Presider's Page

Presider’s Pages are composed weekly by Fr Bernard Cotter (PP Newcestown, Co Cork), using the alternative ICEL texts from the 1998 Roman Missal. These pages can be printed for use by the presider at the altar, or forwarded to others involved in the liturgy, e.g. readers of the Bidding Prayers. All comments and suggestions welcome to info@associationofcatholicpriests.ie (Note that these pages are put together late in the week so that topical news items can be reflected in the prayers).

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Presider’s Page for Sunday 17 March (Lá Fhéile Pádraig, on the Fifth Sunday of Lent)

Presider’s Page for Sunday 17 March (Lá Fhéile Pádraig, on the Fifth Sunday of Lent) Opening Comment As the fifth week of Lent begins in other countries, we pause from our lenten penances to honour Patrick, the apostle of the Irish. In our celebration of this solemn feast, we worship…

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Presider’s Page for 10 March (Fourth Sunday of Lent / Laetare Sunday / Mothers’ Day)

Presider’s Page for 10 March (Fourth Sunday of Lent / Laetare Sunday / Mothers’ Day) This Sunday we come to the midpoint of Lent. The season is half over, and the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus is nearer to us. On this midway Sunday, it is traditional…

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Presider’s Page for 3 March (Third Sunday of Lent)

Presider’s Page for 3 March (Third Sunday of Lent) We gather in cold weather this March Sunday in Ireland, praying that God will warm our hearts with love during the Lenten spring. The Lord has the message of eternal life: we come to know this message and deepen our relationship with…

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Presider’s Page for 25 February (Second Sunday of Lent)

Presider’s Page for 25 February (Second Sunday of Lent) As we continue to celebrate Lent, we keep the goal of our journey before us. The gospel of the transfiguration is read on this lenten Sunday each year, to remind us to hold firm to a vision of glory, on dark…

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Presider’s Page for 18 February (First Sunday of Lent)

Presider’s Page for 18 February (First Sunday of Lent) Today we celebrate the first Sunday of Lent. All over the world today, children and adults alike are beginning their preparation for baptism at the Easter Vigil. Like them, we begin our own preparations, looking forward to renewing our baptismal vows…

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Presider’s Page for 11 February (Ordinary Time 6 / World Day of the Sick)

Presider’s Page for 11 February (Ordinary Time 6 / World Day of the Sick) ‘Whatever you do at all, do it for the glory of God.’ The words are St Paul’s, from today’s second reading. We gather here to give glory to God, praying for the sick, marking the Day…

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Presider’s Page for 4 February (Ordinary Time 5)

Presider’s Page for 4 February (Ordinary Time 5) As we come together for worship, each of us brings worries, anxieties and fears. We gather them all together and entrust them to the one who heals his suffering people. Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal) Out of your power and compassion, O…

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Presider’s Page for 28 January (Ordinary Time 4)

Presider’s Page for 28 January (Ordinary Time 4) We come together to listen to God’s word and share the bread of life together. As God’s family here, we praise the one who has rescued us from sin and darkness, and brought us the hope of heaven. Alternative Opening Prayer (from the…

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Presider’s Page for 21 January (Third Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Presider’s Page for 21 January (Third Sunday in Ordinary Time) Opening Comment The calling of disciples is described in today’s Gospel. We too are called to follow Christ, even in difficult times. As believers, we listen to God’s word, allowing it to steer and support us, every day of our…

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Presider’s Page for 14 January (Ordinary Time 2)

Presider’s Page for 14 January (Ordinary Time 2) Now that the Christmas season is behind us and we are moving into the New Year, the liturgy challenges us to reflect on what following Christ means. We gather as God’s people, called to follow the Lamb of God and we praise…

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Presider’s Page for 7 January (Baptism of the Lord)

Presider’s Page for 7 January (Baptism of the Lord) Today we celebrate the feast of the Baptism of the Lord: it’s the last day of the Christmas season. The baptism of Jesus marked the end of his quiet years in Nazareth and the start of his public ministry. Penitential Rite…

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Presider’s Page for Saturday 6 January (Epiphany of the Lord)

Presider’s Page for Saturday 6 January (Epiphany of the Lord) On this feast of the Epiphany we celebrate the revelation of who Christ is. The visit of the three wise men reminds us that Jesus came as the Saviour of all nations, including ours. We worship God who wants all…

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Presider’s Page for 31 December (Holy Family)

Presider’s Page for 31 December (Holy Family) On this first Sunday after Christmas Day, we honour the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. We entrust our families to their patronage, and pray for all who have been part of our families, those still alive and those whom we hope…

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Presider’s Page for 25 December (Christmas Day Mass)

Presider’s Page for 25 December (Christmas Day Mass) We celebrate today an amazing mystery — God is born in time. The eternal God shares our nature, he has pitched his tent in the midst of humanity. With joy in our hearts, we contemplate the mystery of the Word made flesh….

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Presider’s Page for 24 December (Christmas Night Mass)

Presider’s Page for 24 December (Christmas Night Mass) In the dark of this winter night, we proclaim the new light that has shone on the world: Jesus Christ is born! With the angels, we worship God who saves us — for through the life, death and resurrection of this child…

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Presider’s Page for 23/24 December (Fourth Sunday of Advent)

Presider’s Page for 23/24 December (Fourth Sunday of Advent) Advent is drawing to a close; we have just a day left to prepare for the birth of Christ. On this Sunday, we’re invited to follow Mary’s example and imitate her faith. Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal) Here in our midst,…

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Presider’s Page for 17 December (Advent 3, GAUDETE)

Presider’s Page for 17 December (Advent 3, GAUDETE) We’re two thirds of the way through Advent. Traditionally, today is called Gaudete Sunday, which means ‘a day for rejoicing’: the pink candle is lit on the Advent wreath. The reason for celebration today is that the day of the Lord’s coming…

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Presider’s Page for 10 December (Second Sunday of Advent)

Presider’s Page for 10 December (Second Sunday of Advent) John the Baptist is the focus of the liturgy on the Second Sunday of Advent each year. His challenge to us to ‘prepare a way for the Lord’ is at the heart of the Advent message. We worship the one who…

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Presider’s Page for 3 December (First Sunday of Advent B)

Presider’s Page for 3 December (First Sunday of Advent B) Advent begins today; the season is at its shortest this year. During these first two weeks, the Church focuses on the end of time, when Christ will come in glory. Then, for the last week of Advent, we prepare to…

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Presider’s Page for 26 November (Christ the King)

Presider’s Page for 26 November (Christ the King) Today we celebrate the feast of Christ the King. At the end of time, this king will come in glory to judge the living and the dead. He will ask how we treated the hungry and thirsty, the stranger, the naked, those…

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Presider’s Page for 19 November (Ordinary Time 33)

Presider’s Page for 19 November (Ordinary Time 33) The beginning of the Advent season is coming closer, and the Liturgy invites us to look further into the future, towards the end of time, to be ready when the Day of the Lord comes. • Today has been designated by Pope Francis…

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Presider’s Page for 12 November 2023 (Ordinary Time 32)

Presider’s Page for 12 November (Ordinary Time 32) At this time of year, our deceased relatives and friends are often in our minds. Our faith tells us that we needn’t grieve over them like people with no hope. We remember them with love, and entrust them to God’s care. Penitential…

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Presider’s Page for 5 November (31st Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Presider’s Page for 5 November (31st Sunday in Ordinary Time) God’s message is still a living power among us, so we gather to listen and be challenged by it Penitential Rite Confident of God’s care and mercy, let us call to mind our sins: (pause) You were sent to heal…

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Presider’s Page for 29 October (30th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Presider’s Page for 29 October (30th Sunday in Ordinary Time) There’s a reminder of the two great commandments in today’s celebration: we are called to love God and our neighbour: friend, visitor and stranger alike. Penitential Rite Let us call to mind times we have failed to show love, remembering that…

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Presider’s Page for Mission Sunday, 22 October (29th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Presider’s Page for Mission Sunday, 22 October (29th Sunday in Ordinary Time) 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…

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Presider’s Page for 15 October (28th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Presider’s Page for 15 October (28th Sunday in Ordinary Time) We gather as fellow-pilgrims at this Sunday’s Eucharist, all journeying to the great banquet of heaven. In our Communion today, we get a taste of what is to come. Penitential Rite The Lord feeds us in this Sacrament: let us call…

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Presider’s Page for 8 October (27th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Presider’s Page for 8 October (27th Sunday in Ordinary Time) There are reassuring sentiments for us in God’s Word, with Paul reminding us that there is no need for us to worry. If there is anything we need, we can pray for it and God’s peace will be ours. Penitential…

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Presider’s Page for 1 October (26th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Presider’s Page for 1 October (26th Sunday in Ordinary Time) God’s love is displayed for us in the life and death of Jesus. We rejoice in this love, and celebrate the victory over sin and death won for us. As a community, we praise God’s holy name. Penitential Rite Sometimes…

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Presiders Page for 24 September (25th Sunday in Ordinary Time).

Presiders Page for 24 September (25th Sunday in Ordinary Time). God’s ways are not our ways. God’s love and generosity are beyond our understanding. We acknowledge all God has done for us, and ask for the grace to grow into God’s likeness. Penitential Rite To prepare ourselves to celebrate the…

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Presider’s Page for 17 September (24th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Presider’s Page for 17 September (24th Sunday in Ordinary Time) Forgiveness is one of the great qualities of Christianity. We are challenged to forgive each other as readily as God forgives us. We celebrate God’s mercy, and ask for the grace to pass it on to those who hurt us….

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Presider’s Page for 10 September (23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Presider’s Page for 10 September (23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time) We gather as God’s family, concerned for each other, supporting one another in sadness and joy. The challenge of living as part of the Christian family is laid out for us in today’s readings. Penitential Rite At times we fail…

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Presider’s Page for 3 September (22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Creationtide)

Presider’s Page for 3 September (22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Creationtide) We gather to praise God and to ask for help and grace. We know the difficulties that can come when we try to live the right way. Often the road of life is like the way of the cross….

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Presider’s Page for 27 August (21st Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Presider’s Page for 27 August (21st Sunday in Ordinary Time) This hour of worship brings us into the presence of the God whose mystery we can never comprehend. All we have comes from the Lord, and we can only bow down in awe, and bring forward the praise that is…

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Presider’s Page for 20 August (20th Sunday in OrdinaryTime)

Presider’s Page for 20 August (20th Sunday in OrdinaryTime) Everyone is welcome in God’s house, everyone who loves God’s name. We gather to experience the warmth of this embrace. Penitential Rite To prepare ourselves, let us call to mind our sins, remembering God’s compassion for sinners: (pause) Lord Jesus, you…

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Presider’s Page for 13 August (Ordinary Time 19th Sunday)

Presider’s Page for 13 August (Ordinary Time 19th Sunday) We gather to celebrate our beautiful God, who was revealed to Elijah as a gentle breeze and who was not daunted by the storm on the lake. We are grateful that this God takes our fears away and gives rest to…

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Presider’s Page for 6 August (Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord)

Presider’s Page for 6 August (Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord) August 3 2023 This feast had its origin in the East in the fourth century as the commemoration of the dedication of the church of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor. It was observed in the West from the eighth…

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Presider’s Page for 30 July (17th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Presider’s Page for 30 July (17th Sunday in Ordinary Time) Opening Comment God has given us many gifts, including the promise that we will share in Christ’s glory. We give thanks for these treasures, as we continue on our journey to the fullness of the kingdom of heaven. • Would…

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Bidding Prayers for 30 July – 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Bidding Prayers for 30 July – 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time BIDDING PRAYERS for Sunday Mass on 30 July Introduction (by the Presider) Let us bring our prayers before our God of wisdom and love: That those who govern nations may be as wise as the great leader Solomon (pause and pray for…

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Presider’s Page for 23 July (16th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Presider’s Page for 23 July (16th Sunday in Ordinary Time) We have been called together by the Spirit of God to celebrate the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. The Spirit teaches us to pray, and moves us to glorify the Lord’s name. • Today is World Day of Grandparents and the…

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Presider’s Page for 16 July (15th Sunday in Ordinary Time) July 15 2023 We gather as pilgrims on a journey, asking God to keep us steadfast until we reach our eternal home. In the Spirit, let us worship God who cares for us according to our needs. Penitential Rite Because…

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Presider’s Page for 9 July (14th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Presider’s Page for 9 July (14th Sunday in Ordinary Time) There is much good news in today’s Gospel. We’re told we can bring all our troubles to Jesus and find rest. God will make our burden light. We praise God for the care promised us. •Today is the National Day…

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Presider’s Page for 2 July (13th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Presider’s Page for 2 July (13th Sunday in Ordinary Time) We’re told in today’s readings that hospitality is a gift that brings a great reward. As we gather to thank God for the many gifts we’ve received, we ask for the grace to be hospitable to the visitors who will…

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Presider’s Page for 25 June (12th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Presider’s Page for 25 June (12th Sunday in Ordinary Time) We have nothing to be afraid of, we’re told in today’s Gospel. God knows every one of our needs. We gather in prayer, united by our faith, to thank God for this word of encouragement. Penitential Rite To prepare ourselves…

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Presider’s Page for Sunday 18 June (11th Sunday in Ordinary Time & Fathers’ Day)

Presider’s Page for Sunday 18 June (11th Sunday in Ordinary Time & Fathers’ Day) 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…

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Presider’s Page for 11 June (‘Corpus Christi’)

Presider’s Page for 11 June (‘Corpus Christi’) Opening Comment Today’s liturgy invites us to reflect on God’s care for the family of faith, especially through the gift of divine nourishment on our pilgrimage through life. Christ gives us his flesh to eat and his blood to drink: he will raise…

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Presider’s Page for 4 June (Trinity Sunday)

Presider’s Page for 4 June (Trinity Sunday) Opening Comment We are invited to reflect on the mystery of God on this Trinity Sunday, as we gather to worship the One who creates, redeems and sanctifies, three persons, one God, without end. Penitential Rite To prepare ourselves for this celebration, let…

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Presider’s Page for 28 May (Pentecost Sunday)

Presider’s Page for 28 May (Pentecost Sunday) Opening Comment (Mass During the Day) Today we celebrate ‘the great beginning of the Church,’ the day the Holy Spirit first came to confused and frightened disciples. We praise God for this great Gift, and ask for a new outpouring in our day. Penitential…

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Presider’s Page for 21 May (Ascension of the Lord)

Presider’s Page for 21 May (Ascension of the Lord) Opening Comment We celebrate the Ascension of Jesus today. We remember his sending out of the disciples, and his promise to remain with us until the end of time. Penitential Rite Assured by Christ’s words, we renew our trust in his…

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Bidding Prayers for 21 May (Ascension of the Lord)

Bidding Prayers for 21 May (Ascension of the Lord) BIDDING PRAYERS for Sunday Mass on 21 May Introduction (by the Presider) With confidence, we bring our prayers before God, the Most High: That Christian missionaries may be full of enthusiasm (pause and pray for this…). Lord, hear us. That we may be sustained by…

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Presider’s Page for 14 May (Sixth Sunday of Easter)

Presider’s Page for 14 May (Sixth Sunday of Easter) Opening Comment Each Sunday in Easter time, we celebrate the gifts we have received in Baptism and Confirmation. We rejoice that the Spirit is our Advocate, who continues to support us in the difficulties of life. Penitential Rite As we gather…

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Bidding Prayers for 14 May (Sixth Sunday of Easter)

Bidding Prayers for 14 May (Sixth Sunday of Easter) BIDDING PRAYERS for Sunday Mass on 14 May Introduction (by the Presider) The works of God are tremendous, so with confidence we make our prayers known: That the Spirit may inspire Pope Francis and all our leaders in faith (pause and pray for this…). Lord,…

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Presider’s Page for 7 May (Fifth Sunday of Easter)

Presider’s Page for 7 May (Fifth Sunday of Easter) Opening Comment Today’s liturgy puts the life-giving words of Jesus before us. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life, the one in whom we can place all our trust. Because we believe these things, we gather to praise God….

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Presider’s Page for 30 April (Fourth Sunday of Easter)

Presider’s Page for 30 April (Fourth Sunday of Easter) Opening Comment The fourth Sunday of Easter is often called Good Shepherd Sunday, because the readings are about the care we receive from Christ, our true shepherd. Today is also the day of prayer for vocations. Penitential Rite Knowing the God…

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Presider’s Page for 23 April (Third Sunday of Easter)

Presider’s Page for 23 April (Third Sunday of Easter) Opening Comment During the Easter season the Church continues to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, even in these dark pandemic days. Today, we join together to worship God, who has brought about the great victory over sin and death in…

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Presider’s Page for 16 April (Second Sunday of Easter)

Presider’s Page for 16 April (Second Sunday of Easter) Opening Comment Even though Easter Week is now behind us, today’s liturgy still overflows with the joy of Jesus’ resurrection. We continue to celebrate that great event for the next six weeks, until Pentecost Sunday on 28th May, the fiftieth and…

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Presider’s Page for 9 April (Easter Sunday)

Presider’s Page for 9 April (Easter Sunday) This Easter morning we celebrate the central mystery of our faith, the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. He suffered on the cross and died for us, but now he is risen! Introductory Rites: Filled with the spirit of Easter joy, let us…

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Bidding Prayers for 9 April (Easter Sunday)

Bidding Prayers for 9 April (Easter Sunday) BIDDING PRAYERS for Sunday Mass on 9 April Introduction (by the Presider)  My brothers and sisters, let us give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, his love has no end! He answered the prayers of his Beloved Son: we trust he will help us…

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Presider’s Page for 2 April (Palm Sunday)

Presider’s Page for 2 April (Palm Sunday) Today’s liturgy gives us a preview of the events of Holy Week. The passion, death and resurrection of Jesus are the focus of this and every Sunday celebration. Blessing of Palms Almighty and eternal God, bless + these green branches [palms] and make…

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Presider’s Page for 26 March (Fifth Sunday of Lent)

Presider’s Page for 26 March (Fifth Sunday of Lent) In under a fortnight’s time, the Easter Triduum will begin, on Holy Thursday evening. During the Triduum, each of us recalls the great events that Easter remembers. We ask God’s help in the last 10 days of Lent. Penitential Rite To…

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Presider’s Page for 19 March (Fourth Sunday of Lent – Laetare Sunday)

Presider’s Page for 19 March (Fourth Sunday of Lent – Laetare Sunday) Opening Comment Traditionally, this Sunday is called Laetare Sunday, which means ‘a day for joy’. At this midpoint of Lent, it is traditional to honour mothers, treasuring those still with us and praying for those we have lost to death….

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Presider’s Page for Friday 17 March (Lá Fhéile Pádraig)

Presider’s Page for Friday 17 March (Lá Fhéile Pádraig) Opening Comment In the heart of Lent, we keep the feast of Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. We mark the day by praising God the creator, who sustained Patrick in good times and bad, and who, we pray, will sustain…

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Presider’s Page for 12 March (Third Sunday of Lent)

Presider’s Page for 12 March (Third Sunday of Lent) Today’s readings about water and thirst remind us that this is a baptismal season. The holy water of baptism blesses and protects the faithful in every danger, it washes away sin and refreshes the faith of believers…. Penitential Rite To prepare…

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Bidding Prayers for 12 March (Third Sunday of Lent)

Bidding Prayers for 12 March (Third Sunday of Lent) BIDDING PRAYERS for Sunday Mass on 12 March Introduction (by the Presider)  Let us come before the Lord, bringing forward all our needs: For everyone who is baptised, that this Lent we may renew our faith (pause for five seconds). Lord, hear us For adults…

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Presider’s Page for 5 March (Second Sunday of Lent)

Presider’s Page for 5 March (Second Sunday of Lent) Now that we are ten days into the season of Lent, our goal is clarified in today’s liturgy. The Gospel of the Transfiguration reminds us that we are destined for glory. Like the disciples, we keep this glimpse of glory in…

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Bidding Prayers for 5 March (Second Sunday of Lent)

Bidding Prayers for 5 March (Second Sunday of Lent) BIDDING PRAYERS for Sunday Mass on 5 March Introduction (by the Presider)  Let us bring our prayers to God, who loves justice and right: For us, as we continue on our lenten journey (pause for five seconds). Lord, hear us For Christians being persecuted, that…

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Bidding Prayers for 26 February (First Sunday of Lent)

Bidding Prayers for 26 February (First Sunday of Lent) BIDDING PRAYERS for Sunday Mass on 26 February Introduction (by the Presider)  As we begin the lenten journey, let us remember all those in need: For Francis our pope and Fintan our bishop, we pray (pause for five seconds). Lord, hear us For Christians who…

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Bidding Prayers for 19 February (Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Bidding Prayers for 19 February (Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time) BIDDING PRAYERS for Sunday Mass on 19 February Introduction (by the Presider)  We bring our prayers to our God of compassion and love, who is slow to anger and rich in mercy: For Francis our pope and all leaders (pause for five seconds). Lord,…

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Presider’s Page for 12 February (Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Presider’s Page for 12 February (Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time) Today’s readings ask for decisions, challenging Christians to choose the right path. We gather to worship God, who can help us in all our choices. Penitential Rite To prepare ourselves for the challenges of God’s Word, let us call to…

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Presider’s Page for 5 February (Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Presider’s Page for 5 February (Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time) February 4 2023 Over these Sundays, we listen to what Jesus said in his Sermon on the Mount. In today’s liturgy, we hear that we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Rejoicing in this…

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Bidding Prayers for 5 February (Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Bidding Prayers for 5 February (Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time) BIDDING PRAYERS for Sunday Mass on 5 February Introduction (by the Presider)  Let us bring our prayers to the Lord, in whom we place our trust: For peace in the Middle East (pause for five seconds). Lord, hear us For an end to war…

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PRESIDER’S PAGE FOR 29 JANUARY (FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME)

PRESIDER’S PAGE FOR 29 JANUARY (FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME) We gather to celebrate the resurrection of our Saviour and to remember his beautiful teachings. In the Beatitudes, which we read at Mass today, Jesus describes the kinds of people who are blessed in God’s eyes. We hope to join…

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Presider’s Page for 22 January (Third Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Presider’s Page for 22 January (Third Sunday in Ordinary Time) The people that walked in darkness has seen a great light: Jesus, the light of the world, walks among us, preaching a message of repentance. We gather to listen to him, to share the bread of life and to prepare…

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Bidding Prayers for 15 January (Second Sunday in Ordinary Time)

BIDDING PRAYERS for Sunday Mass on 15 January Introduction (by the Presider) The Lord is our light and our help, so let us bring all our needs to God: For an end to war and violence, we pray (pause for a moment). Lord, hear us For harmony among nations, we pray (pause for a moment). Lord,…

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Presider’s Page for 8 January 2023 (Baptism of the Lord)

Presider’s Page for 8 January 2023 (Baptism of the Lord) This feast of the Baptism of the Lord marks the last day of Christmas. At his baptism Jesus sees how much he is loved by God and is given the power to go out and spread the news. We share…

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Presider’s Page 1 Jan 2023

Presider’s Page for Sunday 1 January 2023 (Mary, Mother of God) The Virgin Mary was already venerated as Mother of God when, in 431, the Council of Ephesus acclaimed her Theotokos (God-bearer). Her role in the mystery of the incarnation was celebrated on this day in Rome in the seventh…

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Bidding Prayers for 1st January 2023 (Feast of Mary, Mother of God)

Bidding Prayers for 1st January 2023 (Feast of Mary, Mother of God) BIDDING PRAYERS for Sunday Mass on New Year’s Day Introduction (by the Presider) God graciously blesses all of humanity, so we can bring forward our needs with confidence: That the world may have peace in 2023 (pause for a moment). Lord, hear…

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Presider’s Page for Monday 26 December (St Stephen’s Day)

Presider’s Page for Monday 26 December (St Stephen’s Day) From the splendid robes of Christmas, the Church moves to the red vestments of the martyr on St Stephen’s Day, the feast of the first to give his life in the Christian era. Like Jesus, Stephen teaches forgiveness; like Jesus too,…

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Presider’s Page for 25 December (Christmas Day Masses)

Presider’s Page for 25 December (Christmas Day Masses) We celebrate today an amazing mystery — God is born in time. The eternal God has taken human flesh, has pitched his tent in the midst of humanity. With joy in our hearts, we contemplate the mystery of the Word made flesh….

