Presider’s Page for 5 July (Ordinary Time 14)

Opening Comment
There is much good news in today’s Gospel, which should help to sustain all who are anxious because of the pandemic. We’re told we can bring all our troubles to Jesus and find rest. God will make our burden light. We praise God for the care promised us.
Penitential Rite
Let us call to mind the healing power of God, who takes away our sins: (pause)
Lord Jesus, you healed the sick: Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you forgave sinners: Christ have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you gave us yourself to heal us and bring us strength: Lord, have mercy.
Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
by whose gracious will
the mysteries of the kingdom are revealed to the childlike,
make us learn from your Son humility of heart,
that in shouldering his yoke
we may find refreshment and rest.
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
Zechariah 9:9-10 — Peace will come, not through the instruments of worldly rulers, but through the gentleness of God.
Romans 8:9, 11-13 — Paul tells us that life is given to us through the gift of the Spirit, so we must not live unspiritual lives.
Matthew 11:25-30 — A promise of rest for the overburdened: Jesus refreshes and renews all who seek him.
BIDDING PRAYERS
Introduction (by the Presider) The Lord is kind and full of compassion, so we bring our prayers with confidence:

1. That we may learn to trust in God’s gentle support (pause and pray). Lord, hear us.
2. That families may be filled with love and respect (pause and pray). Lord, hear us.
3. That people worried about coronavirus may be comforted (pause and pray). Lord, hear us.
4. That those sick in hospital may be healed (pause and pray). Lord, hear us.
5. That all who are overburdened may find rest (pause and pray). Lord, hear us.
6. That we may be safe, these summer days (pause and pray). Lord, hear us.

The Presider prays for the dead: For all who have died as a result of COVID-19 and all our dead, (including N. who died recently and N. whose anniversaries occur), that they may be raised to eternal life with Christ (pause and pray). Lord, hear us.
Conclusion (by the Presider) God of compassion and faithfulness, you raise up all who are bowed down: hear the prayer we make to you this day, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Lord God,
let the offering we dedicate to your name
cleanse us and reshape us day by day
with the new life of your kingdom.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
PREFACE (Sundays in Ordinary Time VII)
It is truly right and just,
our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
holy Father, almighty and eternal God.
You so loved the world
that you gave your only Son as our Redeemer.
You sent him as one like ourselves,
though free from sin,
that you might love in us what you love in Christ.
Your gifts of grace, lost when we disobeyed you,
are now restored by the obedience of your Son.
And so we join the angels and saints
in the joyous hymn of your 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, with him, In him,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
all glory and honour is yours, almighty Father,
for ever and ever.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
In this eucharist, Lord,
you have filled us with every blessing.
Grant that we may hold fast to your saving gifts
and never cease to sing your praise.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Songs at Mass (Suggestions) ‘Be Still and Know that I am God’; ‘Come to Me’; ‘I will never forget you my people’.