Third Sunday of Easter

O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 

The Apostles Saint Philip and Saint James

 Almighty God, who gave to your apostles Philip and James grace and strength to bear witness to the truth: Grant that we, being mindful of their victory of faith, may glorify in life and death the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Saint Mark the Evangelist

 Almighty God, by the hand of Mark the evangelist you have given to your Church the Gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God: We thank you for this witness, and pray that we may be firmly grounded in its truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Second Sunday of Easter

 Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ’s Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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 Prayers of the People 

Joyful in the light of your love and your invitation to abundant life in Christ, we offer to you now the prayers of our deepest longings and hopes saying, Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Lord, give us hands that reach out to the poor, the imprisoned, the hungry, the homeless, the sinful, the undesirable in the spirit of your love. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Lord, give us voices to proclaim the good news of your justice to all the persecuted and persecutors of the world. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Lord, we ask you to bless the work of your church here at St. Paul's and in all places where the Good News of Christ is being proclaimed. Bless our leaders: Sean and Nicholas. Bless our clergy here, Marilyn and Elizabeth. Bless this congregation and the service the lay people offer in your name. In our Diocese we remember the Ministry of St. Mark's church in Warwick. 

Lord, give us churches that welcome all your beloved and strive to walk your way of love. Help our desire to care. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Lord, give us leaders in our community and our country that work toward justice and life for all people and all nations. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord, give us bodies, minds, and spirits that are hopeful and healthy. Help our sickness and our faith. especially we pray for healing for: Kate, Mike, Lamy, Mary Jane, Ashley+, Bill H., Rita, Scott, Antonio, Tony, Kay, Ernest; George, Richard, Adrienne, Zachary. We pray for strength and guidance for: Marianne, Michael, Carol, Linda, Stephen, Elizabeth, Seamus, Scott, Becky, Felicia, and Daron. We pray for those we know living in nursing homes: Linda, Karen, and David. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

The flowers at the altar today are given in memory of: Mary Fernandez, Mary York, Helen and John Oliveria. Lord, we pray for all who have died that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Heavenly Father, you desire nothing but life in abundance for us. Give us the courage to claim that life, and the conviction to proclaim your goodness in all we do. We ask this through your Son, our risen Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.

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 Holy God, we give you thanks for the gift of yourself in our lives. As we have received your holy food to nourish our lives, bless us as we seek to serve the world in your name. We give you thanks and praise for our restored, forgiven and renewed life through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Saturday in Easter Week

 We thank you, heavenly Father, that you have delivered us from the dominion of sin and death and brought us into the kingdom of your Son; and we pray that, as by his death he has recalled us to life, so by his love he may raise us to eternal joys; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Friday in Easter Week

 Almighty Father, who gave your only Son to die for our sins and to rise for our justification: Give us grace so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness, that we may always serve you in pureness of living and truth; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Thursday in Easter Week

 Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ’s Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Wednesday in Easter Week

 O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Tuesday in Easter Week

 O God, who by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light: Grant that we, who have been raised with him, may abide in his presence and rejoice in the hope of eternal glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be dominion and praise for ever and ever. Amen.

Monday in Easter Week

 Grant that we pray, Almighty God, that we who celebrate with awe the Paschal feast may be found worthy to attain to everlasting joys; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Easter Day

O God, who for our redemption gave your only-begotten Son to the death of the cross, and by his glorious resurrection delivered us from the power of our enemy: Grant us so to die daily to sin, that we may evermore live with him in the joy of his resurrection; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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Easter Prayers of the People 

Gracious God whose love defeated even death, hear and answer our deepest hopes and needs as you did for the women who discovered the empty tomb and hear our prayers as we say, Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Your church is the Body of Christ, constituted and empowered to continue to proclaim Christ's resurrection, strengthen and embolden us to be persistent in our proclamation. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Our world still falls short of the full blossoming of human potential. Open the eyes and hearts of the world's leaders to pursue peace and human thriving for all people. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Help us to see the risen Christ in the world around us. Guide us into the work you have given us to do so that the ministries of Jesus might continue, that the world might know his healing and love through our actions. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

