The Gospel story of the Pharisee and the tax collector is read on this year’s Mission Sunday. Those who are humble before God make the best witnesses to the Gospel: all Christians are called to share this mission.

Penitential Rite: God is merciful, let us praise God’s enduring mercy to all nations (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)
O God,
who alone can probe the depths of the heart,
you hear the prayer of the humble
and justify the repentant sinner.
As we stand before you,
grant us the gift of humility,
that we may see our own sins clearly
and refrain from judging our neighbour.
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
Ecclesiasticus 35: 12-14, 16-19 The Lord is not deferential to the powerful but takes the side of the powerless.
2 Timothy 4: 6-8, 16-18 Paul speaks of his imminent death and reflects on his own deep faith.
Luke 18: 9-14 Humility before God is a recurring theme in the readings: the Gospel describes the Pharisee and the tax collector.

BIDDING PRAYERS
Introduction (by the Presider) We turn to God with all our needs, confident that the Lord hears and answers the cry of the poor:

1. For Pope Francis and all religious leaders, that they may lead with humility (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
2. For those who run our country, that they may never forget the needs of the poor (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
3. For missionaries who work abroad, that they may teach us to be witnesses to faith at home (pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
4. For the young, that many will answer the call to be missionaries (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
5. For people who feel they are powerless, that they may realise that God is on their side (pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
6. For an end to the Covid-19 pandemic, and the healing of all who suffer (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
7. The Presider prays for the dead: For Christians whose life on earth is over (especially N and N, and missionaries who have died, especially those from our parish) that the crown of righteousness may be theirs (pause for silent prayer.) Lord, hear us.
   Conclusion (by the Presider) Compassionate God, you rescue your people in all their distress, hear the prayers we make in humility and truth, through Christ our Lord.

Prayer over the Gifts
God of majesty,
look with favour on the gifts we offer,
and grant that this expression of our service
may be directed above all to your glory.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

PREFACE (Sundays in Ordinary Time II)
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.
Out of compassion for us sinners
he humbled himself to be born of the Virgin.
By suffering on the cross, he freed us from unending death;
by rising from the dead, he gave us eternal life.
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…….

Prayer after Communion
Lord,
may your mysteries accomplish within us
the salvation they embody,
that we may come to possess in truth
what we celebrate now under sacramental signs.
Grant this in the name of Jesus, the Lord.

SONGS AT MASS (for Ministers of Music) ‘Abide with Me’; ‘Ag Críost an Síol’; ‘The Lord hears the Cry of the Poor’; ‘God of Mercy and Compassion’.