The beginning of the Advent season is coming closer, and the Liturgy invites us to look further into the future, towards the end of time, to be ready when the Day of the Lord comes.
• Today has been designated by Pope Francis as the “WORLD DAY OF THE POOR”

Penitential Act
At the start of the celebration, we repent of our sins, remembering God’s 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 right hand of the Father to intercede for us: Lord, have mercy.

Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
O God,
from whose own abundance
all gifts and skills are lavishly bestowed,
encourage us to use our talents
as generously as you have allotted them,
so that, being faithful to your purpose,
we may become sharers in your glory.

We make our prayer 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
Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31 — The different talents people possess are highlighted in today’s readings. The first describes some of the gifts a woman can bring to marriage.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 — We’re reminded that the Day of the Lord could come at any moment, so we must be on the watch.
Matthew 25:14-30 — The talents we receive are given to us for a purpose — to be used.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) Brothers and sisters, Pope Francis ask us to mark this Sunday as the World Day of the Poor. Therefore, let us make our prayers known to the Lord, who blesses those who learn to trust:

1. For all the poor people of the world, that the rich may learn to share (pray quietly in your heart for this, then …. ) Lord, hear us.
2. For those facing starvation every day, that better-off Christians may not forget them (pray quietly in your heart for this, then …. ) Lord, hear us.
3. For the suffering people of Gaza, that world leaders may see they are protected (pray quietly in your heart for this, then …. ) Lord, hear us.
4. For homeless families and children in Ireland, that people in power may always remember the vulnerable (pray quietly in your heart for this, then …. ) Lord, hear us.
5. For all the members of this community, that we may use our talents well, putting them at the service of the poor (pray quietly in your heart for this, then …. ) Lord, hear us.
6. For more volunteers, that charities and parishes may have the help they need (pray quietly in your heart for this, then …. ) Lord, hear us.

The Presider prays for the dead: For those who have died (especially for N & N) for victims of road traffic accidents and all who have died tragically — that our dead friends may receive the crown of life (pray quietly in your heart for this, then …. ) Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) Eternal God, you bless those who trust in you: hear the prayers we make, 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  (Eucharistic Prayer for Various Needs & Occasions, D: Jesus, the Compassion of God)
It is truly right to give you thanks,
Father of mercy, faithful God,
it is fitting that we offer you praise.
You sent Jesus Christ your Son among us
as redeemer and Lord.
He was moved with compassion
for the poor and the powerless,
for the sick and the sinner;
he made himself a neighbour to the oppressed.
By his words and actions
he proclaimed to the world
that you are a father
and care for all your children.
And so, with all the angels and saints,
we sing the joyful hymn of your praise: Holy, holy, holy

Holy indeed are you, Lord God,
and greatly to be praised:
your faithful love attends us
as we journey through life.
Blessed is your Son, Jesus Christ,
who is present among us
when his love gathers us together.
As once he did for his disciples,
Christ now opens the scriptures for us
and breaks the bread.

Therefore we ask you, merciful Father:
send down your Holy Spirit
to hallow these gifts of bread and wine,
that they may become for us
the body + and blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

On the eve of his passion and death,
while at table with those he loved,
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
and, handing the cup to his disciples, he 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…

And so, Father most holy,
we celebrate the memory of Christ, your Son,
whom you led through suffering and death on the cross
to the glory of the resurrection
and a place at your right hand.
Until Jesus, our Saviour, comes again,
we proclaim the work of your love,
offering you the bread of life and the cup of blessing.

Look with favour on the offering of your Church
in which we show forth the paschal sacrifice of Christ
that was handed on to us.
Through the power of your Spirit of love
count us both now and for ever
among the members of your Son,
whose body and blood we share.

Lord,
perfect your Church in faith and love
together with Francis our Pope, N. our Bishop,
with all bishops, priests, and deacons,
and all those your Son has gained for you.

Open our eyes to the needs of all;
inspire in us words and deeds
to comfort those who labour and are burdened;
keep our service of others
faithful to the example and command
of Christ.

Let your Church be a living witness
to truth and freedom, to justice and peace,
that all people may be lifted up
by the hope of a world made new.

Be mindful of our brothers and sisters [N. and N.],
who have fallen asleep in the peace of Christ,
and all the dead whose faith is known only to you.
Lead them to the fullness of the resurrection
and gladden them with the light of your face.

When our pilgrimage on earth is ended,
welcome us into your heavenly home
to dwell with you for ever.
There, with Mary, the virgin Mother of God,
with the apostles, the martyrs,
[Saint Christopher, patron of road safety] and all the saints,
we shall glorify your name and give you praise
through Jesus Christ, your Son.

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)
‘Lord of all Hopefulness’; ‘All that I Am’; ‘The Lord Hears the Cry of the Poor’; ‘Now Thank We All Our God’.