Presider’s Page for 28 December (Holy Family)

Opening Comment
Today we honour the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. We entrust our families to their patronage, and pray for all who have been part of our families, those still alive and those whom we hope have joined the great family of God in heaven.

Alternative Opening prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
O God,
you cradle us at the beginning of life
and embrace us at our journey’s end,
for you love us as your own.
Bind our families together
and deepen our faith,
that, like the Holy Family of Nazareth,
we may grow in wisdom,
obedient to your word.

We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Word made flesh,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
in the splendour of eternal light,
God for ever and ever.

Introduction to the Scripture Readings
Genesis 15:1-6; 21:1-3 Abraham and Sarah are given a child as a reward for their faith
Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19 A reflection on the outcome of the faith of Abraham and Sarah
Luke 2:22-40 The story is told of Jesus’ presentation in the Temple, the prophesies of Simeon and Anna and the growth to maturity of Jesus in Mary and Joseph’s care.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) As members of God’s family, we bring our prayers to the Lord, whose love surpasses all others:

1. For all Christian families, that values like patience, understanding and tolerance may be their hallmark (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us
2. For families in difficulty, that they may have the support they need (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us
3. For grandparents and all older people, that, like Simeon and Anna, their hopes for the next generation may be fulfilled (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us
4. For single people of all ages, that their Christian commitment may be seen in gentleness and concern for others (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us
5. For those who suffer in family life, that healing and hope may be God’s gift to them in the New Year (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us
6. For all the members of our families who have died, whom we remember now (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us

The presider prays for those who died recently (especially N and N) and for the people from our community who died during 2014, that they may see the face of God (pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us

Conclusion (by the Presider) O God, your remember your covenant forever: hear the prayers of those who seek your help, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions) Christmas Carols; May Your Love be Upon Us; Praise the Lord All you Nations; Christ be Our Light.

PREFACE FOR CHRISTMAS II (from 1998 ICEL Missal)

It is truly right and just,
our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
holy Father, almighty and eternal God,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
In the great mystery of his birth,
the God we cannot see
has now appeared in human form.
The one begotten before all ages
begins to live in time.
He has come to raise the fallen world,
to make creation whole again,
and to lead humanity from exile
back to your heavenly kingdom.
And so, with all the angels and saints,
we sing the joyful hymn of your praise: HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

SOLEMN BLESSING for Christmas (from the 1998 ICEL Missal)

Presider: Bow your heads for God’s blessing.

Through the incarnation of his Son
God has scattered the darkness of the world,
and by Christ’s glorious birth,
which angels announced to the shepherds,
has brightened this most holy day.
May the God of infinite goodness banish the darkness
of sin from your hearts
and make them radiant with the light of goodness.
R. Amen.
May God fill you with the joy of the shepherds
and make you heralds of the gospel.
R. Amen.
May the God who joins heaven and earth
fill you with peace and goodwill
and unite you in fellowship with the Church in heaven.
R. Amen.

May almighty God bless you,
the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.
R. Amen.