As we move into the darker times of the year, the readings at Mass remind us more and more of the end of time, and the glory awaiting believers. We trust that God stays with us always.

• Today is World Day of the Poor. The ACN’s Week of Witness for Persecuted Christians begins today.

Penitential Rite
Preparing ourselves to move from darkness to light, we call to mind moments when there was darkness in our own lives and we ask God for healing (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 right hand of the Father to intercede for us: Lord, have mercy.

Alternative Opening Prayer (from the 1998 ICEL Missal)
Your creation, O God,
runs its appointed course,
as from the ends of the earth
you gather a people you call your own.

Confirm us in the strength of your abiding word.
Steady our hearts in the time of trial,
so that on the day of the Son of Man
we may without fear rejoice to behold his appearing.

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
Daniel 12:1-13 — Daniel gives a prophecy of the end of time, when the virtuous will be rewarded.
Hebrews 10:11-14, 18 — What many priests did in former times, Christ does now: he has achieved our perfection.
Mark 13:24-32 — Jesus repeats Daniel’s prophecy, adding that only the Father knows when the end will come.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) The Lord is at our side to support us, so we can present our needs with confidence.

1. For all Christians — that we may be ready when Christ comes in glory (pause a few moments for reflection — about 10 seconds). Lord, hear us.
2. For the poor, the marginalised, the suffering and the forgotten (pause a few moments for reflection — about 10 seconds). Lord, hear us.
3. For innocent victims of wars – that God may defend them (pause a few moments for reflection — about 10 seconds). Lord, hear us.
4. For Chruistians suffering for their faith — that God may give them courage (pause a few moments for reflection — about 10 seconds). Lord, hear us.
5. For bereaved people — that during this November, they may have divine help (pause a few moments for reflection — about 10 seconds). Lord, hear us.
6. For those who suffer — that God may help them to stand firm (pause a few moments for reflection — about 10 seconds). Lord, hear us.

The Presider prays for those who have died: For all who have died (especially N and N), that they may awake to everlasting life (pause a few moments for reflection — about 10 seconds). Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) O Lord, you are our portion and cup, you support us all our days: hear the prayers we make for all your Church, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
God of majesty,
may the offering we make in your sight
obtain for us the grace of true service
and win us the prize of everlasting happiness.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

PREFACE VII  (Saturday evening Mass)
It is truly right and just,
our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
holy Father, almighty and eternal God.

When sin had scattered your children afar,
you chose to gather them back to yourself
through the blood of your Son and the power of the Spirit.
Thus a people made one by the oneness of the Trinity
shines forth as your Church,
the body of Christ and the temple of the Spirit,
to the praise of your manifold wisdom.

And so we join the multitude of angels
in their joyful chorus of praise: Holy, holy, holy…

PREFACE IX (Sunday Mass)
It is truly right and just, ‘
our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
holy Father, almighty and eternal God.

From sunrise to sunset this day is holy,
for Christ has risen upon us today
and scattered the darkness of death
with light and life that will not fade.

This day the risen Lord assembles us,
unfolds for us your word,
and breaks for us the bread of life.

And though the night will bring this Sunday to a close,
you call us to live in endless light,
the never-ending Day of the Lord.

And so, with the choirs of angels,
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 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, 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
Having shared in the gift of these sacred mysteries,
we humbly pray, Lord God,
that what your Son commanded us to do
in remembrance of himself
may strengthen among us the bonds of love.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

SONGS AT  MASS (Suggestions) ‘Christ be our Light’; ‘On Eagles Wings’; ‘Be Not Afraid’; ‘Abide With Me’.