Presider’s Page for 16 January (Second Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Opening Comment
There are echoes of the Christmas season in today’s liturgy, particularly in the Gospel story of the wedding feast of Cana, in which God’s glory becomes visible in Jesus, as it did at his Epiphany and Baptism.

Penitential Rite
To prepare ourselves to celebrate, let us allow the glory of Christ’s love to illuminate the shadows within us: (pause) Lord Jesus, you are mighty God and Prince of Peace ….. Lord Jesus, you are Son of God and Son of Mary …. Lord Jesus, you are Word made flesh and splendour of the Father……

Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
God of wonders,
at Cana in Galilee
you revealed your glory in Jesus Christ
and summoned all humanity
to life in him.

Show to your people gathered on this day
your transforming power
and give us a foretaste
of the wine you keep
for the age to come.

We make our prayer 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
Isaiah 62:1-5 God’s relationship with us is described in terms of a wedding —God is as close as a bridegroom to a bride.
1 Corinthians 12:4-11 Between now and the start of Lent, the second reading each Sunday is from St Paul’s first letter to the people of Corinth. He wrote to them in response to a request for practical guidance. Today’s reading outlines the different gifts needed by each community, which the Spirit provides.
John 2:1-11 The story of the wedding feast of Cana repeats the message of the Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord. Jesus’ glory was seen by his disciples.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) Let us raise our prayers to God, who works wonders among all the peoples.

1. For all who seek to follow Christ, we pray (pause for a few seconds quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
2. For those who suffer because of COVID-19, we pray (pause for a few seconds quiet prayer). Lord, hear us
3. For couples hoping to marry this year, we pray (pause for a few seconds quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
4. For more love and kindness in the world, we pray (pause for a few seconds quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
5. For an end to all violence against women, we pray (pause for a few seconds quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
6. For the family of Aisling Murphy and the people of Tullamore, we pray (pause for a few seconds quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.

The Presider prays for the dead: For people who have died recently, including all who have died in tragic circumstances, that they may have peace in their eternal home (pause for a few seconds quiet prayer — and include local deaths). Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) Loving God, we proclaim to the nations: ‘God is king:’ let your power be seen as you answer the prayers we make, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Lord God,
make us worthy to celebrate this holy eucharist,
for as often as this sacrifice is offered
in remembrance of your Son,
the work of our redemption is accomplished.
We ask 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 (III)
Lord, you are holy indeed,
and all creation rightly gives you praise.
All life, all holiness comes from you
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,
by the working of the Holy Spirit.
From age to age you gather a people to yourself,
so that from the rising of the sun to its setting
a pure offering may be made
to the glory of your name.

And so, Lord God, we humbly pray:
by the power of your Spirit sanctify these gifts
we have brought before you,
that they may become the body + and blood
of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,
at whose command we celebrate this eucharist.

On the night he was handed over to death,
he took bread and gave you thanks and praise;
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 and praise,
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…..

Calling to mind, Lord God
the death your Son endured for our salvation,
his glorious resurrection and ascension into heaven,
and eagerly awaiting the day of his return,
we offer you in thanksgiving this holy and living sacrifice.
Look with favour on your Church’s offering
and see the Victim by whose sacrifice
you were pleased to reconcile us to yourself.
Grant that we who are nourished by the body and blood of your Son
may be filled with his Holy Spirit
and become one body, one spirit in Christ.

Let him make us an everlasting gift to you,
that we may share in the inheritance of your saints,
with Mary, the virgin Mother of God,
with the apostles, the martyrs,
[Saint Fursa] and all your saints,
on whose constant intercession we rely for help.

Lord, may this sacrifice
which has made our peace with you
advance the peace and salvation of all the world.
Strengthen in faith and love your pilgrim Church on earth:
your servant Pope Francis, our Bishop N.,
all bishops, priests, and deacons,
all ministers of your Church,
and the entire people your Son has gained for you.

Merciful Father,
hear the prayers of the family you have gathered here before you,
and unite to yourself all your children
now scattered over the face of the earth.

Welcome into your kingdom our departed brothers and sisters
and all who have left this world in your friendship.
We hope to enjoy with them your everlasting glory,
through Christ our Lord,
through whom you give the world everything that is good.

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
God of mercy,
pour forth upon us the Spirit of your love,
that we who have been nourished
by the one bread from heaven
may be one in mind and heart.
Grant this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

PRAYER OVER THE PEOPLE (Mass in Time of Pandemic, 2020)
O God, protector of all who hope in you,
bless your people, keep them safe,
defend them, prepare them,
that, free from sin and safe from the enemy,
they may persevere always in your love.
Through Christ our Lord.

SUGGESTED SONGS: ‘Praise The Lord All You Nations’, ‘Take and Eat’, ‘Love is His Word’, ‘How Great Thou Art’.