Presider’s Page for 20 December (Fourth Sunday of Advent)

Opening Comment
Advent is drawing to a close; we have just a few days left to prepare for the birth of Christ. On this Sunday, we’re invited to follow Mary’s example and imitate her faith.

Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
Here in our midst, O God of mystery,
you disclose the secret hidden for countless ages.
For you we wait, for you we listen.

Upon hearing your voice
may we, like Mary, embrace your will
and become a dwelling fit for your Word.

Grant this through him whose coming is certain,
whose day draws near:
your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.

Introduction to the Scripture Readings
2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16 — David is told it’s not his job to build a temple for God. God will build a great house for all people. This plan took shape with the birth of Jesus, son of David.
Romans 16:25-27 — The mystery kept secret for ages is a secret no more, says Paul. The mystery is revealed in Jesus Christ.
Luke 1:26-38 — The story of the Annunciation is told again; Mary is shown as the model of faith for Christmastime.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) God’s love for us endures forever, so we present our needs with confidence.

1. That we may welcome our Saviour with open hearts (pause, then..) Lord, hear us.
2. That people are worried about Coronavirus may be re-assured (pause, then..) Lord, hear us
3. That all may stay safe while preparing for Christmas (pause, then..) Lord, hear us.
4. That we may trust in God’s care, as Our Lady did (pause, then..) Lord, hear us.
5. That those who are sick may be healed (pause, then..) Lord, hear us.
6. For greater tolerance in our world (pause, then..) Lord, hear us.

The Presider prays for the dead:  For those who have gone before us in faith (especially N and N): that they may receive a welcome to God’s house (pause, then.. Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) O God, your love for your people endures forever: hear our prayers and send us your help, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
Lord,
may the power of the Spirit
which came upon Mary and made her womb fruitful
sanctify the gifts we have placed on this altar.
Grant this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Preface of Advent II (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
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.

He is the one foretold by all the prophets,
whom the Virgin Mother awaited with love beyond all telling,
the one whose coming John the Baptist heralded,
and whose presence he proclaimed.
This same Lord invites us to prepare with joy
for the mystery of his birth,
so that when he comes
he may find us watchful in prayer,
our hearts filled with wonder and praise.

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 mornings)(from 1998 ICEL Missal)
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(from 1998 ICEL Missal)
In this communion, almighty God,
you have given us the pledge of eternal redemption.
Grant that the closer we come to the feast of Christmas,
the more eagerly we may prepare to celebrate
the saving mystery of your Son’s birth.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

SOLEMN BLESSING for Advent (from 1998 ICEL Missal)

May God the almighty and merciful
bless you by the light of Christ’s coming,
and enrich your lives with every grace.
R. Amen.
May God make you steadfast in faith,
joyful in hope,
and untiring in love all the days of your life.
R. Amen.
May God reward you with eternal life
when our Redeemer comes again in glory.
R. Amen.

Songs
‘O Come O Come, Emmanuel’; ‘Maranatha’; ‘Oh the Love of my Lord is the Essence’; ‘Christ be our Light’.