‘Whatever you do at all, do it for the glory of God.’ The words are St Paul’s, from today’s second reading. We gather here to give glory to God, praying for the sick, marking the Day of Prayer for Temperance and preparing for the Lenten Spring.

Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
We come before you, O God,
confident in Christ’s victory over sickness and death.

Heal us again
from sin, which divides us,
and from prejudice, which isolates us.
Bring us to wholeness of life
through the pardon you grant your people.

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
Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46 — Jesus heals a leper in today’s Gospel, and tells the cured man to show himself to the priest. The reason he did this is explained by the first reading, which describes how lepers were to be treated.
I Corinthians 10:31 to 11:1 — Paul offers himself as a model disciple, and preaches tolerance of non-Christians.
Mark 1:40-45 — Jesus feels sorry for a leper and heals him, even though it brings unwanted attention on himself.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) My friends, let us rejoice in God’s faithfulness, as we bring forward our intentions.

1. For all who gather for Mass today — that we may live for God’s glory this week (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
2. For those who suffer in body, mind and spirit — that they may be healed (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
3. For doctors, nurses and carers — that they may show patience and love (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
4. For an end to leprosy — that this terrible disease may be eliminated (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
5. For people who feel isolated, that they may experience compassion (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
6. For those who suffer because of addiction, that they may have courage and new hope (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.

The Presider prays for the dead: for those who have died (especially N and N), that they may share the salvation won by Christ (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) Faithful God, we rejoice in the mercy you show your people: hear our prayers, that we may always give you glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Lord,
may this holy sacrifice cleanse us from sin,
renew us in spirit,
and gain for us the eternal reward
promised to those who do your will.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

PREFACE (for World Day of the Sick)

It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
holy Father, almighty and eternal God,
for you have revealed to us
in Christ the healer
your unfailing power and steadfast compassion.

In the splendour of his rising
your Son conquered suffering and death and bequeathed to us his promise
of a new and glorious world,
where no bodily pain will afflict us
and no anguish of spirit.

Through your gift of the Spirit, you bless us, even now,
with comfort and healing, strength and hope,
forgiveness and peace.

In this supreme sacrament of your love
you give us the risen body of your Son: a pattern of what we shall become
when he returns again at the end of time.
And so we join the angels and saints in the joyous hymn of your praise: Holy, holy, holy….

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER II (with interpolation for Sunday mornings, and, separately, for the Sick)
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 also, Lord,
those who ask for healing
in the name of your Son,
that they may never cease to praise you for the wonders of your power.

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
Having feasted with delight at your heavenly table,
we beg you, Lord,
that we may always hunger for that food
by which we truly live.
Grant this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Solemn Blessing (Pastoral Care of the Sick I)
May the God of all consolation
bless you in every way
and grant you hope all the days of your life. R. Amen.
May God restore you to health and grant you salvation.
R. Amen.
May God fill your heart with peace and lead you to eternal life.
R. Amen.

SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions) ‘Be Not Afraid’; ‘Eat This Bread’; ‘Lay Your Hands Gently Upon Us’; ‘Wait for the Lord’ (Taizé).