We gather as God’s family, concerned for each other, supporting one another in sadness and joy. The challenge of living as part of the Christian family is laid out for us in today’s readings.

Penitential Rite
At times we fail to show love, so as we make a new start at this time of year, we ask forgiveness: (pause)
I confess …

Introduction to the Scripture Readings
Ezekiel 33:7-9 — God tells Ezekiel he will be held accountable for his task as a prophet.
Romans 13:8-10 — Paul insists that what is done in love cannot hurt another.
Matthhew 18:15-20 — Jesus shows how love can sometimes include confrontation.

Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
Confirm, O God, in unity and truth
the Church you gather in Christ.
Encourage the fervent,
enlighten the doubtful,
and bring back the wayward.

Bind us together in mutual love,
that our prayer in Christ’s name
may be pleasing to you.

Grant 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.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) As members of God’s flock, let us confidently bring forward our prayers:

1. That leaders of nations may seek the path of peace (we pray quietly in our hearts, then….) Lord, hear us.
2. That the people of Ukraine and the African nations may be delivered from war (we pray quietly in our hearts, then….) Lord, hear us
3. That people everywhere may see God’s footprints in the beauty of creation (we pray quietly in our hearts, then….) Lord, hear us.
4. That Catholics may live out the vision and values of Pope Francis in our care for the earth (we pray quietly in our hearts, then….) Lord, hear us.
5. That prophets may never be afraid to speak the truth (we pray quietly in our hearts, then….) Lord, hear us.
6. That we may help each other to become more Christian (we pray quietly in our hearts, then….) Lord, hear us.

The Presider prays for the dead: For those who have gone before us in faith (especially N and N), that the Good Shepherd may include them in the heavenly flock (we pray quietly in our hearts, then….) Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) O God our creator, you are the rock who saves us: listen to our voice and help us in our needs, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer over the gifts
Lord God,
wellspring of peace and true worship,
let our offering come before you
as fitting homage to your glory,
and let our partaking of these sacred mysteries
unite our hearts in faith.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Preface (Sundays in Ordinary Time VIII)
It is truly right and just,
our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
holy Father, almighty and eternal God.

When sin had scattered your children afar,
you chose to gather them back to yourself
through the blood of your Son and the power of the Spirit.

Thus a people made one by the oneness of the Trinity
shines forth as your Church,
the body of Christ and the temple of the Spirit,
to the praise of your manifold wisdom.

And so we join the multitude of angels
in their joyful chorus of praise: Holy, holy, holy Lord……

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER I (The Roman Canon)
All-merciful Father,
we come before you with praise and thanksgiving
through Jesus Christ your Son.
Through him we ask you to accept and bless + these gifts
we offer you in sacrifice.
We offer them for your holy catholic Church:
watch over it, Lord, and guide it,
grant it peace and unity throughout the world.
We offer them for Francis our Pope,
for N. our Bishop,
and for all who hold and teach the catholic faith
that comes to us from the apostles.

Remember, Lord, your faithful people,
especially those for whom we now pray [N. and N.].
Remember all of us gathered here before you.
You know that we believe in you
and dedicate ourselves to you.
We offer you this sacrifice of praise
for ourselves and those who are dear to us;
we pray to you, our living and true God,
for our well-being and redemption.

We pray in communion with the whole Church,
with those whose memory we now honour:
especially with Mary,
the glorious and ever-virgin mother of Jesus Christ, our Lord and God,
with Joseph, her husband,
the apostles and martyrs,
Peter and Paul, Andrew,
and with all the saints.
By their merits and prayers
grant us your constant help and protection.
Lord, accept this offering from your whole family.
Grant us your peace in this life,
save us from final damnation,
and count us among those you have chosen.

Bless and approve our offering,
make it acceptable to you,
an offering in spirit and in truth:
let it become for us
the body and blood of your beloved Son,
our Lord Jesus Christ.

The day before he suffered
he took bread in his sacred hands,
and looking up to heaven
to you, his almighty Father,
he gave you thanks and praise;
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 praise,
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…..

And so, Lord God,
we celebrate the memory of Christ, your Son:
we, your holy people and your ministers,
call to mind his passion,
his resurrection from the dead,
and his ascension into glory;
and from the many gifts you have given us
we offer to you, God of glory and majesty,
this holy and perfect sacrifice,
the bread of life and the cup of eternal salvation.
Look with favour on these offerings
and accept them as once you accepted
the gifts of your just servant Abel,
the sacrifice of Abraham, our father in faith,
and the bread and wine offered by your priest Melchizedek.

Almighty God,
command that your angel carry this sacrifice
to your altar in heaven.
Then, as we receive from this altar
the sacred body and blood of your Son,
let us be filled with every grace and blessing.

Remember, Lord, your servants who have died
and have gone before us marked with the sign of faith,
especially those for whom we now pray [N. and N.].
Grant them and all who sleep in Christ
a haven of light and peace.
For ourselves, too,
sinners who trust in your mercy and love,
we ask some share in the fellowship of your apostles and martyrs,
with John the Baptist, Stephen, Matthias, Barnabas,
and all your saints.
Welcome us into their company,
not considering what we deserve,
but freely granting us your pardon
Through Christ our Lord you give us all these gifts,
you fill them with life and goodness,
you bless them and make them holy.

Through him, with him, in him…..

Prayer after Communion
Lord,
at the table of your word and sacrament
you nourish your faithful and give them life.
Grant that through these gifts of your Son
we may advance in holiness
and be worthy to share his life for ever.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Suggested Songs for Mass: ‘Love is His Word’; ‘Ag Críost an Síol’; ‘This is My Will’; ‘How Great Thou Art’.