Presider’s Page for 22 January (Third Sunday in Ordinary Time)

The people that walked in darkness has seen a great light: Jesus, the light of the world, walks among us, preaching a message of repentance. We gather to listen to him, to share the bread of life and to prepare to go out and build up his kingdom.

• Pope Francis has given the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time the title, “Sunday of the Word of God”.

Penitential Rite: Sometimes, we turn away from the Light. Let us call to mind out sins (pause) Lord Jesus, you raise us to new life: Lord, have mercy. Lord Jesus, you forgive us our sins: Christ, have mercy. Lord Jesus, you fed us with your body and blood. Lord, have mercy.

Alternative OPENING PRAYER (from the 1998 ICEL Missal)
God of salvation,
the splendour of your glory dispels the darkness of earth,
for in Christ we behold the nearness of your kingdom.
Now make us quick to follow where he beckons,
eager to embrace the tasks of the gospel.
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 (for Ministers of the Word)
Isaiah 8:23 to 9:3 — A prophecy of the time when the light of the world is to come, a prophecy we Christians see fulfilled in Jesus.
1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17 — Paul appeals against the splintering of the community into factions.
Matthew 4:12-23 — The Gospel describes the visit of Jesus to places on the fringes of Israel, just as the prophet Isaiah had foretold.
 
BIDDING PRAYERS
 Introduction (by the Presider): The Lord is our light and our help, so let us bring all our needs to God.

For unity among all who follow Christ, we pray (pause five seconds for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
For an end to violence, we pray (pause five seconds for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
For unity among us, in this community, we pray (pause five seconds for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
For people on the margins, people who feel lost, we pray (pause five seconds for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
For Catholic schools, that they may be places of faith and learning (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
For students of all ages, that they may grow in wisdom (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

The presider prays for the dead (especially N and N), that they may live forever in the house of the Lord (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) O Lord, our light and our help, you refresh our hope and give us fresh heart: grant our prayers, we pray, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
In your kindness, Lord,
accept our gifts and make them holy,
that they may become the sacrament of our salvation.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

PREFACE (Sundays in Ordinary Time 6)
It is truly right and just,
our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
holy Father, almighty and eternal God.
In you we live and move and have our being.
Each day we experience the wonders of your love,
and receive even now a pledge and foretaste of life eternal.
Possessing the firstfruits of the Spirit,
through whom you raised Jesus from the dead,
we hope to enjoy his paschal victory for ever.
And so, with all the angels and saints,
we sing the joyful hymn of your 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 COMMUION
Grant, all-powerful God,
that we who receive in this eucharist
your life-giving grace
may always delight in your blessings.
We make our prayer in the name of Jesus, the Lord.

SONGS AT MASS (for Ministers of Music) ‘Holy God We Praise They Name’; ‘Be Not Afraid’; ‘Here I am, Lord’; ‘City of God’.