Presider’s Page for 17 July (16th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

As we gather, we are challenged to be hospitable, welcoming people. We worship the God who always has a welcome for us.
Penitential Rite
Supported by this divine care, we call to mind our own shortcomings in love: (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.

Opening Prayer (1998 ICEL Missal)
Eternal God,
you draw near to us in Christ
and make yourself our guest.
Amid the cares of our daily lives,
make us attentive to your voice
and alert to your presence,
that we may treasure your word above all else.
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
Genesis 18: 1-10 Sarah is rewarded for her hospitality with the promise that she will soon have a child, a great blessing
Colossians 1: 24-28 There is nothing lacking in Christ, contrary to what the Colossians thought. The church, Christ’s body, may be incomplete however, but this can be made up
Luke 10: 38-42 Jesus is welcomed at the home of Martha and Mary. He calls his hostess from busyness to simplicity.

BIDDING PRAYERS
Introduction (by the Presider) Let us bring our needs to the God of truth and justice.

1. That Christians may welcome everyone in need of care (we pray quietly for this). Lord, hear us.
2. That we may be kind to strangers (we pray quietly for this). Lord, hear us.
3. That all may find strength through prayer (we pray quietly for this). Lord, hear us.
4. That those on holidays may rest and be renewed (we pray quietly for this). Lord, hear us.
5. That troubled people may have friends to calm their fears (we pray quietly for this). Lord, hear us.
6. That those sick because of COVID may get better (we pray quietly for this). Lord, hear us.

The Presider prays for the dead: For our friends who have died (especially N. and N.) that they may dwell forever on God’s holy mountain (we pray quietly for this). Lord, hear us.
Conclusion (by the Presider) God of truth and justice, you cherish those who try to do what is right: hear our prayers and help us, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
O God,
you have fulfilled the many offerings of the Old Law
in the one, perfect sacrifice of the New.
Receive the gifts of your servants
and bless them as you blessed the sacrifice of Abel,
so that what each of us has offered to your honour and glory
may advance the salvation of all.
We ask this 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 II (with interpolation for Sunday)
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 Francis 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, AND WITH HIM, AND IN HIM……

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Lord,
remain close to the people
you have enriched with these heavenly mysteries,
and grant that we may pass from our former ways
to new life in the risen Christ.
We make our prayer in the name of Jesus, the Lord.

PRAYER OVER THE PEOPLE (Mass in Time of Pandemic) O God, protector of all who hope in you,  bless your people, keep them safe, defend them, prepare them, that, free from sin and safe from the enemy,  they may persevere always in your love. Through Christ our Lord.

SONGS for Today’s Mass: ‘Will you let me be your Servant?’; ‘On Eagle’s Wings’; ‘My Soul is Longing for your Peace’; ‘Céad Míle Fáilte Romhat’.