Opening Comment
The calling of disciples is described in today’s Gospel. We too are called to follow Christ, even in difficult times. As believers, we listen to God’s word, allowing it to steer and support us, every day of our lives.
• The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity continues till Thursday. Today is designated as the ‘Sunday of the Word of God’ (the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time every year). Catholic Schools Week 2024begins today.

Penitential Rite
To prepare ourselves to listen and heed, let us remember our sins and God’s faithfulness (pause):
Lord Jesus, you have shown us the way to the Father: Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you have given us the consolation of the truth: Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you are the Good Shepherd, leading us into everlasting life: Lord, have mercy.

Alternative Opening Prayer (from the 1998 ICEL Missal)
Your sovereign rule, O God,
draws near to us
in the person of Jesus your Son.
Your word summons us to faith,
your power transforms our lives.
Free us to follow in Christ’s footsteps,
so that neither human loyalty
nor earthly attachment
may hold us back from answering your call.
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
Jonah 3:1-5, 10 — Jonah’s mission to the people of Nineveh is described, and their immediate response to his call to repentance.
I Corinthians 7:29-31 — Paul wrote this letter, believing that the end of the world wasn’t far away. So he asked people to concentrate their whole energies on the things of the spirit.
Mark 1:14-20 — For most of this year, we will read from Mark’s Gospel, the first to be written and the shortest. We begin the journey through that Gospel today, hearing Jesus’ message of repentance and his calling of the first disciples.

BIDDING PRAYERS
Introduction (by the Presider) The Lord has shown us love from of old, so we ask with confidence that our prayers be heard:

1. That we may have the enthusiasm of the early disciples (pause for prayer). Lord, hear us.
2. That the Word of God may guide us, every day (pause for prayer). Lord, hear us.
3. That those who fish the seas today — like Peter, Andrew, James and John did — may be protected from every danger (pause for prayer). Lord, hear us.
4. That all the followers of Christ may be united (pause for prayer). Lord, hear us.
5. That our Catholic Schools may foster faith and resilience (pause for prayer). Lord, hear us.
6. That people who live in big cities may not be lonely, but may have good friends (pause for prayer). Lord, hear us.

The Presider prays for the dead: That our dead may enter the presence of God, (especially N and N who died during the week, and N and N whose anniversaries occur) (pause for prayer). Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) Remember your mercy, O Lord, and the love you have shown from of old: hear our prayers, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Accept, O Lord, the gifts we offer.
May they become for us, by your power,
a source of healing and peace. Through Christ our Lord.

PREFACE for Sundays in Ordinary Time IV, 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.
His birth brought the human race a new beginning;
by his suffering he wiped away our sins;
by rising from the dead he opened the way to eternal life;
and by his ascension to you, Father, he unlocked the gates of heaven.
And so we join the throng of saints and angels
as they sing the unending hymn of your praise: Holy, holy, holy….

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER II (from 1998 ICEL Missal, 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 N. 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 
O God, from whose hand we have received
the medicine of eternal life,
grant that through this sacrament
we may glory in the fullness of heavenly healing.
Through Christ our Lord.

SONGS AT MASS: (Suggestions) ‘Here I am, Lord’; ‘Lord, When you Came To The Seashore’; ‘Go Tell Everyone’; ‘Amazing Grace’.