Presider’s Page for 17th October (29th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

SONGS AT MASS  (Suggestions) ‘Be Thou My Vision’; ‘Ag Críost an Síol’; ‘Will you Let me be your servant?’; How Great Thou Art’.

Opening Comment
We are called to serve as Christ served, but when that proves hard for us, we approach the throne of grace for mercy and assistance, knowing that God is on our side, encouraging us onwards.

Penitential Rite
As we enter this celebration, we recall times we have failed to show love in our families, relying always on God’s mercy…..(pause)
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 (from the 1998 ICEL Missal)
Most glorious God,
in Jesus you show us
that your will is to save.
Grant to us your people
the boldness to desire a place in your kingdom,
the courage to drink the cup of suffering,
and the grace to find in service
the glory you promise.

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
Isaiah 53:10-11 — The suffering of the Lord can be seen beforehand in the words written by Isaiah.
Hebrews 4:14-16 — In Jesus we have a high priest who was tempted as we are. He will have mercy on us.
Mark 10:42-45 —The true follower of Jesus is to be like the Master: a humble servant.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) The Lord looks on those who revere him, on those who hope in his love — so let us bring our needs with confidence:

1. For the success of the Synod, beginning this weekend in churches around the world (pause and pray quietly for a moment, then…..) Lord, hear us.
2. For Francis our pope, that he may continue to help us to renew the Church (pause and pray quietly for a moment, then…..) Lord, hear us.
3. For all who are part of this Synod, that they may listen well — (ten-second pause for silent prayer) … Lord, hear us.
4. For people with COVID in hospitals and I.C.U.s (ten-second pause for silent prayer) ... Lord, hear us.
5. For access to a vaccine for everyone, rich and poor alike — (ten-second pause for silent prayer) … Lord, hear us.
6. For a blessing on our community, as we emerge from COVID restrictions — (ten-second pause for silent prayer) ... Lord, hear us.

The Presider prays for the dead (especially N and N): that the Lord may rescue their souls from death— (ten-second pause for silent prayer) … Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) God, the creator of all, you fill the earth with your love: we rejoice in your faithfulness as we present these prayers to you, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Lord God,
grant us the gift of serving at your altar
with free and generous hearts,
that your grace may cleanse us from sin
through these very mysteries
by which we offer you true worship.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Lord.

Preface of Sundays VII
It is truly right and just,
our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
holy Father, almighty and eternal God.

You so loved the world
that you gave your only Son as our Redeemer.
You sent him as one like ourselves,
though free from sin,
that you might love in us what you love in Christ.
Your gifts of grace, lost when we disobeyed you,
are now restored by the obedience of your Son.

And so we join the angels and saints
in the joyous hymn of your 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,
[Saint Ignatius of Antioch]
with the apostles, the martyrs,
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
Foster your life within us, Lord,
by the celebration of the heavenly mysteries:
bless us with your help from day to day
and so prepare our hearts for the world to come.
We make our prayer 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.