First Sunday of Lent – Liturgy Preparation

Opening Comment

We celebrate the first Sunday of Lent. All over the world today, men and women are beginning a period of preparation for their baptism at the Easter Vigil. Like them, we spend Lent preparing to renew our baptismal vows at Easter, looking forward to our blessing with Easter water and to receiving the gift of a new start.

Penitential Rite: Aware that God’s grace within us brings us to repentance, let us call to mind our sins …

Introduction to the Scripture Readings

Genesis 2:7-9, 3:1-7 — Describes the entry of sin into the world through the story of Adam and Eve.

Romans 5:12-19 — Paul brings the First Reading and Gospel together, and tells us that the death of Jesus freed all from sin.

Matthew 4:1-11 — The Gospel shows us that even Jesus had to endure temptation.

 

The General Intercessions

Introduction (by the Presider)

As we begin the lenten journey, let us remember all those in need:

Intercessions (announced by the deacon, cantor or another person)

  1. For Pope N, our Bishop N and all our leaders in faith, we pray. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
  2. For peace and reconciliation in our country and throughout the world, we pray (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
  3. For those affected by the Japanese earthquake, we pray. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
  4. For this community, particularly for our friends who are ill, we pray. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
  5. For those who have died, especially N. & N. who died recently and N. & N. whose anniversaries occur, we pray. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
  6. For all our own needs and intentions, we pray… (Long pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider)

O God, you understand our weakness, you know our needs: Give us the joy of your help, we beseech you, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Other Liturgical Suggestions

Penitential Rite c-i. No Gloria today, no Alleluia, no flowers. First Opening Prayer. Shorter form of second reading (Romans 5:12, 17-19). Preface of the First Sunday of Lent. Eucharistic Prayer 3. Prayer over the People 24, preceded by the invitation ‘Bow your heads and pray for God’s blessing’, and followed by the simple blessing: ‘And may almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit’.

Songs

‘Praise to the holiest’, ‘Be Not Afraid’, ‘Renew your hearts’.

 

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Catholic Schools Week begins today in Ireland. ‘Sunday of the Word of God’ is observed in the universal Church, and so, the Word of God is the focus at Mass, read by Ezra the priest in the Old Testament reading, and by Jesus in the Gospel. By his Word, God reassures the people of his closeness, especially in the Word made flesh, Jesus of Nazereth.

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