Presider’s Page for 22 September (Ordinary Time 25)
We gather to remember the passion and death of Jesus, and to celebrate his resurrection with joy. He calls us to move beyond rivalry and conflict, to be true followers of the Christian way.
Penitential Rite
As we enter into the celebration, we call to mind the times we have failed in love, remembering that God never fails in mercy…. (pause)
I confess
Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
O God,
protector of the poor and defender of the just,
in your kingdom the last become first,
the gentle are strong,
and the lowly exalted.
Give us wisdom from above,
that we may find in your servant Jesus
the pattern of true discipleship
and the grace to persevere in following him,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.
Introduction to the Scripture Readings
Wisdom 2:12, 17-20 — Describes the trouble the good person can endure, the same anger that led to the death of Jesus.
James 3:16 to 4:3 — James challenges people to conquer the wrong desires in themselves, as a means of bringing peace.
Mark 9:30-37 — Jesus tells his followers about his death and resurrection, and teaches them how to be true disciples.
BIDDING PRAYERS
Introduction (by the Presider) My friends, we have God for our help, so let us bring forward all our needs.
- For the care of creation — that all may work to preserve our common home (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For all Christians — that they may learn to be put others first (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For migrants far away from their home – that they may be treated well (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For peacemakers — that God may help them to stick at it (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For the children of our community — that they may grow in wisdom (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For children who have suffered from harm or abuse — that God may protect them from further danger (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
The Presider prays for the dead: For all who have died (especially N and N), that the Lord may keep them in eternal peace (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
Conclusion (by the Presider) God of power and might, you uphold our lives and keep us in your care, help us in our needs, we pray, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Take to yourself, O Lord, the gifts your people offer,
that in this holy sacrament
we may enter the mystery
which we profess with devotion and faith.
Grant this in the name of Jesus, the Lord.
PREFACE (Sundays in Ordinary Time 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 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. AMEN.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Lord,
support with your unfailing help
those you nourish with this sacrament,
that we may feel the power of your redemption
in the celebration of the eucharist
and in the conduct of our lives.
Grant this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions) ‘Christ be Beside Me’; ‘Ag Críost an Síol’; ‘Servant Song’; Make Me A Channel of Your Peace’.