Presider’s Page for 6 March (First Sunday of Lent)

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SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions)

‘God of Mercy and Compassion’; ‘Be Not Afraid’; ‘Attende Domine’; ‘Praise to the Holiest’, ‘Christ be our Light’.

Opening Comment
The 40-day pilgrimage to Easter that began on Ash Wednesday is just a few days old. We pray that God, who sustained Jesus in his 40 days of temptations and suffering, will support us on our journey also. And we continue to pray for and support the people of Ukraine in their struggle.

Penitential Rite
As we start out on that journey, 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.

Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
Lord our God,
you alone do we worship,
only your word gives life.

Sustain your Church on its Lenten journey.
When we walk through the desert of temptation,
strengthen us to renounce the power of evil.
When our faith is tested by doubt,
illumine our hearts with Easter’s bright promise.

We ask this through Christ, our deliverance and hope,
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
Deuteronomy 26:4-10 Moses summarises the creed of the chosen people.
Romans 10:8-13 Paul teaches that faith in Christ’s resurrection is the mark of believers.
Luke 4:1-13 The temptations Jesus endured in the desert are described.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) As we begin our Lenten journey, let us remember all those in need.

  1. For the Church of God throughout the world, as the lenten pilgrimage begins (pause for 10 seconds reflection). Lord, hear us.
  2. For the people of Ukraine in their struggle (pause for 10 seconds reflection). Lord, hear us.
  3. For refugees seeking a safe shelter from war (pause for 10 seconds reflection). Lord, hear us.
  4. For the suffering people who will benefit from our lenten fasting (pause for 10 seconds reflection). Lord, hear us.
  5. For more love in the world and the defeat of hatred and evil (pause for 10 seconds reflection). Lord, hear us.
  6. For those who suffer because of COVID-19 and other illnesses (pause for 10 seconds reflection). Lord, hear us.

The Presider prays for the dead: For our brothers and sisters who have died (especially N and N) (pause for 10 seconds reflection). Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) Lord our God, you protect those who put their trust in you, hear the prayers we make in faith, through Christ our Lord.

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Lord,
at the beginning of this holy season refashion our hearts
and make them one with the sacrifice we are about to offer.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

PREFACE (First Sunday of Lent)
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.

His fast of forty days established this season of self-denial.
By rejecting all the devil’s temptations
he has taught us
to rid ourselves of the leaven of malice,
and so to celebrate the paschal mystery in sincerity and truth,
until we come at last to the eternal feast of heaven.

And so we join the throng of saints and angels
as they sing the unending hymn of your praise: HOLY HOLY HOLY….

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER III (from 1998 ICEL Missal, with Lent interpolation)
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, in this, the acceptable time,
we celebrate the lenten days of salvation;
turning back to you in repentance
and to one another in reconciliation,
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, 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,
you have renewed us with the heavenly bread
that enlivens our faith, inspires our hope,
and strengthens our charity.
Teach us to hunger for Christ, the true and living bread,
and to live by every word that proceeds from your mouth.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

LENTEN PRAYER OVER THE PEOPLE (Before Final Blessing)

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.

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