Lent 2012

Ash Wednesday Prayer, fasting and almsgiving are tools for us on our journey through Lent. They strengthen, shape us and challenge us both individually and as a community of believers. For what do they strengthen us? They strengthen us so that we might love one another as we are loved. For what do they shape us? They shape us to become ambassadors for Christ, to work to build God’s Kingdom of justice and love. How do they challenge us? They challenge us to see deeply our own identity as the Father’s children, to see the identity of those most in need in our world as our Father’s children too and to act, in love out of this identity.

Child of Bar Kawach village. Photo: Alan Whelan/Trócaire.

Rose Atyiang, 10, Barlonyo, Uganda. Photo: Alan Whelan/Trócaire.

Penitential Act

Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 50) A pure heart create for me, O God.

Jesus was innocent but he died for the guilty. Conscious of our need for forgiveness we praise the God of compassion.

Second Reading (2 Corinthians 5:20 – 6:2) So we are ambassadors for Christ.

Lord Jesus, you are the stronghold in our weakness – Lord have mercy Lord Jesus, you are son of God and son of man – Christ have mercy Lord Jesus, you died for our sins – Lord, have mercy

Liturgy of the Word First Reading (Joel 2:12-18) Let your hearts be broken, not your garments torn, turn to the Lord our God again, for he is all tenderness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in mercy and ready to relent.

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Gospel (Matthew 6:1-6. 16-18) Your Kingdom come, you will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Notice that today’s gospel omits the section of Matthew from verse 7 to 15, which is the core teaching of Jesus on prayer – the Our Father. Perhaps today is more about what is not said, than what is said. This passage focuses on the how and why of the Christian life. Why do we give alms, and fast, and pray?

How should we give alms, and fast, and pray? The answers that we come up with to these questions have the power to renew us in the Christian life.

Liturgy notes Homily Notes The ashes that we use today symbolise the wisdom of gospel – the ‘how and why’ of the Christian Way. As we journey around our own community today, at work or at school, in the office or on the bus, we notice the other people who have received ashes on their foreheads. We share a visible, common bond with them; the common bond of renewing our journey of faith, together, over this period of Lent. This bond, which today we see on the foreheads of those who follow the Christian Way with us, points to the common bond that we share with all of humanity – the realities of life and death, of love and grief, of healing and illness, of joy and sorrow.

In wearing this sign of our renewal in Christ, we show solidarity with the poor and the destitute, and we celebrate the new hope and new life that spring out of moments of grief, suffering and pain. We celebrate the families of northern Uganda who survived the Barlonyo massacre of Saturday, 21st February, 2004. We show solidarity with Daniel, his mother Betty and father Joel. Our fasting today is not only about our individual penitence, or our own spiritual growth. Our fasting is a real and substantial solidarity with Daniel and his family. What we save by fasting today is the means of our almsgiving tomorrow. Almsgiving, the restoration of justice, is a core reason for fasting. And our prayer draws us deeper into the solidarity and communion we share with Daniel, his family and with God.

The General Intercessions For sincerity of faith That this Lent, we will as a community of faith grow together in faith, hope and love.

– Lord hear us

For our priests That this Lent, our priests will be supported as they minister to us, and that in this support, they too will be renewed in their faith.

– Lord hear us

For Trócaire This Lent, may we come to know Trócaire’s work more fully in our community, and in knowing it, become more aware of the needs of our brothers and sisters in the developing world.

– Lord hear us

Reflection Lent is about ‘keeping it real’! Lent grounds us in the reality of our own sinfulness, mortality and need for our God of love. Ashes are a sign of repentance and mourning. They

represent the passing of something real and vital – a tree which once grew tall, a house destroyed by fire, all that is left of a corpse after the flesh has been burned away. Ashes from the palms burned of last years Palm Sunday carry the reminder that the grandiose hopes of triumphal parades can so easily turn to betrayal, persecution and burial. This Ash Wednesday, we begin afresh, humbly aware of our sinfulness and our mortality. We travel, once again, a road that leads to Resurrection joy. But before we dance and sing with joy, we repent and mourn; we ‘keep it real’. This is where we are on our journey; this is where the God of love challenges us to grow from.

