Presider’s Page for 26 April (Third Sunday of Easter)
Opening Comment
During the Easter season the Church continues to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, even in these dark pandemic days. Today, we join together to worship God, who has brought about the great victory over sin and death in which we hope.
Penitential Rite
In joy and gratitude, we praise God who saves us (pause)
You raise the dead to life in the Spirit: Lord, have mercy.
You bring pardon and peace to the sinner: Christ, have mercy.
You bring light to those in darkness: Lord, have mercy.
Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
O God of mystery,
out of death you delivered Christ Jesus,
and he walked in hidden glory with his disciples.
Stir up our faith,
that our hearts may burn within us
at the sound of his word
and our eyes be opened to recognise him
in the breaking of the bread.
Grant this through Jesus Christ, the firstborn from the dead,
who lives and reigns with you now and always
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
Introduction to the Scripture Readings
Acts 3:13-15, 17-19 Many of St Peter’s words are found in the first two readings. The first contains his speech on Pentecost day, and the second is part of one of his letters, where Peter reminds us that Christ paid the price of our salvation.
Luke 24:13-35 The Gospel describes the appearance of Jesus to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus.
BIDDING PRAYERS
Introduction (by the Presider) Because the Lord is our refuge and strength, let us bring forward our prayers.
- That God’s word may give those who suffer the strength to endure these times (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
- That Christians whose faith is tested by the coronavirus may receive God’s grace to sustain them (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
- That third level students preparing for and sitting on-line exams may have God’s help (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
- That all who work to keep our country running in these days may be blessed, especially those who work in shops and supply the country with food (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
- That God may be close to all who work to heal us: nurses, doctors, carers, chaplains, hospital cleaners and porters, nursing home staff, GPs, pharmacists, scientaists and everyone involved in the fight against coronavirus (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
- That those who suffer from COVID-19 today may experience peace and new strength (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
The Presider prays for the dead: For all who have gone before us in faith (especially N & N), that may know happiness forever at God’s right hand (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
Conclusion (by the Presider) Lord our God, you show us the path of life: support us by your presence and help us every step of the way, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Lord,
receive the gifts of your joyous Church.
You have given us cause for great happiness on earth;
grant us the consummation of that joy in heaven.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
PREFACE (Easter II)
It is truly right and just,
our duty and our salvation,
that we should always sing your glory, Lord;
but we praise you with greater joy than ever
in this Easter season
when Christ became our paschal sacrifice.
Through him the children of light rise to eternal life
and the gates of heaven are unlocked
to receive his faithful people.
For his death is our ransom from death
and in his resurrection all are raised to new life.
Therefore, the universe resounds with Easter joy,
and the choirs of angels sing the endless hymn of your glory: Holy, holy, holy…
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER II (with interpolation for Sunday mornings)
Lord, you are holy indeed,
you are the fountain of all holiness.
(In communion with the whole Church,
we have assembled on this day which you have made holy,
and, rejoicing that you have made us a new creation in your risen Son,
we pray):
Send down you Spirit upon these gifts to make them holy,
that they may become for us
the body + and blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Before he was given up to death,
a death he freely accepted,
he took bread and gave you thanks;
he broke the bread,
gave it to his disciples, and said:
TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND EAT IT:
THIS IS MY BODY, WHICH WILL BE GIVEN UP FOR YOU.
When supper was ended, he took the cup;
again he gave you thanks,
gave the cup to his disciples, and said:
TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND DRINK FROM IT:
THIS IS THE CUP OF MY BLOOD,
THE BLOOD OF THE NEW AND EVERLASTING COVENANT.
IT WILL BE SHED FOR YOU AND FOR ALL,
SO THAT SINS MAY BE FORGIVEN.
DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME.
The mystery of faith…..
Remembering therefore his death and resurrection,
we offer you, Lord God,
this life-giving bread, this saving cup.
We thank you for counting us worthy
to stand in your presence and serve you.
We pray that all of us who share in the body and blood of Christ
may be gathered into one by the Holy Spirit.
Lord, remember your Church throughout the world:
perfect us in love
together with Francis our Pope and N. our Bishop,
with all bishops, priests, and deacons,
and all who minister to your people.
Remember our brothers and sisters
who have gone to their rest
in the sure hope of rising again;
bring them and all who have died in your mercy
into the light of your presence.
Have mercy on us all:
make us worthy to share eternal life,
with Mary, the virgin Mother of God,
with the apostles and with all the saints,
who have found favour with you throughout the ages;
in union with them
may we praise you and give you glory
through your Son, Jesus Christ.
Through him, with him, In him,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all glory and honour is yours, almighty Father,
for ever and ever.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Protect with loving-kindness, Lord,
the people you have renewed
through the paschal mystery of Christ,
and grant them this reward:
the resurrection of the body to glory everlasting.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Suggested Songs: ‘Bring, all you dear-bought nations’; ‘Christ Be Our Light’; ‘He is Lord’.