Today we celebrate the feast of Christ the King. At the end of time, this king will come in glory to judge the living and the dead. He will ask how we treated the hungry and thirsty, the stranger, the naked, those sick or in prison.

Penitential Act
We recall times we have failed in love as we continue to enjoy God’s love and favour (pause)
Lord Jesus, you are mighty God and prince of peace: Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you are Son of God and Son of Mary; Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you are Word made flesh and splendour of the Father; Lord, have mercy.

Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
Almighty God,
you have conferred upon Christ Jesus
sovereignty over every age and nation.

Direct us, in the love of Christ,
to care for the least of his brothers and sisters,
that we may be subject to his dominion
and receive the inheritance of your kingdom.

Grant this 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
Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17 — Our king is like a shepherd who minds all the sheep, particularly those in special need.
1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28 — As king, Christ has conquered all, even death itself.
Matthew 25:31-36 — Our king will reward those who look after people in need.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) Let us present our prayers to God, the shepherd who cares for all the flock:

1. For the leaders of the Church, that they may show the kindness of the Good Shepherd (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
2. For Pope Francis, as he travels to the Climate Change Conference in Dubai (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
3. For leaders of nations, that they may work to protect our common home (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
4. For an end to the fighting in the Holy Land and Ukraine (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
5. For people who feel poor and powerless (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
6. For those suffering from H.I.V. or AIDS (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

The presider prays for the dead: For those who have passed beyond this world (especially N and N), that they may dwell in the Lord’s house for ever (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) Loving God, caring shepherd, you look after your people at every moment of their lives: hear the prayers we make, in trust and faith, through Christ our Lord. Amen

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Lord,
as we offer you the sacrifice of reconciliation,
We ask that your Son bestow on all peoples
the gifts of unity and peace,
for he lives and reigns for ever and ever.

PREFACE OF CHRIST THE KING
It is truly right and just,
our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
holy Father, almighty and eternal God.

You anointed Christ the Lord, your only Son,
with the oil of gladness
as eternal priest and king of all creation.

As priest, he offered himself on the altar of the cross
and redeemed the human race
by this perfect sacrifice of peace.

As king, he claims dominion over all creatures,
that he may present to your infinite majesty
a kingdom of truth and life,
a kingdom of holiness and grace,
a kingdom of justice, love, and peace.

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 III
Lord, you are holy indeed,
and all creation rightly gives you praise.
All life, all holiness comes from you
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,
by the working of the Holy Spirit.
From age to age you gather a people to yourself,
so that from the rising of the sun to its setting
a pure offering may be made
to the glory of your name.

And so, Lord God, we humbly pray:
by the power of your Spirit sanctify these gifts
we have brought before you,
that they may become the body + and blood
of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,
at whose command we celebrate this eucharist.

On the night he was handed over to death,
he took bread and gave you thanks and praise;
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 and praise,
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…..

Calling to mind, Lord God
the death your Son endured for our salvation,
his glorious resurrection and ascension into heaven,
and eagerly awaiting the day of his return,
we offer you in thanksgiving this holy and living sacrifice.

Look with favour on your Church’s offering
and see the Victim by whose sacrifice
you were pleased to reconcile us to yourself.
Grant that we who are nourished by the body and blood of your Son
may be filled with his Holy Spirit
and become one body, one spirit in Christ.

Let him make us an everlasting gift to you,
that we may share in the inheritance of your saints,
with Mary, the virgin Mother of God,
with the apostles, the martyrs,
[Saint Patrick, St Brigid, St Columba], and all your saints,
on whose constant intercession we rely for help.

Lord, may this sacrifice
which has made our peace with you
advance the peace and salvation of all the world.
Strengthen in faith and love your pilgrim Church on earth:
your servant Pope Francis, our Bishop N.,
all bishops, priests, and deacons,
all ministers of your Church,
and the entire people your Son has gained for you.

Merciful Father,
hear the prayers of the family you have gathered here before you,
and unite to yourself all your children
now scattered over the face of the earth.

Welcome into your kingdom our departed brothers and sisters
and all who have left this world in your friendship.
We hope to enjoy with them your everlasting glory,
through Christ our Lord,
through whom you give the world everything that is good.

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
Nourished by the food of immortal life,
we beg you, Lord,
that we who glory in our obedience to Christ,
the king of all creation,
may live with him always in the kingdom of heaven.
Grant this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Songs at Mass (Suggestions)
‘Hail Redeemer’; ‘Holy God We Praise Thy Name’; ‘Praise My Soul The King of Heaven’; ‘O Praise Ye The Lord’ etc

APOLOGIES: To those who used the Presiders Page printed here for 19 November, my apologies: portion of the Eucharistic Prayer was omitted. I hope you were able to adapt (as did I) — Bernard Cotter