Presider’s Page for 25 February (Second Sunday of Lent)

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SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions) ‘Here I am Lord’; ‘Be Not Afraid’; ‘God of Mercy and Compassion’; ‘How Great Thou Art’.

Opening Comment
As we continue to celebrate Lent, we keep the goal of our journey before us. The gospel of the transfiguration is read on this lenten Sunday each year, to remind us to hold firm to a vision of glory, on dark days. Easter and its joy will follow this season of penance, just as the resurrection followed the passion and death of Jesus.

Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
Ever-faithful God,
you were well pleased with Abraham’s obedience
and you accepted the sacrifice of your Son,
who gave himself up for the sake of us all.

Train us by Christ’s teaching
and school us in his obedience,
that, as we walk his way of sacrifice,
we may come to share in your glory.

We ask this through Christ, our deliverance and hope,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
holy and mighty God for ever and ever.

Introduction to the Scripture Readings
Genesis 22:1-2, 9-13, 15-18 — The heartbreaking story of Abraham offering up his only child Isaac teaches that true sacrifice is about faith and obedience rather than slaughter.
Romans 8:31-34 — God’s will is that we be saved, not condemned. Jesus, who died and rose for us, intercedes for us still.
Mark 9:2-10 — On the second Sunday of Lent each year, the story of Jesus’ transfiguration is read – this year, as Mark recorded it.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) Let us call on the Lord’s name, praying with thanksgiving and trust.

  1. We pray for all the members of the Church, as we continue on our lenten journey, that God will help us (take a short pause for silent prayer) ….. Lord, hear us.
  2. We pray for an end to fighting in Syria and for relief for the sick and wounded (take a short pause for silent prayer) ….. Lord, hear us.
  3. We pray for Christians facing persecution in many countries, that God will be close to them (take a short pause for silent prayer) ….. Lord, hear us.
  4. We pray for better weather for our farmers, that this cold spell will pass quickly (take a short pause for silent prayer) ….. Lord, hear us.
  5. We pray for those who are starving in a world of plenty, that we may help them this Lent (take a short pause for silent prayer) ….. Lord, hear us.
  6. We pray for our community, and particularly for people who are lonely or afraid (take a short pause for silent prayer) ….. Lord, hear us.

The Presider prays for the dead: for those who have gone before us in faith (especially N & N), that they may see God in glory (take a short pause for silent prayer) ….. Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) Loving God, we are your servants who trust in you, even in the midst of affliction: hear our prayers and help us to walk in your presence all our days, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Lord,
may this eucharistic sacrifice wash away our sins;
may it sanctify your people in body and soul
and prepare us to celebrate the paschal feast.
Grant this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

PREFACE (Second Sunday of Lent)
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.

Having told the disciples of his coming death,
Jesus made his glory known to them on the holy mountain.
With Moses and Elijah as witnesses,
he revealed that the Christ had first to suffer
and so come to the glory of the resurrection.

With joyful hearts we echo on earth
the song of the angels in heaven
as they praise your glory without end: Holy, holy, holy

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER II (from 1998 ICEL Missal, with interpolation for Sunday morning)
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
We give you grateful thanks, O Lord,
for this most glorious sacrament,
in which you allow us, while pilgrims still on earth,
a foretaste of the blessings of heaven.
We make our prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord.

PRAYER OVER THE PEOPLE
Bow your heads for God’s blessing.

God of salvation,
let your Son’s passion and death
be for your people
protection from evil in this life
and the sure hope of glory
in the life to come.
Grant this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.

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