Now that the Christmas season is behind us and we are moving into the New Year, the liturgy challenges us to reflect on what following Christ means. We gather as God’s people, called to follow the Lamb of God and we praise God, with thanksgiving.

Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
From our earliest days, O God,
you call us by name.
Make our ears attentive to your voice,
our spirits eager to respond,
that, having heard you in Jesus your anointed one,
we may draw others to be his disciples.

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
1 Samuel 3:3-10, 19 — God’s call is described in the first reading and Gospel today: in this reading, Samuel learns how to answer God’s call.
1 Corinthians 6:13-15 — For the next five Sundays, readings are taken from Paul’s first letter to the people of Corinth, which includes guidelines for a young Christian community. In this Sunday’s excerpt, Paul gives explicit teaching on sexual morality. He reminds the baptised that their bodies are part of the body of Christ and therefore not meant for fornication.
John 1:35-42 — The Gospel decribes the first few who decided to follow Jesus, as St John records it.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) Brothers and sisters, let us put words on our needs and bring them to God.

1. For the gift of diversity in the Church — that all traditions and charisms may be valued (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
2. For Pope Francis — that the Spirit may help him persevere as our leader in faith (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
3. For all the baptised — that we may answer the call to follow Christ every day (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
4. For migrants and refugees, far from home — that they may experience compassion (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
5. For Christians being persecuted — that the world may stand up for them and protect them (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
6. For our friends and neighbours suffering from the Flu and other illnesses— that they may soon recover (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

The Presider prays for the dead: For those who have died recently (especially N and N), and all our dead, that God who delivered Jesus from death may raise them too (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) God our creator, you stoop down to hear our cry: grant our petitions, we pray you, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Lord God,
make us worthy to celebrate this holy eucharist,
for as often as this sacrifice is offered
in remembrance of your Son,
the work of our redemption is accomplished.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

PREFACE (SUNDAYS IN ORDINARY TIME 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.
Through the mystery of his cross and resurrection
he freed us from the yoke of sin and death
and called us to the glory that has made us
a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,
a people set apart to proclaim your mighty works,
for you have called us out of darkness
into your own wonderful light.
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 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 N. 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 mercy,
pour forth upon us the Spirit of your love,
that we who have been nourished
by the one bread from heaven
may be one in mind and heart.
Grant this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions) ‘Here I Am Lord’; ‘Christ Be Near At Either Hand’; ‘Servant Song’; ‘To Do Your Will’.