Presider’s Page for 25 June (Ordinary Time 12)

Opening Comment
Now that Easter and all the feasts that follow it have been celebrated, the journey through the ‘Sundays of the year’ starts again. From now until next Advent, we will listen to St Matthew’s Gospel each Sunday, and discover Jesus through the eyes of Matthew, the tax collector who was chosen to be one of the Twelve.

Penitential Rite
To prepare ourselves to listen to God’s word and share the bread of life, let us call to mind our sins:
I confess …

Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal, for Year A)
True and faithful God,
you give courage to the fearful
and endurance to martyrs.
Sustain us as followers of your Son Jesus,
that with boldness and conviction
we may acknowledge him before the world.
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
Jeremiah 20:10-13 — Jeremiah is ‘under pressure’, but still believes God is at his side, helping him.
Romans 5:12-15 — Sin affects everyone, according to St Paul, but grace comes to all through Christ.
Matthew 10:26-33 — Jesus reassures his followers and asks for their loyalty.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) God is full of love for us, so we are confident when we bring forward our prayers

1. That Christians who are persecuted for their faith may have God’s grace (pause a moment and pray for this). Lord, hear us.
2. That those who serve in public office may be free from corruption (pause a moment and pray for this). Lord, hear us.
3. That national leaders may work to end the arms trade (pause a moment and pray for this). Lord, hear us.
4. That people bound up by fear may be reassured by Christ’s words (pause a moment and pray for this). Lord, hear us.
5. That those who suffer in mind or body may be healed (pause a moment and pray for this). Lord, hear us
6. That birds and animals and all of God’s beautiful creation may be protected and cherished (pause a moment and pray for this). Lord, hear us.

The presider prays for the dead: For all who have gone before us in faith, (especially N & N who died recently and N & N whose anniversaries occur), that they may be freed from the power of death, to live in God (pause a moment and pray for this). Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) God of love and compassion, you listen to the needy when they cry to you: turn towards us and give us your help, we pray, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Accept, O Lord,
this sacrifice of reconciliation and praise,
that its working may cleanse us from sin
and make our hearts a gift pleasing to you.
Grant this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

PREFACE (Preface of Sundays in Ordinary Time V)
It is truly right and just,
our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
holy Father, almighty and eternal God.

All things are of your making,
all times and seasons obey your law.
But you fashioned the human family in your own image
and set us over the world in all its wonder,
that we might be stewards of your creation,
praising you day by day
for the marvels of your might and wisdom,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

And so, with all the angels and saints,
we sing the joyful hymn of your 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, 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
Lord,
we are nourished and made whole
by the sacred body and blood of your Son.
Grant in your kindness
that the mystery we devoutly celebrate
may bring us to the fullness of redemption.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.