Presider’s Page for 3 November (Ordinary Time 31)
SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions) ‘Abide with Me’; ‘The Lord Will Heal the Broken Heart’; ‘Grant to Us, O Lord’; ‘How Great Thou Art’.
Opening Comment
Zacchaeus is the star of today’s Gospel, the man who has been called ‘everybody’s favourite underdog’. Zacchaeus took Jesus at his word and changed his life. We worship God, whose mercy for all people never fails, a mercy on which we rely particularly as we remember our dead….
Penitential Rite
As we prepare to hear this Good News, we recall the wonder of divine forgiveness: (pause)
Lord Jesus, you came to reconcile us to one another and to the Father: Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you heal the wounds of sin and division: Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you intercede for us with your Father: Lord, have mercy.
Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
Just and merciful God,
true Lord of every house,
sure delight of every heart,
come into our midst today to speak your word and satisfy our hunger.
Enable us to see you clearly,
to welcome you with joy,
and to give justice and mercy a place in our lives.
Grant 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
Wisdom 11:22 to 12:2 God loves all of creation and encourages those who sin to repent.
2 Thessalonians 1:11 to 2:2 Paul writes of his pleasure at the faith of the community. But he also wants to reassure those disturbed by a false claim that Christ is about to return.
Luke 19:1-10 Zacchaeus welcomes his saviour into his house and decides to change his ways.
BIDDING PRAYERS
Introduction (by the Presider) Sisters and brothers, let us turn to God who raises those who are bowed down with grief or worry.
- For all who follow Christ— that, like Zacchaeus, they may declare their sins and find peace (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For those who have never known God’s love — that divine mercy may surround them (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For the suffering people of Syria — that God may defend and protect them (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For refugees and migrants — that Christians may welcome them (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us
- For the people on the edge of our communities — that they may find that Christ is close to them (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
- For all those in need, the sick and the worried — that the care of friends may bring them peace (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
The presider prays for the dead: For all the faithful departed (especially N and N) and for those of our community who have died since last November, that they may know God’s compassion eternally (short pause for quiet prayer). Lord, hear us.
Conclusion (by the Presider) O God our King, you support your people in all their needs: show us your kindness, we pray, through Christ our Lord.
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Lord God,
let this sacrifice
be a pure and spotless offering to you,
and let it bring to us
the rich outpouring of your mercy.
Grant this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
PREFACE (Christian Death I)
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 him, who rose from the dead,
our hope of resurrection dawned.
The sadness of certain death
gives way to the bright promise of immortality.
Lord, for your faithful people
life is changed, not ended.
When the body of our earthly dwelling is laid aside,
we gain an everlasting dwelling place in heaven.
And so, with angels and archangels,
with all the heavenly host,
we proclaim your glory
and join their unending chorus of 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 and with him and in him…….
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Lord,
increase within us the work of your saving power,
that our lives may be renewed by these holy mysteries
and your grace may prepare us for the blessings they promise.
We make our prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord.
SOLEMN BLESSING (The Dead)
Bow your heads for God’s blessing.
With surpassing love God has created us
and in the resurrection of Jesus Christ
given us the hope of rising again.
May the God of all consolation
send down upon you every grace and blessing.
R. Amen.
To us who are living may God grant forgiveness of sins
and to the dead a place of light and peace.
R. Amen.
May all of us live eternally with Christ,
who has truly risen from the dead.
R. Amen.