We come to God, who gives the blind new sight. We praise our creator for the gracious care we receive and ask for the strength to continue on our pilgrim journey to the Father’s house.

Penitential Rite
Christ heals souls, bodies and spirits, so to Christ we turn as we call to mind our sins (pause)
Lord Jesus, you healed the sick: Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you forgave sinners: Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you give us yourself to heal us and bring us strength. Lord, have mercy.

Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
Have pity on us, God our Saviour.
Grant us grace and courage to cast off our sins
and turn to you for healing.
Show us in Christ the sure path of salvation
and strengthen us to follow gladly
in the way of the gospel.

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
Jeremiah 31:7-9 — A vision of a time when all God’s people are gathered together, with everyone sharing the gift of new sight
Hebrews 5:1-6 — Christ is our high priest, but he also knows our weakness.
Mark 10:46-52 — The blind beggar Bartimaeus is healed by Jesus.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) The Lord has worked marvels for us, so we bring forward our prayers with confidence.

1. For the Church throughout the world — that we may be united around Francis, our pope (pause for ten seconds, then….) Lord, hear us.
2. For our local church, our parish, our diocese — that we may listen to each other (pause for ten seconds, then….) Lord, hear us.
3. For the world — that every evil may be defeated, especially war and hatred (pause for ten seconds, then….) Lord, hear us.
4. For all who suffer — that they may experience the healing power of Jesus (pause for ten seconds, then….) Lord, hear us.
5. For those who have problems with their sight — that they may have the help they need (pause for ten seconds, then….) Lord, hear us.
6. For young people and teachers on their midterm break — that it may refresh them (pause for ten seconds, then….) Lord, hear us.

The presider prays for the dead: For those who have died (especially N and N), that they may have the reward of their labours (pause for ten seconds, then….) Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) O Lord, we rejoice in your marvellous kindness and bring forward all our needs: we entrust them to you with faith and confidence, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer over the gifts
God of majesty,
look with favour on the gifts we offer,
and grant that this expression of our service
may be directed above all to your glory.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

PREFACE & PRAYER (Eucharistic Prayer for Various Needs & Occasions, D: Jesus, the Compassion of God)
It is truly right to give you thanks,
Father of mercy, faithful God,
it is fitting that we offer you praise.
You sent Jesus Christ your Son among us
as redeemer and Lord.
He was moved with compassion
for the poor and the powerless,
for the sick and the sinner;
he made himself a neighbour to the oppressed.
By his words and actions
he proclaimed to the world
that you are a father
and care for all your children.
And so, with all the angels and saints,
we sing the joyful hymn of your praise: Holy, holy, holy

Holy indeed are you, Lord God,
and greatly to be praised:
your faithful love attends us
as we journey through life.
Blessed is your Son, Jesus Christ,
who is present among us
when his love gathers us together.
As once he did for his disciples,
Christ now opens the scriptures for us
and breaks the bread.

Therefore we ask you, merciful Father:
send down your Holy Spirit
to hallow these gifts of bread and wine,
that they may become for us
the body + and blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

On the eve of his passion and death,
while at table with those he loved,
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
and, handing the cup to his disciples, he 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

And so, Father most holy,
we celebrate the memory of Christ, your Son,
whom you led through suffering and death on the cross
to the glory of the resurrection
and a place at your right hand.
Until Jesus, our Saviour, comes again,
we proclaim the work of your love,
offering you the bread of life and the cup of blessing.
Look with favour on the offering of your Church
in which we show forth the paschal sacrifice of Christ
that was handed on to us.
Through the power of your Spirit of love
count us both now and for ever
among the members of your Son,
whose body and blood we share.

Lord,
perfect your Church in faith and love
together with Francis our Pope, N. our Bishop,
with all bishops, priests, and deacons,
and all those your Son has gained for you.

Open our eyes to the needs of all;
inspire in us words and deeds
to comfort those who labour and are burdened;
keep our service of others
faithful to the example and command
of Christ.

Let your Church be a living witness
to truth and freedom, to justice and peace,
that all people may be lifted up
by the hope of a world made new.

Be mindful of our brothers and sisters [N. and N.],
who have fallen asleep in the peace of Christ,
and all the dead whose faith is known only to you.
Lead them to the fullness of the resurrection
and gladden them with the light of your face.

When our pilgrimage on earth is ended,
welcome us into your heavenly home
to dwell with you for ever.
There, with Mary, the virgin Mother of God,
with the apostles, the martyrs,
[Saint Simon & St Jude,] and all the saints,
we shall glorify your name and give you praise
through Jesus Christ, your Son.

Through him, with him, in him……

Prayer after Communion
Lord,
may your mysteries accomplish within us
the salvation they embody,
that we may come to possess in truth
what we celebrate now under sacramental signs.
Grant this in the name of Jesus, the Lord.

SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions) ‘Christ Be Near At Either Hand’; ‘Shepherd Me O God’; ‘The Lord Will Heal the Broken Heart’; ‘Amazing Grace’.