Fourth Sunday of Lent – Liturgy Preparation

0 Comments
|

Opening Comment

Traditionally, this Sunday is called Laetare Sunday, which means ‘a day for joy’. Lent is half over, and the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus is nearer. At this midpoint of Lent, it is traditional to honour mothers, treasuring those still with us and praying for those we have lost to death.

Penitential Rite: Let us remember the love we have experienced in our lives and call to mind the times we failed to show love (pause):

I confess …

 

Introduction to the Scripture Readings

Samuel 16:1, 6-7, 10-13 — God’s choice of the young boy Samuel is described in the first reading.

Ephesians 5:8-14 — The second reading and Gospel both reflect on light and darkness, and the new sight that believers can have.

John 9:1-41 — The healing of the man born blind is described: believers also need to go from blindness to new sight.

 

The General Intercessions

Introduction (by the Presider) Brothers and sisters, let us turn to God for help.

Intercessions (announced by the deacon, minister or member of the Faithful)

  1. For the Church, that it may be a sign of light and hope. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
  2. For those responsible for the common good, that they may work hard on behalf of everyone, especially the weak. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
  3. For all who experience the sufferings of life, that they may not be crushed by temptation. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
  4. For people afflicted by blindness or limited sight, that they may benefit from our sensitivity and support. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
  5. For the mothers of this community, and for all who care for children, that joy may be theirs, in this life and the next. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
  6. For mothers who have died, and for all the dead (especially N & N) that they may dwell in God’s house forever. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider)

God, source of forgiveness, in Jesus you have given us freedom of heart: Hear our prayers and help us to do your will, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Other Liturgical Suggestions

Today is Laetare Sunday (Mothers’ Day). Rose vestments may be worn, or the altar area may be decorated with a rose-coloured cloth or flowers. Penitential Rite a). Alternative Opening Prayer. Shorter form of Gospel (John 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-36). Preface of the Fourth Sunday of Lent. Eucharistic Prayer 3. Prayer over the People 23, preceded by the invitation: ‘Bow your heads and pray for God’s blessing’, and followed by the simple blessing: ‘And may almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit’.

Songs

‘Amazing Grace’, ‘Christ Be Our Light’, ‘Grant To Us O Lord’.

 

 

 

Join the Discussion

Keep the following in mind when writing a comment

  • Your comment must include your full name, and email. (email will not be published). You may be contacted by email, and it is possible you might be requested to supply your postal address to verify your identity.
  • Be respectful. Do not attack the writer. Take on the idea, not the messenger. Comments containing vulgarities, personalised insults, slanders or accusations shall be deleted.
  • Keep to the point. Deliberate digressions don't aid the discussion.
  • Including multiple links or coding in your comment will increase the chances of it being automati cally marked as spam.
  • Posts that are merely links to other sites or lengthy quotes may not be published.
  • Brevity. Like homilies keep you comments as short as possible; continued repetitions of a point over various threads will not be published.
  • The decision to publish or not publish a comment is made by the site editor. It will not be possible to reply individually to those whose comments are not published.