Liturgical Music Suggestions Eucharistic Prayer Acclamations Holy, Holy / Memorial Acclamation / Amen from Sing the Mass, Anthology of Music for the Irish Church, 2011

Responsorial Psalm Responsorial Psalms for Sundays and Major Feast Days, Fintan O’Carroll

Gospel Acclamation Lenten Acclamation from Mass of St Columba (Columba McCann OSB) – Sing the Mass, 2011

Songs Forty days and forty nights – (Herbst) – Hymns old and new / Oremus In the days to come (Marty Haugen) Though We Are Many (Bernard Sexton) – 50 IEC 2012 Anthem – Sing the Mass, 2011 Grant to us, O Lord (Lucien Deiss) – Alleluia Amen God of Mercy and Compassion (Trad. French tune adapted by Pergolesi) – In Caelo Gathered As One (Deanna Light/Paul Tate) – Emmanuel 2012, Dublin Diocesan Liturgy Resource Centre We Shall Draw Water Joyfully (Paul Inwood) – Oregon Catholic Press

Penitential Act Lord have mercy from Mass of St Columba (Columba McCann OSB) – Sing the Mass, 2011

Sacred Space Begin your Lenten journey by introducing a sacred space into your church. Having a good visual display can set the tone of the Lenten season and open people’s minds to the Gospel message of that week. For this first day of Lent, perhaps begin with a purple cloth, a cross, a bowl of ashes and also the iconic 2012 Trócaire box. The space will change again for Sunday’s celebration.

Material available to download from Trocaire.org

First Sunday of Lent ‘Man does not live on bread alone’. The people of Uganda know the value of every scrap of food but they are also aware of the need for education and spiritual nourishment. Daniel, who is featured on this year’s Trócaire box, would like to get up early so that he has time to pray before making the long trek to school on foot. We have a lot to learn from this boy of nine about priorities and about the balance between the material and the spiritual in our lives.

Penitential Act Jesus was innocent but he died for the guilty. Conscious of our need for forgiveness we praise the God of compassion.

Lord Jesus, you always keep your word – Lord have mercy Lord Jesus, you are good and merciful – Christ have mercy Lord Jesus, you died for our sins – Lord, have mercy

Liturgy of the Word First Reading (Genesis 9:8-15) Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you, and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.

Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 24) Lord teach me your paths.

Daniel Okweng, nine years old with his father Joel Onyango, 50, mother Betty Alum, 48 and nephew, Coxon. Bar Kawach village, Barlonyo, Uganda. Photo: Jeannie O’Brien/Trócaire.

Second Reading (Peter 3:18-22) That water is the type of Baptism which saves you now.

Gospel (Mark 1:12-15) The Kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!

Homily Notes This Sunday is sometimes called ‘Quadragesima Sunday’: a reference to the ‘forty days’ mentioned in the Gospel. Like Ash Wednesday, today is another ‘beginning moment’ in our life as disciples of Jesus Christ. We are invited to follow Jesus into the desert place of our lives, the place of encounter with the Lord. If we didn’t have the opportunity to begin Lent on Ash Wednesday, today is another opportunity for us to start. The invitation is to begin again.

Here at home, in Ireland, many of us have had to begin again.

Neighbours who have lost jobs and homes. Family members who have had to travel abroad seeking work and new life.

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Loved ones who have survived addiction and learned how to carve out a new life. Vulnerable adults and children who suffered at the hands of those who should have cared for them.

Beginning again is a universal theme in the story of our lives. Beginning again is the story of the community of Bar Kawach in northern Uganda, the focus of this year’s Trócaire campaign. Bar Kawach is a village near Barlonyo, the scene of a horrendous massacre in 2004. Daniel, the boy on this years Trócaire box, together with his family survived the massacre. They moved back to Bar Kawach in 2006. In 2010, with the support of Trócaire’s partners in Uganda, FAPAD (Facilitation for Peace and Development) life has begun to improve for Daniel, his family and their community. They are beginning again.

The General Intercessions Though we are many we come together as one body to offer our prayers to God who is faithful and constant in a spirit of openness to the needs of all our brothers and sisters.

Liturgy notes We pray for our Church By recognising that the time has come to change our ways we will work to bring into reality the vision of a kingdom where all are cherished equally.