You have placed us in a glorious creation and charged us with its care. Grant us wisdom and a willingness to protect our environment so that future generations might know the fullness of its beauty and abundance. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Bring healing and wholeness to our lives and to all who suffer in any way. Grant that they might feel Christ's caring touch on their hurts. Especially we pray for peace and healing for: Marilyn, Kate, Mike, Larry, Mary Jane, Ashley+, Bill H., Rita, Scott, Antonio, Tony, Kay, Ernest, George, Richard, Adrienne, Zachary, and Elizabeth. We pray for strength, support, and guidance for: Marianne, Michael, Carol, Linda, Stephen, Elizabeth, Seamus, Scott, Becky, Felicia, and Daron. For residents in nursing homes: especially for: Linda, Karen, and David. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Christ's resurrection opened for us the way to eternal life. Grant that we all may continue on Christ's pathway and enter into your eternal reign and rise again with all the saints who have gone before. We especially remember today, all those in whose memory the flowers have been given. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

Glorious Lord, you have promised to be with us always. Fulfill now your promises for us and grant our prayers as may be best for us and always in accord with your will. All this we ask through our advocate and redeemer, Christ Jesus who lives with you and the Holy Spirit, eternally one God. Amen.

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Holy God, we give you thanks for the gift of yourself in our lives. As we have received your holy food to nourish our lives, bless us as we seek to serve the world in your name. We give you thanks and praise for our restored, forgiven and renewed life through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 

Holy Saturday

O God, Creator of heaven and earth: Grant that, as the crucified body of your dear Son was laid in the tomb and rested on this holy Sabbath, so may we await with him the coming of the third day, and rise with him to newness of life; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

Good Friday

Almighty God, we pray you graciously to behold this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, and given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer death upon the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Maundy Thursday

 Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Wednesday in Holy Week

Lord God, whose blessed Son our Savior gave his body to be whipped and his face to be spit upon: Give us grace to accept joyfully the sufferings of the present time, confident of the glory that shall be revealed; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

Tuesday in Holy Week

O God, by the passion of your blessed Son you made an instrument of shameful death to be for us the means of life: Grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ, that we may gladly suffer shame and loss for the sake of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

Monday in Holy Week

 Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Holy Week Schedule after Palm Sunday

April 17 - Maundy Thursday soup and worship 6:00 PM

April 18 - Good Friday Liturgy 12:00 Noon

April 20 - Easter Day Service at 10:00 AM

Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday

 Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Fifth Sunday in Lent

 Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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Prayers of the People 

Let us pray for the whole state of Christ's Church and the world. 

Almighty and everliving God, who in your holy Word has taught us to make prayers, and petitions, and to give thanks for all people: Receive these our prayers which we offer to your divine Majesty, beseeching you to inspire continually the Universal Church with the spirit of truth, unity, and concord; and grant that all those who do confess your holy Name may agree in the truth of your holy Word, and live in unity and godly love. Lord, in your mercy..... Hear our prayer. 

Give grace, O heavenly Father, to all bishops and other ministers, especially for Sean, our Presiding Bishop, and Nicholas, the Bishop of Ril, that they may, both by their life and doctrine, set forth your true and lively Word, and rightly and duly administer your holy Sacraments. Lord, in your mercy..... Hear our prayer. 

On our diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for Creation Care Ministry and stewardship of the earth. And to all your people give your heavenly grace, and especially to this congregation; that, with meek heart and due reverence, they may hear and receive your holy Word, truly serving you in holiness and righteousness all the days of their life. Lord, in your mercy..... Hear our prayer. 

We beseech you also so to rule the hearts of those who bear the authority of government in this and every land especially the president, vice-president, congress, and the courts, that they may be led to wise decisions and right actions for the welfare and peace of the world. Lord, in your mercy..... Hear our prayer. 

Open, O Lord, the eyes of all people to behold your gracious hand in all your works, that, rejoicing in your whole creation, they may honor you with their substance, and be faithful stewards of your generosity. Lord, in your mercy..... Hear our prayer. 

And we most humbly beseech you, of your goodness, O Lord, to comfort and help all those who, in this transitory life, are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity, especially, we pray, for those on our parish prayer list. Lord, in your mercy..... Hear our prayer. 

And we also bless your holy Name for all your servants departed this life, especially Patty. We humbly ask you to grant them continual growth in your love and service; and to grant us grace so to follow the good examples of St. Paul and of all your saints, that with them we may be partakers of your heavenly kingdom. 

