Praise to you, Lord our God, our eternal shepherd and guide. You have given us your Son, Jesus Christ, to teach, sanctify and govern your people. You also gave us the gift of your Holy Spirit so that we may forever remain one in Your name.
We thank you, Heavenly Father, for the gift of Bishop Peter Christensen, our shepherd, and all our past bishops who have faithfully served the Catholic Church in our Diocese.
We ask you Heavenly Father, to look with favor upon those in our church who will prayerfully select our new bishop. Give them a Spirit of wisdom and counsel that they may discern your will.
We love you Heavenly Father, and in your love for us, bless us with a shepherd who will leave us in being Christ’s heart of mercy, voice of hope, hands of justice, and love of your Holy Church. Provide him with the gifts he will need to carry on the ministry of Jesus in our diocese.
Help him to fill our minds and hearts with the truth of the Gospel, the power of the sacraments, and the desire to build up your holy Church.
We ask this through the intercession of Mary, our mother, and St. Augustine, our Patron Saint, through Jesus Christ our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