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Bidding Prayers 25 Dec 2022 (Christmas Day)

Bidding Prayers 25 Dec 2022 (Christmas Day) BIDDING PRAYERS for Sunday Mass Introduction (by the Presider) Let us bring our prayers to God, who has shown his salvation to the nations in the nativity of our Saviour. That those who mark the birth of Christ today may have new hope (pause for a…

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Bidding Prayers 18 Dec 2022 (Fourth Sunday of Advent)

Bidding Prayers 18 Dec 2022 (Fourth Sunday of Advent) BIDDING PRAYERS for Sunday Mass Introduction (by the Presider) Let us bring our prayers to the Lord, the King of Glory. That the world may not forget those dying of hunger in Africa (pause for a moment). Lord, hear us That Christmas may bring peace where there…

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Bidding Prayers 11 Dec 2022 (Third Sunday of Advent)

Bidding Prayers 11 Dec 2022 (Third Sunday of Advent) BIDDING PRAYERS for Sunday Mass Introduction (by the Presider) Let us bring our prayers to God, who raises up those who are bowed down. That all may realise the beauty and truth of the Gospel (pause for a moment). Lord, hear us That Christians may…

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Presider’s Page for 4 December (Second Sunday of Advent A)

Presider’s Page for 4 December (Second Sunday of Advent A) John the Baptist is the focus of the Gospel reading on the Second Sunday of Advent each year. His words challenge and inspire. We worship God who uses many messengers to call us from darkness to light. Penitential Rite As…

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Bidding Prayers 4 Dec 2022 (Second Sunday of Advent)

Bidding Prayers 4 Dec 2022 (Second Sunday of Advent) BIDDING PRAYERS for Sunday Mass Introduction (by the Presider) Let us bring our prayers before God, who has pity on the weak. For a spirit of repentance among us, we pray … (pause for a moment). Lord, hear us For peace in our world,…

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Presider’s Page for 27 November (First Sunday of Advent, Year A)

Presider’s Page for 27 November (First Sunday of Advent, Year A) The season of Advent begins today. During the next four full weeks we will look forward in hope. We will watch for the end times, when Christ will come in glory, Christ whose birthday we will celebrate very soon….

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Bidding Prayers 27 Nov 2022 (First Sunday of Advent)

Bidding Prayers 27 Nov 2022 (First Sunday of Advent) BIDDING PRAYERS for Sunday Mass Introduction (by the Presider) Knowing that God is listening, let us make our prayers known. That the poor of the world may have justice (pray quietly). Lord, hear us That all may care about the earth, our common home (pray quietly). Lord,…

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Presider’s Page for 20 November (Christ the King)

Presider’s Page for 20 November (Christ the King) November 14 2022 We celebrate the feast of Christ the King today, acclaiming Jesus as our king, the one who died for us and rose triumphant. We offer praise and worship — and ask for the grace to live as worthy citizens…

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Presider’s Page for 13 November (33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Presider’s Page for 13 November (33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time) The readings this Sunday focus on the end of the world, though we are also reassured that people of faith have nothing to fear. (Today is also World Day of the Poor.) Penitential Rite We renew our trust in God’s…

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Bidding Prayers 13 Nov 2022 (33rd Sunday)

Bidding Prayers 13 Nov 2022 (33rd Sunday) BIDDING PRAYERS for Sunday Mass Introduction (by the Presider) My friends, let us make our prayers known to God who rules the earth, who saves the lives of the poor. That the Church may be a voice for the poor (pray quietly). Lord, hear us That people…

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Presider’s Page for 6 November (32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Presider’s Page for 6 November (32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time) At this time of remembrance, our dead are often in our minds. Today’s readings challenge us to believe in eternal life after death. We worship God who sustains us in this life and promises us a share in the resurrection….

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Presider’s Page for 30 October (30th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Presider’s Page for 30 October (30th Sunday in Ordinary Time) Zacchaeus is the star of today’s Gospel, the man who has been called ‘everybody’s favourite underdog’. Zacchaeus took Jesus at his word and changed his life. We worship God, whose mercy for all people never fails, a mercy on which…

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Presider’s Page for 23 October (30th Sunday – Mission Sunday)

Presider’s Page for 23 October (30th Sunday – Mission Sunday) The Gospel story of the Pharisee and the tax collector is read on this year’s Mission Sunday. Those who are humble before God make the best witnesses to the Gospel: all Christians are called to share this mission. Penitential Rite: God…

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Presider’s Page for 16 October (29th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Presider’s Page for 16 October (29th Sunday in Ordinary Time) If you want results, pray without ceasing, says Jesus. God will listen and help. Penitential Rite As we prepare ourselves for this celebration, let us call to mind God’s generous mercy (pause): Lord Jesus, you healed the sick: Lord, have…

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Presider’s Page for 9 October (28th Sun in Ordinary Time)

Presider’s Page for 9 October (28th Sun in Ordinary Time) The Gospel gives the story of the ten lepers, of whom only one came back to thank Jesus. We praise and thank God who continues to do great things for all peoples. Penitential Rite In the spirit of thankfulness, let…

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Presider’s Page for 2 October (27th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Presider’s Page for 2 October (27th Sunday in Ordinary Time) October 1 2022 The Spirit of God lives in us, inspiring us and guarding us. In the Spirit, we worship our creator and entrust ourselves to the Lord’s loving care. • Ireland’s ‘Day for Life’ is celebrated today, with the…

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Presider’s Page for 25 September (26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Day for Migrants & Refugees)

Today’s readings remind us that God is on the side of the poor, defending their rights. Providentially, today is also the World Day of Migrants and Refugees. Penitential Rite We gather to praise God’s justice and beg God’s mercy, as we call to mind our sins: (pause) You raise the…

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Presider’s Page for 18 September (25th Sunday in OrdinaryTime)

Presider’s Page for 18 September (25th Sunday in OrdinaryTime) September 16 2022 We gather to worship the Lord of glory, asking for help to be God’s servants before all else. Penitential Rite Before we listen to God’s challenging Word, let us call to mind our sins, relying on the divine…

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Presiders page for 11 September (24th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Presiders page for 11 September (24th Sunday in Ordinary Time) September 9 2022 The mercy of God has no end; even humans who disfigure God’s beautiful creation can turn back to God’s ways and find mercy. We continue to mark Creationtide all through September, and we gather for worship, drawn…

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Presider’s Page for 4 September (23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Presider’s Page for 4 September (23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time) September 3 2022 The Season of Creation is marked throughout the Christian world from 1 September to 4 October. It celebrates the joy of creation as well as encouraging awareness-raising initiatives to protect the natural environment. The theme for the…

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Presider’s Page for 28 August (22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Presider’s Page for 28 August (22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time) Who gets the places of honour in God’s house, the pushy or the humble? The Word of God this Sunday teaches us that the humble are the ones who find favour with God. • The Season of Creation is marked…

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Presider’s Page for 21 August (21st Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Presider’s Page for 21 August (21st Sunday in Ordinary Time) August 20 2022 Our God is a gracious God, who throws open the doors to the Kingdom to all of humanity. Penitential Rite We praise and worship this generous God of ours: even our sins will not deter God’s forgivensss:…

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Presider’s Page for 14 August (20th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Presider’s Page for 14 August (20th Sunday in Ordinary Time) Following Jesus may not bring us happiness in this life, but we are challenged to follow him nevertheless. We come together to worship our gracious God and to ask for help in our Christian life this week. Penitential Rite We…

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Presider’s Page for 7 August 2022 (19th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Presider’s Page for 7 August (19th Sunday in Ordinary Time) August 5 2022 We are challenged by today’s Gospel to stand ready for our Master’s return, in triumph at the end of time, or more immediately, in the least of his brothers and sisters. We gather to worship God who…

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Presider’s Page for 31 July (18th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Presider’s Page for 31 July (18th Sunday in Ordinary Time) July 30 2022 God’s Word calls us to recognise the transience of life, to keep our eyes on what is lasting. Penitential Rite We gather to ask God’s help and to praise God for forgiving our failures: (pause) You raise…

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Presider’s Page for 24 July (17th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Presider’s Page for 24 July (17th Sunday in Ordinary Time) July 22 2022 We can ask God for help whenever we need to, today or any day. We gather to worship God who is always concerned for us. [Today is World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly.] Penitential Rite Let…

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Presider’s Page for 17 July (16th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

As we gather, we are challenged to be hospitable, welcoming people. We worship the God who always has a welcome for us. Penitential Rite Supported by this divine care, we call to mind our own shortcomings in love: (pause) Lord Jesus, you raise us to new life: Lord, have mercy….

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Presider’s Page for 10 July (15th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

The beautiful story of the Good Samaritan is told again at today’s Mass, with its challenge to us to look after others, as the Good Samaritan did. We gather to worship God who showed us what love means. Penitential Rite We take a moment to call mind ways we have…

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Presider’s Page for 3 July (14th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

We gather to praise God’s faithfulness, and to ask for grace in the work we’re called to do. Penitential Rite To prepare ourselves to celebrate the Mass, let us call to mind our sins: (pause) You were sent to heal the contrite: Lord, have mercy. You came to call sinners:…

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Presider’s Page for 26 June (13th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Now that the great feasts of Easter and the Sundays following it are behind us, we return to Ordinary Time. Green vestments are worn today; green is the colour of growth, seen in all the fields and gardens around us. May our faith grow, through this summer and beyond! Penitential…

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Presider’s Page for 19 June (Corpus Christi – Father’s Day)

Opening Comment Since the beginning of time, God has always nourished his people. Today we celebrate our Creator’s kindness in giving us the Body and Blood of Christ to our food. And as we praise our heavenly Father, we honour and remember our own fathers, on this Father’s Day. Penitential…

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Presider’s Page for 12 June 2022 – Trinity Sunday

SONGS AT MASS: ‘All People that on Earth Do Dwell’; ‘Holy God We Praise Thy Name’; ‘Laudate Dominium’ (Taize); ‘O Praise Ye the Lord’; ‘How Great thou Art’. Opening CommentToday is Trinity Sunday. We worship God who creates, redeems and sanctifies: three persons, one God.Penitential RiteAs we begin this celebration,…

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Presider’s Page for 5 June (Pentecost Sunday)

Presider’s Page for 5 June (Pentecost Sunday) June 3 2022 SONGS AT MASS: Come O Creator Spirit Blest;  Veni Creator; Veni Sancti Spiritus (Taizé); Spirit of the Living God; Colours of Day…. Opening Comment Today is Pentecost Sunday, the 50th day of Easter. We celebrate the completion of the Easter…

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Presider’s Page for 29 May (Ascension of the Lord)

SUGGESTED SONGS: All Peoples That on Earth Do Dwell; I Am the Bread of Life; Keep In Mind; Let the Earth Rejoice and Sing; How Great Thou Art. Opening Comment Remembering and celebrating Jesus’ Ascension today, we worship the God of timeless glory. Penitential Rite As we enter into that…

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22 May 2022 – 6th Sunday of Easter, Year C

At this Council, the leaders made decisions with the consent of the congregation

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Presider’s Page for 22 May (Sixth Sunday of Easter)

Presider’s Page for 22 May (Sixth Sunday of Easter) May 20 2022 SONGS AT MASS: Christ Be Beside Me; Spirit of the living God; Ag Críost an Síol ; Bring Flowers of the Rarest… Opening Comment The Ascension of Jesus will be celebrated next Sunday. As the Easter Season moves towards…

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18 May 2022 – Wednesday of Week 5 of Easter

The Council of Jerusalem, on what is needed for salvation

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Presider’s Page for 1 May (Third Sunday of Easter)

We’re two weeks into the Easter season now, but the Good News of the season continues to reverberate in the Liturgy. Joyfully we worship God who raised our Saviour from the dead.

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Presider’s Page for 24 April (Second Sunday of Easter)

Even though Easter Week is now behind us, today’s liturgy still overflows with the joy of Jesus’ resurrection. We continue to celebrate that great event for the next six weeks, until Pentecost Sunday on the 4th June, the fiftieth and final day of Easter.

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Presider’s Page for 17 April (Easter Sunday)

This Easter morning we celebrate the central mystery of our faith, the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. He suffered on the cross and died for us, but now he is risen!

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Presider’s Page for Saturday 16 April (Easter Vigil)

We gather around the Easter candle this night, celebrating the Lord’s resurrection. With that light to illumine our way, we remember how God has cared for humanity from the dawn of time. These readings remind us what happened at the highpoints of our history.

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Presider’s Page for Thursday 14 April (Holy Thursday)

The liturgy that begins this Thursday evening continues until we reach Easter. We are at the start of a three-day celebration of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. We journey from the Last Supper to Gethsemane tonight, from there to Calvary tomorrow, and from the tomb to resurrection and…

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Presider’s Page for 10 April (Palm Sunday)

The events of Holy Week are laid out before us in this Sunday’s “Long Gospel”: as we gather, we prepare to enter in to the mystery of God’s love made visible in Jesus’ passion and death.

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Presider’s Page for 3 April (Fifth Sunday of Lent)

We gather this Sunday to worship our compassionate God, who heals our sinfulness and challenges us to leave the past behind.

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Presider’s Page for 27 March (Fourth Sunday of Lent – Laetare)

We have reached the midway point of the season of Lent. The joy of Easter is within our reach and the parent of the prodigal son encourages us to rely all the more on divine mercy.

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Presider’s Page for 20 March (Third Sunday of Lent)

Today, as we gather to listen to the Lenten call to repentance, we worship our God of kindness who, like a patient gardener, always gives people a second chance.

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Bi-lingual Presider’s Page for Thursday 17 March (Lá Fhéile Pádraig)

We pause from our lenten penances in Ireland, to honour Patrick, our national apostle. In our celebration of this solemn feast, we worship God, creator, redeemer and sanctifier, who brought our ancestors into the Christian fold through the preaching of St Patrick.

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

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

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Presider’s Page for 27 February (Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Words matter. What we say has an effect on others, for good or ill. Our words can bring peace or make war. As we pray to use our words well, we pray also for the world to be spared from the madness of war in Europe.

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Presider’s Page for 27 February (Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Words matter. What we say has an effect on others, for good or ill. Our words can bring peace or make war. As we pray to use our words well, we pray also for the world to be spared from the madness of war in Europe.

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Presider’s Page for 27 February (Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Words matter. What we say has an effect on others, for good or ill. Our words can bring peace or make war. As we pray to use our words well, we pray also for the world to be spared from the madness of war in Europe.

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Presider’s Page for 20 February (Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Loving the enemy and praying for those who make life difficult are two marks of a Christian, or so Jesus teaches us today. We gather, aware of how difficult love can be, yet united by the saving mercy of God, on which we rely.

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Presider’s Page for 20 February (Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Loving the enemy and praying for those who make life difficult are two marks of a Christian, or so Jesus teaches us today. We gather, aware of how difficult love can be, yet united by the saving mercy of God, on which we rely.

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Presider’s Page for 20 February (Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Loving the enemy and praying for those who make life difficult are two marks of a Christian, or so Jesus teaches us today. We gather, aware of how difficult love can be, yet united by the saving mercy of God, on which we rely.

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Presider’s Page for 13 February (Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Happy are they who their trust in the Lord: worry will not come their way, their lives will bear fruit. The prophet Jeremiah’s words are reflected in the Psalm, as we are invited to trust in the one who never disappoints.

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Presider’s Page for 13 February (Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Happy are they who their trust in the Lord: worry will not come their way, their lives will bear fruit. The prophet Jeremiah’s words are reflected in the Psalm, as we are invited to trust in the one who never disappoints.

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Presider’s Page for 6 February (Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Everyone who believes God’s word is called to pass on the Good News. Like many who have gone before us, including the prophet Isaiah and the apostles Paul, and Peter, we may not feel up to the task. But God helps us every day.

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Presider’s Page for 6 February (Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Everyone who believes God’s word is called to pass on the Good News. Like many who have gone before us, including the prophet Isaiah and the apostles Paul, and Peter, we may not feel up to the task. But God helps us every day.

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Presider’s Page for 30 January (Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time)

We gather as people loved by God, people called to pass on the love we have received. The love God has put into the world will never fail, but will last as long as humanity lasts. We praise God for the gifts lavished on us.

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Presider’s Page for 23 January (Third Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Catholic Schools Week begins today in Ireland. ‘Sunday of the Word of God’ is observed in the universal Church, and so, the Word of God is the focus at Mass, read by Ezra the priest in the Old Testament reading, and by Jesus in the Gospel. By his Word, God…

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Presider’s Page for 16 January (Second Sunday in Ordinary Time)

There are echoes of the Christmas season in today’s liturgy, particularly in the Gospel story of the wedding feast of Cana, in which God’s glory becomes visible in Jesus, as it did at his Epiphany and Baptism.

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Presider’s Page for 9 January (Baptism of the Lord)

Today we celebrate the feast of the Baptism of the Lord: it’s the last day of the Christmas season. The baptism of Jesus marked the end of his quiet years in Nazareth and the start of his public ministry.

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Presider’s Page for Thursday 6 January (Epiphany / “Nollaig na mBan”)

On this feast of the Epiphany we celebrate the revelation of who Christ is. The visit of the Magi from foreign lands reminds us that Jesus came as the Saviour of all nations, including ours. We worship God who wants all people to be saved.

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Presider’s Page for 2 January 2022 (Second Sunday of Christmas)

We gather to celebrate the first Sunday of 2022, moving with gratitude into a new year of God’s grace. We thank God for the vaccines developed to protect humanity and ask for God’s continuing care and protection until everyone is safe and COVID variants no longer threaten us.

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Presider’s Page for New Year’s Day 2022 (Feast of Mary, Mother of God)

Happy New Year! On this first day of the Year of Our Lord 2022, we acclaim Mary as Mother of God and ask her to mind us and those we love during this new year. We pray that the world may be freed from COVID-19 through a global programme of…

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Presider’s Page for St Stephen’s Day (Feast of the Holy Family)

On the day after Christmas Day, Irish people traditionally honour St Stephen, the first Christian martyr. This year, we also reflect on the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, whom St Stephen loved so much that he gave his life for the message of forgiveness that Jesus brought. We…

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Presider’s Page for Christmas Day (Day Mass)

We celebrate today an amazing mystery — God is born in time. The eternal God shares our nature, he has pitched his tent in the midst of humanity. With joy in our hearts, we contemplate the mystery of the Word made flesh.

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Presider’s Page for Christmas Day (Dawn Mass)

We gather with joy in our hearts to celebrate the birthday of our Saviour. The rising sun of this winter morning reminds us that Jesus, who is born for us, rose from death as our undying light, our hope and our salvation.

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Presider’s Page for Christmas Eve (Night Mass)

In the dark of this winter night, threatened by COVID and other dangers, we steadfastly proclaim the new light that has shone on the world: Jesus Christ is born! With the angels, we worship God who saves us — for through the life, death and resurrection of this child Jesus,…

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Presider’s Page for 19 December (Fourth Sunday of Advent)

In less than a week’s time, this year’s Advent will draw to a close; we have just a few days left to prepare our souls for the birth of Christ. On this Sunday, we rejoice that the promise made to Mary by the Lord has been fulfilled.

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Presider’s Page for 12 December (Third Sunday of Advent)

We’re just halfway through Advent. Traditionally, today is called Gaudete Sunday, which means ‘a day for rejoicing.’ The reason for celebration is that the day of the Lord’s coming is nearer.

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Presider’s Page for Wednesday 8 December (Immaculate Conception of Mary, the Mother of God)

Our preparations for Christmas always include Mary, the Mother of God. Today’s feast celebrates her conception free from sin, a miracle that displays God’s power for believers. We worship God, for whom everything is posssible.

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Presider’s Page for 5 December (Second Sunday of Advent)

John the Baptist is the focus of the liturgy on the Second Sunday of Advent each year. His challenge to us to ‘prepare a way for the Lord’ is at the heart of the Advent message. We worship the one who will surely come to us.

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Presider’s Page for 28 November (First Sunday of Advent, Year C)

Advent begins today. During these days, we look forward, waiting in hope. We watch for the end times, when Christ will come in glory, Christ who was born for us just over 2,000 years ago.

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Presider’s Page for 21 November (Christ the King)

We celebrate the feast of Christ the King today, acclaiming Jesus as the Anointed One, who died for us and rose triumphant. We offer praise and worship — and ask for the grace to live as worthy citizens of his kingdom of justice, truth, love and peace.

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Presider’s Page for 14 November (33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time)

As we move into the darker times of the year, the readings at Mass remind us more and more of the end of time, and the glory awaiting believers. We trust that God stays with us always. • Today is World Day of the Poor, with the theme ‘The poor…

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Presider’s Page for 7 November (32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Gathering together in the Lord’s house, we bring simple gifts into God’s presence – our love, our care for each other, our worshipping hearts and voices. We ask for the grace to continue to show love through the coming week. • Today is Prisoners’ Sunday in Ireland.

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Presider’s Page for Tuesday 2 November (All Souls Day)

On All Saints Day and today, we remember all the dead, those in heaven and those still be on the way there: God alone knows where each soul is. Today we pray for all souls, for the faithful departed still on the journey to their heavenly home.

