Presider’s Page for 13 December (Advent 3 – Gaudete)
Opening Comment
We’re 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.
Alternative Opening Prayer (from the 1998 ICEL Missal)
Almighty God,
you sent your Son into a world
where the wheat must be winnowed from the chaff
and evil clings even to what is good.
Let the fire of your Spirit
purge us of greed and deceit,
so that, purified, we may find our peace in you
and you may delight in us.
Grant this through him whose coming is certain,
whose day draws near:
your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.
Introduction to the Scripture Readings
Zephaniah 3:14-18 Zephaniah appeals for joy. The Lord is in the midst of the people, so there is no need for fear.
Philippians 4:4-7 Be happy, says Paul, and be tolerant: the Lord is very near.
Luke 3:10-18 John the Baptist announces the Good News, and declares he is not the Messiah.
BIDDING PRAYERS
Introduction (by the Presider) Let us bring our prayers to God, our strength and our salvation.
- For all who follow Christ, that they may have joy as they prepare for the Lord’s coming (pause for quiet prayer/reflection). Lord, hear us.
- For those who suffer from hunger and want, that the well-off may not fail to share (pause for quiet prayer/reflection). Lord, hear us.
- For the people affected by flooding in our country, that they may have the help they need (pause for quiet prayer/reflection). Lord, hear us.
- For all whose hearts are broken, that their friends may not forget them (pause for quiet prayer/reflection). Lord, hear us.
- For refugees and all who are far from home, that they find comfort at Christmas (pause for quiet prayer/reflection). Lord, hear us.
- For those we love and people who are in any kind of need, that God may be with them (pause for quiet prayer/reflection). Lord, hear us.
The Presider prays for all who have died (especially N and N), that eternal salvation may be theirs (pause for quiet prayer/reflection). Lord, hear us.
Conclusion (by the Presider) God our saviour, we rejoice in your mighty deeds, give us your help, we pray, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Lord,
may the continual offering of the eucharistic sacrifice
carry out the mystery of our redemption
and accomplish your saving work among us.
Grant this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
PREFACE (ADVENT II)
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.
He is the one foretold by all the prophets,
whom the Virgin Mother awaited with love beyond all telling,
the one whose coming John the Baptist heralded,
and whose presence he proclaimed.
This same Lord invites us to prepare with joy
for the mystery of his birth,
so that when he comes
he may find us watchful in prayer,
our hearts filled with wonder and praise.
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……
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
We implore your mercy, O Lord,
that the power of these divine mysteries may free us from sin
and prepare us for the approaching feast of Christmas.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Lord.
SOLEMN BLESSING (Advent)
May God the almighty and merciful
bless you by the light of Christ’s coming,
and enrich your lives with every grace. R. Amen.
May God make you steadfast in faith,
joyful in hope,
and untiring in love all the days of your life. R. Amen.
May God reward you with eternal life
when our Redeemer comes again in glory. R. Amen.
May almighty God bless you,
the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit. R. Amen
SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions) Sing a New Song Unto the Lord; Maranatha; O Come O Come Emmanuel