– Lord hear us

We pray for those with power and influence in the world

Liturgical Music Suggestions Eucharistic Prayer Acclamations Holy, Holy / Memorial Acclamation / Amen from Sing the Mass, Anthology of Music for the Irish Church, 2011

Responsorial Psalm

That they will be moved to empower those who are most in need to provide for themselves and their communities.

– Lord hear us

Psalm 24 – To You, O Lord I Lift Up My Soul (John O’Keefe) – In Caelo Psalm 24 – To You, O Lord I Lift My Soul (Marty Haugen) – Gather

We pray for the people of Uganda

Gospel Acclamation

That they will uplifted by our practical support and that we will learn from their courage and witness in the face of difficulties.

– Lord hear us

Lenten Acclamation from Mass of St Columba (Columba McCann OSB) – Sing the Mass, 2011

We pray for all who have died That washed in the saving waters of Baptism they may now take their place at the banquet prepared for them.

– Lord hear us Faithful and constant God, listen to the prayer of your people offered in faith through Jesus Christ, our living Lord.

Amen

Reflection

Songs Though We Are Many (Bernard Sexton) – 50 IEC 2012 Anthem – Sing the Mass, 2011 Grant to us, O Lord (Lucien Deiss) – Alleluia Amen God of Mercy and Compassion (Trad. French tune adapted by Pergolesi) – In Caelo Gathered As One (Deanna Light/Paul Tate) – Emmanuel 2012, Dublin Diocesan Liturgy Resource Centre We Shall Draw Water Joyfully (Paul Inwood) – Oregon Catholic Press

Penitential Act Lord have mercy from Mass of St Columba (Columba McCann OSB) – Sing the Mass, 2011

Rainbow Prayer Compassionate God, with my diversity and uniqueness, I know I have a place in the multi-coloured bow of your love. As a member of the Church give me courage to follow Jesus into the desert during these forty days of Lent. There I will face the darkness of my neglect of others who I have consigned to the rubbish heap where they scavenge for dignity and respect. In that place I will encounter my racial prejudices, my narrow focus on who needs assistance in our time. Help me to journey from the penitential violet of this season through the bright promise of Easter light to the joyful celebration of the Spirit at Pentecost.

Sacred Space Each week during the season of Lent create a sacred space outside of the sanctuary. Let the symbols and the scripture of the day dictate the location of the space. Cover a table with a multi-coloured cloth and put a bowl of blessed water on it. Place the table at the back of the Church in such a position that most people will walk past it on their way in or out and might bless themselves. Make a prayer card of the Rainbow Prayer and leave copies of it on the table for all to take with them.

Material available to download from Trocaire.org

Family Mass – week 1 Meet Daniel Today we will learn about a young boy called Daniel who lives far away in a country called Uganda.

Show the children a m ap of the world and place a st ar on Ireland and Uganda.

Photo: Jeannie O’Brien/Trócaire.

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Leader: He lives in a country in Afric ! nda Children (pointing at globe): Uga

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Material available to download from Trocaire.org

Activities Colour me in

My Lent prayer Holy God, this week I began to learn about Lent in school and at mass. Help me to do my best this Lent. Thank you for giving me enough food to help me grow healthy and strong. I pray that children in Uganda will have enough to eat.

Material available to download from Trocaire.org

Second Sunday of Lent The Novena of Grace in honour of St. Francis Xavier starts today. We could take the structure of these nine days to commit ourselves to ‘listen’ more closely to God’s Word through lectio divina and to those sent by God into our lives. We could focus on the ways in which we can answer the call of Jesus to live the gospel values of justice, truth and love.

Daniel Okweng, 9 years old, running with his friends at Bar Kawach village, Barlonyo, Uganda. Photo: Jeannie O’Brien/Trócaire.

Penitential Act

Homily Notes

We begin our celebration by listening and responding to the generous invitation of God who is merciful and compassionate.

We are invited this Sunday to offer our most prized and precious possessions in sacrifice to God who did not spare his most prized possession, his own Son, for us.

