Presider’s Page for 25 October (Ordinary Time 30)
Opening Comment
We come to God, who gives the blind new sight. We praise our creator for the gracious care we receive and ask for the strength to continue on our pilgrim journey to the Father’s house.
Alternative Opening Prayer (from the 1998 ICEL Missal)
Have pity on us, God our Saviour.
Grant us grace and courage to cast off our sins
and turn to you for healing.
Show us in Christ the sure path of salvation
and strengthen us to follow gladly
in the way 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
Jeremiah 31:7-9 — A vision of a time when all God’s people are gathered together, with everyone sharing the gift of new sight
Hebrews 5:1-6 — Christ is our high priest, but he also knows our weakness.
Mark 10:46-52 — The blind beggar Bartimaeus is healed by Jesus.
BIDDING PRAYERS
Introduction (by the Presider) The Lord has worked marvels for us, so we bring forward our prayers with confidence.
- For the Church throughout the world, that it may be united around Francis, our pope (pause for reflection/prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For the world, that every evil may be defeated, especially trafficking, the modern form of slavery (pause for reflection/prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For all who suffer —mentally, physically or spiritually — that they may experience the healing power of Christ in the Church (pause for reflection/prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For those who have problems with their sight, that help and understanding may be given them (pause for reflection/prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For the people who sit on our streets, begging, that they may experience kindness and compassion (pause for reflection/prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For our young people and their teachers, that their midterm break may bring refreshment and a new enthusiasm (pause for reflection/prayer). Lord, hear us.
The presider prays for the dead: For those who have died (especially N and N), that they may have the reward of their labours (pause for reflection/prayer). Lord, hear us.
Conclusion (by the Presider) O Lord, we rejoice in your marvellous kindness and bring forward all our needs: we entrust them to you with faith and confidence, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions) Christ Be Near At Either Hand’; ‘Shepherd Me O God’; ‘The Lord Will Heal the Broken Heart’; ‘Amazing Grace’.