Presider’s Page for 11 July 2011 (15th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Opening Comment
God has blessed us in very many ways: God has showered grace upon us. During today’s gathering, we give thanks to the Lord for all we have received.

• Sunday 11 July marks the 100th anniversary of the Truce that ended the War of Independence in Ireland. Accordingly, today is the National Day of Commemoration of those who died in past wars or on service of the United Nations.

Pentiential Rite
God calls his children to repentance, so we remember his loving mercy (pause)
I confess…..

Opening Prayer
God of justice, God of salvation,
from every land you call a people to yourself.
Yours is the work we do,
yours the message we carry.

Keep your Church single-minded and faithful to you.
Let failure not discourage us
nor success beguile our hearts,
as you send us to proclaim the gospel.

We make our prayer 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.

Alternative Opening Prayer — from the Mass  ‘IN TIME OF PANDEMIC’

Almighty and eternal God,
our refuge in every danger,
to whom we turn in our distress;
in faith we pray
look with compassion on the afflicted,
grant eternal rest to the dead, comfort to mourners,
healing to the sick, peace to the dying,
strength to healthcare workers, wisdom to our leaders
and the courage to reach out to all in love,
so that together we may give glory to your holy name.
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
Amos 7:12-15 — Amos explains that he didn’t decide to be a prophet by himself, but that he did what God told him to do.
Ephesians 1:3-14 — Every Sunday from today until late August, the Second Reading will be from Ephesians. Paul wrote this letter to the people of Ephesus while he was in prison. The part we hear today is like the whole letter — a poetic description of the beautiful way God deals with us.
Mark 6:7-13 — Jesus sends the disciples out in pairs, to preach the message of repentance — as the prophets did of old.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) God’s help is near for those who turn to him, so let us present our intentions to the Lord.

1. That Christians may see the grace of God, active in their lives (pause and pray). Lord, hear us.
2. That Irish people may be grateful for the gift of freedom (pause and pray). Lord, hear us.
3. That we may continue to work for truth and reconciliation (pause and pray). Lord, hear us.
4. That the marching season in the North may pass off peacefully (pause and pray). Lord, hear us.
5. That those who suffer because of COVID-19 may get better (pause and pray). Lord, hear us.
6. That vaccines may save people in every country (pause and pray). Lord, hear us.

The Presider prays for the dead: For our friends who have died (and for N who died recently & N whose anniversaries occur) (and for Irish people who died in past wars or on service of the United Nations) that all our dead may have eternal peace in God’s presence (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider)
Lord God, your help is the strength of your people: accept our petitions and continue to give us your help, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Lord,
look kindly on the gifts of your Church gathered in prayer,
and grant to the faithful who will receive them
an increase in holiness and grace.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

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

All things are of your making,
all times and seasons obey your law.
But you fashioned the human family in your own image
and set us over the world in all its wonder,
that we might be stewards of your creation,
praising you day by day
for the marvels of your might and wisdom,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

And so, with all the angels and saints,
we sing the joyful hymn of your praise: Holy, holy, holy…

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER (III)
Lord, you are holy indeed,
and all creation rightly gives you praise.
All life, all holiness comes from you
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,
by the working of the Holy Spirit.
From age to age you gather a people to yourself,
so that from the rising of the sun to its setting
a pure offering may be made
to the glory of your name.

And so, Lord God, we humbly pray:
by the power of your Spirit sanctify these gifts
we have brought before you,
that they may become the body + and blood
of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,
at whose command we celebrate this eucharist.
On the night he was handed over to death,
he took bread and 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…..

Calling to mind, Lord God
the death your Son endured for our salvation,
his glorious resurrection and ascension into heaven,
and eagerly awaiting the day of his return,
we offer you in thanksgiving this holy and living sacrifice.

Look with favour on your Church’s offering
and see the Victim by whose sacrifice
you were pleased to reconcile us to yourself.

Grant that we who are nourished by the body and blood of your Son
may be filled with his Holy Spirit
and become one body, one spirit in Christ.

Let him make us an everlasting gift to you,
that we may share in the inheritance of your saints,
with Mary, the virgin Mother of God,
with the apostles, the martyrs, [St Benedict, Patron of Europe],
and all your saints,
on whose constant intercession we rely for help.

Lord, may this sacrifice
which has made our peace with you
advance the peace and salvation of all the world.
Strengthen in faith and love your pilgrim Church on earth:
your servant Pope Francis, our Bishop N.,
all bishops, priests, and deacons,
all ministers of your Church,
and the entire people your Son has gained for you.

Merciful Father,
hear the prayers of the family you have gathered here before you,
and unite to yourself all your children
now scattered over the face of the earth.

Welcome into your kingdom our departed brothers and sisters
and all who have left this world in your friendship.
We hope to enjoy with them your everlasting glory,
through Christ our Lord,
through whom you give the world everything that is good.

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
Nourished by these holy gifts,
we pray to you, Lord,
that each time we celebrate this mystery
your work of salvation may grow within us.
Grant this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions) ‘Here I Am Lord’; ‘My God Accept My Heart This Day’; ‘Amazing Grace’; ‘God’s Blessing Sends us Forth’.