The Feast of the Birth of Mary
Invitation to Prayer:
Leader: Lord, open our lips. People: And we shall proclaim your praise.
Leader: Glory to God in the highest. People: And peace to God's people on earth.
Hymn of Praise: “Song of the Body of Christ”
We come to share our story, we come to break the bread, we come to know our rising from the dead.
We come as your people, we come as your own. United with each other, love finds a home. R
Opening Prayer:
Leader: Father of mercy, give your people help and strength from heaven. The birth of the Virgin Mary’s Son was the dawn of our salvation. May this celebration of her birthday bring us closer to lasting peace. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
People: Amen.
First Reading: Romans 8: 28-30
Reader: A reading from the letter of Paul to the Romans,
(At the conclusion of the reading) The Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 13
With delight I rejoice in the Lord.
I trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. R
I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me. R
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. Alleluia. Happy are you, holy Virgin Mary, deserving of all praise; from you rose the sun of justice, Christ the Lord. Alleluia.
Gospel: Matthew 1: 1-16, 18-23
Reader: A reading from the holy gospel according to Matthew,
People: Glory to you, O Lord.
Reader: (At the conclusion of the reading) The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Intercessions:
Leader: Gathered in Christ, let us pray for the needs of our world, our churches, and ourselves, through the Spirit who intercedes for the saints.
People: Lord, hear our prayer.
(People are invited to ask the community to pray for specific intentions; intentions end with: "We pray to the Lord.")
Leader: (At the conclusion of the intercessions) We offer you these prayers and all the silent intentions of our hearts.
People: Lord, hear our prayer.
The Lord's Prayer: (Ends with "For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever.")
Concluding Prayer:
Leader: Lord, may your Church, renewed in your Word, be filled with joy at the birth of the Virgin Mary, who brought the dawn of hope and salvation to the world. Grant this through Christ our Lord.
People: Amen.
Blessing:
Leader: May the Lord Almighty order our days and our deeds in lasting peace.
People: Amen.
Leader: Let us praise the Lord.
People: Now and forever.
Sign of Peace: