Updated
bab April 1, 2005
We Remember With Affection John Paul II
It is fitting to gather at this pivotal moment in our church. A great man has died and we have lost our leader. Today we know a deep sadness, but we have great hope. The Holy Spirit, so alive in Pope John Paul II, continues to guide the church. It is the Holy Spirit who brings us together and moves us to celebrate the life and death of our Holy Father.
Born
May 18, 1920, Wadowice south of Krakow, Poland
Died
April 1, 2005
Prayer Service
Introduction
The Catholic community comes together to pray for and remember Pope John Paul II, a man of great faith. We come together to rejoice in his life and to be challenged by his witness. In the words of so many young people who gathered in faith at the many World Youth Days presided over by this pope of almost two generations: John Paul Two, We Love You. Tonight (today) it is fitting to remember, pray, and celebrate.
This prayer service is available to download in two formats:
PDF 
Word
Doc Please feel free to modify the prayer service to meet the needs of your community.
Audience
This prayer invites young and old, parents and children, Roman Catholics and others of faith to offer their grief and their hope to God who loves us all. This prayer is intended for an intergenerational audience and can be celebrated at programs for religious education, youth group meetings, in Catholic schools, at parish gatherings, e.g. Parish Council or Committee Meetings or as a special gathering intended only for the purpose of remembering the Holy Father.
Environment
If possible, the space for the prayer should include any or all of the following: a portrait of Pope John Paul with the Paschal Candle and Cross placed nearby; the Altar or a covered prayer table, with lit candles and a simple arrangement of fresh flowers. A clay bowl filled with sand and lit charcoals sitting on top for incense could also be placed before the picture of the pope for use during the intercessions. It might be advisable to remind the gathered assembly that incense is a sign of our prayers being lifted up to God.
Materials Needed
- Catholic Bible
- 1 sheet of red, gold, and white construction paper and 1 marker per small group
- CD player and CD with chosen music or musicians with an appropriate sound system
- Incense, coals, sand, fireproof vessel for burning incense, matches
- Environmental supplies for prayer space
Other Prayer and Catechetical Resources
Daughter of St. Paul--Meditation
John Paul II Speaks to Young People
See our list of papal addresses to youth.
The Life of John Paul II
FAQs About the Papacy/Electing a New Pope
Diocesan Websites
Other Links