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Presider’s Page for Monday 1 November (All Saints Day)

Today and tomorrow we remember all the dead, those in heaven and those still be on the way there: God alone knows where each soul is. Today’s feast celebrates the saints in heaven, the holy men and women of every time and place: we hope some of our people are…

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Presider’s Page for 31 October (31st Sunday in Ordinary Time)

What is asked of us is simple – to love God and our neighbour. But our love also extends to our common home, as all eyes are on Glasgow, where the UN Climate Change Conference begins in Glasgow this Sunday — that Planet Earth may be spared from destruction.

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Presider’s Page for Mission Sunday, 24 October (30th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

This year’s Mission Sunday theme suggests that “We cannot remain silent”. Those were the brave words of St Peter and St John in the Acts of the Apostles, when even in the face of persecution, they insisted: “We cannot but speak about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20)….

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Presider’s Page for 17th October (29th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

We are called to serve as Christ served, but when that proves hard for us, we approach the throne of grace for mercy and assistance, knowing that God is on our side, encouraging us onwards.

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Presider’s Page for 10 October (28th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

On our journey through life, we pause here for a while, to offer worship and praise. We remember God’s goodness and ask for the gift of wisdom as we continue to hurry towards the Kingdom.

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Presider’s Page for 3 October (27th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

October is Mission Month. In three weeks time we will honour the work of missionaries on Mission Sunday; throughout the month, we are challenged by the Mission theme for 2021: ‘We cannot remain silent’, based on the strong words from the Acts of the Apostles: “We cannot but speak about…

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Presider’s Page for 26 September (26th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

All are welcome in this place: anyone who is not against us is for us. All may gather here to worship God our Saviour. Today is the Church’s 107th World Day of Migrants and Refugees (observed annually since 1914). Resources from the South African Catholic Bishops Conference, some included below,…

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Presider’s Page for 19 September (25th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

We gather to remember the passion and death of Jesus, and to celebrate his resurrection with joy. He calls us to move beyond rivalry and conflict, to be true followers of the Christian way.

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Presider’s Page for 12 September (24th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

In our journey through life we walk the path Jesus walked, so it is hard for us to escape suffering, no more than he could. We remember his suffering and death, knowing that it brought him glory and that it will do the same for us.

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Presiders Page for 5 September (23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time)

God’s healing power was seen in the ministry of Jesus, and continues in the sacraments, in advances in medicine, in vaccine programmes 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.

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Presider’s Page for 29 August (22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time)

As we move from summer towards autumn, we praise God who sustains us all year round. We ask for help with new undertakings and perseverance with continuing projects, knowing that nothing will work well without God’s grace.

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Presider’s Page for 22 August (21st Sunday in Ordinary Time)

We gather as people who have chosen to serve the Lord, chosen to walk the Christian way. We worship God who leads us on — and ask for strength to continue as we have begun.

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Presider’s Page for 15 August (Assumption of Our Lady)

We worship God who brought Mary to the glory of heaven this day. We celebrate her Assumption, the tangible reminder that the resurrection of Jesus brings victory over death for all who believe.

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Presider’s Page for 8 August (19th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

We gather together as friends this Sunday morning, called by the Lord to forgive each other as quickly as God forgives us.

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Presider’s Page for 1 August (18th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

From the days when the Jewish people wandered in the desert to this very day, God has been ‘food to the hungry’ and ‘meaning to those who lose their way’. We celebrate our Lord’s loving-kindness today.

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Presider’s Page for 25 July (17th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

United with Christians all over the world, we acknowledge one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God as our Father. We worship as one family, and pray for greater charity and love among all the baptised. • Today is World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly

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Presider’s Page for 18 July (16th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Our God is like a shepherd who always looks after the flock: the Lord cares for us in all our needs. Even when we are distressed by a new surge of COVID-19, our caring Lord is by our side.

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Presider’s Page for 11 July 2011 (15th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

God has blessed us in very many ways: God has showered grace upon us. During today’s gathering, we give thanks to the Lord for all we have received. • Sunday 11 July marks the 100th anniversary of the Truce that ended the War of Independence in Ireland. Accordingly, today is the…

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Presider’s Page for 4 July (14th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

God calls us together for praise and worship today. As weak and sinful people, we gather to ask the Lord’s mercy. We know that divine grace is sufficient for us. Together, we praise and thank our God for the constant care we receive. 

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Presider’s Page for 27 June (13th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

As summer takes hold of us, we give thanks to God for all the gifts we enjoy. We rejoice in God’s saving power: death itself is in his hand and all the living depend on God alone.

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Presider’s Page for 20 June (12th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

We have nothing to be afraid of, no matter what storm threatens to overwhelm us, God is with us. We need to trust in Christ’s calming presence — and not to be afraid to ask for help. • And on this Father’s Day, we honour the presence and memory of…

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Presider’s Page for 13 June (11th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Throughout these summer months, trees, plants and grasses grow and flourish. Our faith is also to grow and flourish during these Sundays of Ordinary Time. The green vestments worn by the celebrant signify continuing growth in faith.

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Presider’s Page for 6 June (Corpus Christi)

Today we honour the Body and Blood of Christ, the food that sustains us on our pilgrimage through life. Even if in pandemic times we have not received Holy Communion as often as we would have liked, we have learned to appreciate this gift all the more.

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Presider’s Page for 30 May (Trinity Sunday)

We celebrate Trinity Sunday today. The feast gives us an opportunity to reflect on the mystery of God, who creates, redeems and makes us holy.

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Presider’s Page for 23 May (Pentecost Sunday)

Today is Pentecost Sunday, the second climax of the Easter season. We celebrate ‘the great beginning of the Church’, the day the Holy Spirit first came to confused and frightened disciples.

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Presider’s Page for 16 May (Ascension Day)

The Ascension of the Lord is celebrated today, ‘World Communications Day’. As he left his disciples, Jesus sent them out to spread the Good News. This is our task too. We ask for the grace we need.

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Presider’s Page for 9 May (Sixth Sunday of Easter)

We gather in the love of God, redeemed in the death and resurrection of Jesus. We are people with a mission, challenged to grow in love each day. We ask God for divine help with this mission, today and during the coming week.

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Presider’s Page for 2 May (Fifth Sunday of Easter)

Like branches of one tree, we are held together by our faith in Christ. Because we are all part of this one living plant, we come together in thanksgiving and praise.

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Presider’s Page for 25 April (Fourth Sunday of Easter)

The fourth Sunday of Easter is often called Good Shepherd Sunday, because the readings are about the care we receive from Christ, our true shepherd. We rejoice that this pastoral care continues, in the loving tenderness extended by many Christian women and men today. Today is the day of prayer…

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Presider’s Page for 18 April (Third Sunday of Easter)

During the Easter season the Church continues to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, even in these pandemic days. Today, we join together to worship God, who has brought about the great victory over sin and death in which we hope.

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Presider’s Page for 11 April (Second Sunday of Easter)

Opening Comment Even though Easter Week is now behind us, today’s liturgy is still filled with the joyful effects of Jesus’ resurrection. We continue to celebrate that great event for the next six weeks, until Pentecost Sunday on 23 May, the fiftieth and final day of Easter. Alternative Opening Prayer…

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Presider’s Page for 4 April (Easter Sunday)

This Easter morning we gather for a most unusual Easter celebration. Pandemic threatens to overwhelm, yet the Church insistently proclaims: Christ is risen! We still celebrate the central mystery of our faith, the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. He suffered on the cross and died for us, but now…

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Presider’s Page for 1 April (Holy Thursday)

The liturgy that begins this Thursday evening continues until we reach Easter. We are at the start of a three-day celebration of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. We journey from the Last Supper to Gethsemane tonight, from there to Calvary tomorrow, and from the tomb to resurrection and…

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Presider’s Page for 28 March (Palm Sunday)

Today’s liturgy gives a preview of the events we will celebrate between Holy Thursday and Easter Sunday: the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. These events are also the focus of this and every Sunday celebration. We ask for God’s help in understanding their significance.

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Presider’s Page for 21 March (Fifth Sunday of Lent)

In just over ten days time, the Easter Triduum will begin, at sunset on Holy Thursday. Today we pray for all the believers all over the world for whom Easter brings renewal: may we be fit and ready to make a new start when this Lent is over.

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Bilingual Presider’s Page for Wednesday 17 March (Lá Fhéile Pádraig Naofa)

Today, we pause from our lenten penances to honour Patrick, our national apostle. In our celebration of this solemn feast, we worship God, creator, redeemer and sanctifier, who brought our ancestors into the Christian fold through the preaching of St Patrick. [In this year’s Mass we remember especially the irish…

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Bilingual Presider’s Page for Wednesday 17 March (Lá Fhéile Pádraig Naofa)

Today, we pause from our lenten penances to honour Patrick, our national apostle. In our celebration of this solemn feast, we worship God, creator, redeemer and sanctifier, who brought our ancestors into the Christian fold through the preaching of St Patrick. [In this year’s Mass we remember especially the irish…

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Presider’s Page for 14 March (Fourth Sunday of Lent – “Laetare”)

This Sunday we come to the midpoint of Lent. The season is half over, and the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus is nearer to us. On this midway Sunday, it is traditional to honour mothers, praying for those still with us and remembering those who have died.

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Presider’s Page for 7 March (Third Sunday in Lent, Year B)

We gather in continuing lockdown on this first Sunday of March in Ireland, praying that God will keep our hope alive during the Lenten spring. The Lord has the message of eternal life: we come to know this message during the Sunday online gathering and deepen our relationship with our Saviour.

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Presider’s Page for 28 February (Second Sunday of Lent, Year B)

As we continue to celebrate Lent, we keep the goal of our journey before us. The gospel of the transfiguration is read on this lenten Sunday each year, to remind us to hold firm to a vision of glory, even on dark days. Easter will follow this season of penance,…

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Presider’s Page for 21 February (First Sunday of Lent)

Today we celebrate the first Sunday of Lent. Lent is celebrated in lockdown this year, in this and most every country, as the world fights COVID-19. But though apart, we are united in worship and in prayer, looking forward to Easter and better days ahead.

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Presider’s Page for Ash Wednesday (17 February, 2021)

Today we begin the journey of penance and reflection that will bring us to the celebration of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus at Easter time. Let us pray for the grace to keep Lent faithfully..

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Presider’s Page for 14 February (Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time)

‘Whatever you do at all, do it for the glory of God.’ The words are St Paul’s, from today’s second reading. We gather here to give glory to God, marking the Day of Prayer for Temperance — and preparing for the online Lenten Spring of 2021, a Lent like no…

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Presider’s Page for 7 February (Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time)

As we come together for worship, each of us brings worries, anxieties and fears, made worse by the pandemic all around us. We gather our concerns together and entrust them to the one who heals his suffering people.

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Presider’s Page for 31 January (Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time)

We come together [on-line] this Sunday to listen to God’s word, believing that Jesus teaches us with authority: we have been rescued from sin and darkness, and given the hope of heaven.

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Presider’s Page for 24 January (Third Sunday in Ordinary Time)

The calling of disciples is described in today’s Gospel. We too are called to follow Christ, even in these difficult times of pandemic. As believers, we listen to God’s word, allowing it to steer and support us, every day of our lives. • The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity continues…

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Presider’s Page for 17 January (Second Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Now that the Christmas season is behind us and we are moving into the New Year, the liturgy challenges us to reflect on what following Christ means. In the light of the Mother and Babies Home report published this week, there is sadness in our hearts as we gather, as…

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Presider’s Page for 10 January (Baptism of the Lord)

Today we celebrate the feast of the Baptism of the Lord: it’s the last day of the Christmas season. The baptism of Jesus marked the end of his quiet years in Nazareth and the start of his public ministry.

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Presider’s Page for Wednesday 6 January (Epiphany)

On this feast of the Epiphany we celebrate the revelation of who Christ is. The visit of the Magi from foreign lands reminds us that Jesus came as the Saviour of all nations, including ours. We worship God who wants all people to be saved.

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Presider’s Page for 3 January (Second Sunday of Christmas)

Opening Comment We gather to celebrate the first Sunday of 2021, moving with gratitude into a new year of God’s grace. We thank God for the vaccines developed to protect humanity and ask for God’s continuing care and protection until everyone is safe. Confident that God’s mercy has no end,…

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Presider’s Page for 1 January 2021 (New Year’s Day)

Happy New Year! On this first day of the Year of Our Lord 2021, we acclaim Mary as Mother of God and ask her to mind us and those we love during this new year. We pray that the world may be freed from COVID-19 through a global programme of…

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Presider’s Page for 27 December (Holy Family)

On this first Sunday after Christmas Day, we honour the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. We entrust our families to their patronage, and pray for all who have been part of our families, those still alive and those whom we hope have joined the great family of God…

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Presider’s Page for 25 December (‘Day Mass’)

We celebrate today an amazing mystery — God is born in time. The eternal God shares our nature, he has pitched his tent in the midst of humanity. With joy in our hearts, we contemplate the mystery of the Word made flesh.

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Presider’s Page for 25 December (‘Dawn Mass’)

We gather with joy in our hearts to celebrate the birthday of our Saviour. The rising sun of this winter morning reminds us that Jesus, who is born for us, rose from death as our undying light, our hope and our salvation.

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Presider’s Page for 24 December (‘Night Mass’)

Opening Comment In the dark of this winter night, we proclaim the new light that has shone on the world: Jesus Christ is born! With the angels, we worship God who saves us — for through the life, death and resurrection of this child Jesus, salvation is ours. Alternative Opening…

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Presider’s Page for 20 December (Fourth Sunday of Advent)

Advent is drawing to a close; we have just a few days left to prepare for the birth of Christ. On this Sunday, we’re invited to follow Mary’s example and imitate her faith.

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Presider’s Page for 13 December (Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday)

We’re midway through the season of Advent. Traditionally, today is called Gaudete Sunday, which means ‘a day for rejoicing.’ The reason for celebration is that the day of the Lord’s coming is very near.

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Presider’s Page for Tuesday 8 December (Immaculate Conception of the BVM)

This feast had its origin in the East as the “Conception of Mary by St Anne.” It spread through the West during the Middle Ages as the “Immaculate Conception” and was extended to the entire Western Church in the eighteenth century. The feast celebrates Mary, preserved from sin from the…

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Presider’s Page for 6 December (Second Sunday of Advent)

John the Baptist is the focus of the liturgy on the Second Sunday of Advent each year. His challenge to us to ‘prepare a way for the Lord’ is at the heart of the Advent message. We worship the one who will surely come to us.

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Presider’s Page for 29 November (First Sunday of Advent, Year B)

Advent begins today, and with it a new year in the Church’s life. We look forward with hope to the end of time, when Christ will come in glory — and with joy, even in the midst of pandemic, we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ.

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Presider’s Page for 22 November (Christ the King)

Today we celebrate the feast of Christ the King. At the end of time, this king will come in glory to judge the living and the dead. He will ask how we treated the hungry and thirsty, the stranger, the naked, those sick or in prison. But in the meantime,…

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Presider’s Page for 15 November (33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: World Day of the Poor)

The end of this year and the beginning of the Advent season is coming closer, and the Liturgy invites us to look further into the future, towards the end of time, to be ready when the Day of the Lord comes. • Today has been designated by Pope Francis as the…

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Presider’s Page for 8 November (32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: Prisoners’ Sunday)

At this time of year, our deceased relatives and friends are often in our minds. Our faith tells us that we needn’t grieve over them like people with no hope. We remember them with love, and entrust them to God’s care.

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Presider’s Page for Monday 2 November (All Souls)

On All Saints Day and today, we remember all the dead, those in heaven and those still be on the way there: God alone knows where each soul is. Today we pray for all souls, for the faithful departed still on the journey to their heavenly home.

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Presider’s Page for Sunday 1 November (All Saints)

Today and tomorrow we remember all the dead, those in heaven and those still be on the way there: God alone knows where each one is. Today’s feast celebrates the saints in heaven, holy men and women of every time and place: we hope some of our people are among them.

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Presider’s Page for 25 October (Ordinary Time 30)

There’s a reminder of the two great commandments in today’s celebration: we are called to love God and our neighbour: friend, visitor and stranger alike.

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Presider’s Page for Mission Sunday, 18 October (Ordinary Time 29)

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.

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Presider’s Page for 11 October (Ordinary Time 28)

We gather as fellow-pilgrims at this Sunday’s Eucharist, all journeying to the great banquet of heaven. In our Communion today, we get a taste of what is to come, which will sustain us when we walk in the valley of darkness.

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Presider’s Page for 4 October (Ordinary Time 27)

There are reassuring sentiments for us in God’s Word, with Paul reminding us that there is no need for us to worry. If there is anything we need, we can pray for it and God’s peace will be ours. • Today is ‘Day for Life’ in Ireland, with the theme:…

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Presider’s Page for 27 September (Ordinary Time 26)

God’s love is displayed for us in the life and death of Jesus. We rejoice in this love, and celebrate the victory over sin and death won for us. As a community, we praise God’s holy name. • Today is the ‘World Day of Migrants and Refugees’

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Presider’s Page for 20 September (Ordinary Time 25)

God’s ways are not our ways. God’s love and generosity are beyond our understanding. We acknowledge all God has done for us, and ask for the grace to grow into God’s likeness.

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Presider’s Page for 13 September (Ordinary Time 24)

Forgiveness is one of the great qualities of Christianity. We are challenged to forgive each other as readily as God forgives us. We celebrate God’s mercy, and ask for the grace to pass it on to those who hurt us.

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Presider’s Page for 6 September (Ordinary Time 23)

We gather as God’s family, concerned for each other, supporting one another in sadness and joy. The challenge of living as part of the Christian family is laid out for us in today’s readings.

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Presider’s Page for 30 August (Ordinary Time 22)

We gather to praise God and to ask for help and grace. We know the difficulties that can come when we try to live the right way. Often the road of life is like the way of the cross.

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Presider’s Page for 23 August (Ordinary Time 21)

This hour of worship brings us into the presence of the God whose mystery we can never comprehend. All we have comes from the Lord, and we can only bow down in awe, and bring forward the praise that is due to the Almighty.

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Presider’s Page for 16 August (Ordinary Time 20)

Everyone is welcome in God’s house, everyone who loves God’s name. We gather to experience the warmth of this embrace.

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Presider’s Page for Saturday 15 August (Assumption of the BVM)

We worship God who brought Mary to the glory of heaven this day. We celebrate her Assumption, the tangible reminder that the resurrection of Jesus brings victory over death for all who believe.

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Presider’s Page for 9 August (Ordinary Time 19)

We gather to celebrate our beautiful God, who was revealed to Elijah as a gentle breeze and who calmed the storm on the lake. We are grateful that this God takes our fears away and gives rest to our souls.

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Presider’s Page for 2 August (Ordinary Time 18)

Great wonders are proclaimed in today’s Liturgy. God’s love and God’s care for humanity are made manifest.

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Presider’s Page for 26 July (Ordinary Time 17)

God has given us many gifts, including the promise that we will share in Christ’s glory. We give thanks for these treasures, as we continue on our journey to the fullness of the kingdom of heaven.

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Presider’s Page for 19 July (Ordinary Time 16)

We have been called together by the Spirit of God to celebrate the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. The Spirit teaches us to pray, and moves us to glorify the Lord’s name.

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Presiders Page for 12 July (Ordinary Time 15)

We gather as pilgrims on a journey, asking God to keep us steadfast until we reach our eternal home. In the Spirit, let us worship God who cares for us according to our needs.

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Presider’s Page for 5 July (Ordinary Time 14)

There is much good news in today’s Gospel, which should help to sustain all who are anxious because of the pandemic. We’re told we can bring all our troubles to Jesus and find rest. God will make our burden light. We praise God for the care promised us.

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Presider’s Page for 28 June (Ordinary Time 13)

We’re told in today’s first reading that unexpected blessings can come our way when we least expect them. As we move from lockdown to a ‘new normal’ during this pandemic, we give thanks for the unexpected blessings the period of lockdown brought…

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Presider’s Page for 21 June (12th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

We have nothing to be afraid of, we’re told in today’s Gospel. God knows every one of our needs. We gather in prayer, united by our faith, to thank God for this word of encouragement. And on this Father’s Day, we honour the presence and memory of our fathers —…

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Presider’s Page for 14 June (‘Corpus Christi’ – the Body of Christ)

Today’s liturgy invites us to reflect on what we have missed these last three months — the weekly gathering of the Body of Christ for Sunday Mass, and the sharing in the Body of Christ in Holy Communion. As we celebrate Corpus Christi today, we pray for a greater appreciation…

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Presider’s Page for 7 June (Trinity Sunday)

We reflect on the mystery of God on this Trinity Sunday. We gather to worship the One who creates, redeems and sanctifies, three persons, one God, without end. And we ask God to stay close to us and sustain us in these challenging times.

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Presider’s Page for 31 May (Pentecost Sunday)

Today we celebrate the day when the Holy Spirit first came to confused and frightened disciples. We share their fear, and ask for a new outpouring to give us courage and the grace to endure.

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Presider’s Page for 24 May (Ascension of the Lord)

We celebrate the Ascension of Jesus today. We remember his sending out of the disciples, and his promise to remain with us always, reassuring words for this dark time.

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Presider’s Page for 17 May (Sixth Sunday of Easter)

Each Sunday in Easter time, we celebrate the gifts we receive in Baptism and Confirmation. We rejoice that the Spirit is our Advocate, who continues to support us in the difficulties of life, and particularly in this pandemic.

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Presider’s Page for 10 May (Fifth Sunday of Easter)

Today’s liturgy puts the life-giving words of Jesus before us. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life, the one in whom we can place all our trust, especially in dark times like these. Because we believe these things, we gather to praise God.

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Presider’s Page for 3 May (Fourth Sunday of Easter)

The fourth Sunday of Easter is often called Good Shepherd Sunday, because the readings are about the care we receive from Christ, our true shepherd. We rejoice that this pastoral care continues in the loviong tenderness extended by many Christian women and men today. Today is also the day of…

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Presider’s Page for 26 April (Third Sunday of Easter)

During the Easter season the Church continues to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, even in these dark pandemic days. Today, we join together to worship God, who has brought about the great victory over sin and death in which we hope.

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Presider’s Page for 19 April (Easter 2 – Divine Mercy Sunday)

Even though Easter Week is now behind us, today’s liturgy is still filled with Jesus’ resurrection. We continue to celebrate that great event for the next six weeks, until Pentecost Sundayon the last day of May, the fiftieth and final day of Easter.

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Presider’s Page for 12 April 2020 (Easter Sunday in Pandemic)

This Easter morning we gather for a most unusual Easter celebration. Pandemic threatens to overwhelm, yet the Church insistently proclaims: Christ is risen! We still celebrate the central mystery of our faith, the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. He suffered on the cross and died for us, but now…

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Presider’s Page for Thursday 9 April (Holy Thursday)

The liturgy that begins this Tursday evening continues until we reach Easter. We are at the start of a three-day celebration of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. We journey from the Last Supper to Gethsemane tonight, from there to Calvary tomorrow, and from the tomb to resurrection and…

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Presider’s Page for 5 April (Palm Sunday)

Today’s liturgy gives us a preview of the events of Holy Week. The passion, death and resurrection of Jesus are the focus of this and every Sunday celebration.

