This Sunday we come to the midpoint of Lent. The season is half over, and the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus is nearer to us. On this midway Sunday, it is traditional to honour mothers, praying for those still with us and remembering those who have died.

Alternative Opening Prayer (from the 1998 ICEL Missal)
O God, rich in mercy,
you so loved the world
that, when we were dead in our sins,
you sent your only Son for our deliverance.

Lifted up from the earth,
he is light and life;
exalted upon the cross,
he is truth and salvation.

Raise us up with Christ
and make us rich in good works,
that we may walk as children of light
toward the paschal feast of heaven.

We ask this through Christ, our deliverance and hope,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
holy and mighty God for ever and ever.

Introduction to the Scripture Readings
2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23 — The history of the Jewish people is interpreted, with their misfortunes linked by the writer to their sins.
Ephesians 2:4-10 — God is rich in mercy, a free gift we each receive. We are invited to be God’s work of art.
John 3:14-21 — God loved us so much that he was generous with his mercy. If we have faith in that mercy, we will not be lost.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) We bring our prayers to God, whose love for us has no end.

1. For Pope Francis, on the 11th anniversary of his election this week — that God may help him (pray quietly for a moment). Lord, hear us.
2. For all who are part of the Church —that we may continue to be renewed this Lent (pray quietly for a moment). Lord, hear us.
3. For the people of Gaza and Ukraine — that their suffering may come to an end (pray quietly for a moment). Lord, hear us.
4. For all who are exiles from their own place — that they may find friendship in their new home (pray quietly for a moment). Lord, hear us.
5. For those who suffer in body, mind or spirit — that they may have God’s healing care (pray quietly for a moment). Lord, hear us.
6. For the mothers of this community and all who take a mother’s role — that God may reward them (pray quietly for a moment). Lord, hear us.

The Presider prays for the dead: for all the dead, especially N & N  … and for mothers who have died — that God may bring them to their eternal home (pray quietly for a moment). Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) God of love and mercy, your gifts to your people are boundless. Give us your grace and hear our prayers, we ask in faith, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer over the Gifts
With joy, Lord, we present to you the sacrifice
that brings us eternal healing.
Grant in your goodness
that we may celebrate this mystery with faith
and offer it worthily for the salvation of the world.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Preface (Lent I)
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.

Each year you bid your faithful people cleanse their hearts
and prepare with joy for the paschal feast.
By more faithful prayer and works of charity
and by celebrating the mysteries of our rebirth,
we are led to the fullness of grace as your sons and daughters.

And so, with angels and archangels,
with all the heavenly host,
we proclaim your glory
and join their unending chorus of praise: 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
God of majesty,
you enlighten everyone who comes into this world;
fill our hearts with the light of your grace,
that our thoughts may always be pleasing to you
and our love for you always sincere.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Solemn Blessing (Lent)
God of salvation,
let your Son’s passion and death
be for your people
protection from evil in this life
and the sure hope of glory
in the life to come.
Grant this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.

Suggested Songs
‘The Lord Will Heal The Broken Heart’; ‘Come Back To Me’; ‘O The Love Of My Lord’; ‘Amazing Grace’.