Presider’s Page for Sunday 13 March (Second Sunday of Lent)

Opening Comment
In today’s Liturgy, we praise the Lord of glory, who leads us through the darkness of Lent to the light of Easter.

Penitential Rite
To prepare ourselves for this act of worship, let us call to mind our sins: (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 the covenant,
your presence fills us with awe,
your word gives us unshakeable hope.
Fix in our hearts
the image of your Son in glory,
that, sustained on the path of discipleship,
we may pass over with him to newness of life.
Grant this through Christ, our deliverance and hope,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
holy and mighty God for ever and ever.

Introduction to the Scripture Readings
Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18 A covenant was made between God and Abram, who became Abraham, our father in faith.
Philippians 3:17 to 4:1 Paul encourages us to remain faithful, remembering that our true homeland is in heaven.
Luke 9:28-36 Jesus is transfigured in the presence of Peter, James and John – the three who were to be with him in Gethsemane.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) Let us bring our prayers to God, who is forever our light and our help.

1. That all members of the Church may have a good Lent (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
2. That Pope Francis may be blessed today, the ninth anniverary of his election (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
3. That the people of Ukraine may be protected from disaster (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
4. That refugees may find a welcome across Europe (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
5. That those in hospital with COVID may get better (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
6. That people suffering from depression may be healed (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

The presider prays for the dead: That those who have died may share the glory of Jesus (especially N and N who died recently, N and N whose anniversaries occur and all our relatives and friends who have gone before us in faith) (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) O God, in you we hope — you are our constant help, hear the prayers we make, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS

Lord,
may this eucharistic sacrifice wash away our sins;
may it sanctify your people in body and soul
and prepare us to celebrate the paschal feast.
Grant this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

PREFACE (Second Sunday of Lent)

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.
Having told the disciples of his coming death,
Jesus made his glory known to them on the holy mountain.
With Moses and Elijah as witnesses,
he revealed that the Christ had first to suffer
and so come to the glory of the resurrection.
With joyful hearts we echo on earth
the song of the angels in heaven
as they praise your glory without end: Holy holy holy….

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER II
Lord, you are holy indeed,
you are the fountain of all holiness.
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…..

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

We give you grateful thanks, O Lord,
for this most glorious sacrament,
in which you allow us, while pilgrims still on earth,
a foretaste of the blessings of heaven.
We make our prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord

BLESSING (Season of Lent)

God of salvation,
let your Son’s passion and death
be for your people
protection from evil in this life
and the sure hope of glory
in the life to come.
Grant this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.

SUGGESTED SONGS
‘Be Thou My Vision’
‘God of Mercy and Compassion’
‘May your Love be Upon Us O Lord’
‘Christ Be Our Light’