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Presider’s Page for 29 March (Fifth Sunday of Lent)

In under a fortnight’s time, the Easter Triduum will begin, on Holy Thursday evening. It will be a Triduum like no other, with no public celebrations because of the Coronavurus pandemic. But in our own homes, each of us can recall the great events that Easter remembers. We ask God’s…

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Presider’s Page for 22 March (Fourth Sunday of Lent)

Traditionally, this Sunday is called Laetare Sunday, which means ‘a day for joy’ — although few will feel much joy this year, as the COV-19 epidemic draws ever nearer. But at this midpoint of Lent, it is traditional to honour mothers, treasuring those still with us and praying for those…

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Presider’s page for 17 March (Lá ‘Fhéile Pádraig, English & Gaeilge)

In the heart of Lent, we keep the feast of Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. We mark the day by praising God the creator, who sustained Patrick in good times and bad, and who will sustain the Irish even in the face of coronavirus.

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Presider’s Page for 15 March (Third Sunday of Lent)

Today’s readings about water and thirst remind us that this is a baptismal season. The holy water of baptism blesses and protects the faithful in every danger, even as the threat of the coronavirus bears down upon our world.

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Presider’s Page for 8 March (Second Sunday of Lent)

Now that we are ten days into the season of Lent, our goal is clarified in today’s liturgy. The Gospel of the Transfiguration reminds us that we are destined for glory. Like the disciples, we keep this glimpse of glory in our hearts in the dark days ahead. Resurection will…

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Presider’s Page for 1 March (First Sunday of Lent)

We celebrate the first Sunday of Lent. All over the world today, men and women are beginning a period of preparation for their baptism at the Easter Vigil. Like them, we spend Lent preparing to renew our baptismal vows at Easter, looking forward to our blessing with Easter water and…

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Presider’s Page for 23 February (Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Loving the enemy and praying for those who make life difficult are two marks of a Christian, or so Jesus teaches us today. We gather, aware of how difficult love can be, yet united by the saving mercy of God, on which we rely.

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Presider’s Page for 16 February (Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Today’s readings ask for decisions, challenging Christians to choose the right path. We gather to worship God, who can help us in all our choices.

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Presider’s Page for 9 February (Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Over these Sundays, we listen to what Jesus taught in his Sermon on the Mount. In today’s liturgy, we hear that we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Rejoicing in this calling, we praise God who sustains us all our days.

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Presider’s Page for 2 February (The Presentation of the Lord – Candlemas)

It’s forty days since we celebrated the birth of Jesus at Christmas. Today we remember his Presentation in the Temple. This feast is also called Candlemas; candles are blessed because today Jesus was revealed in the Temple as the light of all peoples.

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Presider’s Page for 26 January (Third Sunday in Ordinary Time)

The people that walked in darkness has seen a great light: Jesus, the light of the world, walks among us, preaching a message of repentance. We gather to listen to him, to share the bread of life and to prepare to go out and build up his kingdom.

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Presider’s Page for 19 January (Second Sunday in Ordinary Time)

The Christmas Season ended last Sunday, and we have entered Ordinary Time, moving slowly from winter towards spring. The season of Lent begins on the 26th February: between now and then, we learn a little more each Sunday about the life and teachings of Jesus, as St Matthew recorded them.

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Presider’s Page for 12 January (Baptism of the Lord)

This feast of the Baptism of the Lord marks the last day of Christmas. At his baptism Jesus sees how much he is loved by God and is given the power to go out and spread the news. We share that power through our baptism.

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Presider’s Page for Monday 6 January (Epiphany of the Lord)

On this feast of the Epiphany we celebrate the revelation of who Christ is. The visit of the wise men reminds us that Jesus came as the Saviour of all nations, including ours. We worship God who wants all people to be saved.

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Presider’s Page for 5 January (Second Sunday of Christmas)

We gather to celebrate the first Sunday of 2020, with thankfulness for the year just gone. We ask God for continuing care and protection as face this New Year, not knowing what it will bring.

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Presider’s Page for New Years Day 2020 (Mary, Mother of God)

Happy New Year! On this first day of the Year of Our Lord 2020, we acclaim Mary as Mother of God and ask her to mind us and those we love during this new year. Today is also World Peace Day, a day during which we pray for peace.

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Presider’s Page for Sunday 29 December (Holy Family)

The Holy Family is the focus on the first Sunday after Christmas, so we honour Jesus, Mary and Joseph today. We worship God who shared the life of the human family, and thank God for all the gifts we continue to receive in each other.

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Presider’s Page for 25 December (Christmas Day Mass)

We celebrate today an amazing mystery — God is born in time. The eternal God shares our nature, he has pitched his tent in the midst of humanity. With joy in our hearts, we contemplate the mystery of the Word made flesh.

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Presider’s Page for 24 December (Christmas Night Mass)

In the dark of this winter night, we proclaim the new light that has shone on the world: Jesus Christ is born! With the angels, we worship God who saves us — for through the life, death and resurrection of this child Jesus, salvation is ours.

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Presider’s Page for 22 December (Fourth Sunday of Advent)

The Season of Advent ends on Tuesday, so the celebration of the birth of Christ is now very close. We gather in preparation for that great event, worshipping God who was made flesh to bring us to glory.

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Presider’s Page for 15 December (Third Sunday of Advent – ‘Gaudete’)

Traditionally, this Sunday is called Gaudete Sunday, which means ‘a day for rejoicing’. Advent is about half over, and the day of the Lord’s coming is nearer. We worship God who promises us joy without end.

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Presiders Page for 9 December (Immaculate Conception of the BVM)

Our preparations for Christmas always include Mary, the Mother of God. Her Advent feast is displaced from 8th December this year because of a clash with the Second Sunday of Advent, which we celebrated yesterday. Today, we honour her conception free from sin, a miracle that displays God’s power for…

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Presider’s Page for 8 December (Second Sunday of Advent)

John the Baptist is the focus of the Gospel reading on the Second Sunday of Advent each year. His words challenge and inspire. We worship God who uses many messengers to call us from darkness to light.

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Presider’s Page for 1 December (First Sunday of Advent)

The season of Advent begins today. During the next 24 days we will look forward in hope. We will watch for the end times, when Christ will come in glory, Christ whose birthday we will celebrate very soon.

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Presider’s Page for 24 November (Christ the King)

We celebrate the feast of Christ the King this Sunday, remembering that our king’s life ended on a cross. Today we worship this wounded and resurrected God, who promises us a place in Paradise.

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Presider’s Page for 17 November (Ordinary Time 33)

The readings this Sunday focus on the end of the world, though we are also reassured that people of faith have nothing to fear. Today is World Day of the Poor, an annual day of significance established by Pope Francis in 2016.

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Presider’s Page for 10 November (Ordinary Time 32)

At this time of remembrance, our dead are often in our minds. Today’s readings challenge us to believe in eternal life after death. We worship God who sustains us in this life and promises us a share in the resurrection. • Today is Prisoners’ Sunday

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Presider’s Page for 3 November (Ordinary Time 31)

Zacchaeus is the star of today’s Gospel, the man who has been called ‘everybody’s favourite underdog’. Zacchaeus took Jesus at his word and changed his life. We worship God, whose mercy for all people never fails, a mercy on which we rely as we remember our dead….

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Presider’s Page for Saturday 2 November (All Souls)

On All Saints Day and today, we remember all the dead, those in heaven and those still be on the way there: God alone knows where each soul is. Today we pray for all souls, for the faithful departed still on the journey to their heavenly home.

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Presider’s Page for Friday 1 November (All Saints)

Today and tomorrow we remember all the dead, those in heaven and those still be on the way there: God alone knows where each soul is. Today’s feast celebrates the saints in heaven, the holy men and women of every time and place: we hope some of our people are…

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Presider’s Page for 27 October (Ordinary Time 30)

The Gospel story of the Pharisee and the tax collector is read today. It reminds us of the value of being humble before God. In today’s gathering, we praise God who is always merciful to us. Penitential Rite: To begin, we recall our sins in the context of divine mercy:…

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Presider’s Page for 20 October (Mission Sunday)

Today is World Mission Sunday, which this year has the theme: “TOGETHER WE ARE MISSION, changing the lives of others!” The readings point to the value of persistent prayer, which can be a real support to missionaries in their work. If you want results, pray without ceasing, says Jesus. God…

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Presider’s Page for 13 October (Ordinary Time 28)

The Gospel gives the story of the ten lepers, of whom only one came back to thank Jesus. We praise and thank God who continues to do great things for all peoples.

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Presider’s Page for 6 October (Ordinary Time 27)

The Spirit of God lives in us, inspiring us and guarding us. In the Spirit, we worship our creator and entrust ourselves to the Lord’s loving care. • ‘Day for Life’ is celebrated today by the Church in Ireland, focussing on the theme: ‘The Scourge of Domestic Abuse’.

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Presider’s Page for 29 September (Ordinary Time 26)

Today’s readings remind us that God is on the side of the poor, defending their rights. • Today is the 105th World Day of Migrants and Refugees.

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Presider’s Page for 22 September (Ordinary Time 25)

We gather to worship the Lord of glory, asking for help to be God’s servants before all else.

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Presider’s Page for 15 September (Ordinary Time 24)

Our God seeks out sinners to forgive them. At this Sunday’s gathering, we worship our loving and compassionate God.

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Presider’s Page for 8 September (Ordinary Time 23)

We gather to listen to God’s challenging words and to ask the grace of repentance from God who loves us first.

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Presider’s Page for 1 September (Ordinary Time 22)

Who gets the places of honour in God’s house, the pushy or the humble? The Word of God in this Sunday’s Mass teaches us that the humble are the ones who find favour with God.

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Presider’s Page for 25 August (Ordinary Time 21)

Our God is a gracious God, who throws open the doors to the Kingdom to all of humanity. We gather to worship this compassionate king

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Presider’s Page for 18 August (Ordinary Time 20)

Following Jesus may not bring us happiness in this life, but we are challenged to follow him nevertheless. We come together to worship our gracious God and to ask for help in our Christian life this week.

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Presider’s Page for 15 August (Assumption of the BVM)

We worship God who brought Mary to the glory of heaven this day. We celebrate her Assumption, the tangible reminder that the resurrection of Jesus brings victory over death for all who believe.

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Presider’s Page for 11 August (Ordinary Time 19)

We are challenged by today’s Gospel to stand ready for our Master’s return in glory. We gather to worship God who sustains us all the days of our life, and beyond.

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Presider’s Page for 28 July (Ordinary Time 17)

We can ask God for help whenever we need to, today or any day. We gather this Sunday to worship God who is always concerned for us.

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Presider’s Page for 21 July (Ordinary Time 16)

As we gather for Mass today, we are challenged to be hospitable, welcoming people. We worship the God who always has a welcome for us.

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Presider’s Page for 14 July (Ordinary Time 15)

The beautiful story of the Good Samaritan is told again at today’s Mass, with its challenge to us to look after others, as the Good Samaritan did. We gather to worship God who showed us what love means.

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Presider’s Page for 7 July (Ordinary Time 14)

We gather for Mass to praise God’s faithfulness, and to ask for grace in the work we’re called to do.

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Presider’s Page for 30 June (Ordinary Time 13)

Now that the great feasts of Easter and the Sundays following it are behind us, we return to Ordinary Time and reflect on the challenges to disciples found in the Gospel of Luke. At today’s gathering, we’re challenged us to look carefully at our commitment to our faith. We worship…

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Presider’s Page for 23 June (Corpus Christi)

Since the beginning of time, God has always nourished his people. Today we celebrate our creator’s kindness in giving us the Body and Blood of Christ to our food.

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Presider’s Page for 16 June (Trinity Sunday)

Today is Trinity Sunday. We worship God who creates, redeems and sanctifies: three persons, one God.

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Presider’s Page for 9 June (Pentecost Sunday)

Today is Pentecost Sunday, the 50th day of Easter. We celebrate the completion of the Easter mystery in the coming of the Holy Spirit — and ask for the gift of that same Spirit as we gather today.

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Presider’s Page for 2 June (Ascension of the Lord)

Remembering and celebrating Jesus’ Ascension today, we worship the God of timeless glory.

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Presider’s Page for 26 May (Sixth Sunday of Easter)

The Ascension of Jesus will be celebrated next Sunday. As the Easter Season moves towards its second climax at Pentecost, we take heed of the Lord’s final words to his disciples, and look forward to the coming of the Holy Spirit to the Church.

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Presider’s Page for 19 May (Fifth Sunday of Easter)

We gather to praise God who raised his son Jesus from the dead. We celebrate this victory over sin and death, and pray for enthusiasm as we try to pass on the Good News.

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Presider’s Page for 12 May (Fourth Sunday of Easter)

On the fourth Sunday of Easter each year, we honour the Risen Lord as our Good Shepherd. Today is the day of prayer for vocations to priesthood and religious life: we pray that God will give the Church men and women formed in the image of the Good Shepherd, who…

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Presider’s Page for 5 May (Third Sunday of Easter)

We’re two weeks into the Easter season now, but the Good News of the season continues to reverberate in the Liturgy. Joyfully we worship God who raised our Saviour from the dead.

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Presider’s Page for 28 April (Second Sunday of Easter)

Even though Easter Week is now behind us, today’s liturgy still overflows with the joy of Jesus’ resurrection. We continue to celebrate that great event for the next six weeks, until Pentecost Sunday on the 20th of May, the fiftieth and final day of Easter.

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Presider’s Page for 21 April (Easter Sunday)

This Easter morning we celebrate the central mystery of our faith, the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. He suffered on the cross and died for us, but now he is risen! Filled with the spirit of Easter joy, we proclaim the might and glory of God.

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Presider’s Page for 20 April (The Easter Vigil)

We gather around the Easter candle, celebrating the Lord’s resurrection. With that light to illumine our way, we remember how God has cared for humanity from the dawn of time. The readings from both testaments remind us what happened at the highpoints of our history.

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Presider’s Page for 18 April (Holy Thursday)

The liturgy that begins this Thursday evening continues until we reach Easter. We are at the start of a three-day celebration of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. We journey from the Last Supper to Gethsemane tonight, from there to Calvary tomorrow, and from the tomb to resurrection and…

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Presider’s Page for 14 April (Palm Sunday)

Today’s liturgy gives a preview of the events we will celebrate between Holy Thursday and Easter Sunday: the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. These events are also the focus of this and every Sunday celebration. We ask for God’s help in understanding their significance.

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Presider’s Page for 7 April (Fifth Sunday of Lent)

This fifth Sunday of Lent, we gather to worship our compassionate God, who heals our sinfulness and challenges us to leave our sinfulness behind.

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Presider’s Page for 31 March (Lent 4 – Laetare)

We have reached the midway point of the season of Lent. The joy of Easter is within our reach and the parent of the prodigal son encourages us to rely on divine mercy.

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Presider’s Page for 24 March (Third Sunday of Lent)

Today, as we gather to listen to the Lenten call to repentance, we worship our God of kindness who, like a patient gardener, always gives people a second chance.

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Presider’s Page for Sunday 17 March (Lá Fhéile Pádraig)

As the second week of Lent begins in other countries, we pause from our lenten penances to honour Patrick, the apostle of the Irish. In our celebration of this solemn feast, we worship God, creator, redeemer and sanctifier, who brought our ancestors into the Christian fold through the preaching of…

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Presider’s Page for 10 March (Lent 1)

The 40-day pilgrimage to Easter that began on Ash Wednesday is just a few days old. We pray that God, who sustained Jesus in his 40 days of temptations and suffering, will support us on our journey also.

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Presider’s Page for 3 March (Ordinary Time 8)

Words matter. What we say has an effect on others, for good or ill. God’s word to us is spoken in Jesus, the Word made flesh, in whose name we gather this and every Sunday.

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Presider’s Page for 24 February (Ordinary Time 7)

Loving the enemy and praying for those who make life difficult are two marks of a Christian, or so Jesus teaches us today. We gather, aware of how difficult love can be, yet united by the saving mercy of God, on which we rely.

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Presider’s Page for 17 February (Ordinary Time 6)

Happy are they who their trust in the Lord: worry will not come their way, their lives will bear fruit. The prophet Jeremiah’s words are reflected in the Psalm, as we are invited to trust in the One who never disappoints.

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Presider’s Page for 10 February (Ordinary Time 5)

Everyone who believes God’s word is called to pass on the Good News. Like many who have gone before us, including the prophet Isaiah and the apostles Peter and Paul, we may not feel up to the task. But God helps us every day.

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Presider’s Page for 3 February (Ordinary Time 4)

We gather as people loved by God, people called to pass on the love we have received. The love God has put into the world will never fail, but will last as long as humanity lasts. We praise God for the gifts lavished on us.

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Presider’s Page for 27 January (Ordinary Time 3)

The Word of God is the focus this Sunday, read by Ezra the priest in the Old Testament reading, and by Jesus in the Gospel. By his Word, God reassures the people of his closeness, especially in the Word made flesh, Jesus of Nazereth.

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Presider’s Page for 20 January (Ordinary Time 2)

There are echoes of the Christmas season in today’s liturgy, particularly in the Gospel story of the wedding feast of Cana, in which God’s glory becomes visible in Jesus, as it did at his Epiphany and Baptism. (Today is also the World Day of Migrants and Refugees.)

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Presider’s Page for 13 January (Baptism of the Lord)

Today we celebrate the feast of the Baptism of the Lord: it’s the last day of the Christmas season. The baptism of Jesus marked the end of his quiet years in Nazareth and the start of his public ministry.

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Presider’s Page for 6 January 2019 (Epiphany)

On this feast of the Epiphany, Roman Catholics celebrate the revelation of who Christ is. The visit of the three wise men reminds us that Jesus came as the Saviour of all nations, including ours. We worship God who wants all people to be saved.

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Presider’s Page for 1 January 2019 (Mary, Mother of God)

Happy New Year! On this first day of the Year of Our Lord 2019, we acclaim Mary as Mother of God and ask her to mind us and those we love during this new year. Today is also World Peace Day, a day during which we pray for peace.

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Presider’s Page for 30 December (Holy Family)

Today, the Sunday after Christmas, is part of the continuing celebration of the Lord’s Nativity. In today’s Mass, we honour the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. As we say goodbye to 2018, we entrust our families to their patronage, and pray for God’s help in 2019, soon to…

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Presider’s Page for 25 December (Christmas Day Mass)

We celebrate today an amazing mystery — God is born in time. The eternal God has taken human flesh, has pitched his tent in the midst of humanity. With joy in our hearts, we contemplate the mystery of the Word made flesh.

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Presider’s Page for 24 December (Christmas Night Mass)

In the dark of this winter night, we proclaim the new light that has shone on the world: Jesus Christ is born! With the angels, we worship God who saves us — for through the life, death and resurrection of this child Jesus, salvation is ours.

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Presider’s Page for 23 December (Advent 4)

Advent is drawing to a close; we have just another day left to prepare for the birth of Christ. On this Sunday, we rejoice that the promise made to Mary by the Lord is to be fulfilled.

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Presider’s Page for 16 December (Advent 3)

We’re well over halfway through Advent. Traditionally, today is called Gaudete Sunday, which means ‘a day for rejoicing.’ The reason for celebration is that the day of the Lord’s coming is nearer.

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Presider’s Page for 9 December (Advent 2)

John the Baptist is the focus of the liturgy on the Second Sunday of Advent each year. His challenge to us to ‘prepare a way for the Lord’ is at the heart of the Advent message. We worship the one who will surely come to us.

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Presider’s Page for Saturday 8 December (Immaculate Conception of Mary)

Our preparations for Christmas always include Mary, the Mother of God. Today’s feast celebrates her conception free from sin, a miracle that displays God’s power for believers. We worship God, for whom everything is posssible.

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Presider’s Page for 2 December (Advent I, Year C)

Advent begins today. During these days, we look forward, waiting in hope. We watch for the end times, when Christ will come in glory, Christ who was born for us just a little over 2,000 years ago.

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Presider’s Page for 25 November (Christ the King)

We celebrate the feast of Christ the King today, acclaiming Jesus as our king, the one who died for us and rose triumphant. We offer praise and worship — and ask for the grace to live as worthy citizens of his kingdom of justice, truth, love and peace.

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Presider’s Page for 18 November (Ordinary Time 33)

As we move into the darker times of the year, the readings at Mass remind us more and more of the end of time, and the glory awaiting believers. We trust that God stays with us always.

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Presider’s Page for 11 November (Ordinary Time 32)

Gathering together in the Lord’s house, we bring simple gifts into God’s presence – our love, our care for each other, our worshipping hearts and voices. We ask for the grace to continue to show love through the coming week.

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Presider’s Page for 4 November (Ordinary Time 31)

What is asked of us is simple – to love God and our neighbour. But without God’s grace, even these simple demands can seem beyond our grasp.

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Presider’s Page for Friday 2 November (All Souls)

On All Saints Day and today, we remember all the dead, those in heaven and those still be on the way there: God alone knows where each soul is. Today we pray for all souls, for the faithful departed still on the journey to their heavenly home.

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Presider’s Page for Thursday 1 November (All Saints)

Today and tomorrow we remember all the dead, those in heaven and those still be on the way there: God alone knows where each soul is. Today’s feast celebrates the saints in heaven, the holy men and women of every time and place: we hope some of our people are…

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Presider’s Page for 28 October (Ordinary Time 30)

We come to God, who gives the blind new sight. We praise our creator for the gracious care we receive and ask for the strength to continue on our pilgrim journey to the Father’s house.

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Presider’s Page for 21 October (Mission Sunday, 29th Sunday)

This year’s Mission Sunday theme suggests that “Christian Families are Missionary Families”. The theme comes from the words of Pope Francis, who said that family is ‘the salt of the earth and the light of the world’ — implying that every family has a mission.

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Presider’s Page for 14 October (Ordinary Time 28)

On our journey through life, we pause on Sunday for a while, to offer worship and praise. We remember God’s goodness and ask for the gift of wisdom as we continue to hurry towards the Kingdom.

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Presider’s Page for 7 October (Ordinary Time 27)

October is Mission Month. In two weeks time we will honour the work of missionaries on Mission Sunday; throughout the month, we remember that ‘Christian Families are Missionary Families’. And we praise God’s constant care for all people, at home and abroad.

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Presider’s Page for 30 September (Ordinary Time 26)

All are welcome in this place: anyone who is not against us is for us. All may gather here to worship God our Saviour.

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Presider’s Page for 23 September (Ordinary Time 25)

We gather to remember the passion and death of Jesus, and to celebrate his resurrection with joy. He calls us to move beyond rivalry and conflict, to be true followers of the Christian way.

