In our journey through life we walk the path Jesus walked, so it is hard for us to escape suffering, no more than he could. We remember his suffering and death, knowing that it brought him glory and that it will do the same for us.

Penitential Rite
At the start of Mass, we review the week that’s gone, give thanks for what went well and repent of what went badly, always rejoicing in God’s unfailing mercy (pause)
You were sent to heal the contrite of heart: Lord, have mercy.
You came to call sinners: Christ, have mercy.
You are seated at the eight hand of the Father to intercede for us: Lord, have mercy.

Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
Make us one, O God,
in acknowledging Jesus the Christ.
As we proclaim him by our words,
let us follow him in our works;
give us strength to take up the cross
and courage to lose our lives for his sake.

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 50:5-9 — Isaiah describes someone suffering nobly. Christians think of Jesus when they hear these words.
James 2:14-18 — James challenges all Christians to put their faith into action.
Mark 8:27-35 — Jesus tells his followers about the kind of end he will have, and tells them they too may have to suffer.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) The Lord protects his people, so we ask for help with confidence.

1. For Pope Francis — that God may sustain our pope (pause and pray). Lord, hear us.
2. For our Church — that it may be reformed and renewed (pause and pray). Lord, hear us.
3. For victims of abuse — that Christ may be close to them (pause and pray). Lord, hear us.
4. For migrants who seek safety from war and terror — that they receive love and care (pause and pray). Lord, hear us.
5. For homeless families and children in Ireland— that their needs may be remembered (pause and pray). Lord, hear us.
6. For all of us, as we begin a new week — that we may learn to live each day according to the Gospel (pause and pray). Lord, hear us.

The presider prays for the dead: For those we have lost to death (especially N and N), that they may walk in the presence of the Lord (pause and pray). Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) God of all compassion, you protect your people in every difficulty: hear our prayers and grant us your grace, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer over the gifts
Be attentive to our prayers, O Lord,
and receive with favour these gifts of your servants,
that what each of us has offered to the glory of your name
may advance the salvation of us all.
We make our prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord.

PREFACE (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,
[Our Lady of Sorrows]
with the apostles, the martyrs,
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
Almighty God,
let the power of this sacrament
take hold of us, body and soul,
that our lives may be ruled
not by our own will
but by the working of your grace within us.
We make our prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord.

SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions): ‘Be Not Afraid’; ‘Céad Míle Fáilte Romhat’; ‘Eagles Wings’; ‘Love is His Word’.