Though the Immaculate Conception of Our Lady is usually celebrated on the 8th December, the church reckons the Second Sunday of Advent to be more important, so that is the feast we mark today (and the Immaculate Conception on Monday 9th this year). John the Baptist is thus the focus of the liturgy: his challenge to us to ‘prepare a way for the Lord’ is at the heart of the Advent message. We worship the one who will surely come to us.

Penitential Rite
As we hear that ancient call to repentance, let us remember our failings in the light of God’s healing love (pause)
You raise the dead to life in the Spirit: Lord, have mercy.
You bring pardon and peace to the sinner: Christ, have mercy.
You bring light to those in darkness: Lord, have mercy.

Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
God of our salvation,
you straighten the winding ways of our hearts
and smooth the paths made rough by sin.

Make our conduct blameless,
keep our hearts watchful in holiness,
and bring to perfection the good you have begun in us.

We ask this through him whose coming is certain,
whose day draws near:
your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.

Introduction to the Scripture Readings
Baruch 5:1-9 Baruch looks to the day when God will guide all people, bringing them joy.
Philippians 1:3-6, 8-11 Paul encourages the people of Philippi, and tells them to prepare inwardly for the ‘Day of Christ Jesus’.
Luke 3:1-6 John the Baptist’s words and actions remind the people of Isaiah’s call to repentance.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider)
God has worked marvels for us, so we present our needs with confidence.

1. That there may be peace on earth (pause and pray quietly for 10 seconds). Lord, hear us.
2. That innocent victims of war may be protected (pause and pray quietly for 10 seconds). Lord, hear us.
3. That all Christians may care for our common home on this planet (pause and pray quietly for 10 seconds). Lord, hear us.
4. That the mercy of God may fill the whole earth (pause and pray quietly for 10 seconds). Lord, hear us.
5. That we may be open to guidance of the Holy Spirit (pause and pray quietly for 10 seconds). Lord, hear us.
6. That young people may feel part of our Church (pause and pray quietly for 10 seconds). Lord, hear us.

The Presider prays for the dead We remember our loved ones who have died (especially N and N), and for children who have died just before or close to the time of birth, that God may reunite us all in the joy of the Kingdom (pause and pray quietly for 10 seconds). Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) Eternal God, your kindness fills your people with expectation: hear our prayers and help us in our needs, we pray, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS

Lord,
in your goodness
be pleased with our prayers and offerings
and, since we can merit nothing of ourselves,
come to our rescue with your mercy.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Lord.

PREFACE I FOR ADVENT (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
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.

When first he came among us
in the lowliness of human flesh,
he fulfilled the plan you formed long ago
and opened for us the way to salvation.

Now, hoping that the salvation promised us will be ours,
we watch for the day
when Christ will come again in majesty and glory.

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 Sunday mornings)
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,
you have nourished us with the food of life.
Through our partaking of this sacrament
teach us to judge wisely the things of earth
and to cherish those of heaven.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

SOLEMN BLESSING FOR ADVENT (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
Bow your heads for God’s blessing.

We rejoice at the coming of the Saviour in our flesh,
and we await his return again in glory.

May God the almighty and merciful
bless you by the light of Christ’s coming,
and enrich your lives with every grace.
R. Amen.
May God make you steadfast in faith,
joyful in hope,
and untiring in love all the days of your life.
R. Amen.
May God reward you with eternal life
when our Redeemer comes again in glory.
R. Amen.

SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions): ‘Let The Valleys Be Raised’; ‘On Jordan’s Bank’; ‘O Come, O Come Emmanuel’; ‘Christ be our Light’.