Presider’s Page for Mission Sunday, 18 October (Ordinary Time 29)
Songs at Mass (Suggestions)
‘All People That On Earth Do Dwell’; ‘Amazing Grace’; ‘Here I am, Lord’; ‘Go Tell Everyone’; ‘Let There Be Love’.
Opening Comment
As God’s family in this place, we gather to worship. We offer our love, our support and our prayers to all the Christian communities throughout the world.
• Today is Mission Sunday. The 2020 theme is “Together we can do more — Blessed are the peacemakers”.
Penitential Rite
Let us call to mind our sins and God’s great mercy for all peoples (pause)
Lord Jesus, you came to gather the nations into the peace of God’s kingdom: Lord, have mercy
Lord Jesus, you come in word and sacrament to strengthen us in holiness: Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you will come in glory with salvation for your people: Lord, have mercy.
Alternative Opening Prayer (Mass for the Spread of the Gospel I, 1998 ICEL Missal)
O God,
it is your will that all should be saved
and come to the knowledge of the truth.
Look upon your abundant harvest
and send workers to preach the gospel to every creature,
so that your people, gathered by the word of life
and supported by the power of the sacraments,
may advance in the way of salvation and love.
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
Isaiah 45:1, 4-6 — Cyrus, the unbeliever, is chosen by God, so that people may learn that apart from God, all is nothing.
1 Thessalonians 1:1-5 — For the next five Sundays, we read from the letter to the Thessalonians, written to console believers and clarify some points of doctrine. The letter opens today with Paul commending the people of Salonika for their faith.
John 17:11, 17-23 — The special Mission Sunday reading reminds us that all the world is united in Christ: ‘Together we can do more’.
BIDDING PRAYERS
Introduction (by the Presider) Let us make known our intentions to our God of glory and power.
- For Pope Francis — that he may have courage (pause and pray in your heart). Lord, hear us.
- For missionaries — that they may be safe and strong (pause and pray in your heart). Lord, hear us.
- For all of us — that we may spread peace (pause and pray in your heart). Lord, hear us.
- For people with COVID-19 — that God may help them (pause and pray in your heart). Lord, hear us.
- For doctors, nurses and carers — that God may protect them (pause and pray in your heart). Lord, hear us.
- For ourselves — that we may keep each other safe (pause and pray in your heart). Lord, hear us.
The Presider prays for the dead: For all who have gone before us in faith (especially N and N) [and for deceased missionaries, especially those who were born in this parish] — that God may call them to his side in heaven (pause and pray in your heart). Lord, hear us.
Conclusion (by the Presider) God of glory and power, you will judge the peoples in fairness: hear the prayers we make and graciously grant them, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS (Mass for the Spread of the Gospel I, from 1998 ICEL Missal)
Lord,
look upon the face of Christ, your Son,
who gave himself up as a ransom for all,
so that from the rising of the sun to its setting
your name may be great among the nations
and one sacrifice may be offered to your glory.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
PREFACE (Eucharistic Prayer for Various Needs & Occasions, C: Jesus, the Way to the Father)
It is truly right and just,
our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
Father most holy, Lord of heaven and earth.
Through your eternal Word you created all things
and govern their course with infinite wisdom.
In the Word made flesh
you have given us a mediator
who has spoken your words to us
and called us to be his disciples.
He is the way that leads to you,
the truth that sets us free,
the life that makes our joy complete.
Through your Son
you gather into one family
men and women created for the glory of your name,
redeemed by the blood of the cross,
and sealed with the Holy Spirit.
And so we praise your mighty deeds
and join with the hosts of angels,
as they proclaim your glory without end:
Holy, holy, holy…..
Holy indeed are you, Lord God,
and greatly to be praised:
your faithful love attends us
as we journey through life.
Blessed is your Son, Jesus Christ,
who is present among us
when his love gathers us together.
As once he did for his disciples,
Christ now opens the scriptures for us
and breaks the bread.
Therefore we ask you, merciful Father:
send down your Holy Spirit
to hallow these gifts of bread and wine,
that they may become for us
the body + and blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
On the eve of his passion and death,
while at table with those he loved,
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
and, handing the cup to his disciples, he 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 …
And so, Father most holy,
we celebrate the memory of Christ, your Son,
whom you led through suffering and death on the cross
to the glory of the resurrection
and a place at your right hand.
Until Jesus, our Saviour, comes again,
we proclaim the work of your love,
offering you the bread of life and the cup of blessing.
Look with favour on the offering of your Church
in which we show forth the paschal sacrifice of Christ
that was handed on to us.
Through the power of your Spirit of love
count us both now and for ever
among the members of your Son,
whose body and blood we share.
Almighty Father,
by our sharing in this mystery
enliven us with your Spirit
and conform us to the image of your Son.
Strengthen the bonds of our communion
with Francis our Pope, N. our Bishop,
with all bishops, priests, and deacons,
and all your holy people.
Keep your Church alert in faith to the signs of the times
and eager to accept the challenge of the gospel.
Open our hearts to the needs of all people,
so that, sharing their grief and anguish,
their joy and hope,
we may faithfully bring them the good news
of salvation and advance together on the way to your kingdom.
Be mindful of our brothers and sisters [N. and N.],
who have fallen asleep in the peace of Christ,
and all the dead whose faith is known only to you.
Lead them to the fullness of the resurrection
and gladden them with the light of your face.
When our pilgrimage on earth is ended,
welcome us into your heavenly home
to dwell with you for ever.
There, with Mary, the virgin Mother of God,
with the apostles, the martyrs,
[Saint Luke the evangelist,]
and all the saints,
we shall glorify your name and give you praise
through Jesus Christ, your Son.
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 (Mass for the Spread of the Gospel I, from the 1998 ICEL Missal)
Nourished with the sacrament of our redemption,
we ask you, Lord, that by its saving power
true faith may always grow and prosper.
Grant this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
PRAYER OVER THE PEOPLE & BLESSING
Lord,
look with kindness on your people
who implore your mercy;
trusting in your care,
may they carry the gift of your love to all the world.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Lord. Amen.