kingdom come,

on earth as it is in heaven;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Common of Any Saint; Holy Men and Women (here).

29 October
James Hannington

Bishop of Eastern Equatorial Africa,

Martyr in Uganda, 1885
Red
Collect

Most merciful God,

who strengthened your Church by the steadfast courage of your martyr James Hannington:

grant that we also,

thankfully remembering his victory of faith,

may overcome what is evil

and glorify your holy name;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Martyrs (here).

2 November
Commemoration of the Faithful Departed
Purple
Invitation to Confession

God has shone in our hearts

to give the light of the knowledge of his glory

in the face of Christ.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels

to show that the transcendent power belongs to God

and not to us.

As we acknowledge our human frailty,

we call to mind our sins of word, deed and omission,

and confess them before God our Father.

Kyrie Confession

You raise the dead to life in the Spirit:

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

You bring pardon and peace to the broken in heart:

Christ, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

You make one by your Spirit the torn and divided:

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Collect

Eternal God, our maker and redeemer,

grant us, with all the faithful departed,

the sure benefits of your Son’s saving passion

and glorious resurrection

that, in the last day,

when you gather up all things in Christ,

we may with them enjoy the fullness of your promises;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Lectionary

The following readings may supersede the readings in the Daily Eucharistic Lectionary. The daily Psalms and readings at Morning and Evening Prayer are not usually superseded by those for Lesser Festivals.

Lamentations 3.17–26, 31–33 or Wisdom 3.1–9;

Psalm 23 or 27.1–6,16,17;

Romans 5.5–11 or 1 Peter 1.3–9;

John 5.19–25 or John 6.37–40

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia, alleluia.

‘It is the will of him who sent me,’ says the Lord,

‘that I should lose none of all that he has given me,

but raise them up on the last day.’

cf John 6.39

Alleluia.

Intercession

Let us pray to the Lord, who has conquered death.

Jesus, bread from heaven,

you satisfy the hungry with good things:

grant us a share with all the faithful departed

in the banquet of your kingdom.

Hear us, risen Lord,

our resurrection and our life.

Jesus, the light of the world,

you gave the man born blind the gift of sight:

open the eye of faith

and bring us from darkness

to your eternal light and glory.

Hear us, risen Lord,

our resurrection and our life.

Jesus, Son of the living God,

you summoned your friend Lazarus from death to life:

raise us at the last to full and eternal life with you.

Hear us, risen Lord,

our resurrection and our life.

Jesus, crucified Saviour,

in your dying you entrusted each to the other,

Mary your mother and John your beloved disciple:

sustain and comfort all who mourn.

Hear us, risen Lord,

our resurrection and our life.

Jesus, our way and truth and life,

you drew your disciple Thomas from doubt to faith:

reveal the resurrection faith to the doubting and the lost.

Hear us, risen Lord,

our resurrection and our life.

May God in his infinite love and mercy

bring the whole Church,

living and departed in the Lord Jesus,

to a joyful resurrection

and the fulfilment of his eternal kingdom.

Amen.

Introduction to the Peace

Jesus says:

‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.

Not as the world gives do I give you.

Do not let your hearts be troubled,

neither let them be afraid.’

Prayer at the Preparation of the Table

Look upon us in mercy not in judgement;

draw us from hatred to love;

make the frailty of our praise

a dwelling place for your glory.

Preface

And now we give you thanks

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

In him who rose from the dead

our hope of resurrection dawned.

The sting of death has been removed

by the glorious promise of his risen life.

Extended Preface

Blessed are you, gracious God,

creator of heaven and earth,

giver of life and conqueror of death.

By his death on the cross,

your Son Jesus Christ

offered the one true sacrifice for sin,

breaking the power of evil

and putting death to flight.

Through his resurrection from the dead

you have given us new birth into a living hope,

into an inheritance which is imperishable,

undefiled and unfading.

The joy of resurrection fills the universe,

and so we join with angels and archangels,

with all your faithful people,

evermore praising you and saying:

Invitation to Communion

‘I am the bread of life,’ says the Lord;

‘whoever comes to me will never hunger;

whoever believes in me will never thirst.’

‘I am the vine: you are the branches.’

May we dwell in him as he lives in us.

Commemoration of the

Faithful Departed

For the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed, see Common Worship: Times and Seasons, pages 570–571.

