Father,

may our lenten observance

prepare us to embrace the paschal mystery

and to proclaim your salvation with joyful praise.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

________

May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.

Amen.