Holy Thursday – Liturgy preparation

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Opening Comment (Mass of the Lord’s Supper)

The liturgy that begins now continues until we reach Easter. We are at the start of a three-day celebration of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. We journey from the Last Supper to Gethsemane tonight, from there to Calvary tomorrow, and from the tomb to resurrection and new life at the Vigil of Easter Sunday.

Penitential Rite: As we prepare ourselves for the celebration of the Easter Triduum, let us call to mind our sins: (pause) I confess …

 

Introduction to the Scripture Readings

Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14 — Contains the instructions for the celebration of the great Passover meal. In the killing of the lamb for this meal, Christian see a glimpse beforehand of the sacrifice of Jesus

1 Corinthians 11:23-26 — Paul’s account of what happened at the Last Supper is our earliest record of the event.

John 13:1-15 — In case Christians would be tempted to see the Eucharist as unrelated to everyday living, St John describes the washing of feet at the Last Supper, as a reminder that the Eucharist challenges those who partake of it to serve each other.

 

The General Intercessions

Introduction (by the Presider) In thanksgiving and praise, let us bring our petitions to God:

Intercessions (announced by the deacon, cantor or another person)

  1. For a spirit of service among Christians. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
  2. For an end to fighting and division. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
  3. For the poor, the hungry, the lonely. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
  4. For carers and all who comfort the sick. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
  5. For people in need of healing. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
  6. For our dead (especially N & N). (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
  7. For our own needs, which we remember now in silence… (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) God our creator, we praise and thank you for your goodness. Help us in our needs and hear our prayers, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Other Liturgical Suggestions

Penitential Rite a. Gloria is included (bells) but no Alleluia. Washing of feet follows Gospel/homily, then Intercessions (no Creed). Presentation of the gifts may include Trócaire boxes or other gifts for the poor. Preface of the Holy Eucharist 1. Eucharistic Prayer 1 (with three special insertions.) Include the Sign of Peace. No blessing today — procession to Place of Repose follows Prayer after Communion. (Announce the times of the Triduum liturgies before the Prayer.)

 

Songs:

‘Love is his word’, ‘The Lord’s my Shepherd’, ‘One Bread, One Body’, ‘Ag Críost an Síol’

Washing of Feet: The Lord Jesus….’, ‘Ubi Caritas’ (Taizé)

Procession to Place of Repose: ‘Pange Lingua/Tantum Ergo’, ‘Céad Míle Fáilte Romhat’, ‘O Sacrament Most Holy’.

At Place of Repose: ‘Stay Here and Keep Watch’ (Taizé).

 

Good Friday songs

Stations of the Cross: ‘Were you there…?’ ‘At the cross her station keeping’.

Celebration of the Passion: The Reproaches, ‘God of Mercy and Compassion’ ‘Praise to the holiest’.

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