Communion with Jesus, and solidarity with all people throughout the world, will make considerable demands on us if we are to call ourselves Christian. To be Christian is to be in ‘Communion with Christ and with One Another’ as the theme for IEC 2012 (International Eucharistic Congress) points out. Communion is not just about participating in the Eucharist. Communion demands that we give of our time, our talent, and our treasure to help those who are building new lives. There, in the people we are in solidarity and communion with throughout the world, we can discover Christ who is the truth and the beauty of all our lives. The Eucharist gains new meaning when we uncover the value of every person, rooted in the real and tangible love that God has for us all, in Christ Jesus.

You were sent to heal the contrite of heart – Kyrie eleison You came to call sinners – Christe eleison You are seated at the right hand of the Father to intercede for us – Kyrie eleison

Liturgy of the Word First Reading (Genesis 22:1-2, 9-13, 15-18) Through your offspring, all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.

Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 115) How can I repay the Lord for his goodness to me?

Second Reading (Romans 8:31-34) If God is for us, who can be against us?

Gospel (Mark 9:2-10) This is my Son, the beloved, listen to him.

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Even though Daniel has been through the trauma of civil war, he wants to continue his education so that he might, one day, serve his community as a doctor. Our solidarity with Daniel blesses us with hope for a bright future where there has been a dark past. This Lent, by giving alms with what we have saved by fasting, we can prayerfully be in Communion with Christ and with One Another.

Liturgy notes The General Intercessions

Prayer

We are one body as we climb the mountain to Easter together. Let us bring our intercessions to God who is just and understanding in a spirit of hope.

During his Angelus address on August 6th, 2006, Pope Benedict XVI reminded us that “it is Christ who constitutes the full manifestation of God’s light. His resurrection defeated the power of darkness of evil forever. With the Risen Christ, truth and love triumph over deceit and sin. In him, God’s light henceforth illumines definitively human life and the course of history: ‘I am the light of the world,’ he says in the Gospel, ‘he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life’. This Lent, may the light of Christ illuminate our efforts to be people of the light.

With God on our side who can be against us?

For our Church: that we may have to courage to speak out against injustice where we find it without counting the cost to ourselves.

– Let us pray to the Lord

This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him For all who hear the Word of God today: that our listening and reflection may lead us to live the message of the Scriptures every day of the week.

– Let us pray to the Lord

Do not raise your hand against the boy For those who suffer as a result of abuse of any kind that they may find comfort from our resolution to listen to them and to act promptly and fairly to safeguard the vulnerable.

– Let us pray to the Lord

And a cloud came covering them in shadow For those coping with the darkness of displacement because of war and oppression especially the people of Uganda: that our response in charity will make a difference in their lives.

– Let us pray to the Lord

O precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his faithful For those who have died: that they may see the fullness of the glory of the risen Jesus.

– Let us pray to the Lord Generous and faithful God these and our unspoken prayer we offer today in the Spirit through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Liturgical Music Suggestions Eucharistic Prayer Acclamations Holy, Holy / Memorial Acclamation / Amen from Sing the Mass, Anthology of Music for the Irish Church, 2011

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 115 – I Will Walk in the Presence of the Lord (Ronan McDonagh) Psalm 115 – Responsorial Psalms for Sundays and Major Feast Days (Fintan O’Carroll) Encourage the congregation to sing the verses in a simple tone alternately with the cantor or music group.

Gospel Acclamation Lenten Acclamation from Mass of St Columba (Columba McCann OSB) – Sing the Mass, 2011

Songs Though We Are Many (Bernard Sexton) – 50 IEC 2012 Anthem – Sing the Mass, 2011 Grant to us, O Lord (Lucien Deiss) – Alleluia Amen God of Mercy and Compassion (Trad. French tune adapted by Pergolesi) – In Caelo Gathered As One (Deanna Light/Paul Tate) – Emmanuel 2012, Dublin Diocesan Liturgy Resource Centre Pity Then The Child (Liam Lawton) – Sacred Story

Penitential Act Lord have mercy from Mass of St Columba (Columba McCann OSB) – Sing the Mass, 2011

Sacred Space Each week during the season of Lent create a sacred space outside of the sanctuary. Let the symbols and the scripture of the day dictate the location of the space. Invite parishioners to contribute to an exhibition of photographs showing light and darkness. Display the images around the church or on a special exhibition board.

