Presider’s Page for 18 July (16th Sunday in Ordinary Time)
Opening Comment
Our God is like a shepherd who always looks after the flock: the Lord cares for us in all our needs. Even when we are distressed by a new surge of COVID-19, our caring Lord is by our side.
Penitential Rite
The Good Shepherd lifts our drooping spirits, so we can bring our sins and failings — and rely on divine forgiveness (pause)
Lord Jesus, you have shown us the way to the Father: Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you have given us the consolation of the truth: Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you are the Good Shepherd, leading us into everlasting life: Lord, have mercy.
Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
Compassionate God,
from far and near you gather your Church into one.
Safeguard the unity of your flock
through the teaching of Christ the Shepherd,
that all your scattered children may find in him
the guidance and nourishment they seek.
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.
Alternative Opening Prayer — from the Mass ‘IN TIME OF PANDEMIC’
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.
Introduction to the Scripture Readings
Jeremiah 23:1-6 — Shepherds who neglect their flocks are condemned, as God promises to intervene for the sake of the people — just as a good shepherd would do.
Ephesians 2:13-18 — Christ, by his blood, ends hostility and brings people together.
Mark 6:30-34 — Jesus encourages the apostles to rest, but takes pity on the people also.
BIDDING PRAYERS
Introduction (by the Presider) Like a shepherd, the Lord continues to care for us, so we pray with confidence:
- For priests and ministers — that they may be good shepherds (pray quietly…. Lord, hear us).
- For farmers and all who care for animals (pray quietly…. Lord, hear us)
- For Pope Francis — that he may continue to get better (pray quietly…. Lord, hear us).
- For the people in Germany affected by the floods (pray quietly, then…. Lord, hear us).
- For everyone suffering because of COVID-19 (pray quietly, then…. Lord, hear us).
- For the gift of sleep and rest to refresh us (pray quietly, then…. Lord, hear us).
The presider prays for the dead: For those whose life in this world is over (especially N & N) that they may dwell in God’s house forever (pray in your heart for this, then….Lord, hear us).
Conclusion (by the Presider)
O God, our Shepherd, your goodness and kindness help us every day:
Hear our prayers and be with us in our needs, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
O God,
you have fulfilled the many offerings of the Old Law
in the one, perfect sacrifice of the New.
Receive the gifts of your servants
and bless them as you blessed the sacrifice of Abel,
so that what each of us has offered to your honour and glory
may advance the salvation of all.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
PREFACE (Sundays in Ordinary Time VIII)
It is truly right and just,
our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
holy Father, almighty and eternal God.
When sin had scattered your children afar,
you chose to gather them back to yourself
through the blood of your Son and the power of the Spirit.
Thus a people made one by the oneness of the Trinity
shines forth as your Church,
the body of Christ and the temple of the Spirit,
to the praise of your manifold wisdom.
And so we join the multitude of angels
in their joyful chorus of praise: Holy, holy, holy…
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER II (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 Francis 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
Lord,
remain close to the people
you have enriched with these heavenly mysteries,
and grant that we may pass from our former ways
to new life in the risen Christ.
We make our prayer in the name of Jesus, the Lord.
PRAYER OVER THE PEOPLE (Mass in Time of Pandemic)
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) ‘The Lord’s My Shepherd’; ‘Oh The Word of My Lord’; ‘Be Not Afraid’; Yahweh I Know You Are Near’.