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Presider’s Page for 16 September (Ordinary Time 24)

In our journey through life we walk the path Jesus walked, so it is hard for us to escape suffering, no more than he could. We remember his suffering and death, knowing that it brought him glory and that it will do the same for us.

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Presider’s Page for 9 September (Ordinary Time 23)

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.

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Presider’s Page for 2 September (Ordinary Time 22)

As we move from summer to autumn, we praise God who sustains us all year round. We ask for help with new undertakings and perseverance with continuing projects, knowing that nothing will work well without God’s grace.

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Presider’s Page for 26 August (Ordinary Time 21)

We gather as people who have chosen to serve the Lord, chosen to walk the Christian way. We worship God who leads us on — and ask for strength to continue as we have begun.

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Presider’s Page for 19 August (Ordinary Time 20)

Whoever eats the flesh of the Lord and drinks his blood will live for ever. We celebrate Jesus’ promise, believing we will share the eternal destiny of all who have this divine life in them.

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Presider’s Page for 15 August (Assumption of the BVM)

We worship God who brought Mary to the glory of heaven this day. We celebrate her Assumption, the tangible reminder that the resurrection of Jesus brings victory over death for all who believe.

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Presider’s Page for 12 August (Ordinary Time 19)

We gather together as friends, called by the Lord to forgive each other as quickly as God forgives us.

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Presider’s Page for 5 August (Ordinary Time 18)

From the days when the Jewish people wandered in the desert to this very day, God has been food to the hungry and meaning to those who lose their way. We celebrate our Lord’s loving-kindness today.

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Presider’s Page for 29 July (Ordinary Time 17)

United with Christians all over the world, we acknowledge one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God as our Father. We worship as one family, and pray for greater charity and love among all the baptised.

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Presider’s Page for 22 July (Ordinary Time 16)

Our God is like a shepherd who always looks after the flock: the Lord cares for us in all our needs.

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Presider’s Page for 15 July (Ordinary Time 15)

God has blessed us in very many ways: God has showered grace upon us. During today’s gathering, we give thanks to the Lord for all we have received.

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Presider’s Page for 8 July (Ordinary Time 14)

As weak and sinful people, we gather to ask the Lord’s mercy. We know his grace is sufficient for us. Together, we praise and thank our God for the constant care we receive. • (In Ireland) Today is the National Day of Commemoration of those who died in past wars…

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Presider’s Page for 1 July (Ordinary Time 13)

As summer takes hold of us, we give thanks to God for all the gifts we enjoy. We rejoice in God’s saving power: death itself is in his hand and all the living depend on God alone.

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Presider’s Page for 24 June (Birth of John the Baptist)

Just three birthdays are celebrated by the Church in the Liturgy each year – that of Jesus at the winter solstice, his mother’s on 8th September and that of his cousin John the Baptist near midsummer’s day. John’s birthday comes just after the longest day of the year, when the…

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Presider’s Page for 17 June (Ordinary Time 11—B)

Throughout these summer months, trees, plants and grasses grow and flourish.Our faith is also to grow and flourish during these Sundays of Ordinary Time. The green vestments worn signify continuing growth in faith. • Today is celebrated as Father’s Day, so in the Mass we remember and pray for the…

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Presider’s Page for 10 June (Ordinary Time 10—B)

Now that Easter and all the feasts that follow it have been celebrated, the journey through the Sundays of the year starts again. From now until next Advent, we will listen to St Mark’s Gospel most Sundays, and discover Jesus through the eyes of Mark, whose account was the first…

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Presider’s Page for 3 June (Corpus Christi)

Today we honour the Body and Blood of Christ, the food that sustains us on our pilgrimage through life.

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Presider’s Page for 27 May (Trinity Sunday)

We celebrate Trinity Sunday today. The feast gives us an opportunity to reflect on the mystery of God, who creates, redeems and makes us holy.

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Presider’s Page for 20 May (Pentecost Sunday)

Today is Pentecost Sunday, the second climax of the Easter season. We celebrate ‘the great beginning of the Church’, the day the Holy Spirit first came to confused and frightened disciples.

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Presider’s Page for 13 May (Ascension of the Lord)

The Ascension of the Lord is celebrated today. The Church also calls this Sunday ‘World Communications Day’. As he left his disciples, Jesus sent them out to spread the Good News. This is our task too. We ask for the grace we need.

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Presider’s Page for 6 May (Easter VI)

We gather for this Easter celebration in the love of God, redeemed in the death and resurrection of Jesus. We are people with a mission, challenged to grow in love each day. We ask God for divine help with this mission, today and during the coming week.

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Shortcuts to Liturgy Resources provided

Those seeking Bidding Prayers or Homily resources for weekend masses should look under the LITURGY tab (top of page), or in the LITURGY section in the  sidebar to the right of this page….

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Presider’s Page for 29 April (Easter 5)

Like branches of one tree, we are held together by our faith in Christ. Because we are all part of this one living plant, we come together in thanksgiving and praise.

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Presider’s Page for 22 April (Easter 4)

The Fourth Sunday of Easter is often called Good Shepherd Sunday, because the readings are about the care we receive from Christ, our true shepherd, a care Christians are invited to copy. Today is also the day of prayer for vocations.

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Presider’s Page for 15 April (Easter 3)

We’re two weeks into the Easter season now, but the Good News of the season continues to reverberate in the Liturgy. Joyfully we worship God who raised our Saviour from the dead.

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Presider’s Page for 25 March (Palm Sunday)

Today’s liturgy gives a preview of the events we will celebrate between Holy Thursday and Easter Sunday: the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. These events are also the focus of this and every Sunday celebration. We ask for God’s help in understanding their significance.

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Presider’s Page for 18 March (Fifth Sunday of Lent)

In just over ten days time, the Easter Triduum will begin, at sunset on Holy Thursday. Today we pray for all the baptised for whom Easter brings renewal: may we be fit and ready to renew our promises when this Lent is over.

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Presider’s Page for 11 March (Fourth Sunday of Lent / Laetare Sunday / Mothers’ Day)

This Sunday we come to the midpoint of Lent. The season is half over, and the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus is nearer to us. On this midway Sunday, it is traditional to honour mothers, praying for those still with us and remembering those who have died.

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Presider’s Page for 4 March (Third Sunday of Lent)

We gather in cold weather for worship this March Sunday in Ireland, praying that God will warm our hearts with love during the Lenten spring. The Lord has the message of eternal life: we come to know this message and deepen our relationship with our Saviour.

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Presider’s Page for 25 February (Second Sunday of Lent)

The gospel of the transfiguration is read on this lenten Sunday each year, to remind us to hold firm to a vision of glory, on dark days. Easter and its joy will follow this season of penance, just as the resurrection followed the passion and death of Jesus.

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Presider’s Page for 18 February (First Sunday of Lent)

Today we celebrate the first Sunday of Lent. All over the world today, people of all ages are beginning their preparation period for baptism at the Easter Vigil. Like them, we begin our own preparations for Easter, looking forward to renewing our baptismal vows and being blessed with Easter water.

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Presider’s Page for 11 February (Ordinary Time 6 / World Day of the Sick)

‘Whatever you do at all, do it for the glory of God.’ The words are St Paul’s, from today’s second reading. We gather here to give glory to God, praying for the sick, marking the Day of Prayer for Temperance and preparing for the Lenten Spring.

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Presider’s Page for 4 February (Ordinary Time 5)

As we Christians come together for worship, each of us brings worries, anxieties and fears. We gather them all together and entrust them to the one who heals his suffering people.

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Presider’s Page for 28 January (Ordinary Time 4)

We come together to listen to God’s word and share the bread of life together. As God’s family here, we praise the one who has rescued us from sin and darkness, and brought us the hope of heaven.

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Presider’s Page for 21 January (Ordinary Time 3)

The calling of Andrew and his brother Peter is described in today’s Gospel. Like those early disciples, we too are called. As believers, we gather here to listen to God’s word, resolving to put it into practice in the coming week. • The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity continues till…

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Presider’s Page for 14 January (Ordinary Time 2)

Now that the Christmas season is behind us and we are moving into the New Year, the liturgy challenges us to reflect on what following Christ means. We gather as God’s people, called to follow the Lamb of God and we praise God, with thanksgiving. • This is the World Day…

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Presider’s Page for 7 January (Baptism of the Lord)

Today we celebrate the feast of the Baptism of the Lord: it’s the last day of the Christmas season. The baptism of Jesus marked the end of his quiet years in Nazareth and the start of his public ministry.

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Presider’s Page for 6 January (Epiphany of the Lord)

Opening Comment On this feast of the Epiphany we celebrate the revelation of who Christ is. The visit of the three wise men reminds us that Jesus came as the Saviour of all nations, including ours. We worship God who wants all people to be saved.

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Presider’s Page for 31 December (Holy Family)

On this first Sunday after Christmas Day, we honour the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. We entrust our families to their patronage, and pray for all who have been part of our families, those still alive and those whom we hope have joined the great family of God…

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Presider’s Page for 25 December (Day Mass)

We celebrate today an amazing mystery — God is born in time. The eternal God shares our nature, he has pitched his tent in the midst of humanity. With joy in our hearts, we contemplate the mystery of the Word made flesh.

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Presider’s Page for 24 December (Night Mass)

In the dark of this winter night, we proclaim the new light that has shone on the world: Jesus Christ is born! With the angels, we worship God who saves us — for through the life, death and resurrection of this child Jesus, salvation is ours.

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Presider’s Page for 17 December (Advent 3, GAUDETE)

We’re two thirds of the way through Advent. Traditionally, today is called Gaudete Sunday, which means ‘a day for rejoicing.’ The reason for celebration is that the day of the Lord’s coming is very near.

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Presider’s Page for 9 December (Second Sunday of Advent)

John the Baptist is the focus of the liturgy on the Second Sunday of Advent each year. His challenge to us to ‘prepare a way for the Lord’ is at the heart of the Advent message. We worship the one who will surely come to us.

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Presider’s Page for 3 December (First Sunday of Advent B)

Advent begins today; the season is at its shortest this year. During these first two weeks, the Church focuses on the end of time, when Christ will come in glory. Then, for the last week of Advent, we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ.

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Presider’s Page for 26 November (Christ the King)

Today we celebrate the feast of Christ the King. At the end of time, this king will come in glory to judge the living and the dead. He will ask how we treated the hungry and thirsty, the stranger, the naked, those sick or in prison.

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Presider’s Page for 19 November (Ordinary Time 33)

The beginning of the Advent season is coming closer, and the Liturgy invites us to look further into the future, towards the end of time, to be ready when the Day of the Lord comes. Today’s gathering will help us on our way, by teaching us how to live and…

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Presider’s Page for 12 November (Ordinary Time 32)

Songs at Mass (Suggestions) ‘Sing a New Song Unto the Lord’; ‘My Soul is Longing for your Peace’; Only in God’; ‘Be Not Afraid’. Opening Comment At this time of year, our deceased relatives and friends are often in our minds. Our faith tells us that we needn’t grieve over…

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Presider’s Page for 5 November (Ordinary Time 31)

God’s message is still a living power among us, so we gather this Sunday to listen and be challenged by it.

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Presider’s Page for 2 November 2017 (All Souls Day)

On All Saints Day and today, we remember all the dead, those in heaven and those still be on the way there: God alone knows where each soul is. Today we pray for all souls, for the faithful departed still on the journey to their heavenly home.

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Presider’s Page for 1 November 2017 (All Saints Day)

Today and tomorrow we remember all the dead, those in heaven and those still be on the way there: God alone knows where each soul is. Today’s feast celebrates the saints in heaven, holy men and women of every time and place: we hope some of our people are among them.

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Presider’s Page for 29 October 2017 (Ordinary Time 30)

There’s a reminder of the two great commandments in today’s celebration: we are called to love God and our neighbour: friend, visitor and stranger alike.

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Presider’s Page for Mission Sunday, 22 October (Ordinary Time 29)

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.

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Presider’s Page for 15 October (Ordinary Time 28)

We gather as fellow-pilgrims at this Sunday’s Eucharist, all journeying to the great banquet of heaven. In our Communion today, we get a taste of what is to come.

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Presider’s Page for 8 October (Ordinary Time 27)

Songs at Mass (Suggestions) ‘Praise to the Holiest’; ‘Eat This Bread’; ‘Holy God We Praise Thy Name’; ‘Make me a Channel of your Peace’. Opening Comment There are reassuring sentiments for us in God’s Word, with Paul reminding us that there is no need for us to worry. If there…

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Presider’s Page for 1 October (Ordinary Time 26)

Songs at Mass (Suggestions) ‘Here I Am, Lord’; ‘Be Not Afraid’; ‘Make me a Channel of Your Peace’; “How Great Thou Art”. Opening Comment God’s love is displayed for us in the life and death of Jesus. We rejoice in this love, and celebrate the victory over sin and death won…

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Presider’s Page for 24 September (Ordinary Time 25)

Songs at Mass (Suggestions) ‘Be Thou my Vision’; ‘Ag Críost an Síol’; ‘Now Thank We All Our God’; ‘Seek ye first….’ Opening Comment God’s ways are not our ways. God’s love and generosity are beyond our understanding. We acknowledge all God has done for us, and ask for the grace…

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Presider’s Page for 17 September (Ordinary Time 24)

Forgiveness is one of the great qualities of Christianity. We are challenged to forgive each other as readily as God forgives us. We celebrate God’s mercy, and ask for the grace to pass it on to those who hurt us.

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Presider’s Page for 10 September (Ordinary Time 23)

Suggested Songs for Mass: ‘Love is His Word’; ‘Ag Críost an Síol’; ‘This is My Will’; ‘How Great Thou Art’. Opening Comment We gather as God’s family, concerned for each other, supporting one another in sadness and joy. The challenge of living as part of the Christian family is laid…

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Presider’s Page for 3 September (Ordinary Time 22)

We gather to praise God and to ask for help and grace. We know the difficulties that can come when we try to live the right way. Often the road of life is like the way of the cross.

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Presider’s Page for 27 August (Ordinary Time 21)

This hour of worship brings us into the presence of the God whose mystery we can never comprehend. All we have comes from the Lord, and we can only bow down in awe, and bring forward the praise that is due to the Almighty.

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Presider’s Page for 20 August (Ordinary Time 20)

Everyone is welcome in God’s house, everyone who loves God’s name. We gather for Mass to experience the warmth of this embrace.

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Presider’s Page for 13 August (Ordinary Time 19)

We gather to celebrate our beautiful God, who was revealed to Elijah as a gentle breeze and who calmed the storm on the lake. We are grateful that this God takes our fears away and gives rest to our souls.

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Presider’s Page for 6 August (Transfiguration)

The Transfiguration of the Lord is celebrated on 6 August each year, so we mark that feast today. It is also the date on which the first atomic bomb was exploded, on Hiroshima in 1945. We pray to be delivered from nuclear war.

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Presider’s Page for 30 July (Ordinary Time 17)

God has given us many gifts, including the promise that we will share in Christ’s glory. We give thanks for these treasures, as we continue on our journey to the fullness of the kingdom of heaven.

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Presider’s Page for 23 July (Ordinary Time 16)

We have been called together by the Spirit of God to celebrate the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. The Spirit teaches us to pray, and moves us to glorify the Lord’s name.

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Presider’s Page for 16 July (Ordinary Time 15)

We gather as pilgrims on a journey, asking God to keep us steadfast until we reach our eternal home. In the Spirit, let us worship God who cares for us according to our needs.

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Presider’s Page for 9 July (Ordinary Time 14)

There is much good news in today’s Gospel. We’re told we can bring all our troubles to Jesus and find rest. God will make our burden light. We praise God for the care promised us.

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Presider’s Page for 2 July (Ordinary Time 13)

We’re told in today’s readings that hospitality is a gift that brings a great reward. As we gather to thank God for the many gifts we’ve received, we ask for the grace to be hospitable to the visitors who will come our way this summer.

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Presider’s Page for 25 June (Ordinary Time 12)

Opening Comment Now that Easter and all the feasts that follow it have been celebrated, the journey through the ‘Sundays of the year’ starts again. From now until next Advent, we will listen to St Matthew’s Gospel each Sunday, and discover Jesus through the eyes of Matthew, the tax collector…

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Presider’s Page for 18 June (Corpus Christi)

Opening Comment Today’s liturgy invites us to reflect on God’s care for the family of faith, especially through the gift of divine nourishment on our pilgrimage through life. Christ gives us his flesh to eat and his blood to drink: he will raise us up on the last day. • This…

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Presider’s Page for 11 June (Trinity Sunday)

Presider’s Page for 11 June (Trinity Sunday)

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Presider’s Page for 4 June (Pentecost Sunday)

Today we celebrate ‘the great beginning of the Church,’ the day the Holy Spirit first came to confused and frightened disciples. We praise God for this great Gift, and ask for a new outpouring in our day.

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Presider’s Page for 28 May (Ascension Day)

We celebrate the Ascension of Jesus today. We remember his sending out of the disciples, and his promise to remain with us until the end of time.

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Presider’s Page for 21 May (Sixth Sunday of Easter)

Each Sunday in Easter time, we celebrate the gifts we have received in Baptism and Confirmation. We rejoice that the Spirit is our Advocate, who continues to support us in the difficulties of life.

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Sixth Sunday of Easter – Liturgy Preparation

Sixth Sunday of Easter – Liturgy Preparation

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Presider’s Page for 14 May (Fifth Sunday of Easter)

Today’s liturgy puts the life-giving words of Jesus before us. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life, the one in whom we can place all our trust. Because we believe these things, we gather to praise God.

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Presider’s Page for 7 May (Fourth Sunday of Easter)

Opening Comment The fourth Sunday of Easter is often called Good Shepherd Sunday, because the readings are about the care we receive from Christ, our true shepherd. Today is also the day of prayer for vocations. Penitential Rite Knowing the God cares for us every step of the way, we…

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Presider’s Page for 30 April (Third Sunday of Easter)

During the Easter season the Church continues to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Today, we join together to worship God, who has brought about this great victory over sin and death.

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Presider’s Page for 23 April (Second Sunday of Easter)

Even though Easter Week is now behind us, this Sunday’s liturgy still overflows with the joy of Jesus’ resurrection. Christians continue to celebrate that great event for the next six weeks, until Pentecost Sunday on 4 June, the fiftieth and final day of Easter.

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Presider’s Page for 16 April (Easter Sunday)

This Easter morning we celebrate the central mystery of our faith, the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. He suffered on the cross and died for us, but now he is risen!

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Presider’s page for 15 April (Easter Vigil)

We gather around the Easter candle on this cold Easter night, celebrating the Lord’s resurrection. With that light to illumine our way and to warm our hearts, we listen to God’s word at the Easter Vigil and prepare to renew our baptism an make a new start in the Easter…

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Presider’s Page for 13 April (Holy Thursday)

The liturgy that begins with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday continues until we reach Easter. We are at the start of a three-day celebration of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. We journey from the Last Supper to Gethsemane tonight, from there to Calvary tomorrow,…

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Presider’s Page for 9 April (Palm Sunday)

Opening Comment (for Mass without Procession or Solemn Entrance) Today’s liturgy gives us a preview of the events we will celebrate in the Easter Triduum later this week. The passion, death and resurrection of Jesus are the focus of this and every Sunday celebration. Penitential Rite As we prepare ourselves…

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Presider’s Page for 2 April (Fifth Sunday of Lent)

Opening Comment In just over ten days time, the Easter Triduum will begin, on Holy Thursday evening. The time when baptism is celebrated is now very close. We ask God’s help for all the adults and children preparing for baptism this Easter, and pray that we may be fit and…

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Presider’s Page for 26 March (Fourth Sunday of Lent)

Traditionally, this Sunday is called Laetare Sunday, which means ‘a day for joy’. Lent is half over, and the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus is nearer. At this midpoint of Lent, it is traditional to honour mothers, treasuring those still with us and praying for those we…

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Presider’s Page for 17 March (Lá Fhéile Pádraig – Gaeilge & Béarla)

In the heart of Lent, we keep the feast of Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. We mark the day by praising God the creator, who sustained Patrick, and who sustains the Church, in good times and bad.

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Presider’s Page for 19 March (Third Sunday of Lent)

The readings in this Sunday’s celebration about water and thirst remind us that this is a baptismal season. During Lent, many people all over the world look forward to their baptism, while those already baptised prepare to renew their promises.

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Presider’s Page for 12 March (Second Sunday of Lent)

Now that we are ten days into the season of Lent, our goal is clarified in today’s liturgy. The Gospel of the Transfiguration reminds us that we are destined for glory. Like the disciples, we keep this glimpse of glory in our hearts in the dark days ahead. Resurection will…

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Presider’s Page for 5 March (First Sunday of Lent)

We celebrate the first Sunday of Lent. All over the world today, men and women are beginning a period of preparation for their baptism at the Easter Vigil. Like them, we spend Lent preparing to renew our baptismal vows at Easter, looking forward to our blessing with Easter water and…

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Presider’s Page for Ash Wednesday (1 March 2017)

Welcome to the season of Lent. Today we begin the journey of penance and reflection that will bring us to the celebration of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus at Easter time. On Ash Wednesday, we pray for the grace to keep Lent faithfully.

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Presider’s Page for 26 February (8th Sun. Ordinary Time)

The Lord gathers us in to his loving embrace, the Lord who invites us not to worry about tomorrow. Setting our hearts on his kingdom, we entrust all our tomorrows to him and ask him to help us live for this, his day. Today, the last Sunday before Lent, is…

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Presider’s Page for 19 February (7th Sun. Ordinary Time)

Loving the enemy and praying for those who make life difficult are two marks of a Christian, or so Jesus teaches us today. We gather, aware of how difficult love can be, yet united by the saving mercy of God, on which we rely.

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Presider’s Page for 12 February (6th Sun. Ordinary Time)

Today’s readings ask for decisions, challenging Christians to choose the right path. We gather to worship God, who can help us in all our choices.

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Presider’s Page for 5 February (5th Sun. Ordinary Time)

Over these Sundays, we listen to what Jesus taught in his Sermon on the Mount. In today’s liturgy, we hear that we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Rejoicing in this calling, we praise God who sustains us all our days.

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Presider’s Page for 29 January (4th Sun. Ordinary Time)

Catholics gather this Sunday to celebrate the resurrection of the Saviour and to remember his beautiful teachings. In the Beatitudes, which are read at Mass today, Jesus describes the kinds of people who are blessed in God’s eyes. We hope to join the company of all these saints in the…

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Presider’s Page for 22 January (3rd Sun. Ordinary Time)

This Sunday falls within the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, when the Church prays that all Christians may grow closer together. As we join with Christians all over the world today to honour the death and resurrection of Jesus, we pray that the journey to full unity may…

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Presider’s page for 15 January (2nd Sun. Ordinary Time)

The Christmas Season ended last Sunday, and we have entered Ordinary Time, moving slowly from winter to spring. The season of Lent begins on the first day of March: between now and then, we learn a little more each Sunday about the life and techings of Jesus. Today is World Day…

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Presider’s Page for Sunday 8 January (Baptism of the Lord)

This feast of the Baptism of the Lord marks the last day of Christmas. At his baptism Jesus sees how much he is loved by God and is given the power to go out and spread the news. We share that power through our baptism.

