{"id":1119,"date":"2020-04-11T00:01:20","date_gmt":"2020-04-10T23:01:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.stmargaretclitherowdulwich.org\/?p=1119"},"modified":"2020-04-08T14:42:22","modified_gmt":"2020-04-08T13:42:22","slug":"11-april-2020","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.stmargaretclitherowdulwich.org\/index.php\/2020\/04\/11\/11-april-2020\/","title":{"rendered":"11 April 2020"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

You may find it helpful to have a space as a focus for your prayer. This might include a crucifix, icon or another holy image, and a lighted candle.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

THE EASTER VIGIL IN THE HOLY NIGHT<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nDuring the Easter Vigil, the Church reads the account of creation as a prophecy. In the resurrection, we see the most sublime fulfilment of what this text describes as the beginning of all things. God says once again: “Let there be light!” The resurrection of Jesus is an eruption of light. Death is conquered, the tomb is thrown open. The Risen One himself is Light, the Light of the world. With the resurrection, the Lord’s day enters the nights of history. Beginning with the resurrection, God’s light spreads throughout the world and throughout history. Day dawns. This Light alone – Jesus Christ – is the true light, something more than the physical phenomenon of light. He is pure Light: God himself, who causes a new creation to be born in the midst of the old, transforming chaos into cosmos.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Most blessed of all nights!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe night of the Passover when Christ passed from death to life is the most important moment in the Christian year. We celebrate our passing over, through baptism, from the death of sin to the life of grace. From the earliest times, Christians devoted this night to watching and waiting. We, too, keep our vigil, knowing that the Lord will rise triumphant from the tomb to establish his Church among us. The grain of seed has died and now the Church is born, and will give shelter to countless of people till the end of time.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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The Blessing of the Fire and Preparation of the Candle<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe celebration of the Easter Vigil takes place after dark. The lights of the church are extinguished, everyone is given a candle, and we gather in the presbytery garden. We light a fire, which Father blesses. He then prepares the new paschal candle and lights it from the fire.<\/em>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFather, with ministers and altar servers, process into Church, with the lit paschal candle, followed by everyone else. Our candles are then lit from the light of the new paschal candle.<\/em>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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The Easter Proclamation (Exsultet)<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nExult, let them exult, the hosts of heaven,\r\nexult, let Angel ministers of God exult,\r\nlet the trumpet of salvation\r\nsound aloud our mighty King’s triumph!\r\nBe glad, let earth be glad, as glory floods her,\r\nablaze with light from her eternal King,\r\nlet all corners of the earth be glad,\r\nknowing an end to gloom and darkness.\r\nRejoice, let Mother Church also rejoice,\r\narrayed with the lightning of his glory,\r\nlet this holy building shake with joy,\r\nfilled with the mighty voices of the peoples.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTherefore, dearest friends,\r\nstanding in the awesome glory of his holy light,\r\ninvoke with me, I ask you,\r\nthe mercy of God almighty.\r\nthat he, who has been pleased to number me,\r\nthought unworthy, among the Levites,\r\nmay pour into me his light unshadowed,\r\nthat I may sing this candle’s perfect praises.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Lord be with you.\r\nAnd with your spirit.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLift up your hearts.\r\nWe lift them up to the Lord.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.\r\nIt is right and just.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIt is truly right and just,\r\nwith ardent love of mind and heart\r\nand with devoted service of our voice,\r\nto acclaim our God invisible, the almighty Father,\r\nand Jesus Christ, our Lord, his Son, his Only Begotten.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWho for our sake paid Adam’s debt to the eternal Father,\r\nand, pouring out his own dear Blood,\r\nwiped clean the record of our ancient sinfulness.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThese then are the feasts of Passover,\r\nin which is slain the Lamb, the one true Lamb,\r\nwhose Blood anoints the doorposts of believers.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThis is the night,\r\nwhen once you led our forbears, Israel’s children,\r\nfrom slavery in Egypt\r\nand made them pass dry-shod through the Red Sea.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThis is the night\r\nthat with a pillar of fire\r\nbanished the darkness of sin.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThis is the night\r\nthat even now, throughout the world,\r\nsets Christian believers apart from worldly vices\r\nand from the gloom of sin,\r\nleading them to grace\r\nand joining them to his holy ones.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThis is the night,\r\nwhen Christ broke the prison-bars of death\r\nand rose victorious from the underworld.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOur birth would have been no gain,\r\nhad we not been redeemed.