Today we honour the Body and Blood of Christ, the food that sustains us on our pilgrimage through life.
Penitential rite: As we prepare to reflect on the mystery of the Eucharist, let us recall the power of God to lift us from our sinfulness: (pause)
Lord Jesus, you raise us to new life: Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you forgive us our sins: Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you feed us with your body and blood: Lord, have mercy.

OPENING PRAYER:   God ever-faithful,
you have made a covenant with your people
in the gift of your Son,
who offered his body for us
and poured out his blood for the many.

As we celebrate this eucharistic sacrifice,
build up your Church
by deepening within us the life of your covenant
and by opening our hearts to those in need.

We ask 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
Exodus 24:3-8 — Moses made an agreement with God on behalf of the people and sealed this covenant in blood.
Hebrews 9:11-15 — The new covenant we celebrate was sealed in the blood of Christ. The sequence, which may be included after the second reading, is a poetic reflection on the Eucharist.
Mark 14:12-16, 22-26 — It was at the Last Supper that Jesus gave his body and blood as a parting gift to his followers.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) Let us bring our prayers before the Lord, whose sons and daughters are blessed.

1. That our belief in the presence of Christ may grow stronger each time we receive (pause a moment, then…) Lord, hear us.
2. That our First Communion children may often share the Bread of Life (pause a moment, then…) Lord, hear us.
3. That those who rarely join in the Mass, may be drawn into the community of faith (pause a moment, then…) Lord, hear us.
4. That all who are hungry in a world of plenty may be fed (pause a moment, then…) Lord, hear us.
5. That vulnerable people in Ireland may be protected by the strong and healthy (pause a moment, then…) Lord, hear us.
6. That God may be close to our students in their exams (pause a moment, then…) Lord, hear us.

The presider prays for the dead: For those have gone before us in faith (especially N & N), that they may be raised up at the last day (pause a moment, then…) Lord, hear us.

Conclusion: God of infinite generosity, you sent your Son to share our burdens and our hopes, to be our life and strength: hear the prayers we make in his name, who lives and reigns with you, forever and ever. Amen.

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Gracious Lord and God,
bestow upon your Church
the blessings of unity and peace,
of which these offerings
are the sacramental sign.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

PREFACE OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST 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.

At the Last Supper, as he sat at table with his apostles,
Jesus offered himself to you as the Lamb without blemish,
the acceptable gift that gives you perfect praise.
He left this memorial of his passion
to continue its saving power until the end of time.
In this great sacrament you feed your people
and strengthen them in holiness,
so that the human family, which shares the same earth,
may be enlightened by one faith
and drawn together by one love.
We come then to this sacramental table
to be transformed by your grace
into the likeness of the risen Christ.

And, therefore, earth unites with heaven
to sing a new song of praise;
we too join with the hosts of angels
as they proclaim your glory without end: 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, 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
Lord Jesus Christ,
bring us one day
to that eternal union with your Godhead,
which is prefigured here on earth
by our sharing in your sacred body and blood.
You live and reign for ever and ever.

Songs at Mass (Suggestions): See Us Lord About Thine Altar’; ‘Take and Eat’; ‘Soul of My Saviour’; ‘One Bread, One Body’.