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Presider’s Page for Ascension (1 June)

Opening Comment
We celebrate the Ascension of Jesus today. We remember his sending out of the disciples, and his promise to remain with us until the end of time.

Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)

Almighty God,
make our hearts dance with joy and thanksgiving;
for in the ascension of Christ, your Son,
our human nature is raised above the heavens,
and where Christ, the head, has gone before in glory
we, his body, are called in hope.
We make our prayer 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.

Introduction to the Scripture Readings
Acts 1:1-11 — Luke describes the Ascension: this excerpt is taken from the very beginning of the book of Acts.  Ephesians 1:17-23 — Paul interprets the event as Christ’s exaltation at the right hand of the Father. Matthew 28:16-20 — Matthew’s description of the command to make disciples of all nations, given at the Ascension.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) With confidence, we bring our prayers before God, the Most High.

  1. For Christian missionaries — that God’s Spirit may give them  fresh enthusiasm (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  2. For all of us on our journey of faith — that Christ may sustain us, all our days (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  3. For those who work in communications — that their efforts may serve humanity (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  4. For young people preparing for exams — that they may feel Christ’s presence, encouraging them (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  5. For all who are unemployed — that they may receive support, and find the work they need to live in dignity  (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  6. For absent friends — those have lost contact with — that God’s Spirit may heal broken relationships (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

The Presider prays for the dead: for those whose life in this world has ended (especially N & N),  that where Christ has gone, they may soon follow For those preparing for exams, that they may feel Christ’s presence, encouraging them (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) God most high, king of all the earth, you care for all you have made: hear these prayers we make in faith, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions): ‘Let The Earth Rejoice And Sing’; ‘Now the Green Blade Rises’; ‘Praise to the Holiest in the Height’.

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What do we actually know about St Patrick? Do we know anything for sure? How can we find out? Behind all the later traditions which grew around him, reflecting his influence on the people of Ireland, we have his own words. There’s now a website where you can get back to the real St Patrick. Let your parish know about it. Pádraig McCarthy.

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