\r\nO wonder of your humble care for us!\r\nO love, O charity beyond all telling,\r\nto ransom a slave you gave away your Son!\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nO truly necessary sin of Adam,\r\ndestroyed completely by the Death of Christ!\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nI happy fault\r\nthat earned so great, so glorious a Redeemer!\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nO truly blessed night,\r\nworthy alone to know the time and hour\r\nwhen Christ rose from the underworld!\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThis is the night\r\nof which it is written:\r\nThe night shall be as bright as day,\r\ndazzling is the night for me,\r\nand full of gladness.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe sanctifying power of this night\r\ndispels wickedness, washes faults away,\r\nrestores innocence to the fallen, and joy to mourners,\r\ndrives out hatred, fosters concord, and brings down the mighty.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOn this, your night of grace, I holy Father,\r\naccept this candle, a solemn offering,\r\nthe work of bees and of your servant’s hands,\r\nan evening sacrifice of praise,\r\nthis gift from your most holy Church.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBut now we know the praises of this pillar,\r\nwhich glowing fire ignites for God’s honour,\r\na fire into many flames divided,\r\nyet never dimmed by sharing of its light,\r\nfor it is fed by melting wax,\r\ndrawn out by mother bees\r\nto build a torch so precious.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nO truly blessed night,\r\nwhen things of heaven are wed to those of earth,\r\nand divine to the human.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTherefore, O Lord,\r\nwe pray you that this candle,\r\nhallowed to the honour of your name,\r\nmay preserve undimmed,\r\nto overcome the darkness of this night.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nReceive it as a pleasing fragrance,\r\nand let it mingle with the lights of heaven.\r\nMay this flame be found still burning\r\nby the Morning Star:\r\nthe one Morning Star who never sets,\r\nChrist you Son,\r\nwho, coming back from death’s domain,\r\nhas shed his peaceful light on humanity,\r\nand lives and reigns for ever and ever.\r\nAmen.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Third Reading<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

A reading from the book of Exodus 14:15 – 15:1<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The sons of Israel went on dry ground right into the sea.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to me so? Tell the sons of Israel to march on. For yourself, raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and part it for the sons of Israel to walk through the sea on dry ground. I for my part will make the heart of the Egyptians so stubborn that they will follow them. So shall I win myself glory at the expense of Pharoah, of all his army, his chariots, his horsemen. And when I have won glory for myseelf, at the expense of the Pharoah and his chariots and his army, the Egyptians will learn that I am the Lord.”\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThen the angel of the Lord, who marched at the front of the army of Israel, changed station and moved to their rear. The pillar of cloud changed station from the front to the rear of them, and remained there. It came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel. The cloud was dark, and the night passed without the armies drawing any closer the whole night long. Moses stretched out his hand over the sea. The Lord drove back the sea with a strong easterly wind all night, and he made dry land of the sea. The waters parted and the sons of Israel went on dry ground right into the sea, walls of water to right and to left of them. The Egyptians gave chase: after them they went, right into the sea, all Pharoah’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. In the morning watch, the Lord looked down on the army of the Egyptians from the pillar of fire and cloud, and threw the army into confusion. He so clogged their chariot wheels that they could scarcely make headway, “Let us flee from the Israelites,”the Egyptians cried, “the Lord is fighting for them against the Egyptians!” “Stretch out your hand over the sea.” the Lord said to Moses, “that the waters may flow back on the Egyptians and their chariots and their horsemen.” Moses stretched out his hand over the sea and, as day broke, the sea returned to its bed. The fleeing Egyptians marched right into it, and the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the very middle of the sea. The returning waters overwhelmed the chariots and the horsemen of Pharoah’s whole army, which had followed the Israelites into the sea; not a single one of them was left. But the sons of Israel had marched through the sea on dry ground, walls of water to right and to left of them. That day, the Lord rescued Israel from the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians lying dead on the shore. Israel witnessed the great act that the Lord had performed against the Egyptians, and the people venerated the Lord; they put their faith in the Lord and in Moses, his servant.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIt was then that Moses and the sons of Israel sang this song in honour of the Lord:\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Responsorial Psalm<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Exodus 15: 1-6, 17-18. R. v.1<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nI will sing to the Lord, glorious his triumph!<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nI will sing to the Lord, glorious his triumph!