We gather as fellow-pilgrims at this Sunday’s Eucharist, all journeying to the great banquet of heaven. In our Communion today, we get a taste of what is to come.

Penitential Rite
The Lord feeds us in this Sacrament: let us call to mind his gracious help, which lifts us up in our sinfulness (pause)
Lord Jesus, you raise us to new life: Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you forgive us our sins: Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you feed us with your body and blood: Lord, have mercy.

Alternative Opening Prayer (from the 1998 ICEL Missal)
God of goodness and kindness,
you invite all peoples to the banquet
and offer them a feast beyond compare.
Give us your saving grace
to keep unstained the robe of our baptism
until that day when you welcome us
to heaven’s joyful table.
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
Isaiah 25:6-10 — A vision of the feast prepared for us in heaven, when death is no more and tears are a thing of the past.
Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20 — Paul thanks his flock in Philippi for their support, and speaks of his confidence in Christ.
Matthew 22:1-14 — A vision of the wedding banquet at the end of life.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) Brothers and sisters, let us make our prayers to God, who gently shepherds all the flock.

1. For all the baptised — that our belief in life after death may sustain us (pause and pray quietly)… Lord, hear us.
2. For those who have yet to hear the Good News — that missionaries may be faithful to their task (pause and pray quietly)… Lord, hear us.
3. For peace in the Holy Land — with justice for all (pause and pray quietly)… Lord, hear us.
4. For the success of the Synod in Rome — that all may learn to listen (pause and pray quietly)… Lord, hear us.
5. For couples preparing for marriage — that the gentle shepherd may show them the right path to follow (pause and pray quietly)… Lord, hear us.
6. For those who are sick and close to death — that their faith may sustain them (pause and pray quietly)… Lord, hear us.

The presider prays for the dead: For our friends who have preceded us in death and all we have lost (especially N and N), that a place at the eternal banquet may be theirs (pause and pray quietly)… Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) God our shepherd, you invite us to your table in heaven: give us the grace we need on our journey, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Lord,
accept the prayers of your faithful people
together with the gifts we offer,
that through these holy rites, performed with reverent hearts,
we may rise to the glory of heaven.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

PREFACE (Sundays in Ordinary Time VI)
It is truly right and just,
our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
holy Father, almighty and eternal God.
In you we live and move and have our being.
Each day we experience the wonders of your love,
and receive even now a pledge and foretaste of life eternal.
Possessing the firstfruits of the Spirit,
through whom you raised Jesus from the dead,
we hope to enjoy his paschal victory for ever.
And so, with all the angels and saints,
we sing the joyful hymn of your 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 majesty,
receive our humble prayer:
just as you nourish us
with the most holy body and blood of your Son,
so let us partake of his divine nature,
for he lives and reigns for ever and ever.

Songs at Mass (Suggestions) ‘The Lord’s my Shepherd’; ‘Eat This Bread’; ‘Stay with us Lord’, “Now Thank We All our God”.