Grant these our prayers, O Father, for Jesus Christ's sake, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

Holy Week Schedule

+Palm Sunday, April 13th. 10:00 AM 

+Maundy Thursday April 17th. Soup Supper and worship 6:00 PM 

+Good Friday, April 18th Noon Good Friday Liturgy

Fourth Sunday in Lent

Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 

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Prayers of the People 

Let us pray for the whole state of Christ's Church and the world. 

Almighty and everliving God, who in your holy Word has taught us to make prayers, and petitions, and to give thanks for all people: Receive these our prayers which we offer to your divine Majesty, beseeching you to inspire continually the Universal Church with the spirit of truth, unity, and concord; and grant that all those who do confess your holy Name may agree in the truth of your holy Word, and live in unity and godly love. Lord, in your mercy..... Hear our prayer. 

Give grace, O heavenly Father, to all bishops and other ministers especially for Sean, our Presiding Bishop, and Nicholas, the Bishop of RI, that they may, both by their life and doctrine, set forth your true and lively Word, and rightly and duly administer your holy Sacraments. Lord, in your mercy..... Hear our prayer. 

On our diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for our Finance Committees, Standing Committees and Treasurers. And to all your people give your heavenly grace, and especially to this congregation; that, with meek heart and due reverence, they may hear and receive your holy Word, truly serving you in holiness and righteousness all the days of their life. Lord, in your mercy..... Hear our prayer. 

We beseech you also so to rule the hearts of those who bear the authority of government in this and every land especially the president, the vice-president, the congress, and the courts, that they may be led to wise decisions and right actions for the welfare and peace of the world. Lord, in your mercy.... Hear our prayer. 

Open, O Lord, the eyes of all people to behold your gracious hand in all your works, that, rejoicing in your whole creation, they may honor you with their substance, and be faithful stewards of your generosity. Lord, in your mercy..... Hear our prayer. 

And we most humbly beseech you, of your goodness, O Lord, to comfort and help all those who, in this transitory life, are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity, especially, we pray, for those on our parish prayer list. Lord, in your mercy..... Hear our prayer. 

And we also bless your holy Name for all your servants departed this life. We humbly ask you to grant them continual growth in your love and service; and to grant us grace so to follow the good examples of St. Paul and all your saints, that with them we may be partakers of your heavenly kingdom. Grant these our prayers, O Father, for Jesus Christ's sake, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen. 

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Today we celebrated our nonagenarians – Rev. Marilyn and August Miller - with a big standing room only Potluck Birthday Party following the service❣️🎈🥳 Fun - fun - fun, with musical entertainment, a great meal, laughs and yummy birthday cake! There were candles...lots of candles! 

The Annunciation of Our Lord

 Pour your grace into our hearts, O Lord, that we who have known the incarnation of your Son Jesus Christ, announced by an angel to the Virgin Mary, may by his cross and passion be brought to the glory of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Third Sunday in Lent

 Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Saint Joseph

 O God, who from the family of your servant David raised up Joseph to be the guardian of your incarnate Son and the spouse of his virgin mother: Give us grace to imitate his uprightness of life and his obedience to your commands; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Second Sunday in Lent

 O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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 "On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram ..." Genesis 15:18a 

Rev. Liz thoughtfully reviewed the significance of covenants in our religious history, particularly focusing on Abraham’s covenant with God, which established monotheism and is considered the foundation of Christianity and Islam. She emphasized the importance of understanding and maintaining a covenant relationship with God, highlighting the role of individuals like Abraham, Noah, Moses, David, Mary and Jesus. Lastly Rev. Liz asked us to do our part; to reflect and act on the relevance of our ongoing covenant with Jesus.

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 Prayers of the People 

Let us pray for the whole state of Christ's Church and the world.

Almighty and everliving God, who in your holy Word has taught us to make prayers, and petitions, and to give thanks for all people: Receive these our prayers which we offer to your divine Majesty, beseeching you to inspire continually the Universal Church with the spirit of truth, unity, and concord; and grant that all those who do confess your holy Name may agree in the truth of your holy Word, and live in unity and godly love. Lord, in your mercy..... Hear our prayer. 