\r\nHorse and rider he has thrown into the sea!\r\nThe Lord is my strength, my song, my salvation.\r\nThis is my God and I extol him,\r\nmy father’s God and I gave him praise. R.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Lord is a warrior! The Lord is his name.\r\nThe chariots of Pharoah he hurled into the sea,\r\nthe flower of his army is drowned in the sea,\r\nThe deep hide them; they sank like a stone. R.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nYour right hand, Lord, glorious in its power,\r\nyour right hand, Lord, has shattered the enemy.\r\nIn the greatness of your glory you crushed the foe. R.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nYou will lead them and plant them on your mountain,\r\nthe place, O Lord, where you have made your home,\r\nthe sanctuary, Lord, which your hands have made.\r\nThe Lord will reign for ever and ever. R.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Prayer<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nO God, whose ancient wonders\r\nremain undimmed in splendour even in our day,\r\nfor what you once, bestowed on a single people,\r\nfreeing them from Pharoah’s persection\r\nby the power of your right hand\r\nnow you bring about as the salvation of the nations\r\nthrough the waters of rebirth,\r\ngrant, we pray, that the whole world\r\nmay become children of Abraham\r\nand inherit the dignity of Israel’s birthright.\r\nThrough Christ our Lord.\r\nAmen.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Fifth Reading<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

A reading from the prophet Isaiah 55: 1-11<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Come to me and your soul will live, and I will make an everlasting covenant with you.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThus says the Lord:\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOh, come to the water all you who are thirsty;\r\nthough you have no money, come!\r\nBuy corn without money, and eat,\r\nand, at no cost, wine and milk.\r\nWhy spend money on what is not bread,\r\nyour wages on what fails to satisfy?\r\nListen, listen to me, and you will have good things to eat\r\nand rich food to enjoy.\r\nPay attention, come to me;\r\nlisten, and your soul will live.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWith you I will make an everlasting covenant\r\nout of the favours promised to David.\r\nSee, I have made of you a witness to the peoples,\r\na leader and a master of the nations.\r\nSee, you will summon a nation you never knew,\r\nthose unknown will come hurrying to you,\r\nfor the sake of the Lord your God,\r\nof the Holy One of Israel who will glorify you.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSeek the Lord whilst he is still to be found,\r\ncall to him while he is still near.\r\nLet the wicked man abandon his way,\r\nthe evil man his thoughts.\r\nLet him turn back to the Lord who will take pity on him,\r\nto our God who is rich in forgiving;\r\nfor my thoughts are not your thoughts,\r\nmy ways are not your ways – it is the Lord who speaks.\r\nYes, the heavens are as high above earth\r\nas my ways are above your ways,\r\nmy thoughts above your thoughts.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nYes, as the rain and the snow come down from the heaven and do not return without watering the earth, making it yield and giving growth to provide seed for the sower and bread for the eating, so the word that goes from my mouth does not return to me empty, without carrying out my will and succeeding in what it was sent to do.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Responsorial Psalm<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Isaiah 12: 2-6. R. v.3<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWith joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTruly God is my salvation,\r\nI trust, I shall not fear.\r\nFor the Lord is my strength, my song,\r\nbe became my saviour.\r\nWith joy you will draw water\r\nfrom the wells of salvation. R<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGive thanks to the Lord, give praise to his name!\r\nMake his mighty dedes known to the peoples,\r\ndeclare the greatness of his name. R<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSing a psalm to the Lord\r\nfor he has done glorious deeds,\r\nmake them known to all the earth!\r\nPeople of Zion, sing and shout for joy\r\nfor great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel. R.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Prayer<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAlmighty ever-living God,\r\nsole hope of the world,\r\nwho by the preaching of your Prophets\r\nunveiled the mysteries of this present age,\r\ngraciously increase the longing of your people,\r\nfor only at the prompting of your grace\r\ndo the faithful progress in any kind of virtue.\r\nThrough Christ our Lord.\r\nAmen.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Sixth Reading<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

A reading from the prophet Baruch 3: 9-15. 32 – 4:4<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

