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 our souls.
Penitential Rite
Remembering God’s enduring mercy, let us call to mind our sins …
Lord Jesus, you came to reconcile us to one another and to the Father: Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you heal the wounds of sin and division: Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you intercede for us with your Father: Lord, have mercy.
Alternative Opening Prayer
God of all power,
your sovereign word comes to us in Christ.
When your Church is in danger, make firm our trust;
when your people falter, steady our faith.
Show us in Jesus your power to save,
that we may always acclaim him as Lord,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.
Introduction to the Scripture Readings
Isaiah 56:1, 6-7 — God is a calming presence in both the First Reading and Gospel today. In this reading, Elijah finds God not in the storm but in the gentle breeze.
Romans 9:1-5 — Paul acknowledges the role of the Jews in the salvation history. He would do anything to help them see this.
Matthew 14:22-33 — Jesus shows us that when we keep our eyes on him, none of life’s storms can hurt us.

BIDDING PRAYERS
Introduction (by the Presider) God’s help is near for those who beliveve, so we can present our petitions with confidence.

1. That we may always find strength in prayer (short pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us
2. That God may be close to all who are anxious (short pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
3. That those suffering after wildfires in Portugal and Hawaii may be supported (short pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
4. That people who go to sea may be spared from storms (short pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
5. That allthose on holidays this month may travel safely (short pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
6. That Christ may be close to us in the troubles of life. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.

The Presider prays for the Faithful Departed: That the dead, particularly those who have been lost at sea, may know the calm peace of the Father’s House. (We also remember N who died recently and N & N whose anniversaries occur — Pause for silent prayer.) Lord, hear us.
Conclusion (by the Presider) O God, our help and our refuge, you guide your people according to your wisdom: accept our prayers and come to our aid, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Lord,
accept from your Church these gifts,
which in your mercy you have given us to offer
and which by your power
you transform into the sacrament of our salvation.
Grant this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

PREFACE: Sundays in Ordinary Time I
It is truly right and just,
our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
holy Father, almighty and eternal God,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Through the mystery of his cross and resurrection
he freed us from the yoke of sin and death
and called us to the glory that has made us
a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,
a people set apart to proclaim your mighty works,
for you have called us out of darkness
into your own wonderful light.
And so, with angels and archangels,
with all the heavenly host,
we proclaim your glory
and join their unending chorus of praise: Holy, holy, holy…
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER II 
Lord, you are holy indeed,
you are the fountain of all holiness.
[In communion with the whole Church,
we have assembled on this day which you have made holy,
and, rejoicing that you have made us a new creation in your risen Son, we pray:]
Send down your Spirit upon these gifts to make them holy,
that they may become for us
the body + and blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Before he was given up to death,
a death he freely accepted,
he took bread and gave you thanks;
he broke the bread,
gave it to his disciples, and said:
TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND EAT IT:
THIS IS MY BODY, WHICH WILL BE GIVEN UP FOR YOU.
When supper was ended, he took the cup;
again he gave you thanks,
gave the cup to his disciples, and said:
TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND DRINK FROM IT:
THIS IS THE CUP OF MY BLOOD,
THE BLOOD OF THE NEW AND EVERLASTING COVENANT.
IT WILL BE SHED FOR YOU AND FOR ALL,
SO THAT SINS MAY BE FORGIVEN.
DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME.
The mystery of faith…..
Remembering therefore his death and resurrection,
we offer you, Lord God,
this life-giving bread, this saving cup.
We thank you for counting us worthy
to stand in your presence and serve you.
We pray that all of us who share in the body and blood of Christ
may be gathered into one by the Holy Spirit.
Lord, remember your Church throughout the world:
perfect us in love
together with Francis our Pope and N. our Bishop,
with all bishops, priests, and deacons,
and all who minister to your people.
Remember our brothers and sisters
who have gone to their rest
in the sure hope of rising again;
bring them and all who have died in your mercy
into the light of your presence.
Have mercy on us all:
make us worthy to share eternal life,
with Mary, the virgin Mother of God,
with the apostles and with all the saints,
who have found favour with you throughout the ages;
in union with them
may we praise you and give you glory
through your Son, Jesus Christ.
Through him, with him, In him,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all glory and honour is yours, almighty Father,
for ever and ever.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Merciful God,
let our sharing in this sacrament
deliver us from evil
and make us stand firm in the light of your truth.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Lord.

SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions) ‘Christ Be Beside Me’; ‘Be Not Afraid’; ‘Glory and Praise to our God’.