God’s message is still a living power among us, so we gather to listen and be challenged by it

Penitential Rite
Confident of God’s care and mercy, let us call to mind our sins: (pause)
You were sent to heal the contrite of heart: Lord, have mercy.
You came to call sinners: Christ, have mercy.
You plead for us at the right hand of the Father: Lord, have mercy.

Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
Sovereign God,
we have no father but you,
no teacher but Christ.

Conform our lives to the faith we profess,
preserve us from arrogance and pride,
and teach us in Christ the greatness of humility and service.

We make our prayer 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
Malachi 1:14 to 2:2, 8-10 — A warning for priests and other religious leaders of God’s anger with those who stray.
1 Thessalonians 2:7-9, 13 — Paul reminds the people of Salonika of his work in their midst, and commends their faith.
Matthew 23:1-12 — Jesus attacks the hypocrisy of the religious leaders of his time.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) Brothers and sisters, let us present our prayers to God, who takes pity on the humble.

1. For priests and bishops — that they may practice what they preach (pause a moment and pray in your heart for this). Lord, hear us.
2. For leaders of church and state— that they may be true servants (pause a moment and pray in your heart for this). Lord, hear us.
3. For peace in the world — and an end to violence and terror (pause a moment and pray in your heart for this). Lord, hear us.
4. For civilians suffering in Gaza and Israel (pause a moment and pray in your heart for this). Lord, hear us.
5. For those who mourn — that they may be comforted (pause a moment and pray in your heart for this). Lord, hear us.
6. For prisoners and victims of crime (pause a moment and pray in your heart for this). Lord, hear us.

The presider prays for the dead: For those who have died (especially N and N), that their hope in God may be rewarded (pause) Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) God of all goodness, you grant the desires of the humble: hear the prayers we make and grant them, we pray, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer over the gifts
Lord God,
let this sacrifice
be a pure and spotless offering to you,
and let it bring to us
the rich outpouring of your mercy.
Grant 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 III
Lord, you are holy indeed,
and all creation rightly gives you praise.
All life, all holiness comes from you
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,
by the working of the Holy Spirit.
From age to age you gather a people to yourself,
so that from the rising of the sun to its setting
a pure offering may be made
to the glory of your name.

And so, Lord God, we humbly pray:
by the power of your Spirit sanctify these gifts
we have brought before you,
that they may become the body + and blood
of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,
at whose command we celebrate this eucharist.

On the night he was handed over to death,
he took bread and gave you thanks and praise;
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 and praise,
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…..

Calling to mind, Lord God
the death your Son endured for our salvation,
his glorious resurrection and ascension into heaven,
and eagerly awaiting the day of his return,
we offer you in thanksgiving this holy and living sacrifice.
Look with favour on your Church’s offering
and see the Victim by whose sacrifice
you were pleased to reconcile us to yourself.
Grant that we who are nourished by the body and blood of your Son
may be filled with his Holy Spirit
and become one body, one spirit in Christ.

Let him make us an everlasting gift to you,
that we may share in the inheritance of your saints,
with Mary, the virgin Mother of God,
with the apostles, the martyrs,
[Saint Martin de Porres], and all your saints,
on whose constant intercession we rely for help.

Lord, may this sacrifice
which has made our peace with you
advance the peace and salvation of all the world.
Strengthen in faith and love your pilgrim Church on earth:
your servant Pope Francis, our Bishop N.,
all bishops, priests, and deacons,
all ministers of your Church,
and the entire people your Son has gained for you.

Merciful Father,
hear the prayers of the family you have gathered here before you,
and unite to yourself all your children
now scattered over the face of the earth.

Welcome into your kingdom our departed brothers and sisters
and all who have left this world in your friendship.
We hope to enjoy with them your everlasting glory,
through Christ our Lord,
through whom you give the world everything that is good.

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,
increase within us the work of your saving power,
that our lives may be renewed by these holy mysteries
and your grace may prepare us for the blessings they promise.
We make our prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Songs at Mass (Suggestions)
‘Be Thou my Vision’; ‘Will You Let me be Your Servant?’, ‘This is My Will’; “Be not Afraid”.