Lenten Resources

CMN Prayer to End the Death Penalty

by Sr. Kathie Uhler, OSF

O Jesus, you forgave the Good Thief from your cross,
at your own execution.
You exonerated the woman caught in adultery,
because no one was without guilt.
You wept with his sisters at the loss of Lazarus.
You wept over Jerusalem, over the blindness of the people

O Jesus, you taught us to transcend racism,
like the Good Samaritan.
You showed us the unconditional love and forgiveness
of the Father to his Prodigal Son;
and the heavenly way of extreme benevolence as
the sun shines equally on the good and the bad,
and when the last and least were rewarded
as the first and the best.

Help us to learn your ways, O Jesus, of ceaseless forgiving
and boundless mercy and trust
of our brothers and sisters,
especially those convicted of capital crimes.
Help us to take up the cross of unconditional love
each day, with you, O Jesus, along the hallways
and streets and rows of our lives. Amen.

Download a sheet of 4 prayer cards with facts about the death penalty.

To order prepared prayer cards, complete this form, print it, and fax it to the phone number on the form.

CMN Prayer to End the Death Penalty (California)

by Sr. Kathie Uhler, OSF

O Jesus, you forgave the Good Thief from your cross,
at your own execution.
You exonerated the woman caught in adultery,
because no one was without guilt.
You wept with his sisters at the loss of Lazarus.
You wept over Jerusalem, over the blindness of the people

O Jesus, you taught us to transcend racism,
like the Good Samaritan.
You showed us the unconditional love and forgiveness
of the Father to his Prodigal Son;
and the heavenly way of extreme benevolence as
the sun shines equally on the good and the bad,
and when the last and least were rewarded
as the first and the best.

Help us to learn your ways, O Jesus, of ceaseless forgiving
and boundless mercy and trust
of our brothers and sisters,
especially those convicted of capital crimes.
Help us to take up the cross of unconditional love
each day, with you, O Jesus, along the hallways
and streets and rows of our lives. Amen.

Download a sheet of 4 prayer cards with facts about the death penalty - customized for the current effort to repeal capital punishment in California.

Death Penalty Stations of the Cross

Written by Trena Pacetti and Sr. Kathleen Feely, SND

Jesus, today we take up the journey with You. We go forth to witness the dignity of all life. We go forth counting on Your grace to help us do the works of justice and mercy with sincere hearts, in Your name, who taught us how to live. Amen.

Download the Stations of the Cross Booklet

Download the Stations Booklet Assembly Instructions

A Good Friday Prayer Service to End the Death Penalty

This liturgy/prayer  service was prepared by Bro. Brian Halderman, S.M., of the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative and St.  Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. It includes an Opening Prayer, Scripture Readings, “Readings of Opposition” to be recited by participants, and a candle-lighting component.

Opening Prayer:
On this the day in which we remember the death of our Redeemer, Jesus the crucified, we pray with all our brothers and sisters impacted by violence. We pray in solidarity with all those who have lost a love one to murder, we pray with all those who have been condemned to death and for their families. We pray that the wounds of our world might be united with the wounds of Christ crucified who lives and reigns one with the Father and the Spirit. AMEN.

Download the complete Prayer Service

A Good Friday Reflection to End the Use of the Death Penalty

“On this Good Friday, a day when we recall our Savior’s own execution, we appeal to all people of good-will, and especially Catholics, to work to end the death penalty.” – Pope John Paul II, 1999

This brochure – suitable for printing and distribution – offers reflections on the death penalty for Good Friday, an update on progress to end the use of the death penalty around the world, and prayer and other resources that will inform and enrich Catholics who want to learn more about the call to restorative justice.

Download the Brochure

To order prepared copies of the brochure, complete this form, print it, and fax it to the phone number on the form.

USCCB Death Penalty Prayer

Merciful Father, we ask your blessing on all we do to build a culture of life. Hear our prayers for those impacted by the death penalty.
We pray for all people, that their lives and dignity as children of a loving God may be respected and protected in all stages and circumstances.
We pray for victims of violence and their families, that they may experience our love and support and find comfort in your compassion and in the promise of eternal life.
We pray for those on death row, that their lives may be spared, that the innocent may be freed and that the guilty may come to acknowledge their faults and seek reconciliation with you.
We pray for the families of those who are facing execution, that they may be comforted by your love and compassion.
We pray for civic leaders, that they may commit themselves to respecting every human life and ending the use of the death penalty in our land.

Compassionate Father, give us wisdom and hearts filled with your love. Guide us as we work to end the use of the death penalty and to build a society that truly chooses life in all situations.
We ask this Father through your Son Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.
Amen.

Download a sheet of 4 prayer cards with facts about the death penalty.

To order prepared prayer cards, complete this form, print it, and fax it to the phone number on the form.

USCCB Death Penalty Prayer (California)

Merciful Father, we ask your blessing on all we do to build a culture of life. Hear our prayers for those impacted by the death penalty.
We pray for all people, that their lives and dignity as children of a loving God may be respected and protected in all stages and circumstances.
We pray for victims of violence and their families, that they may experience our love and support and find comfort in your compassion and in the promise of eternal life.
We pray for those on death row, that their lives may be spared, that the innocent may be freed and that the guilty may come to acknowledge their faults and seek reconciliation with you.
We pray for the families of those who are facing execution, that they may be comforted by your love and compassion.
We pray for civic leaders, that they may commit themselves to respecting every human life and ending the use of the death penalty in our land.

Compassionate Father, give us wisdom and hearts filled with your love. Guide us as we work to end the use of the death penalty and to build a society that truly chooses life in all situations.
We ask this Father through your Son Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.
Amen.

Download a sheet of 4 prayer cards with facts about the death penalty – customized for the current effort to repeal capital punishment in California.