Presider’s Page for 26 June (13th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Now that the great feasts of Easter and the Sundays following it are behind us, we return to Ordinary Time. Green vestments are worn today; green is the colour of growth, seen in all the fields and gardens around us. May our faith grow, through this summer and beyond!
Penitential Rite
To prepare ourselves to listen to God’s challenging word and share the Bread of Life, we call to mind all that holds us back from full commitment to faith: (pause) You were sent to heal the contrite of heart: Lord, have mercy. You came to call sinners: Christ, have mercy. You plead for us at the right hand of the Father: Lord, have mercy.

Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
Sovereign God, ruler of our hearts,
you call us to obedience
and sustain us in freedom.
Keep us true to the way of your Son,
that we may leave behind all that hinders us
and, with eyes fixed on him,
walk surely in the path of the kingdom,
where he lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.

Introduction to the Scripture Readings
1 Kings 19:16,19-21 Elisha  is called by Elijah, but he is allowed to attend to his tasks before following. This is in contrast to the call to follow Jesus, where instant commitment is demanded.
Galatians 5:1,13-18 Paul lists some of the things that the call to follow Christ involves.
Luke  9:51-62  Luke outlines what is involved in full commitment to Jesus.

BIDDING PRAYERS: Introduction (by the Presider) We turn to God on whom we can rely.

That all church leaders may have the gift of courage (we pray in our hearts for this). Lord, hear us.

That world leaders may always work for peace (we pray in our hearts for this). Lord, hear us.

That Christians may be spared from half-heartedness (we pray in our hearts for this). Lord, hear us.

That people who worry may have the support of good friends (we pray in our hearts for this). Lord, hear us.

That those sick because of COVID may get better (we pray in our hearts for this). Lord, hear us.

That people going on holidays may travel safely (we pray in our hearts for this). Lord, hear us.

The presider prays for the dead: That all we have lost to death (especially N and N) may find the fullness of joy in God’s presence (we pray in our hearts for this). Lord, hear us.
Conclusion (by the Presider) O God, our refuge and our strength, hear the prayer we make this day, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
O God,
by means of sacramental signs
you bring about the work of redemption.
Grant that our worship at this altar
may be worthy of the mysteries we celebrate.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

PREFACE (Sundays in Ordinary Time VI)
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 Sundays)
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, AND WITH HIM, AND IN HIM……

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Give us new life, Lord God,
through the divine gift we have offered and received,
so that, bound to you in unfailing love,
we may bring forth fruit that remains.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

SONGS: ‘Be Thou My Vision’; ‘On Eagle’s Wings’; ‘Soul of My Saviour’; ‘Sweet Heart of Jesus’; ‘City of God’.