Sign of the Cross

Greeting 

From God the Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ,
peace and love be with you all. [Eph.6:23]

Introduction

Option A

Jesus challenges us to be his witnesses in the world. However, we often lack the courage to witness openly to our faith. But Jesus says to us what he said to his first disciples, 'Do not be afraid.'

So let us bring our fears to him, and ask his help in overcoming them.

Option B

In our Mass today we are reminded of how dear we are to God. Even though we may endure great anguish and pain we can be sure that God has not forgotten us. He says to us, 'Be not afraid.'

Litany of Praise

Lord, you give us strength when we are weak.
Lord, have mercy.

Lord, you give us courage when we are afraid.
Christ, have mercy.

Lord, you give us new heart when we fail.
Lord, have mercy.

Opening Prayer

Option A

True and faithful God,
you give courage to the fearful and endurance to martyrs.

Sustain us as followers of your Son Jesus,
that with the same courage and conviction
we may openly acknowledge him before the world.

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. AMEN.

Option B

To us, in our weakness and fear, O God,
you have entrusted the prophetic mission
of proclaiming your word
to a world that is often unwilling to listen.

Strengthened by your Spirit,
may we proclaim from the housetops
the gospel we have heard
and acknowledge openly before all
the One whom we confess as Lord,
Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Hoy Spirit,
God for ever and ever. AMEN

 

Liturgy of the Word

Homily

Credo

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

P        To the God whose love is kind and whose help never fails,
we raise our hearts in prayer.

             With confidence we pray:

CM     Lord, hear our prayer. (Please repeat)

For the poor, the oppressed and those whose lives are crippled by fear. (pause)
May we respond with compassion to their voices as they cry out for help.
We pray:

For government leaders: (pause)
that they may care for all of God's creation, promote human rights and peace among peoples while attending to the needs of the poor and those who have no voice in society. We pray:

For all those who are suffering because of their faith or because of their stand for truth and justice. We pray:

For all Christian Families: (pause)
that they may be inspired to recognize God's presence in their homes and proclaim God's name in good times and bad. We pray:

[The Presider may add a Petition that is local / relevant]

P      Heavenly Father, grant us in all our tasks - your help,
        in all our doubts - your guidance,
        in all our weaknesses - your strength,
        in all our dangers - your protection,
        and in all our sorrows - your consolation.
        We make our prayer through Christ our Lord. AMEN

Prayer over the Gifts

Grant, Lord God,
that all who suffer persecution
because of their faithful service to you
may gladly unite their sufferings
to the sacrifice of Christ, your Son,
and know that you love them
and have rescued them from the hands of evildoers.
All this we ask through Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Invitation to the Lord’s Prayer

Knowing that we are in the Father's hands,
we pray to God with the fullest trust
the prayer of Jesus:
Our Father ...

Deliver us Lord

Deliver us, Lord, from sin and fear
which deprive the body of life.
Fill us with your courage so that we will
acknowledge you in the presence of others
as we prepare with joy and hope
for the full coming among us
of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Rite of Peace

Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles and to us:
'Do not be afraid!'
But we did not trust your word;
we denied you before others.
Lord, grant us now the peace and unity of your kingdom
where you live for ever and ever.

The peace of the Lord be always with you.

Exchange of Peace
As children of the God of peace
let us share a sign of that peace with those alongside us.

Optional Prayer to accompany the ‘Breaking of Bread’

P      Our Father gives us the bread from heaven
        and the saving cup brimming with life.
        May this bread broken and cup poured
        link us together in charity and peace
        so that we may be living signs of the Lord's kingdom.

A     LAMB OF GOD.....

Invitation to Communion

Behold Christ Jesus who says to us:
"Be without fear!"
Let us then approach with confidence
the altar-table of the Lord.

Lord, I am not worthy…

Optional

Prayer of trust by Charles de Foucauld - beatified on Pentecost Sunday. - 2005.
This could be read reflectively by the Presider at his Chair - after Communion

God, I entrust myself to you.
Do with me what you want.
Whatever you wish to do with me, I thank you.

I am ready for everything.
I accept everything.
Provided your will be done in me
and in all your creatures,
I desire nothing else, my God.

I place myself into your hands.
I commit myself to you without reserve,
with an unlimited trust,
for you are my Father. AMEN.

Prayer after Communion

God of all faithfulness,
we know that you love us,
for you have given us your Son
to be our companion on the journey of life.
Free us from our fears;
give us the courage to declare before others
that you are our Father
and that we are your children.
All this we ask through Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Solemn Blessing

Option A

Do not be afraid - the Father loves you. AMEN.

Do not be afraid - Christ walks by your side. AMEN.

Do not be afraid - the Holy Spirit will give you courage. AMEN.

May almighty God bless you,
+ Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. AMEN.


Option B

May God give you courage and strength. AMEN.

May you always know the depths of God's love. AMEN.

May God keep you from every fear and anxiety. AMEN

And may God bless you,
+ the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. AMEN.

Dismissal      

Option A

That which God has whispered to us in private let us proclaim openly.
Go in the peace of Christ.

Option B

Sent forth by the Lord of the harvest,
go in peace to love and serve the Lord.