The Season of Creation is marked throughout the Christian world from 1 September to 4 October. It celebrates the joy of creation as well as encouraging awareness-raising initiatives to protect the natural environment. The theme for the Season of Creation 2022 is “Listen to the Voice of Creation”, and its symbol is the Burning Bush.

PENITENTIAL RITE (Season of Creation)

God has given order, light and life to the world around us, and commanded us to till and care for the garden of life. And yet, we have trampled on the beauty of God’s creation and neglected to keep God’s Word. As we begin Mass today, we celebrate God’s mercy and ask forgiveness for when we offended against God’s creation (pause)

1. You have created land and trees, animals and all living creatures on the earth. We are destroying the forests through poisons and logging, the voices of the birds, insects and forest dwellers are silenced, Lord have mercy

2. You created the wonders of the ocean, the fish, shells, reefs, whales, waves, corals. Through the warming of the oceans and as they drown in plastic, their voices are being stilled, Christ have mercy

3. You created Mother Earth, our common home, which sustains us. Human activities are causing the destruction of her delicate ecosystems as we contaminate the atmosphere with harmful emissions, Lord have mercy

May Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and inspire us to care for our common home, Amen.

Alternative Opening Prayer (1998 ICEL Missal)
God of the ages,
you call the Church to keep watch in the world
and to discern the signs of the times.
Grant us the wisdom which your Spirit bestows,
that with courage we may proclaim your prophetic word
and complete the work you have set before us.
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
Wisdom 9: 13-19 Nothing is possible without the gift of wisdom.
Philemon 9-10, 12-17 This is the only part of Paul’s short letter to Philemon read at Sunday Mass; it is a warm letter concerning a former slave whom Paul now regards as his brother.
Luke 14: 25-33 This Gospel contains hard teachings; we are asked to carry the cross of discipleship and to give all we have to it.

BIDDING PRAYERS
Introduction (by the Presider) Let us bring our needs to God who is the source of all wisdom.

1. That the people of Pakistan may have the help they need, after the floods,  (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
2. That the death penalty may be removed in every country (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
3. That politicians, scientists and economists may work together to protect the world’s oceans (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
4. That we may  respect and care for all God’s creation (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
5. That Christians may show courage in their faith (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
6. That Leaving Cert students may make wise decisions (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.

The presider prays for the dead: That those who have died may enjoy the gift of life without end (especially N. and N.) (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
Conclusion (by the Presider) God of the ages, you teach your people wisdom of heart, help us to trust in your care, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Lord God,
wellspring of peace and true worship,
let our offering come before you
as fitting homage to your glory,
and let our partaking of these sacred mysteries
unite our hearts in faith.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

PREFACE (Sundays in Ordinary Time II)
It is truly right and just,
our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
holy Father, almighty and eternal God,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Out of compassion for us sinners
he humbled himself to be born of the Virgin.
By suffering on the cross, he freed us from unending death;
by rising from the dead, he gave us eternal life.
And so, with angels and archangels,
with all the heavenly host,
we proclaim your glory
and join their unending chorus of praise: 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 your 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…….

PRAYER AFTER COMUNION
Lord,
at the table of your word and sacrament
you nourish your faithful and give them life.
Grant that through these gifts of your Son
we may advance in holiness
and be worthy to share his life for ever.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

REFLECTION FOR CREATIONTIDE: ‘The Hazel Nut’ by Julian of Norwich

‘God showed me a little thing, the size of a hazelnut, lying in the palm of my hand. I looked upon it and wondered, “What might this be?” And I was answered, “It is all Creation.” I marvelled how it could last, for I thought it might suddenly fall to nothing, it was so small. And I was answered, “It lasts and ever shall last, for God loves it.’ In this little hazelnut I saw three truths: the first is that God made it; the second is that God loves it; and the third is that God keeps it safe.’

SONGS FOR TODAY’S MASS
Praise My Soul the King of Heaven; Ag Críost an Síol; Take and Eat: City of God.

Songs for the Season of Creation: Our God Reigns; Ag Críost an Síol; Laudete Omnes Gentes; How Great Thou Art;