As people loved and chosen by God, we gather to listen and share, before being sent out to live what we believe.
Penitential Rite: The Gospel challenges our faith, so we turn to our God of healing and mercy: (pause)
Lord Jesus, you healed the sick: Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you forgave sinners: Christ have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you gave us yourself to heal us and bring us strength: Lord, have mercy.

Opening Prayer (1998 ICEL Missal)
Compassionate God,
your word calls labourers to the harvest.
Send us who are blest with the gift of your kingdom
to announce its coming with gladness
and to manifest its healing power.
We make our prayer 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
Exodus 19:2-6 — The first reading contains a reminder of God’s care for the people of Israel, our ancestors in faith.
Romans 5:6-11 — St Paul explains that the death of Jesus proves God’s love.
Matthew 9:36 to 10:8 — In the Gospel, Jesus shows compassion for the people by appointing apostles to heal the sick and cast out demons.

The General Intercessions

Introduction (by the Presider)
Brothers and sisters, let us pray to God, who cares for all the flock.

1. That the love of God may inspire each of us, every day. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
2. That Pope Francis may get better after his operation (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
3. That God may call priests and deacons to serve. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
4. That everyone in the Church may help with the harvest (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
5. That students doing exams may remember what they need to. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
6. That God may bless all fathers, and those who play a father’s role (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.

The presider prays for the dead: For all the faithful departed, (especially N & N who died recently and N & N whose anniversaries occur) (and for fathers who have died), that they may enjoy life without end. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider)
God our Shepherd, you are faithful from age to age: we bring all our prayers before you and ask your help, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer over the gifts
In these gifts, O Lord,
you provide humankind
with the food that nourishes
and the sacrament that gives us life.
Grant, we pray, that our minds and bodies
may never lack this strength and support.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Preface (Sundays in Ordinary Time VII, 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.
You so loved the world
that you gave your only Son as our Redeemer.
You sent him as one like ourselves,
though free from sin,
that you might love in us what you love in Christ.
Your gifts of grace, lost when we disobeyed you,
are now restored by the obedience of your Son.
And so we join the angels and saints
in the joyous hymn of your praise: Holy, holy….

Prayer after Communion
Lord,
as the communion we have received
prefigures the union of all the faithful in you,
so may its power
bring unity and peace to your Church.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Suggested Songs
‘Be Not Afraid’; ‘Eagles’ Wings’; ‘Here I am, Lord’.