Presider’s Page for 20 October (Mission Sunday)

SONGS THIS SUNDAY (Suggestions)
‘Be Thou My Vision’; ‘Ag Críost an Síol’; ‘’O The Love of My Lord’; ‘Go Tell Everyone’.

Opening Comment
Today is World Mission Sunday, which this year has the theme: “TOGETHER WE ARE MISSION, changing the lives of others!” The readings point to the value of persistent prayer, which can be a real support to missionaries in their work. If you want results, pray without ceasing, says Jesus. God will listen and help.

Penitential Rite
As we prepare ourselves for this celebration, let us call to mind God’s generous mercy (pause): Lord Jesus, you came to gather the nations into the peace of God’s kingdom: Lord, have mercy. You come in word and sacrament to strengthen us in holiness: Christ, have mercy. You will come in glory with salvation for your people: Lord, have mercy.

Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal, for the 29th Sunday C)
Lord, tireless guardian of your people,
always ready to hear the cries of your chosen ones,
teach us to rely, day and night, on your care.

Support our prayer lest we grow weary.
Impel us to seek your enduring justice
and your ever-present help.

Grant 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
Exodus 17:8-13 — The people of Israel trust in God’s help, communicated to them through their leader Moses: his determination wins the day.
2 Timothy 3:14 to 4:2 Paul urges everyone in the Christian community to action — especially preachers.
Luke 18:1-8 — Jesus uses a parable to show that persistent prayer works.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) Our help is in the name of the Lord, so let us bring forward our intentions:

1. That God may help Pope Francis, as he leads the Synod on the Amazon in Rome (we pray quietly a moment): Lord, hear us.
2. That Christians may work to change the lives of others, like good missionaries (we pray quietly a moment): Lord, hear us.
3. That there may be peace in Syria, and that Syrian refugees may be able to go home (we pray quietly a moment): Lord, hear us.
4. That missionaries who feel sad may not give up (we pray quietly a moment): Lord, hear us.
5. That Christians being persecuted may have courage (we pray quietly a moment): Lord, hear us.
6. That we may pray persistently for all our needs, and have our prayers answered (we pray quietly a moment): Lord, hear us.

The Presider prays for the dead: That those who have died may experience the fullness of God’s love (especially N and N) (and especially the missionaries from our parish who have died, that God may reward their good work) (we pray quietly a moment): Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) O Lord, you protect your servants in their need: hear the prayers we make to you in trust, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Lord God,
grant us the gift of serving at your altar
with free and generous hearts,
that your grace may cleanse us from sin
through these very mysteries
by which we offer you true worship.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Lord.

PREFACE (Sundays in Ordinary Time I)
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.

Through the mystery of his cross and resurrection
he freed us from the yoke of sin and death
and called us to the glory that has made us
a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,
a people set apart to proclaim your mighty works,
for you have called us out of darkness
into your own wonderful light.

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)
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
Foster your life within us, Lord,
by the celebration of the heavenly mysteries:
bless us with your help from day to day
and so prepare our hearts for the world to come.
We make our prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord.