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Presider’s Page for 7 February (Ordinary Time 5)

Opening Comment
Everyone who believes God’s word is called to pass on the Good News. Like many who have gone before us, including the prophet Isaiah and the apostles Peter and Paul, we may not feel up to the task. But God helps us every day.

• Today, the last Sunday before Lent, is celebrated as Temperance Sunday in Ireland.

Penitential Rite
We call to mind our weakness at the start of Mass, always relying on God’s strength: (pause)
You raise the dead to life in the Spirit: Lord, have mercy.
You bring pardon and peace to the sinner: Christ, have mercy.
You bring light to those in darkness: Lord, have mercy.

Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal)
Most holy God,
the earth is filled with your glory,
and in your presence angels stand in awe.
Enlarge our vision,
that we may recognise your power at work in your Son
and join the apostles and prophets
as heralds of your saving word.
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
Isaiah 6:1-8 Isaiah sees the holiness of God and is called to be God’s messenger.
1 Corinthians 15:1-11 Paul summarises his message: he preaches the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus.
Luke 5:1-11 Jesus calls fishermen to help him in his mission. Though they feel unworthy, like Isaiah, they follow him.

BIDDING PRAYERS

Introduction (by the Presider) God’s love is eternal, so with confidence we present our needs.

  1. For all who are called to preach God’s Word today — that they may not give up (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  2. For those who teach others about faith, especially parents and teachers — that they may share the Good News with gentleness (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  3. For fishermen, and all who work on the sea, that God may protect them (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  4. For greater TEMPERANCE in our country, that we may all learn moderation, this Lent (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  5. For those who have suffered because of alcohol and drug abuse, that God may help them recover, one day at a time (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
  6. For sick people, and for our friends living in hospital or nursing homes, that God may  be close to them (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

The presider prays for the dead: For all who have gone before us in faith, those who have lost their lives at sea and those from this community for whom we pray this Sunday (especially N and N),  that they may sing God’s praises with the angelic host (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) Loving God, your faithfulness has no bounds, let your hand guide your people, who bring their prayers in faith, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS (alternative)
Lord God,
you have provided food and drink
to sustain our earthly life;
grant, we pray, that this bread and wine
may become the sacrament that gives eternal life.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

PREFACE (Sundays in Ordinary Time 4)
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.
His birth brought the human race a new beginning;
by his suffering he wiped away our sins;
by rising from the dead he opened the way to eternal life;
and by his ascension to you, Father, he unlocked the gates of heaven.
And so we join the throng of saints and angels
as they sing the unending hymn of your praise: HOLY, HOLY, HOLY….

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Merciful God,
you have invited us to share
in the one bread and the one cup.
Enable us to live as one in Christ
and to labour gladly for the salvation of all.
Grant this in the name of Jesus, the Lord.

SUGGESTED SONGS:  Here I am Lord; Follow me; Servant Song; Praise the Lord all you nations.

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October is Mission Month. In three weeks time we will honour the work of missionaries on Mission Sunday; throughout the month, we are challenged by the Mission theme for 2021: ‘We cannot remain silent’, based on the strong words from the Acts of the Apostles: “We cannot but speak about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20).

• Today is Day for Life in Ireland, which invites Catholics to consider a more positive and compassionate response to the care of people who are in the final stages of life .

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