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Preparation
Ideally, people should bring their own candles so that they could have them lighted before the proclamation of the Gospel. Where this is impractical those with candles can have them blessed at a special ceremony at the end of Mass.
The Presider and ministers gather in the Nave opposite the 1st Door.
The Sanctuary Assistants (or 2 Readers) carry lighted candles.
When all are ready the CM gives this adapted Introduction from the Sacramentary.
Commentor:
Forty days ago we celebrated the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Today, we recall the occasion on which he was presented in the Temple,
was offered to the Father and was revealed to his people.
Led by the Spirit, two elderly people, Simeon and Anna came to the temple,
recognized Christ as their Lord, and proclaimed him with joy.
Please stand.
The Presider, using a handheld Mic, says the following prayer:
Sign
of the Cross
Greeting
Lord God, the source of everlasting light,
set on fire the hearts of your faithful people.
Grant to all who are gathered here
the grace to walk with Christ
who is the light of the nations. (pause)
Let us go in peace to meet the Lord.
The Organist / Assembly begin the Processional Song e.g. THE LIGHT OF CHRIST.
The Ministers, led by Candle bearers, proceed to the Sanctuary.
Upon arrival, after the customary reverences, the Presider may wish to greet the people.
The SACRAMENTARY omits the Penitential Rite.
If the GLORIA is to be sung the Presider in these or similar words, says:
United with the whole Church
let us now give glory to God
in the highest
and pray for peace
among God’s people.
Gloria
Opening
Prayer
Inspired by your Spirit, Lord,
we gather in your temple to welcome your Son.
Enlighten our minds
and lay bare our inmost thoughts.
Purify your people,
and make us obedient
to the demands of your law,
so that we too,
like Jesus,
may grow in age and wisdom and grace.
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.
Liturgy
of the Word
Homily
GENERAL INTERCESSIONS
P Here in the House of God let us present our prayer through Jesus, the merciful high priest, who is not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters.So
we now pray:
CM Shine on your people Lord. (Please
repeat)
- In obedience to the law, Jesus was presented in the temple to his Father. (pause)
May Christian parents follow the example of Joseph and Mary and have a healthy respect for just laws and religious traditions. We pray:
- The Lord comforted Simeon and Anna in their old age. (pause)
May we always respect, honor and care for the elderly. We pray:
We pray:
- Jesus was a sign that pointed the way to God, a sign that would be opposed by many. This brought him much suffering and even death. (pause)
May we accept our trials and sufferings as we try to spread the reign of God in our world. We pray:
- Simeon longed to see the Lord before he died. (pause)
May the Lord welcome into the kingdom our brothers and sisters who yearn to see God face-to-face. We pray:
[The
Presider may add a Petition that is local / relevant]
P
Loving Father,
today we present our humble petitions to you
and ask you to grant them through Christ our Lord. AMEN.
Prayer
over the Gifts
Eternal God,
we recall the day when Jesus your Son,
was presented in the temple through the arms of Mary,
and proclaimed by Anna and Simeon
as light to the nations
and the glory of your people Israel.
May the gifts we have presented today be pleasing to you.
This we ask through Christ our Lord. AMEN.
Invitation
to the Lord’s Prayer
Purify our hearts, O Lord,
that we may worthily offer you this prayer: Our Father ...
Deliver
us Lord
Deliver us, Lord, from the darkness of sin
and let the light of your love shine upon us.
May your kindly light lead us forward in joy and hope
as we work for the final coming among us
of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Prayer
for Peace
Lord, Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles:
I leave you peace, my peace I give you.
Purify your Church,
that it may bear witness to the light of the gospel
in a world torn by strife
and often devastated by natural disaster.
Grant us the peace and unity of your kingdom
where you live for ever and ever.
Exchange
of Peace
As children of the God of peace,
let us offer one another a sign of reconciliation and peace.
Optional
Prayer to accompany the ‘Breaking of Bread’
We break the bread of life,
and that life is the Light of the World.
God is here among us.
LAMB OF GOD.....
Invitation
to Communion
Like Simeon and Anna,
we look upon Jesus the Lord -
our light, our joy, and our salvation.
Blessed are those who are invited to receive him.
Lord, I am not worthy…
Prayer
after Communion
Source of light and life,
you spoke your powerful word to the world
and there was light.
You have spoken your Word Jesus to us
and there is light in our minds and hearts.
Help us, through the nourishment we have received,
to let this light shine
that it may brighten the footsteps
of all who are searching for the truth.
All this we ask through Christ our Lord. AMEN.
Solemn
Blessing
“In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high has broken upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness
and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
May the blessings of our loving God,
+ Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
descend upon you today,.
and remain with you forever. AMEN.
May God bless you, +
the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. AMEN.
The Blessing of Candles
Creator God,
Source of all light,
today you reveal to Simeon and Anna
your beloved Son as the Light of the Nations.
We ask you to bless +
all those who will pray before these candles.
May we all walk in the light of faith
and follow Jesus, the Light of the World,
who lives with you and the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever. AMEN.
The Presider may sprinkle the Candles (and the Assembly) with Holy Water.
Dismissal
Go in peace of Christ… and
“Let your light shine before others
so that they may see your good works
and give glory to your Father in heaven”.
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