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Presider’s Page for Friday 6 January (Epiphany)

On this feast of the Epiphany we celebrate the revelation of who Christ is. The visit of the wise men reminds us that Jesus came as the Saviour of all nations, including ours. We worship God who wants all people to be saved.

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Presider’s Page for 1 January 2017 (Mary, Mother of God)

Happy New Year! On this first day of the Year of Our Lord 2017, we acclaim Mary as Mother of God and ask her to mind us and those we love during this new year. Today is also World Peace Day, a day during which we pray for peace.

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Presider’s Page for 25 December (Christmas Day Mass)

Opening Comment We celebrate today an amazing mystery — God is born in time. The eternal God has taken human flesh, has pitched his tent in the midst of humanity. With joy in our hearts, we contemplate the mystery of the Word made flesh. Penitential Rite As we prepare ourselves…

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Presider’s Page for 24 December (Christmas Night Mass)

In the dark of this winter night, we proclaim the new light that has shone on the world: Jesus Christ is born! With the angels, we worship God who saves us — for through the life, death and resurrection of this child Jesus, salvation is ours.

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Presider’s Page for 18 December (Advent 4)

The Season of Advent ends next Saturday, so the celebration of the birth of Christ is now quite close. We gather in preparation for that great event, worshipping God who was made flesh to bring us to glory.

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Presider’s Page for 11 December (Advent 3 – Gaudete)

Songs for today’s Mass (Suggestions) O Come, O Come, Emmanuel; Rejoice in the Lord always;  Wait for the Lord (Taizé); Christ, be our Light. Opening Comment Traditionally, this Sunday is called Gaudete Sunday, which means ‘a day for rejoicing’. Advent is about half over, and the day of the Lord’s…

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Presider’s Page for 8 December (Immaculate Conception)

Our preparations for Christmas always include Mary, the Mother of God. Today’s feast celebrates her conception free from sin, a miracle that displays God’s power for believers. We worship the God of Mercy, for whom everything is posssible.

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Presider’s page for 4 December (Advent 2)

Songs at Mass (Suggestions) O Come O Come Emmanuel; The Lord Hears the Cry of the Poor; The Lord Will Heal the Broken Heart; Christ be our Light. Opening Comment John the Baptist is the focus of the Gospel reading on the Second Sunday of Advent each year. His words…

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Presider’s Page for 27 November (Advent 1)

The season of Advent begins today. During the next 27 days we will look forward in hope. We will watch for the end times, when Christ will come in glory, Christ whose birthday we will celebrate very soon.

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Presider’s Page for 20 November (Christ the King)

We celebrate the feast of Christ the King this Sunday, remembering that our king’s life ended on a cross. Today we worship this wounded and resurrected God, who promises us a place in Paradise.

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Presider’s Page for 13 November (Ordinary Time 33)

SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions) ‘Abide with Me’; ‘Ag Críost an Síol’; ‘Be Not Afraid’; ‘How Great Thou Art’. Opening Comment The readings this Sunday focus on the end of the world, though we are also reassured that people of faith have nothing to fear. (Today is also Prisoners’ Sunday). Penitential…

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Presider’s Page for 6 November (Ordinary Time 32)

SONGS THIS SUNDAY (Suggestions): ‘Be Not Afraid’ / ‘Abide with Me’; ‘Ag Criost an Siol’; On Eagles Wings’; ‘How Great Thou Art’. Opening Comment At this time of remembrance, our dead are often in our minds. Today’s readings challenge us to believe in eternal life after death. We worship God…

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Presider’s Page for 30 October (Ordinary Time 31)

SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions) ‘Abide with Me’; ‘The Lord Will Heal the Broken Heart’; ‘Grant to Us, O Lord’; ‘How Great Thou Art’. Opening Comment Zacchaeus is the star of today’s Gospel, the man who has been called ‘everybody’s favourite underdog’. Zacchaeus took Jesus at his word and changed his…

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Presider’s Page for 23 October (World Mission Sunday)

SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions): ‘Be Thou My Vision’; ‘Ag Críost an Síol’; ‘’O The Love of My Lord’; ‘The Lord hears the Cry of the Poor’; ‘Go Tell Everyone’. Opening Comment Today is World Mission Sunday and its theme is “Every Christian is a Missionary”. The Gospel story in the…

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Presider’s page for 16 October (Ordinary Time 29)

SONGS THIS SUNDAY (Suggestions) ‘Be Thou My Vision’; ‘Ag Críost an Síol’; ‘’O The Love of My Lord’; ‘Go Tell Everyone’. Opening Comment If you want results, pray without ceasing, says Jesus. God will listen and help. Penitential Rite As we prepare ourselves for this celebration, let us call to…

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Presider’s Page for 9 October (Ordinary Time 28)

Songs this Sunday (Suggestions) Holy God, We Praise Thy Name; Glory and Praise to our God; Ag Críost an Síol; Now Thank We All Our God Opening Comment The Gospel gives the story of the ten lepers, of whom only one came back to thank Jesus. We praise and thank…

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Presider’s Page for 2 October (Ordinary Time 27)

SONGS FOR TODAY’S MASS The Lord’s My Shepherd; Ag Chríost an Síol; Eagles Wings; Holy God We Praise Thy Name. Opening Comment The Spirit of God lives in us, inspiring and guarding. In the Spirit, we worship our creator and entrust ourselves to the Lord’s loving care. (‘Day for Life’…

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Presider’s Page for 25 September (Ordinary Time 26)

SONGS FOR TODAY’S MASS Lord of all Hopefulness; Ag Críost an Síol; O The Love of My Lord; Praise My Soul the King of Heaven. Opening Comment Today’s readings remind us that God is on the side of the poor, defending their rights. Penitential Rite We gather to praise God’s…

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Presider’s Page for 18 September (Ordinary Time 25)

SONGS FOR TODAY’S MASS Sing a New Song; The Lord hears the Cry of the Poor; Be Not Afraid; Praise my Soul the King of Heaven. Opening Comment We gather to worship the Lord of glory, asking for help to be God’s servants before all else. Penitential Rite Before we…

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Presider’s Page for 11 September (Ordinary Time 24)

SONGS FOR TODAY’S MASS God of Mercy and Compassion; Grant to Us, O Lord; Be Not Afraid; Lord of all Hopefulness Opening Comment Our God seeks out sinners to forgive them. At this gathering, we worship our loving and compassionate God. Penitential Rite As we enter into the celebration, we…

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Presider’s Page for 4 September (Ordinary Time 23)

SONGS FOR TODAY’S MASS Praise My Soul the King of Heaven; Ag Críost an Síol; Take and Eat: City of God. Opening Comment We gather to listen to God’s challenging words and to ask the grace of repentance from God who loves us first. Penitential Rite Sure of God’s merciful…

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Presider’s Page for 31 July (Ordinary Time 18)

God’s Word calls us to recognise the transience of life, to keep our eyes on what is lasting: we gather in that spirit today.

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Presider’s Page for 19 June (Ordinary Time 12)

As Christians called to follow Christ in good times as well as bad, we gather to praise our God who sustains us on that journey. (Today is celebrated as Father’s Day, so in the Mass we remember and pray for our fathers.)

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Presider’s Page for 12 June (Ordinary Time 11)

God’s forgiveness sweeps away all that holds us back. God, who forgave King David and who through the ages took away the sins of everyone who asked, invites us to expererience that same healing power today.

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Presider’s Page for 5 June (Ordinary Time 10)

God’s power is absolute: God is not defeated by death. Jesus shows divine power in today’s Gospel, raising the widow’s son from the dead. We celebrate his compassion and pray for the grace to imitate it.

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Presider’s Page for 1 May (Sixth Sunday of Easter)

Opening Comment The Ascension of Jesus will be celebrated next Sunday. As the Easter Season moves towards its second climax at Pentecost, we take heed of the Lord’s final words to his disciples, and look forward to the coming of the Holy Spirit to the Church. Penitential Rite As we…

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Presider’s Page for 20 March (Palm Sunday)

Opening Comment (for Mass without Procession – otherwise as in Missal) A week from now we will be celebrating Easter. But before we reach that feast, we must recall the suffering and death of the Lord, both today and on Good Friday. Penitential Rite To prepare ourselves to listen to…

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Presider’s Page for 17 March (Lá ‘le Pádraig)

Opening Comment As we journey through the fifth week of Lent, we pause to keep the feast of Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. We mark the day by praising God the creator, who sustained Patrick, and who sustains the Church, in good times and bad. Penitential Rite To prepare…

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

Opening Comment We gather to worship our compassionate God, who heals our sinfulness and challenges us to leave sinfulness behind. Penitential Rite: To prepare ourselves for this celebration, let us call to mind our sins: (pause) I confess… Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal) God of power, God of mercy,…

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Presider’s Page for 6 March (Fourth Sunday of Lent)

Opening Comment We have reached the midway point of the season of Lent. The joy of Easter is within our reach and the parent of the prodigal son encourages us to rely on divine mercy. (Sunday morning Masses: On this Mother’s Day, we honour the mothers of the community, and…

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Presider’s Page for 28 February (Lent 3)

Opening Comment Today, as we gather to listen to the Lenten call to repentance, we worship our God of kindness who, like a patient gardener, always gives people a second chance. Penitential Rite We recall the areas of life where we most need to experience God’s compassion: (pause) I confess……

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Presider’s Page for 21 February (Lent 2)

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…

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Presider’s Page for 14 February (Lent 1)

Opening Comment The 40-day pilgrimage to Easter that began on Ash Wednesday is just a few days old. We pray that God, who sustained Jesus in his 40 days of temptations and suffering, will support us on our journey also. Penitential Rite As we start out on that journey, let…

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Presider’s Page for 7 February (Ordinary Time 5)

Everyone who believes God’s word is called to pass on the Good News. Like many who have gone before us, including the prophet Isaiah and the apostles Peter and Paul, we may not feel up to the task. But God helps us every day. • Today, the last Sunday before…

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Presider’s Page for 31 January (Ordinary Time 4)

We gather as people loved by God, people called to pass on the love we have received. The love God has put into the world will never fail, but will last as long as humanity lasts. We praise God for the gifts lavished on us. (Today is the first day…

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Presider’s Page for 24 January (Ordinary Time 3)

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity continues until this Monday. With Christians all over the world, we ask God to give us the unity for which Christ prayed.

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Presider’s Page for 17 January (Ordinary Time 2)

There are echoes of the Christmas season in today’s liturgy, particularly in the Gospel story of the wedding feast of Cana, in which God’s glory becomes visible in Jesus, as it did at his Epiphany and Baptism.

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Presider’s Page for 10 January (Baptism of the Lord)

Today we celebrate the feast of the Baptism of the Lord: it’s the last day of the Christmas season. The baptism of Jesus marked the end of his quiet years in Nazareth and the start of his public ministry.

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Presider’s Page for Sunday 3 January (Christmas 2)

We gather to celebrate the first Sunday of 2016, with thankfulness for the year just gone. We ask God for continuing care and protection as face this New Year, not knowing what it will bring.

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Presider’s Page for 27 December (Holy Family)

Today is part of the continuing Christmas celebration. In today’s Mass, we honour the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. As during this week we say goodbye to 2015, we entrust our families to their patronage, and pray for God’s help in the New Year.

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Presider’s Page for Christmas Night (24/25 December)

In the dark of Christmas night, Christians proclaim the new light that has shone on the world: Jesus Christ is born! With the angels, we worship God who saves us — for through the life, death and resurrection of this child Jesus, salvation is ours.

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Presider’s Page for Christmas Day (25 December)

Christians celebrate today an amazing mystery — God is born in time. The eternal God shares our nature, he has pitched his tent in the midst of humanity. With joy in our hearts, we contemplate the mystery of the Word made flesh.

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Presider’s Page for 20 December (Advent 4)

Advent draws to a close this week, so we have just a couple of days left to prepare for the birth of Christ. On this Sunday, we’re invited to follow Mary’s example of concern for others.

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Presider’s Page for 13 December (Advent 3 – Gaudete)

Traditionally, today is called Gaudete Sunday, which means ‘a day for rejoicing.’ The reason for celebration is that the day of the Lord’s coming is nearer.

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Presider’s Page for 6 December (Advent 2)

It’s just one week since the season of Advent began. Our time of waiting continues. We try to prepare a way for the Lord, encountering John the Baptist, his messenger, during this Sunday’s liturgy.

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Presider’s Page for 29 November (Advent 1, C)

Advent begins today. During these days, we look forward, waiting in hope. We watch for the end times, when Christ will come in glory, Christ who was born for us just a little over 2,000 years ago.

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Presider’s Page for 22 November (Christ the King)

We celebrate the feast of Christ the King today, acclaiming Jesus as our king, the one who died for us and rose triumphant. We offer praise and worship — and ask for the grace to live as worthy citizens of his kingdom of justice, truth, love and peace.

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Presider’s Page for 15 November (Ordinary Time 33)

As we move into the darker times of the year, the readings at Mass remind us more and more of the end of time, and the glory awaiting believers. We trust that God stays with us always.

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Presider’s Page for 8 November (Ordinary Time 32)

Gathering together in the Lord’s house, we bring simple gifts into God’s presence – our love, our care for each other, our worshipping hearts and voices. We ask for the grace to continue to show love through the coming week.

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Presider’s Page for 25 October (Ordinary Time 30)

We come to God, who gives the blind new sight. We praise our creator for the gracious care we receive and ask for the strength to continue on our pilgrim journey to the Father’s house.

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Presider’s Page for 18 October (Mission Sunday)

This year’s Mission Sunday theme is summed up in two words: ‘Abundant Life’. This theme brings to mind the scope of the mission of Christians, which is to give something to eat, somewhere to sleep and something to believe in to those without.

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Presider’s Page for 11 October (Ordinary Time 28)

On our journey through life, we pause today for a while, offering God worship and praise. We remember the divine goodness and ask for the gift of wisdom as we continue to hurry towards the Kingdom.

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Presider’s Page for 4 October (Ordinary Time 27)

October is Mission Month. In two weeks time we will honour the work of missionaries on Mission Sunday; throughout the month, we pray that all may have ‘abundant life’, the theme of this year’s Mission Sunday. • Today is Day for Life in Ireland, with the theme “Cherishing Life, Accepting…

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Presider’s Page for 27 September (Ordinary Time 26)

All are welcome in this place: anyone who is not against us is for us. All may gather here to worship God our Saviour.

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Presider’s Page for 20 September (Ordinary Time 25)

We gather to remember the passion and death of Jesus, and to celebrate his resurrection with joy. He calls us to move beyond rivalry and conflict, to be true followers of the Christian way.

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Presider’s Page for 13 September (Ordinary Time 24)

In our journey through life we walk the path Jesus walked, so it is hard for us to escape suffering, no more than he could. We remember his suffering and death, knowing that it brought him glory and that it will do the same for us.

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Presider’s Page for 6 September (Ordinary Time 23)

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

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Presiders’ Page 30 August (Ordinary Time 22)

As we move from summer to autumn, we praise God who sustains us all year round. We ask for help with new undertakings and perseverance with continuing projects, knowing that nothing will work well without God’s grace.

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Presiders’ Page 23 August (Ordinary Time 21)

We gather as people who have chosen to serve the Lord, chosen to walk the Christian way. We worship God who leads us on — and ask for strength to continue as we have begun.

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Presiders Page 16 August (Ordinary Time 20)

Whoever eats the flesh of the Lord and drinks his blood will live for ever. We celebrate Jesus’ promise, believing we will share the eternal destiny of all who have this divine life in them.

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Presiders Page 15 August (Assumption of the BVM)

We worship God who brought Mary to the glory of heaven this day. We celebrate her Assumption, the tangible reminder that the resurrection of Jesus brings victory over death for all who believe.

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Presiders Page 9 August (Ordinary Time 19)

This Sunday, Christians gather together as friends, called by the Lord to forgive each other as quickly as God forgives us.

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Presiders Page 2 August (Ordinary Time 18)

From the days when the Jewish people wandered in the desert to this very day, God has been food to the hungry and meaning to those who lose their way. We celebrate our Lord’s loving-kindness.

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Presider’s Page 26 July (Ordinary Time 17)

United with Christians all over the world, we acknowledge one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God as our Father. We worship as one family, and pray for greater charity and love among all the baptised.

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Presider’s Page 19 July (Ordinary Time 16)

Our God is like a shepherd who always looks after the flock: the Lord cares for us in all our needs.

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Presider’s Page 12 July (Ordinary Time 15)

God has blessed us in very many ways: God has showered grace upon us. During today’s gathering, we give thanks to the Lord for all we have received.

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Presider’s Page 5 July (Ordinary Time 14)

As weak and sinful people, we gather to ask the Lord’s mercy. We know his grace is sufficient for us. Together, we praise and thank our God for the constant care we receive.

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Presider’s Page 28 June (Ordinary Time 13)

As summer takes hold, we give thanks to God for all the gifts we enjoy. We rejoice in God’s saving power: death itself is in his hand and all the living depend on God alone.

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Presider’s Page for 21 June (Ordinary Time 12)

The sight of people being rescued from ricketty boats in the Mediterranean brings home the plight of immigrants and refugees; seeing rescuers coming to their aid inspires us. God is master of the deep; Jesus stilled the storm. May all in need of help be saved through his power today….

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Presider’s Page for 14 June (Ordinary Time 11)

This is the first Sunday on which green vestments have been worn at Mass since last February. Green is the colour of growth: the Kingdom of God grows slowly in our world and in our hearts…

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Presider’s Page for 7 June (Corpus Christi)

Today we honour the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, the food which sustains us on our journey through life

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Trinity Sunday – Bidding prayers

Today is Trinity Sunday. We worship God who creates, redeems and sanctifies: three persons, one God.

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Presider’s Page for 24 May (Pentecost)

Today is Pentecost Sunday, the second climax of the Easter season. We celebrate ‘the great beginning of the Church’, the day the Holy Spirit first came to confused and frightened disciples.

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Presider’s Page for 17 May (Ascension Day)

The Ascension of the Lord is celebrated today. The Church also calls this Sunday ‘World Communications Day’. As he left his disciples, Jesus sent them out to spread the Good News. This is our task too. We ask for the grace we need.

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Presider’s Page for 10 May (Easter 6)

We gather in the love of God this Sunday, redeemed in the death and resurrection of Jesus. We are people with a mission, challenged to grow in love each day. We ask God for divine help with this mission, today and during the coming week.

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Presider’s Page for 3 May (Easter 5)

Like branches of one tree, we are held together by our faith in Christ. Because we are all part of this one living plant, we come together in thanksgiving and praise.

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Presider’s Page for 26 April (Easter 4)

The Fourth Sunday of Easter is often called Good Shepherd Sunday, because the readings are about the care we receive from Christ, our true shepherd — a care Christians are invited to copy. Today is also the Day of Prayer for Vocations.

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Presider’s Page for 19 April (Easter 3)

Throughout the Easter season, the Church continues to announce and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

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Presider’s Page for 29 March (Palm Sunday)

Opening Comment (for Mass without Procession or Solemn Entrance) Today’s liturgy gives a preview of the events we will celebrate between Holy Thursday and Easter Sunday: the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. These events are also the focus of this and every Sunday celebration. We ask for God’s help…

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Presider’s Page for 22 March (Lent 5)

In just over ten days time, the Easter Triduum will begin, at sunset on Holy Thursday. Today we pray for all the adults and children who will be baptised at Easter. And we ask that we may be fit and ready to renew our own baptismal promises.

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Presider’s Page for 17 March (Lá ‘le Pádraig)

Today we in Ireland pause from our lenten penances to honour Patrick, the apostle of the Irish. In our celebration of this solemn feast, we worship God, creator, redeemer and sanctifier, who brought our ancestors into the Christian fold through the preaching of St Patrick.

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Presider’s Page for 15 March (Lent 4)

This Sunday we come to the midpoint of Lent. The season is half over, and the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus is nearer to us. On this midway Sunday, it is traditional to honour mothers, praying for those still with us and remembering those who have died.

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Presider’s Page for 8 March (Lent 3)

The Lord has the message of eternal life: in Lent we come to know this message and deepen our relationship with the Saviour of the world.

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Presider’s Page for 1 March (Lent 2)

As we continue to celebrate Lent, it’s important that we keep the goal of our journey before us. The gospel of the transfiguration is read on this lenten Sunday each year, to remind us to hold firm to a vision of glory, on dark days. Easter and its joy will…

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Presider’s Page for 22 February (Lent 1)

Today we celebrate the first Sunday of Lent. All over the world today, people of all ages are beginning their preparation period for baptism at the Easter Vigil. Like them, we begin our own preparations for Easter, looking forward to renewing our baptismal vows and being blessed with Easter water.

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Presider’s Page for 15 February (Ordinary Time 6)

‘Whatever you do at all, do it for the glory of God.’ The words are St Paul’s, from today’s second reading. We gather here to give glory to God , marking the Day of Prayer for Temperance and preparing for the Lenten Spring.

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Presider’s Page for 8 February (Ordinary Time 5)

As we come together for worship, each of us brings worries, anxieties and fears. We gather them all together and entrust them to the one who heals his suffering people.

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Presider’s Page for 1 February (Ordinary Time 4)

We come together to listen to God’s word and share the bread of life together. As God’s family here, we praise the one who has rescued us from sin and darkness, and brought us the hope of heaven.

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Presider’s Page for 25 January (Ordinary Time 3)

The calling of Andrew and his brother Peter is described in today’s Gospel. Like those early disciples, we too are called. As believers, we gather here to listen to God’s word, resolving to put it into practice in the coming week.

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Presider’s Page for 18 January (Ordinary Time 2)

Now that the Christmas season is behind us and we are moving into the New Year, the liturgy challenges us to reflect on what following Christ means. We gather as God’s people, called to follow the Lamb of God and we praise God, with thanksgiving.

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Presider’s Page for 11 January (Baptism of the Lord)

Today we celebrate the feast of the Baptism of the Lord: it’s the last day of the Christmas season. The baptism of Jesus marked the end of his quiet years in Nazereth and the start of his public ministry.

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Presider’s Page for 6 January (Epiphany)

On this feast of the Epiphany we celebrate the revelation of who Christ is. The visit of the three wise men reminds us that Jesus came as the Saviour of all nations, including ours. We worship God who wants all people to be saved.