In the radiance of the Lord make your way to light.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nListen, Israel, to commands that bring life;\r\nhear, and learn what knowledge means.\r\nWhy, Israel, why are you in the country of your enemies,\r\ngrowing older and older in an alien land,\r\nsharing defilement with the dead,\r\nreckoned with those who go to Sheol?\r\nBecause you have forsaken the fountain of wisdom.\r\nHad you walked in the way of God,\r\nyou would have lived in peace for ever.\r\nLearn where knowledge is, where strength,\r\nwhere understanding, and so learn\r\nwhere length of days is, where life,\r\nwhere the lights of the eyes and where peace.\r\nBut who has found out where she lives,\r\nwho has entered her treasure house?\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBut the One who knows all knows her,\r\nhe has grasped her with his own intellect,\r\nhe has set the eath firm for ever\r\nand filled it with four-footed beasts,\r\nhe sends the light – and it goes,\r\nhe recalls it – and trembling it obeys;\r\nthe stars shine joyfully at their set times:\r\nwhen he calls them, they answer, “Here we are”;\r\nthey gladly shine for their creator.\r\nIs is he who is our God,\r\nno other can compare with him.\r\nHe has grasped the whole way of knowledge,\r\nand confided it to his servant Jacob,\r\nto Israel his well-beloved;\r\nso causing her to appear on earth\r\nand move among men.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThis is the book of the commandments of God,\r\nthe Law that stands for ever;\r\nthose who keep her live,\r\nthose who desert her die.\r\nTurn back, Jacob, seize her,\r\nin her radiance make your way to light:\r\ndo not yield your glory to another,\r\nyour privilege to a people not your own.\r\nIsrael, blessed are we:\r\nwhat pleases God has been revealed to us.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Responsorial Psalm<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Psalm 18: 8-11. R. Jn 6:69<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nYou have the message of eternal life, O Lord.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe law of the Lord is perfect,\r\nit revives the soul.\r\nThe rule of the Lord is to be trusted,\r\nit gives wisdom to the simple. R.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe precepts o the Lord are right,\r\nthey gladden the heart.\r\nThe command of the Lord is clear,\r\nit gives light to the eyes. R.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe fear of the Lord is holy,\r\nabiding for ever.\r\nThe decrees of the Lord are truth\r\nand all of them just. R.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThey are more to be desired than gold,\r\nthan the purest gold\r\nand sweeter are they than honey,\r\nthan honey from the comb. R.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Prayer<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nO God, who constantly increase your Church\r\nby your call to the nations,\r\ngraciously grant\r\nto those you wash clean in the waters of Baptism\r\nthe assurance of your unfailing protection.\r\nThrough Christ our Lord.\r\nAmen.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Gloria<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGlory to God in the highest,\r\nand on earth peace to people of good will.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWe praise you,\r\nwe bless you,\r\nwe adore you,\r\nwe glorify you,\r\nwe give you thanks for your great glory,\r\nLord God, heavenly King,\r\nO God, almighty Father.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son,\r\nLord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,\r\nyou take away the sins of the world,\r\nhave mercy on us;\r\nyou take away the sins of the world.\r\nreceive our prayer;\r\nyou are seated at the right hand of the Father,\r\nhave mercy on us.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFor you alone are the Holy One,\r\nyou alone are the Lord,\r\nyou alone are the Most High,\r\nJesus Christ,\r\nwith the Holy Spirit,\r\nin the glory of God the Father.\r\nAmen.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Collect<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nO God, who make this most sacred night radiant\r\nwith the glory of the Lord’s Resurrection,\r\nstir up in your Church a spirit of adoptation,\r\nso that, renewed in body and mind,\r\nwe may render you undivided service.\r\nThrough our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,\r\nwho lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,\r\none God, for ever and ever.\r\nAmen.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Epistle<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Romans 6: 3-11<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Christ, having been raised from the dead, will never die again.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhen we were baptised in Christ Jesus we were baptised in his death: in other words, when we were baptised we went into the tomb with him and joined him in death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the Father’s glory, we roo might live a new life.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIf in union with Christ we have imitated his death, we shall also imitate him in his resurrection. We must realise that our former selves have been crucified with him to destroy this sinful body, and to free us from the slavery of sin. When a man dies, of course, he has finished with sin.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBut we believe that having died with Christ we shall return to life with him: Christ, as we know, having been raised from the dead will never die again. Death has no power over him any more. When he died, he died, once for all, to sin, so his life now is life with God; and in that way, you too must consider yourselves to be dead to sin but alive for God in Christ Jesus.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Responsorial Psalm<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Psalm 117: 1-2, 16-17, 22-23<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAlleluia, alleluia, alleluia!<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGove thanks to the Lord for he is good,\r\nfor his love has no end.\r\nLet the sons of Israel say;\r\n“His love has no end.” R.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Lord’s right hand has triumphed;\r\nhis right hand raised me up.\r\nI shall not die, I shall live\r\nand recount his deeds. R.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe stone which the builders rejected\r\nhas become the corner stone.\r\nThis is the work of the Lord,\r\na marvel in our eyes. R.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Gospel<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 28: 1-10<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

