Presider’s Page for 9 September (Ordinary Time 23)
SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions): ‘Be Thou My Vision’; Lay Your Hands Gently Upon Us ; ‘Take and Eat’; ‘Now Thank We All Our God
Opening Comment
God’s healing power was seen in the ministry of Jesus, and continues in the sacraments, in advances in medicine and in the work of the caring professions. Today we pray for strength, trusting that God will continue to show compassion to the whole world.
Penitential Rite
At the start of Mass, we call to mind the areas in which we need God’s healing, and praise God’s mercy as we repent….. (pause)
Lord Jesus, you healed the sick: Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you forgave sinners: Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you give us yourself to heal us and bring us strength: Lord, have mercy.
Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
God of power and compassion,
in Christ you reveal your will
to heal and to save.
Open our ears to your redeeming word
and move our hearts by the strength of your love,
so that our every word and work
may proclaim as Messiah
Jesus the Lord,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.
Introduction to the Scripture Readings
Isaiah 35:4-7 — Isaiah promises that when the Messiah comes, the deaf will hear and the dumb will speak.
James 2:1-5 — Saint James complains of class distinction at religious services.
Mark 7:31-37 — Through Jesus’ healing ministry, the deaf hear and the dumb speak.
BIDDING PRAYERS
Introduction (by the Presider) The Lord raises up those who are bowed down, so we bring forward our prayers with confidence.
- For our church — that all may feel welcome here, without distinction (pause for reflection). Lord, hear us.
- For Christians — that they may work to end discrimination (pause for reflection). Lord, hear us.
- For people with difficulties in speech — that patient friends may encourage them (pause for reflection). Lord, hear us.
- For those who cannot hear well — that we may be sensitive to their needs (pause for reflection). Lord, hear us.
- For an end to the war in Syria (pause for reflection). Lord, hear us.
- For the refugees looking to Europe for a place of safety — that they may find the welcome they need (pause for reflection). Lord, hear us.
The presider prays for the dead: For our friends who have died (especially N and N), that the Lord may raise up all the faithful departed and especially the men, women and children who have drowned trying to reach Europe this summer (pause for reflection). Lord, hear us.
Conclusion (by the Presider) Healing God, you pour out your love on those who cry to you for help; raise us up by your grace and support us in our needs, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer over the gifts
Lord God,
wellspring of peace and true worship,
let our offering come before you
as fitting homage to your glory,
and let our partaking of these sacred mysteries
unite our hearts in faith.
We ask 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 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,
at the table of your word and sacrament
you nourish your faithful and give them life.
Grant that through these gifts of your Son
we may advance in holiness
and be worthy to share his life for ever.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.