Presiders Page 15 August (Assumption of the BVM)
Opening Comment
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.
Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
Faithful to your promise, O God,
you have lifted up the lowly,
clothing with heavenly splendour
the woman who bore Christ, our life and resurrection.
Grant that the Church, prefigured in Mary,
may bear Christ to the world
and come to share his triumph.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.
Introduction to the Scripture Readings (Mass during the Day)
Apocalypse 11:19; 12:1-6, 10 — Symbolically describes Christ being born into a dangerous world as Mary’s child, to win victory over evil.
1 Corinthians 15:20-26 — Paul reminds us that the death of Jesus guarantees we will all share in the resurrection, as Mary already does.
Luke 1:39-56 — The Magnificat is Mary’s song of praise for all the good things God has done.
BIDDING PRAYERS
Introduction (by the Presider) Let us bring our prayers before God, who does great things for all people.
- For the leaders of the Church, that they may always believe and teach the Good News about life without end (pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
- For those who fear that death extinguishes all life, that Mary’s assumption may reinforce their hope (pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
- For all in need of healing, of mind or body, that Mary’s prayers may sustain them (pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
- For those who are very ill and near death, that they may realise they have the support of the community’s prayers (pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
The Presider prays for the dead: For our friends whose life in this world is over (especially N & N), that all the dead may join Mary and the saints in the glory of heaven (pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
Conclusion (by the Presider) Almighty God, you come to the help of your servants in their need, hear the prayers we make in faith, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions) ‘When Creation Was Begun’; ‘Hail Queen of Heaven’; any version of the Magnificat.