Presider’s Page for 4 March (Third Sunday of Lent)

SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions) ‘Praise to the Holiest’; ‘Jesus Remember Me (Taizé)’;’A Íosa Glan Mo Chroíse’; ‘Be Not Afraid’.

Opening Comment
We gather in cold weather this March Sunday in Ireland, praying that God will warm our hearts with love during the Lenten spring. The Lord has the message of eternal life: we come to know this message and deepen our relationship with our Saviour.

Alternative Opening Prayer (from the 1998 ICEL Missal)
Holy God,
the folly of the cross
mocks our human wisdom,
and the weakness of the crucified
puts worldly power to shame.

Banish from our hearts
every pretence of might and of knowledge,
that by the power flowing from Christ’s resurrection
your people may be raised up from the death of sin
and fashioned into a living temple of your glory.

Grant this through Christ, our liberator from sin,
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
Exodus 20:1-7 — The ten commandments give the foundation on which a life of Christian love is built.
1 Corinthians 1:22-25 — Christ crucified is our focus; Christ draws us together — beyond our factions, beyond our disputes.
John 2:13-25 — Jesus purifies the Temple of commercial defilement, but then proclaims himself the New Temple, the fulfilment of everything the old order stands for.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) Sisters and brothers, let us bring our prayers to the Lord.

1. For all of us, as we continue our journey of renewal this Lent (pause and pray for a moment). Lord, hear us.
2. For those preparing to join the Church through baptism at Easter (pause and pray for a moment). Lord, hear us.
3. For Christians who suffer for what they believe (pause and pray for a moment). Lord, hear us.
4. For an end to hatred and violence in our world (pause and pray for a moment). Lord, hear us.
5. For the care of the homeless in winter and summer alike (pause and pray for a moment). Lord, hear us.
6. For better weather for our farmers and for us all (pause and pray for a moment). Lord, hear us.

The presider prays for the dead: For all our people who have died (especially N & N ), that the message of eternal life may be manifest in their heavenly destiny (pause and pray for a moment). Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) God of wisdom and light, your words guide our lives:
hear the prayers we make in faith, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Through this sacrifice of reconciliation
grant in your mercy, Lord,
that we who seek pardon for our own sins
may also learn to forgive one another.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Preface (Lent II)
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 set aside this season of grace for your people
to renew and purify their hearts,
so that, freed from all harmful desires,
they may live in this passing world
with hearts set on the world that will never end.
Now, with all the angels and saints,
we praise your glory without end:
and join in their chorus of praise: Holy, holy, holy……

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER II (With interpolation for Sunday mornings – only)
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 our God,
you feed us in this life with bread from heaven,
the pledge and foreshadowing of future glory;
grant that the working of this sacrament within us
may bear fruit in our daily lives.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, the 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.