He has risen from the dead and now he is going before you into Galilee.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAfter the sabbath, and towards the dawn on the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala and the other Mary went to visit the sepulchre. And all at once there was a violent earthquake, for the angel of the Lord, descended from heaven, came and rolled away the stone and sat on it. His face was like lightning, his robe white as snow. The guards were so shaken, so frightened of him, that they were like dead men. But the angel spoke; and he said to the women, “There is no need for you to be afraid. I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said he would. Come and see the place where he lay, then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead and now he is going before you to Galilee; it is there you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” Filled with awe and great joy the women came quickly away from the tomb and ran to tell the disciples.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAnd there, coming to meet them, was Jesus. “Greetings,” he said. And the women came up to him and falling down before him, clasped his feet. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers that they must leave for Galilee; they will see me there.”\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Gospel of the Lord.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The Liturgy of Baptism<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAt this point, Father would baptise any Catechumens, otherwise, if there are none, he would conduct the Blessing of Water.<\/em>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Prayers<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Intercessions<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPray for family and loved ones so that they may be held in God\u2019s compassionate care. Pray for other countries who are struggling with the effects of the COVID 19 virus.\u00a0<\/em>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFor those in authority: may they offer advice with care and integrity, may they seek to protect the poor and vulnerable.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFor all who work in healthcare: give strength to all who look after the sick so that they may bring comfort and relief to the suffering.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFor the Church: may she offer prayers and consolation for all those affected.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFor our local community and all for those in need: may those who are isolated know the support and service of their neighbours.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Lord\u2019s Prayer<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOur Father, who art in heaven,\r\nhallowed by thy name;\r\nthey kingdom come,\r\nthy will be done\r\non earth as it is in heaven.\r\nGive us this day our daily bread,\r\nand forgive us our trespasses,\r\nas we forgive those who trespass against us;\r\nand lead us not into temptation,\r\nbut deliver us from evil.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Prayer for Spiritual communion<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nI prostrate myself at your feet, O my Jesus, and I offer you the repentance of my contrite heart, which abases itself in its nothingness in Your Holy Presence. I adore you in the Sacrament of Your Love; I desire to receive You in the poor abode that my heart offers You. While waiting for the happiness of a Sacramental Communion, I want to possess You in spirit. Come to me, O my Jesus, that I may come to You. May Your love inflame my whole being, in life and in death. I believe in You. I hope in You. I love You.\r\nAmen.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Memorare<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRemember O most gracious Virgin Mary,\r\nthat never was it known that anyone\r\nwho fled to thy protection, implored thy help,\r\nor sought thy intercession was left unaided.\r\nInspired by this confidence, we fly unto thee,\r\nO Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do we come,\r\nbefore thee do we stand sinful and sorrowful.\r\nO Mother of the Word incarnate, despise not our petitions,\r\nbut in thy mercy hear and answer us. Amen\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Prayer for the Year of the Word<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLiving God, you walk alongside us and speak to us throughout the Scriptures.\r\nYour Son, Jesus Christ, listens to our hopes and fears and shows us how to live for one another.\r\nSend us the Holy Spirit to open our hearts and minds, so that we may be your witnesses throughout the world. Amen.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nYour word is our path and your truth is our light.\r\nThis day and every day.\r\nOur Lady of the Annunciation. Pray for us.\r\nSt Matthew. Pray for us.\r\nSt. Jerome. Pray for us.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Conclusion<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIn the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.\r\nAmen.","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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