As God’s family in this place, we gather to worship. God is our king, we heed his Word and share the Bread of Life
• Today is Mission Sunday. [A collection will be taken up to support missionaries.]

Penitential Rite
Let us call to mind our sins and God’s great mercy for all peoples (pause)
Lord Jesus, you came to show us the ways of justice and peace: Lord, have mercy
Lord Jesus, you came to heal us and forgive us our sins: Chirst, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you came that we might have life is its fullness: Lord, heave 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 to do a job, the job of being a good leader
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.
Matthew 22:15-21 — The Pharisees try to trap Jesus with word games.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) Let us make known our intentions to our God of glory and power.

1. That Pope Francis may continue to be a good shepherd (pause and pray in your heart). Lord, hear us.
2. That the Synod in Rome may renew our Church (pause and pray in your heart). Lord, hear us.
3. That missionaries may spread the Good News of love and mercy (pause and pray in your heart). Lord, hear us.
4. That there may be peace in Israel and Palestine, with justice for all (pause and pray in your heart). Lord, hear us.
5. That Christians who suffer for their faith may not give up (pause and pray in your heart). Lord, hear us.
6. That those affected by flooding in the South of Ireland may get all the help they need (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 Patrick,] 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.

Songs at Mass (Suggestions)
‘All People That On Earth Do Dwell’; ‘All That I Am’; ‘Here I am, Lord’; How Great Thou Art’.