Post Communion

God of love,

may the death and resurrection of Christ

which we have celebrated in this eucharist

bring us, with all the faithful departed,

into the peace of your eternal home.

We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ,

our rock and our salvation,

to whom be glory for time and for eternity.

Blessing

May God give you

his comfort and his peace,

his light and his joy,

in this world and the next;

and the blessing of God almighty,

the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

be among you and remain with you always.

(or)

The God of peace,

who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus,

that great shepherd of the sheep,

make you perfect in every good work to do his will;

and the blessing of God almighty,

the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

be among you and remain with you always.

(or)

God the Father,

by whose love Christ was raised from the dead,

open to you who believe the gates of everlasting life.

Amen.

God the Son,

who in bursting the grave has won a glorious victory,

give you joy as you share the Easter faith.

Amen.

God the Holy Spirit,

whom the risen Lord breathed into his disciples,

empower you and fill you with Christ’s peace.

Amen.

And the blessing of God almighty,

the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

be among you and remain with you always.

Amen.

Dismissal

Neither death nor life

can separate us from the love of God

in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Thanks be to God.

3 November
Richard Hooker

Priest, Anglican Apologist, Teacher of the Faith, 1600
White
Collect

God of peace, the bond of all love,

who in your Son Jesus Christ have made the human race your inseparable dwelling place:

after the example of your servant Richard Hooker,

give grace to us your servants ever to rejoice in the true inheritance of your adopted children

and to show forth your praises now and ever;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Teachers of the Faith and Spiritual Writers (here).

7 November
Willibrord of York

Bishop, Apostle of Frisia, 739
White
Collect

God, the Saviour of all,

you sent your bishop Willibrord from this land

to proclaim the good news to many peoples

and confirm them in their faith:

help us also to witness to your steadfast love

by word and deed

so that your Church may increase

and grow strong in holiness;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Missionaries (here).

8 November
The Saints and Martyrs of England
White
Collect

God, whom the glorious company of the redeemed adore,

assembled from all times and places of your dominion:

we praise you for the saints of our own land

and for the many lamps their holiness has lit;

and we pray that we also may be numbered at last

with those who have done your will

and declared your righteousness;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Lectionary

The following readings may supersede the readings in the Daily Eucharistic Lectionary. The daily Psalms and readings at Morning and Evening Prayer are not usually superseded by those for Lesser Festivals.

Isaiah 61.4–9 or Ecclesiasticus 44.1–15; Psalm 15; Revelation 19.5–10; John 17.18–23

Post Communion

God, the source of all holiness

and giver of all good things:

may we who have shared at this table

as strangers and pilgrims here on earth

be welcomed with all your saints

to the heavenly feast on the day of your kingdom;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Common of Martyrs (here)

(or)

Common of Any Saint; Holy Men and Women (here).

10 November
Leo the Great

Bishop of Rome, Teacher of the Faith, 461
White
Collect

God our Father,

who made your servant Leo strong in the defence of the faith:

fill your Church with the spirit of truth

that, guided by humility and governed by love,

she may prevail against the powers of evil;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Teachers of the Faith and Spiritual Writers (here).

11 November
Martin of Tours

Bishop of Tours, c.397
White
Collect

God all powerful,

who called Martin from the armies of this world

to be a faithful soldier of Christ:

give us grace to follow him

in his love and compassion for the needy,

and enable your Church to claim for all people

their inheritance as children of God;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Bishops and other Pastors (here).

13 November
Charles Simeon

Priest, Evangelical Divine, 1836
White
Collect

Eternal God,

who raised up Charles Simeon

to preach the good news of Jesus Christ

and inspire your people in service and mission:

grant that we with all your Church may worship the Saviour,

turn in sorrow from our sins and walk in the way of holiness;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Bishops and other Pastors (here).

16 November
Margaret of Scotland

Queen of Scotland, Philanthropist,

Reformer of the Church, 1093
White
Collect

God, the ruler of all,

who called your servant Margaret to an earthly throne

and gave her zeal for your Church and love for your people

that she might advance your heavenly kingdom:

mercifully grant that we who commemorate her example

may be fruitful in good works

and attain to the glorious crown of your saints;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Post Communion

God our redeemer,

who inspired Margaret to witness to your love

and to work for the coming of your kingdom:

may we, who in this sacrament share the bread of heaven,

be fired by your Spirit to proclaim the gospel in our daily living

and never to rest content until your kingdom come,

on earth as it is in heaven;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Common of Any Saint; Holy Men and Women (here).

