Presider’s Page for 17 March (Lá ‘le Pádraig)

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Opening Comment
As we journey through the fifth week of Lent, we pause to keep the feast of Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. We mark the day by praising God the creator, who sustained Patrick, and who sustains the Church, in good times and bad.

Penitential Rite
To prepare ourselves for this solemn celebration, let us call to mind our sins: (pause)
Lord Jesus, you came to reconcile us to one another and to the Father: Lord, have mercy …
Lord Jesus, you heal the wounds of sin and division: Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you interceded for us with your Father: Lord, have mercy.

Alternative Opening Prayer (from the 1998 ICEL Missal)
Lord God,
in your loving providence
you sent the holy bishop Patrick
to preach your glory to the people of Ireland;
grant through his merits and prayers
that all who rejoice in the name of Christian
may proclaim your wonderful deeds to all the world.
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  
Amos 7:12-15 — The call of Patrick reflected the call the prophet Amos received: to go to people not his own and be their shepherd.
Thessalonians 2:2-8 — Paul describes the motivation of an apostle; Patrick could have applied these lines to his own ministry in Ireland.
Luke 5:1-11 — When Peter was called by Jesus, he was overwhelmed by a sense of his unworthiness. Patrick, who called himself a sinner, must have felt as Peter felt.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) Let us bring our needs to the Lord of all nations.

  1. That the people of God in Ireland may keep alive the faith that Patrick preached (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  2. That everyone who lives on the island of Ireland may work for peace throughout 2016 (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  3. That Irish people the world over may enjoy God’s favour and protection (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  4. That young Irish emigrants may be safe when they are far from home (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  5. That our new Irish citizens, who have come from many lands, may feel protected here (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  6. That Irish people evicted from their homes may have the support of the community (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

The priest prays for the dead: That our ancestors and all our friends who have died may have the light of heaven (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) God of truth and beauty, you look after us through the prayer of our friends, the saints: keep us and all your Irish flock in your care, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Songs
‘Christ be Near At Either Hand’;  ‘Dóchas Linn Naomh Pádraig’; ‘A Íosa Glan Mo Chroíse’; Hail Glorious St. Patrick’.

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