Sign of the Cross

Greeting

Blessed be God the Father who reconciles us through Jesus.
And may the Holy Spirit who helps us in our weakness be with you all.

Introduction

Option A
As we enter the season of Lent we begin a period of preparation to celebrate the central mystery of our faith: the DEATH and RESURRECTION of Jesus.
With him we make a journey to Calvary and to the tomb so that our faith will
be renewed.

Let us ask the Lord to forgive us our sins and help us to use this time of grace to grow nearer to him.

In your kindness, Lord, we know mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

In your service, Lord, we know peace.
Christ, have mercy.

In your word, Lord, we know your will.
Lord, have mercy.

 

Option B
LENT recalls the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert, during which time he was
tempted. But through prayer, fasting, and fidelity to the word of God he overcame
the tempter. We too have to face temptations. We need God's power to resist
them. Lent provides us with a great opportunity to follow more closely the
footsteps of Jesus.

Lord, you call us to repentance.
Lord, have mercy.

Lord, you call us to self-denial.
Christ, have mercy.

Lord, you call us to prayer and works of charity.
Lord, have mercy.

Opening Prayer

Lord our God,
you alone do we worship;
only your word gives life.
As we walk on our Lenten journey
through the desert of temptation,
strengthen us to renounce the power of evil
so that we may be victorious with Christ, your Son,
our liberator from sin,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever. AMEN.

Liturgy of the Word

Homily

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

P         Jesus was tempted in every way that we are, though he is without sin.
           Let us then with confidence, approach him in our needs.

             With confidence we pray:

CM     Create a new Spirit within us, O Lord. (Please repeat)

1. That all Christians may make this season of Lent an acceptable time
   of salvation by turning away from sin and following more faithfully
   the Gospel of Jesus:
   we pray:
   
2. That we may all reject the worship of false gods…. possessions, privilege,
   power and control… and find fulfillment in serving only the Lord God:
   we pray:
   
3. That our Government may work harder to promote laws and policies
   that protect the rights of Filipino overseas workers.
   We pray:
4. That the families of migrant workers resist the lure of materialism
   and always remain united in prayer with their loved ones.
   We pray:
5. That the Church in the Philippines may attend with more vigor
   to the pastoral care of Filipino migrants.
   We pray:

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

P     Loving Father, you stood by your Son in his temptations.
       Sustain those who hope in you and keep them in your love,
       now and forever. AMEN.

Prayer over the Gifts

God of mercy and compassion,
in these humble signs of bread and wine
your Son Jesus comes among us.
May he help us
to overcome the temptation to be powerful and influential,
and may we learn from him how to do your will,
for you are our God for ever and ever. AMEN

Invitation to the Lord’s Prayer

While we were still sinners, Christ died for us;
so with confidence we dare to pray: Our Father ...

or

In order that our heavenly Father may deliver us from the Evil One
let us pray as Jesus taught us: Our Father ...

Deliver us Lord

Deliver us, Lord, from every evil,
and grant us peace in our day.
Do not allow us to yield to the seductive power of sin
but strengthen us with the hope
that you will complete your victory in us
at the full coming
of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Prayer for Peace

Lord, Jesus Christ, you said to us:
"You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test."
Do not allow us to be swayed
by the values of the kingdoms of the world,
but enable us to work for the peace of your kingdom,
where you live for ever and ever.

Exchange of Peace
Our fasting and self-denial helps us to purify ourselves from sin
and to live as members of God's Kingdom.
Let us now share with each other the peace of that Kingdom.

Optional Prayer to accompany the ‘Breaking of Bread’

P      This bread which we break is the bread of life.
        It is the sign of Christ's body
        offered in sacrifice by the Son
        in a spirit of obedience to the Father's will:
A     LAMB OF GOD.....

Invitation to Communion

This is Christ Jesus, the new Adam.
He enables us to triumph over the evil that is within us.
Blessed are we
who "live on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God."

Lord, I am not worthy…

Prayer after Communion

God of love and mercy,
we have received Jesus
who was tested in every way that we are,
though he is without sin.
May the bread of life
strengthen us on our journey of forty days
and lead us to the glory of Easter.
Grant this through Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Solemn Blessing

May the God of compassion
give you a clean heart and a steadfast spirit. AMEN.

May you receive God's countless blessings
through your service of God and neighbor. AMEN.

May you enter fully into this season of Lent
so that you can walk with Christ towards Easter. AMEN.

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

Dismissal     

Option A
The Mass is ended.
Go and make this Lenten season an acceptable time of salvation.

Option B
Made strong by the bread of heaven,
let us go forth and face temptation with hope and courage.