Presider’s Page for Mission Sunday, 24 October (30th Sunday in Ordinary Time)
SONGS AT MASS (Suggestions) ‘Be Thou My Vision’; ‘Christ Be Near At Either Hand’; ‘Shepherd Me O God’; ‘The Lord Will Heal the Broken Heart’; ‘Amazing Grace’; ‘Go Tell Everyone’.
Opening Comment
This year’s Mission Sunday theme suggests that “We cannot remain silent”. Those were the brave words of St Peter and St John in the Acts of the Apostles, when even in the face of persecution, they insisted: “We cannot but speak about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). We pray to have their courage in our country, today.
Penitential Rite
We come to God, who gives the blind new sight. Christ heals souls, bodies and spirits, so to Christ we turn as we call to mind our sins (pause)
Lord Jesus, you healed the sick: Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you forgave sinners: Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you give us yourself to heal us and bring us strength. Lord, have mercy.
Alternative Opening Prayer (from the 1998 ICEL Missal – for the Spread of the Gospel)
O God,
it is your will that all should be saved
and come to the knowledge of the truth.
Look upon your abundant harvest
and send workers to preach the gospel to every creature,
so that your people, gathered by the word of life
and supported by the power of the sacraments,
may advance in the way of salvation and love.
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
Jeremiah 31:7-9 — A vision of a time when all God’s people are gathered together, with everyone sharing the gift of new sight
Hebrews 5:1-6 — Christ is our high priest, but he also knows our weakness.
Mark 10:46-52 — The blind beggar Bartimaeus is healed by Jesus.
BIDDING PRAYERS
Introduction (by the Presider) The Lord has worked marvels for us, so we bring forward our prayers with confidence.
- For Pope Francis and all the bishops of the world — (ten-second pause for silent prayer) … Lord, hear us.
- For missionaries who live in difficult situations— (ten-second pause for silent prayer) … Lord, hear us.
- For all those who try to bring peace and justice in our world — (ten-second pause for silent prayer) … Lord, hear us.
- For the success of the Climate change talks in Glasgow — (ten-second pause for silent prayer) … Lord, hear us.
- For an end to the COVID-19 pandemic — (ten-second pause for silent prayer) … Lord, hear us.
- For those who are on a midterm break this week, that it may refresh them … Lord, hear us.
The Presider prays for the dead (especially N and N): (and for missionaries from our parish who have died) that they may have the reward of their labours— (ten-second pause for silent prayer) … Lord, hear us.
Conclusion (by the Presider) God, the creator of all, you fill the earth with your love: we rejoice in your faithfulness as we present these prayers to you, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Lord,
look upon the face of Christ, your Son,
who gave himself up as a ransom for all,
so that from the rising of the sun to its setting
your name may be great among the nations
and one sacrifice may be offered to your glory.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
PREFACE & EUCHARISTIC PRAYER (for Various Needs & Occasions, D: Jesus, the Compassion of God)
It is truly right to give you thanks,
Father of mercy, faithful God,
it is fitting that we offer you praise.
You sent Jesus Christ your Son among us
as redeemer and Lord.
He was moved with compassion
for the poor and the powerless,
for the sick and the sinner;
he made himself a neighbour to the oppressed.
By his words and actions
he proclaimed to the world
that you are a father
and care for all your children.
And so, with all the angels and saints,
we sing the joyful hymn of your praise: Holy, holy, holy
Holy indeed are you, Lord God,
and greatly to be praised:
your faithful love attends us
as we journey through life.
Blessed is your Son, Jesus Christ,
who is present among us
when his love gathers us together.
As once he did for his disciples,
Christ now opens the scriptures for us
and breaks the bread.
Therefore we ask you, merciful Father:
send down your Holy Spirit
to hallow these gifts of bread and wine,
that they may become for us
the body + and blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
On the eve of his passion and death,
while at table with those he loved,
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
and, handing the cup to his disciples, he 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
And so, Father most holy,
we celebrate the memory of Christ, your Son,
whom you led through suffering and death on the cross
to the glory of the resurrection
and a place at your right hand.
Until Jesus, our Saviour, comes again,
we proclaim the work of your love,
offering you the bread of life and the cup of blessing.
Look with favour on the offering of your Church
in which we show forth the paschal sacrifice of Christ
that was handed on to us.
Through the power of your Spirit of love
count us both now and for ever
among the members of your Son,
whose body and blood we share.
Lord,
perfect your Church in faith and love
together with Francis our Pope, N. our Bishop,
with all bishops, priests, and deacons,
and all those your Son has gained for you.
Open our eyes to the needs of all;
inspire in us words and deeds
to comfort those who labour and are burdened;
keep our service of others
faithful to the example and command of Christ.
Let your Church be a living witness
to truth and freedom, to justice and peace,
that all people may be lifted up
by the hope of a world made new.
Be mindful of our brothers and sisters [N. and N.],
who have fallen asleep in the peace of Christ,
and all the dead whose faith is known only to you.
Lead them to the fullness of the resurrection
and gladden them with the light of your face.
When our pilgrimage on earth is ended,
welcome us into your heavenly home
to dwell with you for ever.
There, with Mary, the virgin Mother of God,
with the apostles, the martyrs, and all the saints,
we shall glorify your name and give you praise
through Jesus Christ, your Son.
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
Nourished with the sacrament of our redemption,
we ask you, Lord, that by its saving power
true faith may always grow and prosper.
Grant this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
PRAYER OVER THE PEOPLE (Mass in Time of Pandemic, 2020)
O God, protector of all who hope in you,
bless your people, keep them safe,
defend them, prepare them,
that, free from sin and safe from the enemy,
they may persevere always in your love. Through Christ our Lord.