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Suggestions for Liturgy Planning

Priesthood Sunday October 31, 2010 - Thirty-First 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:

To be servants of God, we are called to be humble as Jesus himself was humble. On this, the Thirty-first Sunday of Ordinary Time, the Church in the United States observes “Priesthood Sunday.” Through the lens of the paschal mystery – that is, Christ’s own life, death, resurrection and subsequent Spirit-gift who unites us to God’s very self – all of the baptized are called to mission. Faithful servants, whether lay or ordained, recognize that life is a journey. None of us is perfect, which is why we seek God’s grace to mold our hearts into the image of Divine Love. We do not do this alone. We belong to a community called Church. This ordered community is served by parish priests who lead us ministerially and spiritually. Today in particular, we pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to inspire the mission of Christ and to strengthen the humble service of our priests.



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.

“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost” (Luke 19:10), states the Gospel reading for today. Many of Luke’s parables deal with people or things being lost: lost coin, lost sheep, lost son, lost Zacchaeus. While living in Alaska, I used to spend many a weekend hiking the trails through the dense woods. Typically, there was a dirt path, worn in by years of people hiking. There were a few trails where I and my friends would decide to leave the path to explore. We only did this twice, because the woods become quite dense and we would end up loss searching for the trail again. Zacchaeus became lost. He became lost to his Jewish religious heritage of helping the poor. His profession of collecting taxes often hurt the poor, and he became rich from exploiting the poor. Zacchaeus probably had some guilt about what he was doing since he purposefully sought “to see who Jesus was…” as proclaimed in the Gospel. Zaccheus was called by Jesus. This call awoke within Zaccheus a response of giving: “Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over.” This response was possibly because Zacchaeus was offered a relationship with Jesus. Jesus called to him, and in return Zacchaeus responded in word and in deed.

Faith is our response to Christ’s call in our lives. Like a trail, our faith journey requires constant support in staying on the right course. Other disciples help us when stumbling or searching for the right path. Jesus calls to us through his Word at Sunday Eucharist, through the sacraments, through his ministers, and through one another in life.

Within the Church we have ordained priests who help us discern Christ’s call to us in our lives. Especially in thick brush, we need someone skilled to cut back the weeds and to get to the heart of faith in the Triune God. Many of our priests give much of themselves in order to help all of us stay true to paths of deep faith and love in God and neighbor. Without many of them, many of us would become lost.

Whether we are ordained or lay, for our hearts to grow in the love of God, we must humble ourselves in order to see the way God intends. The journey of faith is a road of accepting God’s gracious goodness into our hearts in order that we may share the faith, hope and love of God to one another.

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.

For God’s holy Church:
May our pope, bishops and priests continue to minister in humble justice and faithful service. Let us pray to the Lord.

For nations and their governments:
May they hear the call to work toward peace, justice and equity between one another and for the people they serve. Let us pray to the Lord.

For all who have suffered abuse:
May those who have been abused by clergy find strength, hope and peace. Let us pray to the Lord.

For an increase in religious vocations:
May men and women respond to the Christ’s call to serve the church in the priesthood, diaconate or religious life. Let us pray to the Lord.

For all who suffer from sickness, hunger or loneliness:
May they find in our communities faithful support and generous kindness. Let us pray to the Lord.

For those struggling with doubt, anxiety or fear:
May the peace of Christ embrace them and lead them to his comforting light.
Let us pray to the Lord.

For all of us gathered in this holy place:
May God continue to respond to Christ’s call to help to poor and the afflicted. Let us pray to the Lord.

Good and gracious God, hear the prayer of your people.
In your merciful love, inspire our priests to faith-filled service.
Answer the prayers of all who believe in you.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.*



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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