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Presider’s Page for 4 January 2015 (Christmas 2)

We gather to celebrate the first Sunday of 2015, with thankfulness for the year just gone. We ask God for continuing care and protection as face this New Year, not knowing what it will bring.

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Presider’s Page for 28 December (Holy Family)

On this first Sunday after Christmas, we honour the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. We entrust our families to their patronage, and pray for all who have been part of our families, those still alive and those whom we hope have joined the great family of God in…

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Presider’s Page for 21 December (Advent 4)

Advent is drawing to a close, so we have just a few days left to prepare for the birth of Christ. On this Sunday, we’re invited to follow Mary’s example and imitate her faith.

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Presider’s Page for 14 December (Advent 3)

We’re half way through Advent. Traditionally, today is called Gaudete Sunday, which means ‘a day for rejoicing.’ The reason for celebration is that the day of the Lord’s coming is nearer.

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Presider’s Page for 8 December (Immaculate Conception)

Our preparations for Christmas always include Mary, the Mother of God. Today’s feast celebrates her conception free from sin, a miracle that displays God’s power for believers. We worship God, for whom everything is posssible.

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Presider’s Page for 7 December (Advent 2)

John the Baptist is the focus of the liturgy on the Second Sunday of Advent each year. His challenge to us to ‘prepare a way for the Lord’ is at the heart of the Advent message. We worship the one who will surely come to us.

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Presider’s Page for 30 November (Advent 1, Year B)

Advent begins today. During the first part of the season, the Church focuses on the end of time, when Christ will come in glory. Then, for the last week of Advent, we will prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ.

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Presider’s Page for 23 November (Christ the King)

Today we celebrate the feast of Christ the King. At the end of time, this king will come in glory to judge the living and the dead. He will ask how we treated the hungry and thirsty, the stranger, the naked, those sick or in prison, promising a great reward…

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Presider’s Page for 16 November (Ordinary Time 33)

The beginning of the Advent season is coming closer, and the Liturgy invites us to look further into the future, towards the end of time, when the Day of the Lord comes. Today’s gathering will help us on our way, teaching us how to live and giving us food for…

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Presider’s Page for Dedication of Lateran (9 November)

Every year on 9 November, we celebrate the dedication of the pope’s cathedral in Rome, the Lateran Basilica. Because that church is dedicated to our Most Holy Saviour, the celebration of this feast takes the place of the regular Sunday readings and prayers. And we praise our loving God who…

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Presider’s Page for 26 October (Ordinary Time 30)

There’s a reminder of the two great commandments in today’s celebration: we are called to love God and our neighbour: friend, visitor and stranger alike.

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Presider’s Page for 19 October (Ordinary Time 29)

Mission Sunday is celebrated today. Its theme is “That we may have life…” We come to the source of life and pray that the life of Christ might be in us and in all of humankind.

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Presider’s Page for 12 October (Ordinary Time 28)

We gather as fellow-pilgrims at this Sunday’s eucharist, all travelling towards the great banquet of heaven. In our Communion today, we get a taste of what is to come.

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Presider’s Page for 5 October (Ordinary Time 27)

There are reassuring words for us in God’s Word, with Paul reminding us that there is no need for us to worry. If there is anything we need, we can pray for it and God’s peace will be ours.

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Presider’s Page for 28 September (Ordinary Time 26)

God’s love is displayed for us in the life and death of Jesus. We rejoice in this love, and celebrate the victory over sin and death won for us. As a community, we praise God’s holy name.

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Presider’s Page for 21 September (Ordinary Time 25)

God’s ways are not our ways. God’s love and generosity are beyond our understanding. We acknowledge all God has done for us, and ask for the grace to grow into God’s likeness.

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Presider’s Page for 14 September (Exaltation of the Holy Cross)

The Exaltation or Triumph of the Cross is celebrated each year on 14 September, when a church marking the site of the crucifixion was first dedicated in Jerusalem, in the year 335. We honour the cross today and reflect on its meaning in our lives.

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Presider’s Page for 23rd Sunday (7 September)

Opening Comment We gather as God’s family, concerned for each other, supporting one another in sadness and joy. The challenge of living as part of the Christian family is laid out for us in today’s readings. Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal) Confirm, O God, in unity and truth…

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Ordinary Time, 22nd Sunday (31 August)

We gather to praise God and to ask for help and grace. We know the difficulties that can come when we try to live the right way. Often the road of life is like the way of the cross.

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Ordinary Time, 21st Sunday (24 August)

This Sunday’s worship brings us into the presence of the God whose mystery we can never comprehend. All we have comes from the Lord, and we can only bow down in awe, and bring forward the praise that is due to the Almighty.

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Ordinary Time, 20th Sunday (17 August)

Everyone is welcome in God’s house, everyone who loves God’s name. We gather to experience the warmth of this embrace.

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Assumption of the BVM (Friday 15 August)

On the feast of the Assumption, Catholics worship God who brought Mary to the glory of heaven this day. Celebrate her Assumption is a tangible reminder that the resurrection of Jesus brings victory over death for all who believe.

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Ordinary Time, 19th Sunday (10 August)

We gather to celebrate our beautiful God, who was revealed to Elijah as a gentle breeze and who calmed the storm on the lake. We are grateful that this God takes our fears away and gives rest to our souls.

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Ordinary Time, 18th Sunday (3 August)

Great wonders are proclaimed in today’s Liturgy. God’s love and God’s care for humanity are made manifest.

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Ordinary Time, 17th Sunday (27 July)

God has given us many gifts, including the promise that we will share in Christ’s glory. We give thanks for these treasures, as we continue on our journey to the fullness of the kingdom of heaven.

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Ordinary Time, 16th Sunday (20 July)

Christians are called together by the Spirit of God on this and every Sunday, to celebrate the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. The Spirit teaches us to pray, and moves us to glorify the Lord’s name.

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Ordinary Time, 15th Sunday (13 July)

Christians gather this Sunday as pilgrims on a journey, asking God to keep us steadfast until we reach our eternal home. In the Spirit, let us worship God who cares for us according to our needs.

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Ordinary Time, 14th Sunday (6 July)

There is much good news in today’s Gospel. We’re told we can bring all our troubles to Jesus and find rest. God will make our burden light. We praise God for the care promised us.

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Presider’s Page for Ss Peter & Paul (29 June)

Every year on 29 June we honour St Peter and St Paul, two ‘Founding Fathers’ of the Church. Tradition tells us that on this day, the two met and embraced before marching off toward their deaths. As we honour them now, we ask for a little of their faith and…

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Presider’s Page for Corpus Christi (22 June)

Today’s liturgy invites us to reflect on God’s care for the family of faith, especially through the gift of divine nourishment on our pilgrimage through life.

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Presider’s Page for Trinity Sun. (15 June)

We are invited to reflect on the mystery of God on this Trinity Sunday, as we gather to worship the One who creates, redeems and sanctifies, three persons, one God, without end.

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Presider’s Page for Pentecost (8 June)

Today we celebrate ‘the great beginning of the Church,’ the day the Holy Spirit first came to confused and frightened disciples. We praise God for this great Gift, and ask for a new outpouring in our day.

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Presider’s Page for Ascension (1 June)

We celebrate the Ascension of Jesus today. We remember his sending out of the disciples, and his promise to remain with us until the end of time.

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Presider’s Page for 6th Sun. Easter (25 May)

Each Sunday in Easter time, we celebrate the gifts we have received in Baptism and Confirmation. We rejoice that the Spirit is our Advocate, who continues to support us in the difficulties of life.

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Presider’s Page for 5th Sun. Easter (18 May)

Today’s liturgy puts the life-giving words of Jesus before us. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life, the one in whom we can place all our trust. Because we believe these things, we gather to praise God.

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Presider’s Page for 4th Sun. Easter (11 May)

The fourth Sunday of Easter is often called Good Shepherd Sunday, because the readings are about the care we receive from Christ, our true shepherd. Today is also the day of prayer for vocations.

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Presider’s Page for 3rd Sun Easter (4 May)

During the Easter season the Church continues to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Today, we join together to worship God, who has brought about this great victory over sin and death.

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Presider’s Page for Palm Sunday, 13 April

Today’s liturgy gives us a preview of the events we will celebrate in the Easter Triduum later this week. The passion, death and resurrection of Jesus are the focus of this and every Sunday celebration.

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Presider’s Page for Lent 5 (Sun. 6 April)

In just over ten days time, the Easter Triduum will begin, on Holy Thursday evening. The time when baptism is celebrated is now very close. We ask God’s help for all the adults and children preparing for baptism this Easter, and pray that we may be fit and ready to…

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Presider’s Page for Lent 4 (Sun 30 March)

Traditionally, this Sunday is called Laetare Sunday, which means ‘a day for joy’. Lent is half over, and the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus is nearer. At this midpoint of Lent, it is traditional to honour mothers, treasuring those still with us and praying for those we…

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Presider’s Page for Lent 3 (Sun 23 March)

Today’s readings about water and thirst remind us that this is a baptismal season. During Lent, many people all over the world look forward to their baptism, while those already baptised prepare to renew their promises.

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Presider’s Page for Lá Fhéile Pádraig (Mon 17 March)

Just 12 days into the season of Lent, we keep the feast of Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. We mark the day by praising God the creator, who sustained Patrick, and who sustains the Church, in good times and bad.

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Presider’s Page for Lent 2 (Sun 16 March)

Now that we are ten days into the season of Lent, our goal is clarified in today’s liturgy. The Gospel of the Transfiguration reminds us that we are destined for glory. Like the disciples, we keep this glimpse of glory in our hearts in the dark days ahead. Resurection will…

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Presider’s Page for Lent 1 (Sun 9 March)

We celebrate the first Sunday of Lent. All over the world today, men and women are beginning a period of preparation for their baptism at the Easter Vigil. Like them, we spend Lent preparing to renew our baptismal vows at Easter, looking forward to our blessing with Easter water and…

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Presider’s page for Ordinary Time 8 (Sun 2 March)

The Lord gathers us in to his loving embrace, the Lord who invites us not to worry about tomorrow. Setting our hearts on his kingdom, we entrust all our tomorrows to him and ask him to help us live for this, his day

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Presider’s Page for Ordinary Time 7 (Sun 23 Feb.)

Loving the enemy and praying for those who make life difficult are two marks of a Christian, as Jesus teaches us today. We gather, aware of how difficult love can be, yet united by the saving mercy of God, on which we rely.

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Presider’s Page for Ordinary Time 6 (Sun 16 Feb)

The Gospel of Christ is challenging. Today’s readings ask for decisions, while encouraging us to choose the right path. We gather to worship God, who can help us in all our choices.

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Presider’s Page for Ordinary Time 5 (Sun 9 Feb)

In today’s liturgy, we hear that Christians are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Rejoicing in this calling, we praise God who sustains us all our days.

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Presider’s Page for Candlemas (Sun. 2 Feb)

It’s forty days since Christians celebrated the birth of Jesus at Christmas. On 2 February, we remember his Presentation in the Temple. This feast is also called Candlemas; candles are blessed because today Jesus was revealed in the Temple as the light of all peoples.

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Presider’s Page for Ordinary Time 3 (Sun. 26 Jan.)

Opening Comment (for Presiders) The people that walked in darkness has seen a great light: Jesus, the light of the world, walks among us, preaching a message of repentance. We gather to listen to him, to share the bread of life and to prepare to go out and build up…

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Presider’s Page for Ordinary Time 2 (Sun. 19 Jan)

The Christmas Season ended last Sunday, and the season of Lent begins quite late this year, on 5 March. During the time between the two seasons, we celebrate the Sundays of Ordinary Time, learning a little more each week about the life of Jesus. On this Sunday, we reflect on…

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Presider’s Page for Baptism of the Lord

This feast of the Baptism of the Lord marks the last day of Christmas. At his baptism Jesus sees how much he is loved by God and is given the power to go out and spread the news. We share that power through our baptism.

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Presider’s Page for Epiphany

On this feast of the Epiphany we celebrate the revelation of who Christ is. The visit of the three wise men reminds us that Jesus came as the Saviour of all nations, including ours. We worship God who wants all people to be saved.

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Presider’s Page for Second Sunday of Christmas

We gather to celebrate the first Sunday of 2014, with thankfulness for the year just gone. We ask God for continuing care and protection as face this New Year, not knowing what it will bring.

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Presider’s Page for The Holy Family

The Holy Family is the focus on the first Sunday after Christmas, so we honour Jesus, Mary and Joseph today. We worship God who shared the life of the human family, and thank God for all the gifts we continue to receive in each other.

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Presider’s Page for Christmas

Christians celebrate an amazing mystery — God is born in time. The eternal God has taken human flesh, has pitched his tent in the midst of humanity. With joy in our hearts, we contemplate the mystery of the Word made flesh.

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Presider’s Page for 4 Advent (22 December)

The Season of Advent ends on Tuesday, so the celebration of the birth of Christ is now very close. We gather in preparation for that great event, worshipping God who was made flesh to bring us to glory.

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Presider’s Page for 3 Advent (15 December)

Traditionally, this Sunday is called Gaudete Sunday, which means ‘a day for rejoicing’. Advent is more than half over, and the day of the Lord’s coming is nearer. We worship God who promises us joy without end.

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Bidding Prayers for Immaculate Conception (9 December)

Catholics gather today to celebrate the beginning of the life of Mary the Mother of Jesus, free from sin from the moment she was conceived.

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Presider’s Page for 2nd Sunday of Advent (8 December)

John the Baptist is the focus of the Gospel reading on the Second Sunday of Advent each year. His words challenge and inspire. We worship God who uses many messengers to call us from darkness to light.

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Presider’s Page for 1st Sunday of Advent (1 December)

The season of Advent begins today. During the next 24 days we will look forward in hope. We will watch for the end times, when Christ will come in glory — Christ whose birthday we will celebrate very soon.

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Presider’s Page for Sun 24 November (Christ the King)

Catholics celebrate the feast of Christ the King this Sunday, remembering that our king’s life ended on a cross. Today we worship this wounded and resurrected God, who promises us a place in Paradise.

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Presider’s Page for Sun. 17 November (33rd Sunday)

The readings this bleak November Sunday focus on the end of the world —  though we are also reassured that people of faith have nothing to fear.

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Presider’s Page for Sun. 10 November (32nd Sunday)

At this time of remembrance, our dead are often in our minds. Today’s readings challenge us to believe in eternal life after death. We worship God who sustains us in this life and promises us a share in the resurrection.

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Presider’s Page for Sun. 3 November (31st Sunday)

Zacchaeus is the star of today’s Gospel, the man who has been called ‘everybody’s favourite underdog’. Zacchaeus took Jesus at his word and changed his life. We worship God, whose mercy for all people never fails.

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Presider’s Page for Sat. 2 November (All Souls Day)

On All Saints Day and today, we remember all the dead, those in heaven and those still be on the way there: God alone knows where each soul is. Today we pray for all souls, for the faithful departed still on the journey to their heavenly home.

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Presider’s Page for 27 October (30th Sunday)

The Gospel story of the Pharisee and the tax collector is read at this Sunday’s Mass. It reminds us of the value of being humble before God. In today’s gathering, we praise God who is always merciful to us.

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Presider’s Page for 20 Oct (Mission Sun./ 29th Sunday)

‘Growing in Faith’ is suggested as the theme for this year’s Mission Sunday, as the Year of Faith draws to a close. These words remind us that faith is God’s precious gift — a gift we can’t keep to ourselves.

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Presider’s Page for 13 Oct (28th Sunday)

The Gospel this Sunday gives the story of the ten lepers, of whom only one came back to thank Jesus. We praise and thank God who continues to do great things for all peoples

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Presider’s Page for 6 Oct (27th Sunday / Day for Life)

The Spirit of God lives in us, inspiring and guarding. In the Spirit, we worship our creator and entrust ourselves to the Lord’s loving care — an uplifting theme for this Sunday’s gathering in faith….

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Presider’s Page for 29 Sept (26th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Today’s readings, from the prophet Amos and St Luke, remind Christians that God is on the side of the poor, defending their rights. Those who assemble for Eucharist pray to be on God’s side.

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Presider’s Page for 22 Sept (25th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Christians gather today to worship the Lord of glory, asking for help to be God’s servants before all else.

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Presider’s Page for 15 Sept (24th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Our God seeks out sinners to forgive them. At the community’s gathering for Mass this weekend, we worship our loving and compassionate God.

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Presiders Page for 8 Sept (23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time)

We gather at the Sunday Eucharist to listen to God’s challenging words and to ask the grace of repentance from God who loves us first.

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22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, 1 September (Presider’s Page)

We rely on God for everything, so we worship with all our hearts, but with humility — for  the Word of God teaches us that the humble are the ones who find favour.

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21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, 25 August (Presider’s Page)

Our God is a gracious God, who throws open the doors to the Kingdom to all of humanity. We praise and worship this generous God of ours!

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20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 18 August (Presider’s Page)

Following Jesus may not bring us happiness in this life, but we are challenged to follow him nevertheless. We come together to worship our gracious God and to ask for help in our Christian life this week.

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19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 11 August (Presider’s Page)

We are challenged by this Sunday’s Gospel to stand ready for our Master’s return in glory. We gather to worship God who sustains us all the days of our life, and beyond.

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18th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 4 August (Presider’s Page)

God’s Word this Sunday calls us to recognise the transience of life, to keep our eyes on what is lasting.

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17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 28 July (Presider’s Page)

We can ask God for help whenever we need to, today or any day. This Sunday, we gather to worship God who is always concerned for us.

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16th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Presider’s Page

As we gather on this Summer Sunday, we are challenged to be hospitable, welcoming people. We worship the God who always has a welcome for us.

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15th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Presider’s Page

The beautiful story of the Good Samaritan is told again at today’s Mass, with its challenge to us to look after others, as the Good Samaritan did. We gather to worship God who showed us what love means.

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14th Sunday of Ordinary Time – Presider’s page

On this first Sunday of July, we gather to praise God’s faithfulness, and to ask for grace in the work we’re called to do.

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13th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Bidding prayers

In this Sunday’s liturgy we pray that those on holidays may be refreshed, that those who travel may journey safely and that the blessing of God may be upon us all.

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12th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Bidding Prayers

The love of the Lord is better than life, so we bring our needs into the divine presence, trustfully, at this Sunday’s Mass.

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11th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Bidding prayers

In this Sunday’s Mass, we bring our prayers to the Lord, who forgives the guilt of our sin: we are confident of God’s power to save us and raise us up.

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10th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Bidding prayers

Now that the special feasts are behind us (Trinity Sunday and the Body and Blood of Christ), the Church resumes its journey through Ordinary Time, imbuing it with the Spirit of Easter and Penetcost.

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The Body and Blood of Christ – Bidding Prayers

The feast of the Body and Blood of Christ was traditionally called ‘Corpus Christi’: today we celebrate the great gift we share in Holy Communion — the Bread of Life and the Cup of Eternal Salvation.

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Pentecost Sunday — Bidding prayers

Today is Pentecost Sunday, the 50th day of Easter. We celebrate the completion of the Easter mystery in the coming of the Holy Spirit — and ask for the gift of that same Spirit as we gather today.

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Ascension of the Lord — Bidding prayers

Remembering and celebrating Jesus’ ascension today, we worship the God of timeless glory.

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Sixth Sunday of Easter — Bidding Prayers

Next Sunday the Church in Ireland will celebrate the Ascension of Jesus (other countries hold to the tradition of keeping ‘Ascansion Thursday’, as Catholics in Ireland once did). As the Easter season moves to its second climax at Pentecost, we take heed of the Lord’s final words to his disciples…

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Fifth Sunday of Easter — Bidding Prayers

We gather to praise God who raised his Son from the dead. We celebrate this victory over sin and death, and pray for enthusiasm as we try to pass on the Good News.

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Fourth Sunday of Easter – Bidding prayers

On the fourth Sunday of Easter each year, we honour the Risen Lord as our Good Shepherd. And we pray that God will give the Church men and women formed in the image of the Good Shepherd, who will be the priests, deacons and Religious of the future.

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Third Sunday of Easter – Bidding prayers

We’re two weeks into the Easter season now, but the Good News of the season continues to reverberate in the Liturgy. Joyfully we worship God who raised our Saviour from the dead.

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Palm Sunday – Bidding prayers

A week from now, the Rising Sun will have dawned on Easter Sunday morning. But before we reach that feast, we recall the suffering and death of the Lord, believing his sufferings brought him glory, a destiny we share.

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St Patrick’s Day (on a lenten Sunday)

As the universal Church celebrates the Fifth Sunday of Lent and asks God’s blessings on our new pope, the Irish Church invokes the help of Patrick, our national apostle, on his springtime feastday: may the faith he taught always remain fresh in Ireland and wherever Irish missionaries carried it.

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Fourth Sunday of Lent – Bidding Prayers

This weekend, the Church hears a call to rejoice: now that we have reached the midway point of Lent, the glory of Easter is so much closer. We renew our Lenten commitments and hasten towards the paschal celebrations.

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Third Sunday of Lent – Bidding prayers

Today, as we gather to listen to the Lenten call to repentance, we worship our God of kindness who, like a patient gardener, always gives people a second chance …

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Second Sunday of Lent – Bidding prayers

Bernard Cotter offers bidding prayers for use at masses next weekend. In his own parish of Newcestown, young people read out the intentions, so they are designed for this. Two young people read three intentions each.

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First Sunday of Lent – Bidding prayers

The 40-day pilgrimage to Easter that began on Ash Wednesday is just a few days old. We pray that God, who sustained Jesus in his 40 days of temptations and suffering, will support us on our journey also.

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5th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Bidding prayers

Everyone who believes God’s Word is called to pass on the Good News. Like many who have gone before us, including the prophet Isaiah and the apostles Peter and Paul, we may not feel up to the task. But God helps us every day. (This is the last Sunday before…

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4th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Bidding Prayers

We gather this first Sunday in February as people love by God, people called to pass on the love we have received. The love God has put into the world will never fail, but will last as long as humanity lasts. We praise God for the gifts lavished on us.

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3rd Sunday Ordinary Time – Bidding Prayers

The public launch of the Lord’s ministry in the synagogue in Nazara is described in today’s Gospel, which contains the very first lines of St Luke’s Gospel: the proclamation of God’s word, demonstrated in Nehemiah (First Reading), coming to perfection in the Word made Flesh.

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2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Bidding Prayers

There are echoes of the Christmas season in today’s Gospel, where Jesus lets his glory be seen at the wedding feast of Cana, just as he did at the Epiphany and on the day of his baptism. As on those days, we ‘proclaim the wonders of the Lord anong all…

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Baptism of the Lord — Bidding prayers

On this feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Christians remember Jesus’ baptism and the start of his public ministry, and pray that all who believe may be his true followers.

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The Epiphany — Bidding prayers

On this feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, Christians celebrate the revelation of who Christ is — the Saviour of all peoples.