Silvenia Adyie, 83, is the oldest member of the Bar Kawach village.

Photo: Alan Whelan/Trócaire.

Material available to download from Trocaire.org

Family Mass – week 2 Daniel’s needs Remember last week we met Daniel from Uganda? When Daniel wakes up in the morning he says his prayers. Trócaire works with Daniel to help make his dreams come true.

If Daniel had three wishes, he would like to: ® Keep going to school ® Help his community by becoming a doctor ® Wake up early to pray

Group activity Make a list of everybody’s wants and needs in the group on a large poster board. Elicit that we all need things like food, a home and friends, but we may want things like new toys or games.

Invite the children to talk in pairs and make three wishes for Daniel.

Depending on their answers, explain how Trócaire helps Daniel’s community to grow their own food, have safe, clean water and medicine when they are sick.

Ask the pairs to make a collage of their wishes for Daniel. Join the collages together to make a group mural.

Material available to download from Trocaire.org

Photo: Jeannie O’Brien/Trócaire.

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Activities Colour me in

My Lent prayer Holy God, thank you for all my hopes and dreams. Guide us by your Holy Spirit so that one day, both Daniel and I will have our hopes and dreams come true.

Material available to download from Trocaire.org

The community of Bar Kawach, Barlonyo.

Photo: Alan Whelan/Tr贸caire.

Third Sunday of Lent God’s Word today is centred on the law that is good and that is to be cherished.

In our own time legislation is used to enforce the adoption of good ecological practice to protect our environment for generations to come. We can view law and obligation as a restriction on our freedom when in reality it is there to help us and to keep us on the right track for our own good.

Resident of Barlonyo village. Photo: Alan Whelan/Trócaire.

Dillis Adong in the Catholic Church of Bar Kawach, Barlonyo, Uganda.

Photo: Alan Whelan/Trócaire.

Penitential Act

Father’s house” and “market”. The market is something that we are very familiar with in contemporary living. The collapse of the market a few years ago showed us just how unreliable it is in meeting the demands of justice. Jesus does not have a problem with ‘the market’, but he does have a problem when it takes over “my Father’s house”.

The market can be contaminated with human greed and individual self-interest. For that reason it has no place in the Temple, and the Temple here can be interpreted in three ways – as the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, the setting for the gospel story; as the Sanctuary that is Jesus’ body; and Jesus’ body, the Church, in all times and places, including our own time and place. Money and the market are good things, it is what the human heart does with them that contaminates them and makes them contemptible.

God calls us to change our ways with the help of His grace and mercy.

Lord Jesus, you have shown us the way to the Father – A Thiarna déan trócaire Lord Jesus you have given us the consolation of the truth – A Chríost déan trócaire Lord Jesus, you are the Good Shepherd leading us into everlasting life – A Thiarna déan trócaire

Liturgy of the Word First Reading (Exodus 20:1-17/Psalm 18:8-11) “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery” Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 18) The rule of the Lord is to be trusted.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 1: 22-25) The foolishness of God is wiser than human strength.

Gospel (John 2:13-25) He could tell what people had in them... The Temple cleansing or purification juxtaposes the concepts of “my

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Homily Notes ‘Covenant’ is a term that we can study for many years and still not come to understand fully. It is a promise of an agreed future, a contract for generations to come. A ‘Covenant’ is a sign of hope. Marriage is often explored as a covenantal relationship because it is by sticking together that a husband and wife can carve out a future that they and their children can rely on. Very often we find ourselves focusing on the ‘how’ of that covenant relationship, forgetting that the answer to that ‘how’ is not found in either person, but in the partners together. As a team, as

Liturgy notes a partnership, as a covenantal duo, they can take on any challenge. They are greater than the sum of their parts. It is in the midst of the partnership, the togetherness of the people involved, that God’s grace enters and bears fruit.

Daniel’s parents, Betty and Joel, have been through many traumatic events in their thirty years of married life. By sticking together, even after they were forcibly separated, Joel and Betty are creating a future for Daniel. Their covenant to each other, before God, is bearing rich fruit.

In the tough and testing times that we are living through here in Ireland, it is by sticking together, and living out our covenants that we will create a future filled with hope for the generations to come.

