The readings this Sunday focus on the end of the world, though we are also reassured that people of faith have nothing to fear.

(Today is also World Day of the Poor.)

Penitential Rite
We renew our trust in God’s promises, as we call to mind our sins (Pause)
Lord Jesus, you came to gather the nations into the peace of God’s kingdom: Lord, have mercy.
You come in word and sacrament to strengthen us in holiness: Christ, have mercy.
You will come in glory with salvation for your people: Lord, have mercy.

Alternative Opening Prayer (from the 1998 ICEL Missal)
Lord God of all the ages,
the One who is, who was, and who is to come,
stir up within us a longing for your kingdom,
steady our hearts in time of trial,
and grant us patient endurance
until the sun of justice dawns.
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.

Introduction to the Scripture Readings
Malachi 3: 19-20 Those who uphold God’s name need have nothing to fear when the world ends.
2 Thessalonians 3: 7-12 A condemnation of laziness.
Luke 21: 5-19 St Luke writes about the end of the world and the second coming of Christ, with words of reassurance for disciples of the Lord.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) My friends, let us make our prayers known to God who rules the earth, who saves the lives of the poor.

That the Church may be a voice for the poor (pause and pray). Lord, hear us.

That people without jobs may not lose their dignity (pause and pray). Lord, hear us

That those who live in fear may realise that God is with them (pause and pray). Lord, hear us

That refugees from Ukraine may be well looked after (pause and pray). Lord, hear uss

That the homeless people on our streets may get shelter (pause and pray). Lord, hear us

That our communities may be places of love and welcome (pause and pray). Lord, hear us

The presider prays for the dead: For the faithful departed (especially N and N), that all we have loved may be raised to life on the last day (pause and pray). Lord, hear us

Conclusion (by the Presider) Lord our God, you rule the world with justice: help us in all our needs, we pray, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
God of majesty,
may the offering We make in your sight
obtain for us the grace of true service
and win us the prize of everlasting happiness.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

PREFACE of Sundays in Ordinary Time II
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.
Out of compassion for us sinners
he humbled himself to be born of the Virgin.
By suffering on the cross, he freed us from unending death;
by rising from the dead, he gave us eternal life.
And so, with angels and archangels,
with all the heavenly host,
we proclaim your glory
and join their unending chorus of 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,
[Saint Patrick], 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…..

REFLECTION FOR WORLD DAY OF THE POOR: The cry of my heart (the workless)
Those leaves, they say, are like you, a tattered pile of rotting nothingness. But you, God of life, you say they are a living mound of composting goodness.
They say you are rubbish, a drain on society. You, Refuge God, say you who are drained take rest in me.
They say work makes the man. You, Creator God, say no work kills creation.
Ever loving God, Giver of life, you made me an integral part of your creation to know love and serve you. With every breath I will work to do so.
My hope is in you, Eternal God, who blesses me in all my undertakings.
Amen.
[Prepare for World Day of the Poor by Joy Wanless/CAFOD[

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Having shared in the gift of these sacred mysteries,
we humbly pray, Lord God,
that what your Son commanded us to do
in remembrance of himself
may strengthen among us the bonds of love.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions)
‘Abide with Me’; ‘Ag Críost an Síol’; ‘Be Not Afraid’; ‘How Great Thou Art’.