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Presider’s Page for 23 June (Ordinary Time 12)

Opening Comment
The sight of people being rescued from ricketty boats in the Mediterranean in recent years brings home the plight of immigrants and refugees;  seeing rescuers coming to their aid inspires us. God is master of the deep; Jesus stilled the storm. May all in need of help be saved through his power today.

Alternative Opening Prayer (from the 1998 ICEL Missal)
In the beginning, O God,
your Word subdued the chaos;
in the fullness of time
you sent Jesus, your Son,
to rebuke the forces of evil and bring forth a new creation.
By that same power,
transform all our fear into faith and awe in your saving presence.
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
Job 38: 1, 8-11 —God alone has the power to calm the storm, a power Jesus displays in the Gospel. 2 Corinthians 5:14-17 — The death of Christ has made us all into a new creation Mark 4:35-41 — Who could this man be, whom even the winds and the sea obey? Seeing Jesus calm the sea, his disciples wonder how a man could have such power.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) The love of the Lord endures forever, so let us entrust to God our prayers:

  1. For Christian leaders who try to spread the Good News — that God who banished the storm may be their strength (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  2. For those who face dangerous seas to earn a livelihood — that God may be at their side, bringing courage and hope (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  3. For refugees who cross the seas in dangerous boats — that the whole world may save them from death and despair (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  4. For the people who staff the lifeboats and work hard to save lives — that they themselves may be preserved from every danger (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  5. For all who will take to the waters for leisure, these summer months, that they may travel safely, in God’s gentle care (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  6. For the refugees from war and trouble who have landed on our shores — that they may be given safe lodgings and compassionate care (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

The presider prays for all who have died (especially N & N): that they may dwell with God in the heavens (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) Lord our God, you support your people in the storms of life: hear our petitions, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions) ‘Christ Be Beside Me’; ‘Be Not Afraid’; ‘Eagle Wings’.

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Presider’s Page for Tuesday 8 December (Immaculate Conception of the BVM)

Editor's Choice, Liturgy, Presider's Page
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This feast had its origin in the East as the “Conception of Mary by St Anne.” It spread through the West during the Middle Ages as the “Immaculate Conception” and was extended to the entire Western Church in the eighteenth century. The feast celebrates Mary, preserved from sin from the moment of conception; she is the first-fruits of her Son’s redemption and a prophetic model of what the Church is called to be.

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