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Presider’s Page for Sun. 3 November (31st Sunday)

Opening Comment (for the presider)

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. Penitential Rite: As we prepare to hear this Good News, we recall our need of divine forgiveness: (pause) Lord Jesus, you came to reconcile us to one another and to the Father … you heal the wounds of sin and division … you intercede for us with your Father: Lord, have mercy.

 

Introduction to the Scripture Readings (for Ministers of the Word)

Wisdom 11:22 to 12:2 God loves all of creation and encourages those who sin to repent.

2 Thessalonians 1:11 to 2:2 Paul writes of his pleasure at the faith of the community. But he also wants to reassure those disturbed by a false claim that Christ is about to return.

Luke 19:1-10 Zacchaeus welcomes his saviour into his house and decides to change his ways.

 

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) Sisters and brothers, let us turn to God who raises those who are bowed down with grief or worry.

  1. For all who follow Christ, that like Zacchaeus they may declare their sinfulness and find peace (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  2. For those who have never felt God’s closeness,that divine love and compassion may enwrap them (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  3. For the people on the edge of our communities, that they may experience Christ, who always reached out to the excluded (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  4. For the children who will celebrate First Penance in preparation for First Holy Communion, that they may always find God merciful (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  5. For all those in need, the sick and the worried, that the care of friends and neighbours may bring them peace (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  6. For the members of our community who have died since last November, that they may know God’s compassion eternally (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) O God our King, you support your people in all their needs: show us your kindness, we pray, through Christ our Lord.

SONGS AT MASS (for Ministers of Music) ‘Abide with Me’; ‘The Lord Will Heal the Broken Heart’; ‘Grant to Us, O Lord’; ‘How Great Thou Art’.

 

 

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1 Comment

Stan Mellett shares some thoughts on the importance of having a pastoral approach to funeral rites “when the increasingly normal experience is a funeral for one who has long since lost touch with the church, had ceased to practice the faith and been in an irregular marital situation,”
“People who have little contact with church – uneasy with ceremony and ritual – anxious and uneasy about protocol, any effort to accommodate and accompany them through the Wake, funeral Mass and burial/cremation is a service not to be underestimated; an important pastoral opportunity not to be missed.”

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