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The Holy Family — Bidding Prayers

On the Sunday within the Octave of Christmas, Catholics honour the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, and ask a blessing on every family.

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Christmas Day — Bidding prayers

Christians around the world today gather to celebrate the Saviour’s birth, the One whose life, death and resurrection brings salvation to all.

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Fourth Sunday of Advent – Bidding Prayers

With Christmas Eve just one day away, the Church gathers to make its final preparations to greet the Infant King.

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Third Sunday of Advent — Bidding prayers

We’re over half way through Advent. Traditionally today is called Gaudete Sunday, which means ‘a day for rejoicing’. We celebrate today because the Lord’s coming is nearer.

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Second Sunday of Advent – Bidding prayers

The readings at Mass during the first part of the Advent season remind us more and more of the the end of time, and the glory awaiting believers. We trust that God stays with us always.

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First Sunday of Advent — Bidding prayers

As we move into Advent, the readings at Mass during the first part of the season remind us more and more of the the end of time, and the glory awaiting believers. We trust that God stays with us always.

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Solemnity of Christ the King – Bidding Prayers

We celebrate the feast of Christ the King today, acclaiming Jesus as our king, the one who died for us and rose triumphant. We offer praise and worship – and ask for the grace to live as worthy citizens of his kingdom of justice, truth, love and peace.

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Priests can reflect the warmth of Christ to their congregations

Mary O. Vallely reflects on her reecent experience of  a christening in Scotland, where she was saddened by the lack of real welcome for the newly baptised babies and their parents. She appeals to priests to make real, warm, loving connections with their congregations, adding that a smile — or…

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33rd Sunday Ordinary Time – Bidding Prayers

As we move into the darker times of the year, the readings at Mass remind us more and more of the the end of time, and the glory awaiting believers. We trust that God stays with us always.

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32nd Sunday Ordinary Time — Bidding prayers

In our journey through life we walk the path Jesus walked, so it is hard for us to escape suffering, no more than he could. We remember his suffering and death, knowing that it brought him glory and that it will do the same for us.

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30th Sunday Ordinary Time – Bidding prayers

Introduction (by the Presider): The Lord has worked marvels for us, so we bring forward our prayers with confidence 1.  For all who suffer, in mind, body or spirit, that they may experience the healing power of Christ (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us. 2.  For those who have…

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Mission Sunday (29th Sunday) — Bidding prayers

On this Mission Sunday, we seek to answer the missionary call to spread the Good News to the world. We  remember missionaries, who spread the Christian message. And, each day, we praise God’s constant care for all people and ask for continuing support.

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28th Sunday Ordinary Time — Bidding Prayers

During this month of October, we thank God for the beautiful gift of life, as we answer the missionary call to spread the Good News to the world. We  remember missionaries, who spread the Christian message. And, each day, we praise God’s constant care for all people and ask for…

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27th Sunday Ordinary Time – Bidding prayers etc

Opening Comment During this month of October, we thank God for the beautiful gift of life, as we answer the missionary call to spread the Good News to the world. We pray today that human life will be protected and we remember missionaries, who spread the Christian message. And, each…

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26th Sunday Ordinary time – Bidding prayers etc

All are welcome in the house of the Church: “anyone who is not against us is for us”. All are invited to gather to worship God our Saviour.

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25th Sunday Ordinary Time – Bidding prayers etc

We gather this Sunday to remember the passion and death of Jesus, and to celebrate his resurrection with joy. He calls us to move beyond rivalry and conflict, to be true followers of the Christian way.

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24th Sunday Ordinary Time – Bidding prayers etc

In our journey through life we walk the path Jesus walked, so it is hard for us to escape suffering, no more than he could. We remember his suffering and death, knowing that it brought him glory and that it will do the same for us.

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Complete a survey on the new Missal

Pádraig McCarthy presents a survey on the experience of the new translation of the Missal (one for priests, and another for laity) and invites ACP members to complete it

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23rd Sunday Ordinary Time — Bidding Prayers etc

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.

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Texts to welcome visitors

Greetings the presider might use at the start of Mass are given here in the more popular European languages, together with a phoenetic version for ministers not fluent in the languages. The suggested script reads: ‘Dear friends who are holidaying with us, we are delighted to welcome you among us.’

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22nd Sunday Ordinary Time

Opening Comment As we move from summer to autumn, we praise God who sustains us all year round. We ask for help with new undertakings and perseverance with continuing projects, knowing that nothing will work well without God’s grace. Penitential Rite: To prepare ourselves for this celebration, let us call…

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21st Sunday Ordinary Time

OPENING COMMENT FOR MASS: We gather as people who have chosen to serve the Lord, chosen to walk the Christian way. We worship God who leads us on — and ask for strength to continue as we have begun.

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20th Sunday Ordinary Time

OPENING COMMENT FOR MASS: Whoever eats the flesh of the Lord and drinks his blood will live for ever. We celebrate Jesus’ promise, believing we will share the eternal destiny of all who have this divine life in them.

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Where are the penitents? Trends in Confession: John Cornwell

An interesting article on the current state of the Sacrament of Confession by John Cornwell.  Taken from The Tablet.

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Assumption of the BVM

OPENING COMMENT FOR MASS: On this late summer feastday, we worship God who brought the Virgin Mary into glory. She entered heaven because of the victory over death won by Jesus: we hope to share this destiny.

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The Bread and the Olympics

The Olympics and John Ch. 6. Two different worlds. Or are they? Pádraig McCarthy.

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19th Sunday Ordinary Time

OPENING COMMENT FOR MASS: We gather together as friends, called by the Lord to forgive each other as quickly as God forgives us.

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18th Sunday Ordinary Time

OPENING COMMENT FOR MASS: From the days when the Jewish people wandered in the desert to this very day, God has been food to the hungry and meaning to those who lose their way. We celebrate our Lord’s loving-kindness.

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Olympic Liturgy!

The opening ceremony of the London Olympics was striking for its liturgical rites and allusions.

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17th Sunday Ordinary Time

OPENING COMMENT FOR MASS: United with Christians all over the world, we acknowledge one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God as our Father. We worship as one family, and pray for greater charity and love among all the baptised.

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16th Sunday Ordinary Time

OPENING COMMENT FOR MASS: Our God is like a shepherd who always looks after the flock: the Lord cares for us in all our needs.

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Communion from the Chalice should be given at every Mass

Bernard Cotter argues that Communion from the chalice should be universally available in Ireland, given the high number of coeliacs in its population

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15th Sunday Ordinary Time

OPENING COMMENT FOR MASS: God has blessed us in very many ways: God has showered grace upon us. During today’s gathering, we give thanks to the Lord for all we have received.

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14th Sunday Ordinary Time

OPENING COMMENT FOR MASS: As weak and sinful people, we gather to ask the Lord’s mercy. We know his grace is sufficient for us. Together, we praise and thank our God for the constant care we receive.

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Liturgy suggestions for Summer Sundays

Bidding prayers etc for the Sundays of July are given below, beginning with next Sunday. After the suggestions for Sunday 29 July, you’ll find texts to help you welcome summer visitors from abroad.

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13th Sunday Ordinary Time

OPENING COMMENT FOR MASS: On this first Sunday of July, we give thanks to God for all the gifts we enjoy. We rejoice in God’s saving power: death itself is in his hand and all the living depend on God alone.

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Birth of St John the Baptist — Bidding prayers etc

Just three birthdays are celebrated by the Church in the Liturgy each year – that of Jesus at the winter solstice, his mother’s on 8th September and that of his cousin John the Baptist near midsummer’s day. John’s birthday comes just after the longest day of the year, when the…

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Trinity Sunday — Bidding prayers etc

We celebrate Trinity Sunday today. The feast gives us an opportunity to reflect on the mystery of God, who creates, redeems and makes us holy.

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Pentecost Sunday – bidding prayers etc

Today we celebrate Pentecost Sunday, the second climax of the Easter season. We celebrate ‘the great beginning of the Church’, the day the Holy Spirit first came to confused and frightened disciples.

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BIDDING PRAYERS – Exam Mass

Parishes and communities organising Exam Masses may find these resources useful

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Ascension of the Lord — liturgy notes

Opening Comment The Ascension of the Lord is celebrated today. The Church also calls this Sunday ‘World Communications Day’. As he left his disciples, Jesus sent them out to spread the Good News. This is our task too. We ask for the grace we need. Penitential rite: As we gather…

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Sixth Sunday Easter – Prayers of the faithful etc

Opening Comment We gather in the love of God, redeemed in the death and resurrection of Jesus. We are people with a mission, challenged to grow in love each day. We ask God for divine help with this mission, today and during the coming week. Penitential rite: As we enter…

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Fifth Sunday Easter – Prayers of the Faithful etc

Like branches of one tree, we are held together by our faith in Christ. Because we are all part of this one living plant, we come together in thanksgiving and praise to celebrate this Fifth Sunday of Easter.

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Fourth Sunday Easter – Prayers of the Faithful etc

The Fourth Sunday of Easter is often called Good Shepherd Sunday, because the readings are about the care we receive from Christ, our true shepherd, a care Christians are invited to copy. Today is also the day of prayer for vocations.

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Third Sunday Easter – Prayers of the Faithful etc

Throughout the Easter season, the Church continues to announce and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…

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Palm Sunday – Prayers of the Faithful etc

An Opening Comment for Sunday’s Mass, short introductions to the readings and sample Prayers of the Faithful are provided to help the hard-pressed presider (with page numbers given to help find the way around the new Missal); this page can be printed out and read from by the presider at…

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Fifth Sunday of Lent – Prayers of the faithful etc

Opening Comment: In just over ten days time, the Sacred Paschal Triduum will begin, at sunset on Holy Thursday. Today we pray for all the adults and children who will be baptised at Easter. And we ask that we may be fit and ready to renew our own baptismal promises….

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Reflection on Mothering Sunday 2012

Mary O’Vallely sent in this beautiful reflection for Mother’s Day

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Fourth Sunday of Lent – Prayers of the Faithful etc.

Opening Comment: With St Patrick’s Day behind us, we resume our lenten journey. The season is half over, and the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus is nearer to us. On this midway Sunday, it is traditional to honour mothers, praying for those still with us and remembering…

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Lá ‘le Pádraig – Prayers of the Faithful etc.

As the third week of Lent comes to a close, we pause from our lenten penances to honour Patrick, the apostle of the Irish. In our celebration of this solemn feast, we worship God, creator, redeemer and sanctifier, who brought our ancestors into the Christian fold through the preaching of…

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Info on St Patrick available on new website

What do we actually know about St Patrick? Do we know anything for sure? How can we find out? Behind all the later traditions which grew around him, reflecting his influence on the people of Ireland, we have his own words. There’s now a website where you can get back…

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Third Sunday of Lent – Prayers of the Faithful etc

Opening Comment: Though many things can distract us, we are called to the cross of Christ and the new life Christ brings. As the lenten journey to death and resurrection continues, we ask for the grace to continue as enthusiastically as we began. Penitential Rite: To prepare ourselves to celebrate…

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Second Sunday of Lent – Prayers of the Faithful etc

Opening Comment As we continue to celebrate Lent, it’s important that we keep the goal of our journey before us. The gospel of the transfiguration is read on this Lenten Sunday each year, to remind us to hold firm to a vision of glory, on dark days. Easter and its…

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First Sunday of Lent — Prayers of the Faithful etc

Opening Comment Today we celebrate the first Sunday of Lent. All over the world today, people of all ages are beginning their preparation for baptism at the Easter Vigil. Like them, we begin our own preparations for Easter, looking forward to renewing our baptismal vows and being blessed with Easter…

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5th Sunday Ordinary Time – Prayer of the Faithful etc

As we come together for worship, each of us brings worries, anxieties and fears. We gather them all together and entrust them to the one who heals his suffering people.

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4th Sunday Ordinary Time – Intercessions etc

As we move further into the New Year, the liturgy challenges us each Sunday to reflect on what following Christ means. We gather for to worship God, who sent his Son to teach with authority.

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Second Sunday in Ordinary Time – Prayers of the Faithful etc

Now that the Christmas season is behind us and we are moving into the New Year, the liturgy challenges us to reflect on what following Christ means. We gather for Mass as God’s people, called to follow the Lamb of God and praising God, with thanksgiving.

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Liturgical Resource for Celebrants

The Liturgical Resource document below is based in the 1998 IECL  Euchariustic Prayers It contains   The Ordinary of the Mass from the Offertory to the end.   A selection of Prayers over the Gifts   Prefaces for use through the year   Eucharistic Prayers 1, 2 3, 4, 5;…

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First Sunday of Advent – Prayers of the Faithful etc

An Opening Comment for Sunday’s Mass, short introductions to the readings and sample Prayers of the Faithful are provided to help the hard-pressed presider (with page numbers given to help find the way around the new Missal); this page can be printed out and read by the presider.

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Christ the King – Prayers of the Faithful etc

An Opening Comment for Sunday’s Mass, short introductions to the readings and sample Prayers of the Faithful are provided to help the hard-pressed presider; they can be printed out and read from at the altar.

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32nd Sunday of the Year — Prayers of the Faithful etc

Opening Comment At this time of year, our deceased relatives and friends are often in our minds. Our faith tells us that we needn’t grieve over them like people with no hope. We remember them with love, and entrust them to God’s care. Penitential Rite: As we celebrate God’s enduring…

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28th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Liturgy Preparation

One of the readings at Mass today gives a vision of the feast in heaven, when death is no more and tears are a thing of the past. Those who gather to worship God this Sunday get a fore-taste of that heavenly meal in the sweet Communion they share on…

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27th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Liturgy preparation

There are reassuring words in God’s Word  this Sunday, with Paul reminding believers that there is no need to worry (see Philippians 4:6-9). As they gather for worship, they hope that if there is anything they need, they can pray for it and God’s peace will be theirs.

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Harvest Thanksgiving

A parish’s harvest thanksgiving can take the form of a special Eucharist or an ecumenical Service, or it can take place over the varied liturgies of a weekend. Relevant local people can be involved in in planning this event: in rural areas, members of organisations like the IFA or Macra…

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26th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Liturgy preparation

Christians believe God’s love is displayed in the life and death of Jesus. At the Sunday Eucharist they rejoice in this love, and celebrate the victory over sin and death won for them. God’s challenging word is read and the Bread of Life shared by all who gather.

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25th Sunday in Ordinary Time — Liturgy Preparation

The unusual parable of the payment of workers in the vineyard is told in the Gospel of today’s Mass. It challenges those who gather for worship to see that ‘God’s ways are not our ways. God’s love and generosity are beyond our understanding.’

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24th Sunday of Ordinary Time — Liturgy Preparation

The anniversary of the attack on New York falls on a Sunday this year —and it coincides with Mass readings that focus on forgiveness as a Christian virtue. In the liturgy this Sunday, those who gather for worship will celebrate God’s mercy, and ask for the grace to pass it…

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23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Liturgy Preparation

Catholics gather for Sunday Mass as God’s family, concerned for each other, supporting one another in sadness and joy. The challenge of living as part of the Christian family is laid out in this Sunday’s readings.

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22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Liturgy Preparation

This weekend, Christians gather to praise God and to ask for help and grace. They know the difficulties that can come when they try to live the right way. Often the road of life is like the way of the cross…..

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Words of welcome for continental visitors – Summer Sundays

Presiders at weekend liturgies may like to welcome groups or individuals from continental Europe with greetings like these at the beginning or end of Mass. Phonetic versions are given for priests or congregation leaders unfamiliar with these languages. Corrections and other suggestions most welcome.

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21st Sunday in Ordinary Time – Liturgy preparation

At their services this weekend, worshippers come into the presence of the God whose mystery they can never comprehend: ‘all we have comes from the Lord, and we can only bow down in awe, and bring forward the praise that is due to the Almighty….’ —the purpose of the gathering….

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20th Sunday in Ordinary Time — Liturgy Preparation

The theme for this Sunday’s liturgy is: ‘Everyone is welcome in God’s house, everyone who loves God’s name’. In that spirit, Catholics gather for weekend celebrations to experience the warmth of the divine embrace.

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The New Rite of Marriarge

Padraig McCarthy has supplied us with the links for those who are looking for the Rite of Marriage as it will be celebrated when the New Missal come in this Autumn. We thank him for this information

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19th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Liturgy Preparation

In this Sunday’s liturgy, Catholics gather to celebrate our beautiful God, who was revealed to Elijah as a gentle breeze and who calmed the storm on the lake. The liturgy expresses gratitude that this God takes our fears away and gives rest to our souls.

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18th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Liturgy Preparation

Great wonders are proclaimed in today’s Liturgy. God’s love and God’s care for humanity are made manifest, and those who gather for Mass are invited to join in God’s feast.

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17th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Liturgy Preparation

This summer Sunday, those who gather for worship rejoice in many gifts, including the promise that all will share in Christ’s glory. At Mass, they give thanks for these treasures, as they continue on the journey to the fullness of the kingdom of heaven.

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16th Sunday in Ordinary Time — Liturgy Preparation

At the start of Mass for this mid-July Sunday, the celebrant may greet the people in these words: “We have been called together by the Spirit of God to celebrate the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. The Spirit teaches us to pray, and moves us to glorify the Lord’s name.”

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15th Sunday in Ordinary Time — Liturgy Preparation

On this July Sunday, Christians gather as pilgrims on a journey, asking God to keep them steadfast until they reach their eternal home: “In the Spirit, let us worship God who cares for us according to our needs.”

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14th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Liturgy Preparation

The Church returns to Ordinary Time this Sunday, after the Lent & Easter season, and the great feasts that followed. Green vestments are worn once more, and a little of the Good News according to Matthew is shared each Sunday……

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The Body and Blood of Christ – Liturgy Preparation

The Liturgy of Corpus Christi invites those who gather for Mass on this Sunday to reflect on God’s care for the family of faith, especially through the gift of divine nourishment on our pilgrimage through life.

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Trinity Sunday — Liturgy Preparation

On Trinity Sunday, Christians are invited to reflect on the mystery of God: the One who creates, redeems and sanctifies, three persons, one God, without end.

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Pentecost Sunday — Liturgy Preparation

On Pentecost Day Christians  celebrate ‘the great beginning of the Church’, the day the Holy Spirit first came to confused and frightened disciples. During the gathering for worship, we praise God for this great Gift, and ask for a new outpouring in our day.

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Ascension of the Lord — Liturgy Preparation

On Ascension Day, we celebrate the departure in triumph of Jesus. We remember his sending out of the disciples, and his promise to remain with us until the end of time.

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Fifth Sunday of Easter – Liturgy Preparation

The Liturgy of the Fifth Sunday of Easter puts the life-giving words of Jesus before the worshipping assembly.  Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life, the one in whom people can place all their trust. Because they believe these things, they gather to praise God……

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Fourth Sunday of Easter — Liturgy Preparation

The fourth Sunday of Easter is often called Good Shepherd Sunday, because the readings are about the care we receive from Christ, our true shepherd. This Sunday is also the day of prayer for vocations.

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Third Sunday of Easter – Liturgy Preparation

During the Easter season, the Church continues to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Today, we join together to worship God, who has brought about this great victory over sin and death. In joy and gratitude, we praise God who saves us ….

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Second Sunday of Easter – Liturgy Preparation

Even though a week has passed since Easter Sunday, today’s liturgy is still filled with good news. We praise God for the life and love poured out for us in the raising of Jesus, which makes divine mercy possible — and available to all.

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Easter Sunday – Liturgy Preparation

On Easter morning the Christian family celebrates the central mystery of  faith, the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. He suffered on the cross and died for us, but now he is risen! Filled with the spirit of Easter joy, Christians proclaim the might and glory of God.

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Easter Vigil – Liturgy Preparation

At the Easter Vigil, we gather around the Easter candle, inspired by its light and heated by the Spirit of God, celebrating the Lord’s resurrection. With that light to illumine our way, we remember how God has cared for humanity from the dawn of time. The readings read this night…

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Holy Thursday – Liturgy preparation

The liturgy that begins at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper continues until Easter begins. At the Mass, we are at the start of a three-day celebration of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. We journey from the Last Supper to Gethsemane the first night, from there to Calvary…

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Holy Week Penance Service – Liturgy Preparation

This liturgy, for use in parishes in Holy Week, is a celebration of God’s forgiveness, and of our reconciliation with God and one another. The service has four parts. After a brief introduction (the first part), people listen to God’s word and reflect on it. Then all  celebrate the Rite…

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Palm Sunday – Liturgy preparation

Today’s liturgy gives us a preview of the events we will celebrate in the Easter Triduum later this week. The passion, death and resurrection of Jesus are the focus of this and every Sunday celebration.

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Fifth Sunday of Lent – Liturgy Preparation

In just over ten days time, the Easter Triduum will begin, on Holy Thursday evening. The time when baptism is celebrated is now very close. We ask God’s help for all the adults and children preparing for baptism this Easter, and pray that we may be fit and ready to…

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Reflection on Lent in the Parish: Bernard Cotter

Lent acts as an annual call to renewal, and can easily be used as a seven-week period of formation. New ministries can be started and existing ones renewed, while the whole parish becomes refreshed and ready to answer its baptismal call to service…

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Fourth Sunday of Lent – Liturgy Preparation

Traditionally, this Sunday is called Laetare Sunday, which means ‘a day for joy’. Lent is half over, and the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus is nearer. At this midpoint of Lent, it is traditional to honour mothers, treasuring those still with us and praying for those we…

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Third Sunday of Lent – Liturgy Preparation

Opening Comment Today’s readings about water and thirst remind us that this is a baptismal season. During Lent, many people all over the world look forward to their baptism, while those already baptised prepare to renew their promises.

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Second Sunday of Lent – Liturgy Preparation

Opening Comment Now that we are ten days into the season of Lent, our goal is clarified in today’s liturgy. The Gospel of the Transfiguration reminds us that we are destined for glory. Like the disciples, we keep this glimpse of glory in our hearts in the dark days ahead….

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St Patrick’s Day – Liturgy Preparation

Opening Comment As we journey through the first week of Lent, we pause from our lenten penances to honour Patrick, the apostle of the Irish. In our celebration of this solemn feast, we worship God, creator, redeemer and sanctifier, who brought our ancestors into the Christian fold through the preaching…

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First Sunday of Lent – Liturgy Preparation

Opening Comment We celebrate the first Sunday of Lent. All over the world today, men and women are beginning a period of preparation for their baptism at the Easter Vigil. Like them, we spend Lent preparing to renew our baptismal vows at Easter, looking forward to our blessing with Easter…

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Eighth Sunday of Ordinary Time – Liturgy Preparation

Opening Comment The care of God for all of creation draws us together to praise our Creator. Penitential Rite As we prepare ourselves for this celebration, let us renew our trust in God’s gracious forgiveness: (pause)

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