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Presider’s Page for 30 November (Advent 1, Year B)

Opening Comment
Advent begins today. During the first part of the season, the Church focuses on the end of time, when Christ will come in glory.

Advent Wreath blessing (shorter form)
Father, all powerful Lord of Light, bless + our wreath of evergreens. May the increasing light of these candles brighten our minds and hearts to be steadfast in faith, joyful in hope and untiring in love, so that we are ready again to  receive in true peace Jesus, the Light of the World, who lives and reigns with you, for ever and ever. Amen. (Sprinkling follows.)

Alternative Opening prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
Rend the heavens and come down, O God of all the ages!
Rouse us from sleep, deliver us from our heedless ways, and form us into a watchful people,
that, at the advent of your Son, he may find us doing what is right, mindful of all you command.
Grant this through him whose coming is certain, whose day draws near:
your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.

Introduction to the Scripture Readings (Year B)
Isaiah 63:16-17, 64:1, 3-8 — Isaiah regrets that God’s people stray, but affirms that God is the potter, and we the work of his hand.
1 Corinthians 1:3-9 — Paul thanks God for the graces received by the Christians in Corinth, and prays that they will remain steady.
Mark 13:33-37 — Be on your guard, says Jesus, because the Master may come unexpectedly.

BIDDING PRAYERS (Include Palestinians and Israeli, AIDS sufferers)

Introduction (by the Presider) Because we believe God that will come to our help, we present our prayers:

  1. For believers everywhere who wait for the Lord’s coming, that this Advent may help them prepare (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  2. For all the people who look forward to the celebration of Christmas, that Christ’s words and values may find a place in their hearts (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us
  3. For the nations where there is no peace (especially Israel, Palentine and the Middle East), that war may soon be a distant memory (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  4. For people suffering because of HIV and AIDS, that they may experience healing and support (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  5. For all who are sick in mind or body, that they may know the Lord’s healing power (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us
  6. For people trying to rebuild their lives after any betrayal of trust, that they may feel the tender love of God, on whom they can rely (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

The presider prays for the dead: for all the members of this community who have died (especially N and N), that God’s light may shine on them and on all we have lost (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) God of hosts, your hand protects your chosen people: listen to our prayers, we ask you, through Christ our Lord. Amen

 

PREFACE OF ADVENT (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.
When first he came among us
in the lowliness of human flesh,
he fulfilled the plan you formed long ago
and opened for us the way to salvation.
Now, hoping that the salvation promised us will be ours,
we watch for the day
when Christ will come again in majesty and glory.
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 ….

SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions) ‘O Come, O Come Emmanuel’; ‘Maranatha’; ‘Wait For The Lord’; ‘Chirst be our Light’.

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