17 November
Hugh

Bishop of Lincoln, 1200
White
Collect

O God,

who endowed your servant Hugh with a wise and cheerful boldness

and taught him to commend to earthly rulers the discipline of a holy life:

give us grace like him to be bold in the service of the gospel,

putting our confidence in Christ alone,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Bishops and other Pastors (here).

18 November
Elizabeth of Hungary

Princess of Thuringia, Philanthropist, 1231
White
Collect

Lord God,

who taught Elizabeth of Hungary

to recognize and reverence Christ in the poor of this world:

by her example

strengthen us to love and serve the afflicted and the needy

and so to honour your Son, the servant king,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Post Communion

Faithful God,

who called Elizabeth of Hungary to serve you

and gave her joy in walking the path of holiness:

by this eucharist

in which you renew within us the vision of your glory,

strengthen us all to follow the way of perfection

until we come to see you face to face;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Common of Any Saint; Holy Men and Women (here).

19 November
Hilda

Abbess of Whitby, 680
White
Collect

Eternal God,

who made the abbess Hilda to shine like a jewel in our land

and through her holiness and leadership

blessed your Church with new life and unity:

help us, like her, to yearn for the gospel of Christ

and to reconcile those who are divided;

through him who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Members of Religious Communities (here).

20 November
Edmund

King of the East Angles, Martyr, 870
Red
Collect

Eternal God,

whose servant Edmund kept faith to the end,

both with you and with his people,

and glorified you by his death:

grant us such steadfastness of faith

that, with the noble army of martyrs,

we may come to enjoy the fullness of the resurrection life;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Martyrs (here).

23 November
Clement

Bishop of Rome, Martyr, c.100
Red
Collect

Creator and Father of eternity,

whose martyr Clement bore witness with his blood

to the love he proclaimed and the gospel that he preached:

give us thankful hearts as we celebrate your faithfulness, revealed to us in the lives of your saints,

and strengthen us in our pilgrimage as we follow your Son,

Jesus Christ our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Martyrs (here).

6 December
Nicholas

Bishop of Myra, c.326
White
Collect

Almighty Father, lover of souls,

who chose your servant Nicholas

to be a bishop in the Church,

that he might give freely out of the treasures of your grace:

make us mindful of the needs of others

and, as we have received, so teach us also to give;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Bishops and other Pastors (here).

7 December
Ambrose

Bishop of Milan, Teacher of the Faith, 397
White
Collect

God of hosts,

who called Ambrose from the governor’s throne

to be a bishop in your Church

and an intrepid champion of your faithful people:

mercifully grant that, as he did not fear to rebuke rulers,

so we, with like courage,

may contend for the faith we have received;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Teachers of the Faith and Spiritual Writers (here).

8 December
The Conception of the

Blessed Virgin Mary
White
Collect

Almighty and everlasting God,

who stooped to raise fallen humanity

through the child-bearing of blessed Mary:

grant that we, who have seen your glory

revealed in our human nature

and your love made perfect in our weakness,

may daily be renewed in your image

and conformed to the pattern of your Son

Jesus Christ our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary (here).

13 December
Lucy

Martyr at Syracuse, 304
Red
Collect

God our redeemer,

who gave light to the world that was in darkness

by the healing power of the Saviour’s cross:

shed that light on us, we pray,

that with your martyr Lucy

we may, by the purity of our lives,

reflect the light of Christ

and, by the merits of his passion,

come to the light of everlasting life;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Martyrs (here).

14 December
John of the Cross

Poet, Teacher of the Faith, 1591
White
Collect

O God, the judge of all,

who gave your servant John of the Cross

a warmth of nature, a strength of purpose

and a mystical faith

that sustained him even in the darkness:

shed your light on all who love you

and grant them union of body and soul

in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Teachers of the Faith and Spiritual Writers (here).

29 December
Thomas Becket

Archbishop of Canterbury, Martyr, 1170
Red
Collect

Lord God,

who gave grace to your servant Thomas Becket

to put aside all earthly fear

and be faithful even to death:

grant that we, disregarding worldly esteem,

may fight all wrong,

uphold your rule,

and serve you to our life’s end;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Common of Martyrs (here).

 

Common Worship: Festivals, material from which is included here,
is copyright © The Archbishops' Council 2008 and published by Church House Publishing.

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