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Presider’s Page for 17 May (Ascension Day)

Opening Comment
The Ascension of the Lord is celebrated today. The Church also calls this Sunday ‘World Communications Day’. As he left his disciples, Jesus sent them out to spread the Good News. This is our task too. We ask for the grace we need.

Alternative Opening Prayer (from the 1998 ICEL Missal)
God of power and might,
in the mystery of the ascension
you have raised up and glorified your Son
and exalted our humanity at your right hand.
Confirm the good news your Church proclaims,
so that when Christ returns in glory
all nations may be gathered into the kingdom,
where he lives and reigns with you now and always
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.

Introduction to the Scripture Readings
Acts 1:1-11 — This gives Luke’s description of the event we celebrate today, taken from the very start of the book of Acts.
Ephesians 4:1-13 — Paul appeals to Christians to live in peace and unity, and lists some of the gifts the ascended Lord has passed on.
Mark 16:15-20 — These last verses of Mark’s Gospel show how Jesus remains with us. When the Church proclaims and lives the Gospel, the Lord himself is at work.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) With confidence, let us bring our prayers before God, the Most High.

  1. For all Christians, that by their lives they may pass on the Good News (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
  2. For those called to work as missionaries, that they may do the Lord’s work in today’s world (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
  3. For the people of Nepal, recovering from a second earthquake, that all the world may help them (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
  4. For broadcasters and journalists, and all who work in the media, that their work may advance the cause of truth and justice (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
  5. For those preparing for exams over this weekend, that they may have the Spirit’s help, according to their needs (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
  6. For people who feel lonely or undervalued, that our friendship may help them realise how much they are loved (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.

The Presider prays for the dead: For all our brothers and sisters who have died (especially N & N), that where Christ has gone, they may soon follow (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) Lord Most High, great king over all the earth, you calm your people in their distress: hear and grant the prayers we make to you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

SONGS AT MASS  (Suggestions) ‘Let The Earth Rejoice And Sing’; ‘Now the Green Blade Rises’, This is the Day the Lord has made’; ‘He is Lord’.

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God has blessed us in very many ways: God has showered grace upon us. During today’s gathering, we give thanks to the Lord for all we have received.
• Sunday 11 July marks the 100th anniversary of the Truce that ended the War of Independence in Ireland. Accordingly, today is the National Day of Commemoration of those who died in past wars or on service of the United Nations.

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