PRESIDER’S PAGE FOR 29 JANUARY (FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME)

PRESIDER’S PAGE FOR 29 JANUARY (FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME)

We gather to celebrate the resurrection of our Saviour and to remember his beautiful teachings. In the Beatitudes, which we read at Mass today, Jesus describes the kinds of people who are blessed in God’s eyes. We hope to join the company of all these saints in the heavenly liturgy.

Penitential Rite
Jesus has shown us the way to walk: let us remember when we sought other paths (pause):
Lord Jesus, you have shown us the way to the Father: Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you have given us the consolation of the truth: Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you are the Good Shepherd, leading us into everlasting life: Lord, have mercy.

Alternative Opening Prayer for Year A (1998 ICEL Missal)
O God,
teach us the hidden wisdom of the gospel,
so that we may hunger and thirst for holiness,
work tirelessly for peace,
and be counted among those
who seek first the blessedness of your kingdom.
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
Zephaniah 2:3, 3:12-13 — Zephaniah describes the kind of people who find favour with God.
1 Corinthians 1:26-31 — Paul reminds us that we are to rely not on our own efforts, but on God’s power.
Matthew 5:1-12 — Today we begin to read from a section in Matthew’s Gospel which describes the Sermon on the Mount.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) We bring our prayers to God, who raises up those who are bowed down

That Pope Francis may be safe as he travels in Africa (pray quietly for five seconds). Lord, hear us.
That peacemakers may succeed in ending hatred (pray quietly for five seconds). Lord, hear us.
That Christians who suffer persecution may have courage (pray quietly for five seconds). Lord, hear us.
That those who suffer from illness may be healed (pray quietly for five seconds). Lord, hear us
That all who follow Christ may light up the world (pray quietly for five seconds). Lord, hear us.
That all who mourn may be comforted (pray quietly for five seconds). Lord, hear us.

The Presider prays for those who have died (especially N.& N. who died recently and N. & N. whose anniversaries occur),
that they may praise God for ever in heaven (we pray quietly). Lord, hear us

Conclusion (by the Presider) Lord our God, you keep faith with people in any kind of need: hear the prayer we make to you, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Lord God,
you have provided food and drink
to sustain our earthly life;
grant, we pray, that this bread and wine
may become the sacrament that gives eternal life.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

PREFACE (Sundays in Ordinary Time I)
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.
Through the mystery of his cross and resurrection
he freed us from the yoke of sin and death
and called us to the glory that has made us
a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,
a people set apart to proclaim your mighty works,
for you have called us out of darkness
into your own wonderful light.
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 Sundays in Ordinary Time)
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
Grant, all-powerful God,
that we who receive in this eucharist
your life-giving grace
may always delight in your blessings.
We make our prayer in the name of Jesus, the Lord.

SONGS AT MASS (for Ministers of Music) ‘Holy God We Praise They Name’; ‘Be Not Afraid’; ‘Here I am, Lord’; ‘City of God’.