Pentecost Sunday — Liturgy Preparation
Opening Comment
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 Rite: As we prepare ourselves to enter into this great celebration, let us call to mind our need of the Spirit’s help in our weakness (pause) You raise the dead to life in the Spirit, etc
Introduction to the Scripture Readings (Mass During the Day)
Acts 2:1-11 — The events of the first Pentecost are described vividly.
1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13 — The Spirit binds all the members of the Body of Christ into one.
John 20:19-23 — The promise of the Holy Spirit is given in today’s Gospel.
The General Intercessions
Introduction (by the Presider) Conscious of the Spirit praying within us, let us present our petitions with confidence.
- That the Spirit may fill the leaders of the Church and put new life into all the bishops. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
- That the Spirit may invigorate all the members of the Church and help those baptised and confirmed this year to grow in grace. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
- That the Spirit may give fresh enthusiasm to all who minister in this community and swell the numbers of those who serve the Lord here. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
- That the Spirit may renew the face of the earth and bring peace to the world and healing to those who suffer. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
- That the Spirit may bring life to those who have died (especially N & N), and lead all the faithful departed home to heaven. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
Conclusion (by the Presider) God our creator, your Spirit brings us to life and sustains us: Hear the prayers we are inspired to make, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Other Liturgical Suggestions.
Mass During the Day: Penitential Rite c-v. Opening Prayer on page 282 (Roman Missal). The Sequence is prayed, perhaps by many readers, or it may be sung. Preface of Pentecost. Eucharistic Prayer 1 (special form of In union with the whole Church). Solemn Blessing 9 (The Holy Spirit). Dismissal with muptiple alleluias.
Vigil Mass: Mass prayers in Roman Missal, pages 280 to 281. Readings in Lectionary Volume I, pages 596 to 600.
• The Easter season ends today. The Paschal Candle is moved from its Easter place by the ambo, to the font.
Songs
‘Veni Creator Spiritus’; ‘Come O Creator Spirit Blest’; Veni Sancte Spiritus (Taizé)’; ‘Send Forth Your Spirit O Lord’.