Intercessions written by Sister Ellen Cunningham, SP, and Sister Rosemary Nudd, SP, read during the Funeral Liturgy for Sister Susan Pietrus, SP, on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008.

Father Dan Hopcus: Today we are aware that our loss is great and our needs are many. Trusting in that Providence which will not fail, let us bring our needs and our prayers to the One who knows them before we ask.

Sister Ellen Cunningham: Our response is, “Provident God, hear us.”

Sister Ellen: Comforting God, you promise to be with us all days. May Ray, Nancy and Peter and all who were kin to Sue know the consolation of faith, family, and friends in the days to come. This we ask in faith —

Sister Rosemary Nudd: Loving God, you show us your tireless and tender care through our connections with one another. Hold all of Sue’s loved ones — sisters, students and former students, colleagues and friends, in your consoling embrace. This we ask in faith —

Sister Ellen: Nurturing God, from the earliest days you have blessed and protected Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. May this college continue the tradition of excellence and caring which Sue lived so well. This we ask in faith —

Sister Rosemary: Creating God, music in all its manifestations is your enduring gift to our world. Inspire all musicians — composers, directors, and teachers, choruses, soloists, and scholars — to raise an endless song that hails your new creation. This we ask in faith —

Sister Ellen: Merciful God, you sent Jesus among us as teacher. May educators, especially those who have been students or colleagues of Sue, follow her example of love and be gifted with a small portion of her ability to inspire. This we ask in faith —

Sister Rosemary: Faithful God, you promise to shepherd us beyond all our wants and fears. Enlighten and strengthen all leaders of churches and leaders of nations, that they may guide their communities, especially the oppressed and forgotten, to the quiet waters of peace. This we ask in faith —

Sister Ellen: Healing God, you are the only true ground of our hope. Bless those suffering from intractable illnesses and fill them with your peace at the hour of their death. This we ask in faith —

Sister Rosemary: Compassionate God, you created this wondrous Earth to be our mother and our home. Give wisdom and determination to all who work to save and sustain this planet, especially its mountains, oceans, and beaches, which Sue loved so much, This we ask in faith —

Sister Ellen: Provident God, you know our needs. May you hear the unspoken prayers in each one’s heart. This we ask —

Father Dan: God of all hope, we offer these prayers with full hearts. May we and all who call upon you in faith be ever rooted and grounded in love. We ask this through our brother Jesus, the Christ. Amen