Give grace, O heavenly Father, to all bishops and other ministers, especially for Sean, our Presiding Bishop, and Nicholas, the Bishop of RI, that they may, both by their life and doctrine, set forth your true and lively Word, and rightly and duly administer your holy Sacraments. Lord, in your mercy..... Hear our prayer. 

We pray for our diocesan cycle of prayer. And to all your people give your heavenly grace, and especially to this congregation; that, with meek heart and due reverence, they may hear and receive your holy Word, truly serving you in holiness and righteousness all the days of their life. Lord, in your mercy..... Hear our prayer. 

We beseech you also so to rule the hearts of those who bear the authority of government in this and every land, especially the president, vice-president, congress, and the courts, that they may be led to wise decisions and right actions for the welfare and peace of the world. Lord, in your mercy..... Hear our prayer. 

Open, O Lord, the eyes of all people to behold your gracious hand in all your works, that, rejoicing in your whole creation, we may honor you with our substance, and be faithful stewards of your generosity. Lord, in your mercy..... Hear our prayer. 

And we most humbly beseech you, of your goodness, O Lord, to comfort and help all those who, in this transitory life, are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity, especially, we pray, for those on our parish prayer list. Lord, in your mercy..... Hear our prayer. 

And we also bless your holy Name for all your servants departed this life. We humbly ask you to grant them continual growth in your love and service; and to grant us grace so to follow the good examples of St. Paul and of all your saints, that with them we may be partakers of your heavenly kingdom. 

Grant these our prayers, O Father, for Jesus Christ's sake, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

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 Lord, we give you thanks that you have nourished us with fellowship, prayer, music, scripture, and holy Eucharist; and you have made us one with all your people in heaven and on earth. Now send us forth in the power of your Spirit, that we may proclaim your redeeming love to the world. Amen

First Sunday in Lent

 Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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 “You are my refuge and my stronghold, * my God in whom I put my trust.” Psalm 91 

 Rev. Marilyn urged us to understand that the underlying message is clear, refuge is not only a physical place, but also a moral imperative, a tangible expression of God's covenant with God's people. This covenant is characterized by promises of protection and provision, reinforcing that the idea of refuge is both physical and spiritual, and is a divine gift. How comforting is it to know that somewhere there is a refuge for the sinner, for the one who has made the mistake. How comforting is it to know that our God cares enough about each one of God's children to provide for them for each one of according to their need. 

 We were asked to sing. “And He will raise you up on angel’s wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of His Hand.” Additionally we each received an envelope with a Lenten "Prayer Partner” so that we might throughout the week also provide comfort through prayers for others in our parish.

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 And of course we got Pretzels for Lent: The common pretzel was originally designed for use during Lent. Sometime during the Middle Ages, when Lent was accompanied by strict bans on dairy products and meat, people subsisted largely on breads, pastries, soups and vegetables. Bakers in Germany decided to create a food that would even look religious - the pretzel. The crossed arms of a pretzel represent a Christian in prayer. Place the palm of each hand on the opposite shoulder, so that your forearms cross. That's the shape of a pretzel.

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 At the end of today's service a new St Paul's Directory was distributed to all.

Ash Wednesday

 Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Last Sunday after the Epiphany - Alleluia Sunday

 O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Alleluia! New beginnings for many of us in the St Paul's family and a celebration of what is to come. Amen.

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Prayers of the People 

Led by the Holy Spirit we pray for the church and the world, saying, Lord in your mercy, Hear our Prayer. 

For the church in all its ways, in every land and in every language, may your Word be known. Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer. 

For all who seek to follow Jesus Christ, that they may be steadfast in their love and faith and that they may work together for greater unity as Christ's body, Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer. 

For peace in all places and in the hearts of all people throughout the earth, Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer. 

For our community, especially for those struggling in economic transitions, that we might find strength and hope together, Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer. 

For the natural world and its abundance, that we might use that abundance wisely and sustainably. Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer. 

For all who are suffering, that they might find solace in your presence and wholeness in your love and we pray for those in our congregation. Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer. 

For the saints in every generation, that they might inspire our lives, and that we might be faithful stewards of their legacy, Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

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After our service we continued the celebration with a Mardi Gras Potluck!

Saint Matthias the Apostle

 Almighty God, who in the place of Judas chose your faithful servant Matthias to be numbered among the Twelve: Grant that your Church, being delivered from false apostles, may always be guided and governed by faithful and true pastors; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.