At this time of remembrance, our dead are often in our minds. Today’s readings challenge us to believe in eternal life after death. We worship God who sustains us in this life and promises us a share in the resurrection.
• Today is Prisoners Sunday

Penitential Rite
Now, let us call to mind our sins —and God’s forgiveness: (pause)
Lord Jesus, you raise us to new life: Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you forgive us our sins: Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you feed us with your body and blood: Lord, have mercy.

Alternative Opening prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
God of all the living,
in the resurrection of Christ Jesus
you have given us the life
which even death cannot destroy.
Remember your unshakeable promise
and strengthen us to live in this world
as your new creation.
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
2 Maccabees 7: 1-2, 9-14 The story of a woman and her sons whose faith in the resurrection gave them the strength to endure martyrdom.
Psalm: The Lord hears our prayers, and when we die brings us to the sight of glory.
2 Thessalonians 2:16 to 3:5 Paul’s letter to the Christians of Thessolonika was written to reassure and encourage them.
Luke 20: 27-38 Jesus’ answer to people who doubted the resurrection of the dead.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) Let us bring our needs to God, who pays heed to all our cries.

For peace in our world, especially in Ukraine (pray quietly). Lord hear us.
For kindness to refugees (pray quietly). Lord hear us.
For Christians who are persecuted for believing (pray quietly). Lord hear us.
For men, women and children in prison, and for prison officers (pray quietly). Lord hear us.
For all who mourn in November (pray quietly). Lord hear us.
For the people of our parish who have died this year (pray quietly). Lord hear us.

The presider prays for the dead: For all who have died (especially N and N) that all may share in the resurrection and have eternal life. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider)
Lord our God, you watch over and protect your people:
turn your ear to us, we pray, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Lord God,
look with favour on the sacrifice we offer,
that the passion of your Son,
which we celebrate in these mysteries,
may become the pattern of our lives.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Lord.

PREFACE (Christian Death 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.
In him, who rose from the dead,
our hope of resurrection dawned.
The sadness of certain death
gives way to the bright promise of immortality.
Lord, for your faithful people
life is changed, not ended.
When the body of our earthly dwelling is laid aside,
we gain an everlasting dwelling place in heaven.
And so, with angels and archangels,
with all the heavenly host,
we proclaim your glory
and join their unending chorus of praise:

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER II
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 N. 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.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Strengthened by this holy food, O Lord,
we give you thanks and seek your mercy,
that, through the outpouring of your Spirit,
those who have been touched by the power of this sacrament
may continue to live in sincerity and truth.
We make our prayer in the name of Jesus, the Lord.

SOLEMN BLESSING (The Dead)

Bow your heads and pray for God’s blessing.

With surpassing love God has created us
and in the resurrection of Jesus Christ
given us the hope of rising again.

May the God of all consolation
send down upon you every grace and blessing.
R. Amen.

To us who are living may God grant forgiveness of sins
and to the dead a place of light and peace.
R. Amen.

May all of us live eternally with Christ,
who has truly risen from the dead.
R. Amen.

May almighty God bless you,
the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.

SONGS THIS SUNDAY (Suggestions): ‘Be Not Afraid’ / ‘Abide with Me’; ‘Ag Criost an Siol’; On Eagles Wings’; ‘How Great Thou Art’.