We come together to listen to God’s word and share the bread of life together. As God’s family here, we praise the one who has rescued us from sin and darkness, and brought us the hope of heaven.

Alternative Opening Prayer (from the 1998 ICEL Missal)
Faithful God,
your Holy One, Jesus of Nazareth,
spoke the truth with authority,
and you confirmed his teaching by wondrous deeds.

Through his healing presence,
drive far from us all that is unholy,
so that by word and deed
we may proclaim him Messiah and Lord
and bear witness to your power to heal and save.

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
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 — A prophet is promised to the people, to speak in God’s name. Christians see this prophecy fulfilled in Jesus’ preaching.
I Corinthians 7:32-35 — Paul seems to be downplaying marriage, but his passion is for the Kingdom. He wants his followers in Corinth to give undivided attention to the Lord, before all else.
Mark 1:21-28 — Jesus teaching makes a deep impression on people when he takes on the forces of evil.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) As the people belonging to God’s pasture, let us bring our prayers before the Lord who saves us.

1. For all who teach in God’s name, that they may help many people to find the Kingdom (Pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
2. For Pope Francis and all the bishops, that God may guide their words and actions (Pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
3. For Christians suffering persecution for their faith, that Christ may be close to them (Pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
4. For the prophets of today, that God may help them spread the message of justice and truth (Pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
5. For peace in the Middle East and for the relief of all who suffer there (Pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
6. For all adults, married and single, that God may have their first loyalty (Pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

The Presider prays for the dead: For those who have died recently (especially N and N), and all our dead, that they may dwell in the Lord’s house forever (Pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) O God our shepherd, you gently lead your people by your hand: hear the prayers we make and graciously answer them, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Lord,
in reverent service
we place these gifts upon your altar;
receive them into your sight
and make them the sacrament of our redemption.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

PREFACE (Sundays in Ordinary Time VII)
It is truly right and just,
our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
holy Father, almighty and eternal God.
You so loved the world
that you gave your only Son as our Redeemer.
You sent him as one like ourselves,
though free from sin,
that you might love in us what you love in Christ.
Your gifts of grace, lost when we disobeyed you,
are now restored by the obedience of your Son.
And so we join the angels and saints
in the joyous 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
Nourished with the sacrament of our redemption,
We ask you, Lord, that by its saving power
true faith may always grow and prosper.
Grant this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions): ‘All People That On Earth Do Dwell’; ‘Holy God We Praise Thy Name’; ‘The Lord’s My Shepherd’; ‘Here I Am, Lord’.