Like branches of one tree, we are held together by our faith in Christ. Because we are all part of this one living plant, we come together in thanksgiving and praise.

Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
O God,
you graft us onto Christ, the true vine,
and, with tireless care,
you nurture our growth in knowledge and reverence.

Tend the vineyard of your Church,
that in Christ each branch may bring forth
to the glory of your name
abundant fruits of faith and love.

Grant this through Jesus Christ, the resurrection and the life,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.

Introduction to the Scripture Readings
Acts 9:26-31 — Saul, a former persecutor of Christians, preaches at Jerusalem for the first time after his conversion.
I John 3:18-24 — Living God’s way involves not just words, but genuine love…
John 15:1-8 — Without a life-giving connection to Christ, our faith will wither and fade. Christ invigorates us.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) Praising God for the wonders of creation, we bring our prayers to the Lord.

1. That we may never be separated from Christ, the true vine. (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
2. That the young people Confirmed this year may grow in faith (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
3. That there may be peace in Sudan, Ukraine and the Holy Land (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
4. That those who persecute Christians may change their ways (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
5. That respect for the life of every human person may be reflected in our laws (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
6. That our farmers may have the weather they need, that the crops may be planted and the cattle may be fed (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.

The Presider prays for the dead: For all whose pilgrimage on earth is over, (especially N & N), that they may reach their final destination, at the Father’s house (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) God our creator, we praise you for your mighty deeds: hear the prayers your faithful people make, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
O God,
through the wonderful exchange of this sacrifice
you have made us sharers in your own divine nature;
grant that our daily lives
may faithfully reflect the knowledge of your truth.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

PREFACE OF EASTER II
It is truly right and just,
our duty and our salvation,
that we should always sing your glory, Lord;
but we praise you with greater joy than ever
in this Easter season
when Christ became our paschal sacrifice.

Through him the children of light rise to eternal life
and the gates of heaven are unlocked
to receive his faithful people.
For his death is our ransom from death
and in his resurrection all are raised to new life.

Therefore, the universe resounds with Easter joy,
and the choirs of angels sing the endless hymn of your glory: Holy, holy, holy

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER II (with interpolation for Sunday mornings)
Lord, you are holy indeed,
you are the fountain of all holiness.

[Sunday morning only:
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,
remain close to the people
you have enriched with these heavenly mysteries,
and grant that we may pass from our former ways
to new life in the risen Christ.
We make our prayer in the name of Jesus, the Lord.

SOLEMN BLESSING 7 (Easter Season)
Bow your heads for God’s blessing.

May the God who has redeemed you and made you adopted children
through the resurrection of his only Son
bless you and fill you with joy.
R. Amen.
May the God who has bestowed on you
the gifts of redemption and lasting freedom
make you heirs of eternal life.
R. Amen.
May the God who joined you to Christ’s resurrection
by faith and baptism
lead you to live justly
and so bring you to your home in heaven.
R. Amen.

Songs at Mass (Suggestions): ‘Christ is Alive’, ‘All on an April Evening’, ‘Ag Críost an Síol’, ‘How Great Thou Art’.