Presider’s Page for 17 January (Second Sunday in Ordinary Time)
Pastoral Suggestion: Many parishes are omitting today’s reading from Corinthians (1 Cor 6:13-15), in light of publication of the Report of the Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation this week. It is suggested that it may be pastorally sensitive on this occasion to omit the second reading — and concentrate on the First Reading, the Psalm and the Gospel.
Opening Comment
Now that the Christmas season is behind us and we are moving into the New Year, the liturgy challenges us to reflect on what following Christ means. In the light of the Mother and Babies Home report published this week, there is sadness in our hearts as we gather, as well as an awareness of the suffering COVID-19 is causing in our communities. We pray the Lord to be close to the broken-hearted.
Collect for the Mass in Time of Pandemic (2020)
Almighty and eternal God,
our refuge in every danger,
to whom we turn in our distress;
in faith we pray
look with compassion on the afflicted,
grant eternal rest to the dead, comfort to mourners,
healing to the sick, peace to the dying,
strength to healthcare workers, wisdom to our leaders
and the courage to reach out to all in love,
so that together we may give glory to your holy name.
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.
Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
From our earliest days, O God,
you call us by name.
Make our ears attentive to your voice,
our spirits eager to respond,
that, having heard you in Jesus your anointed one,
we may draw others to be his disciples.
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
1 Samuel 3:3-10, 19 — God’s call is described in the first reading and Gospel today: in this reading, Samuel learns how to answer God’s call.
1 Corinthians 6:13-15 — For the next five Sundays, readings are taken from Paul’s first letter to the people of Corinth, which includes guidelines for a young Christian community, including teaching on sexual morality in this Sunday’s excerpt.
John 1:35-42 — The Gospel decribes the first few who decided to follow Jesus, as St John records it.
BIDDING PRAYERS
Introduction (by the Presider) Brothers and sisters, let us put words on our needs and bring them to God.
- For all those affected by the Mother and Babies Home report (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For the women and children who suffered over the years (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
- That survivors of these places may have justice, healing and hope (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
- That we may be a compassionate people (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
- That those suffering because of coronavirus may recover. (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
- That the frontline staff in our hospitals may have God’s grace to sustain them (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
The Presider prays for the dead: For those who have died in Mother and Baby homes and in County Homes and were not accorded the dignity of a Christian burial (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
We remember our friends who died recently (especially N and N), and all our dead, that God who delivered Jesus from death may raise them too (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
Conclusion (by the Presider) God our creator, you stoop down to hear our cry: grant our petitions, we pray you, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS (Mass in Time of Pandemic, 2020)
Accept, O Lord, the gifts we offer
in this time of peril.
May they become for us, by your power,
a source of healing and peace.
Through Christ our Lord.
PREFACE for Sundays in Ordinary Time I, from 1998 ICEL Missal
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 (from 1998 ICEL Missal, with interpolation for Sunday mornings)
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 N. 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 (Mass in Time of Pandemic, 2020)
Prayer after Communion
O God, from whose hand we have received
the medicine of eternal life,
grant that through this sacrament
we may glory in the fullness of heavenly healing.
Through 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.
SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions) ‘Here I Am Lord’; ‘The Lord hears The Cry of The Poor”‘; ‘Christ Be Near At Either Hand’; ‘Servant Song’; “To Do Your Will”.