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Suggestions for Liturgy Planning

A Sunday in Ordinary Time


Introduction to the Liturgy of the Day


Parishioners and lay leaders may choose to celebrate Mass as a way to observe this special day. The parish liturgy committee may consider mentioning “Priesthood Sunday” in the introduction to the liturgy of the day. For example:

God, through baptism, has given us the gift of his Spirit to be faithful and loving disciples. On this, ______[The particular Sunday in the Liturgical Year]_____, our parish observes “Priesthood Sunday.” God blesses not only our parish, but the entire universal Church with many priests who give of their selves for Christ’s people. Their preaching, teaching and witness calls us to be as Christ is: loving, just and compassionate. Their service to the community called Church inspires us to continue the mission of Christ to a world in need.

Reflection

The scripture readings appointed for today suggest that true service is done with a humble and with true sincerity. As we know, The Word of God inspires humble servants to further God’s mission on earth.

[It is recommended to preach on either the scriptural readings and/or the liturgical texts for this particular Sunday and perhaps weave that will the suggested reflection below.]

While all of us are called to live our baptismal covenant, some men are called to ordained ministry. These men serve the needs of the Church – the Body of Christ. In many of our communities, dedicated priests offer their time and talent, despite shrinking numbers and larger parish communities, by leading people not to themselves, but to the God of Jesus Christ. As Jeremiah phrased it, they “console [the faithful] and guide them.” The source of their gift(s) for ordained ministry is given from God for the good of the whole community. Priests ask God, “What do you want me to do for you?” What does the God of Jesus Christ want us to do? There is a story told that Blessed Pope John XXIII would always ask in prayer, “Holy Spirit, what would you have me do?” Ministry, as these priests and Blessed John remind us, is always to serve God’s mission in the world, and the church is the light, the beacon of that mission. Not just the ordained pray for guidance, but, like Blessed John, we too long to follow the ways of the Spirit that our faith may not only be strengthened, but that we will serve God’s mission faithfully. Ultimately, ordained priests enable and empower all of the baptized, despite human weaknesses, to deepen faith, grow in hope, and share the gift of Christ’s love with all human persons so that God’s glory will be experienced repeatedly.

The intercessions follow the Creed. After the intercessions, the blessing prayer is proclaimed by the liturgical assembly as a whole or by the chair of the pastoral council



Suggested Intercessions

 

Introduction:

Having heard proclaimed the saving works of God among us, let us now bring before the God of joy and promise our needs.

Trusting in our ever-living God, let us present our prayers of petition.

For the Church, especially for Benedict, our pope, _____________ our (arch)bishop, priests and all your holy people:
May they be strengthened in faith, hope and love.
Let us pray to the Lord.

For all nations and governments:
May justice and peace be their goals.
Let us pray to the Lord.

For all who suffer depression, anxiety and trauma:
May they find loving hearts ready to offer healing and compassion.
Let us pray to the Lord.

For those who hear Jesus’ call to vocations within the Church:
May our communities support and encourage those contemplating vocations to the priesthood, deaconate, religious life and lay ecclesial ministry.
Let us pray to the Lord.

For all of us gathered to share the life Christ revealed to us in his life:
Empowered by God’s Spirit, may our service of Christ’s mission be one that is based in faith, hope and love.
Let us pray to the Lord.

Faithful and Gracious God,
throughout the ages you have been faithful to your promises.
Stir within us faith to be true to your commands.
Pour forth your love into our hearts to be servants to one another.
Give us constant hope in your covenant that binds us in communion with you and one another.
Continue to strengthen us, and all those who serve you and the church in ministry, especially our priests.
We ask all of these prayers in the name of Christ our Lord.*



Blessing of the Parish Priest(s)

A member of the parish council or other parish leadership organization, or a deacon may invite the members of the assembly to join in a blessing over the parish priest(s). This blessing may take place after the prayer after communion.

The ministries of the Church are many and varied, but God shows God’s goodness by sending priests to care for the people of God. Today we ask God to bless Father ________, who faithfully builds up the body of Christ.

If the blessing prayer is used the above prayer* is omitted and the following blessing is used. The assembly may be invited to extend both hands over the priest.

In your loving kindness, O good and gracious God, you sent your Son to be our shepherd and guide. Father ________ continues Christ’s ministry of working in the vineyard by sustaining and guiding your holy people. Bless Father ________. Let your Spirit uphold him always in his service to the people of this parish. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The above blessing is adapted from “Blessing of Those Who Exercise Pastoral Service” from the Book of Blessing (Washington, D.C.: ICEL, 1987), p. 689.



Concluding Prayer:

You are the giver of every good gift,
O God of abundant goodness and mercy.
Hear the prayer of your people,
and bring us into closer union with your Son,
Jesus Christ our Promise of Hope,
in whose name we offer this prayer.
He is Lord forever and ever. Amen.



PRAYER OF AFFIRMATION AND STRENGTHENING IN HOLINESS FOR PRIESTS

This composition is an arrangement of phrases from ancient ordination liturgies (cf. Bradshaw, Ordination Rites of the Ancient Churches of the East and West) that emphasize the call to holiness (integrity, purity). Ordinations always began with a Rite of Election. The proclamation which begins this prayer was at the end of that rite and invited the people to affirm the calling by prayer that the person would be strengthened in holiness to conform to their calling, recognizing that both calling and holiness come from God.

Divine Grace, which always heals that which is infirm and supplies that which is lacking has called our beloved brothers to sacred ministry. Let us pray that they be confirmed and strengthened with the grace of the Holy Spirit.

Fill them with grace and counsel, that they may love you with all their hearts, all their minds, and all their strength. Grant them irreproachable conduct, steadfast faith, and good works so that they may help and guide your people with unselfish motivation.

Grant them wisdom, let their minds be sober and watchful, so that they may be filled with works of healing and words of instruction. May they teach your people in meekness and serve you in holiness with a undivided mind and a willing soul.

May they be the light of your only begotten Son that the word of your gospel may be spread and your name may be glorified in every creature.

May they serve at your holy altar with pure hearts and good consciences. Grant that they may prosper in all your commandments and the keeping of your laws, so that they may be able to minister joyfully on the day of your coming.

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