Liturgical Music Suggestions

The General Intercessions

Songs

We are God’s people who come together to share in the Eucharist. Together we offer our prayers to our Creator in a spirit of trust.

I am the Lord your God We pray for all Christian people: that we will make the commandment to love God and our neighbour a priority in our lives.

– A Thiarna, éist linn

Eucharistic Prayer Acclamations Holy, Holy / Memorial Acclamation / Amen from Sing the Mass, Anthology of Music for the Irish Church, 2011

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 18 – Lord You Have The Words (David Haas) – Gather Psalm 18 – Responsorial Psalms for Sundays and Major Feast Days (Fintan O’Carroll)

Gospel Acclamation Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ from Mass of St Columba (Columba McCann OSB)

Though we are many (Bernard Sexton) – 50 IEC 2012 Anthem – Sing the Mass, 2011 Grant to us, O Lord (Lucien Deiss) – Alleluia Amen God of mercy and compassion (Trad. French tune adapted by Pergolesi) – In Caelo When we gather in this place (Lori True) – Emmanuel 2012, Dublin Diocesan Liturgy Resource Centre The Servant Song (Richard Gillard) – Gather

Penitential Act

Here are we preaching a crucified Christ

Lord have mercy from Mass of St Columba (Columba McCann OSB) – Sing the Mass, 2011

We pray for those who are displaced from their own homes: that they may draw their strength from our support.

– A Thiarna, éist linn

Sacred Space

The rule of the Lord gives wisdom to the simple We pray for the grace of humility: that we will be open to guidance and correction as we follow the way of Christ.

– A Thiarna, éist linn

Making a whip out of some of the cord he drove them out of the temple We pray for ourselves: that like Jesus we may be so angry when we see injustice, dishonesty and poverty that we may be spurred into action in his name.

– A Thiarna, éist linn

Each week during the season of Lent create a sacred space outside of the sanctuary. Let the symbols and the scripture of the day dictate the location of the space. Invite a local school class to create a tablet of stones symbolising the ten commandments. Ask them to put on each stone a different challenge – ‘thou shalt do’ – that would help the work of development. Place this tablet in an alcove where people can stop and think about the challenge.

Reflection ‘The Lord Jesus, the bread of eternal life, spurs us to be mindful of the situations of extreme poverty in which a great part of humanity still lives: these are situations for which human beings bear a clear and disquieting responsibility.

The food of truth demands that we denounce inhumane situations in which people starve to death because of injustice and exploitation, and it gives us renewed strength and courage to work tirelessly in the service of the civilisation of love.’ (Pope Benedict XVI).

Material available to download from Trocaire.org

Family Mass – week 3 Daniel’s family Today we meet Daniel’s parents. His mother Betty, his father Joel and his older brother Emmanuel. Daniel lives in a village called Bar Kawach.

Hobbies: Daniel enjoys school; English is his favourite subject. His pastimes are football and playing with his friends. Do you have any similar hobbies?

Responsibilities: Daniel lets the goats out to graze in the morning before walking to school. In the evening he washes the dishes and ploughs the village field with the oxen. Daniel cycles to the community’s water pump and collects firewood every day.

Lent puzzle

Photo: Jeannie O’Brien/Trócaire.

Group activity Talk with the children about what jobs they do to help at home.

What things have they taken on / given up for Lent?

During Lent we normally give up something... what have you given up this Lent?

Have you kept your promise? We do this to remind ourselves of how Jesus gave up his life for our sins. When we give up something during Lent it is called ‘Giving Alms’. Use the letters below to describe the meaning of giving alms.

A L M S

Material available to download from Trocaire.org

Activities Colour me in

My Lent prayer Dear God, thank you for my parents and guardians that care for me. I pray that the children in Uganda have good homes like me.

Material available to download from Trocaire.org

Fourth Sunday of Lent What are we prepared to do for love? God goes the extra mile and more by sending us Jesus a model of selflessness and sacrifice. This generosity is at the heart of the Eucharist.

The children of Bar Kawach village, Barlonyo, northern Uganda. Photo: Alan Whelan/Trócaire.

Penitential Act We turn to God who is merciful and just as we call to mind our sins.

Lord Jesus, you came to redeem us and not to condemn us – Lord have mercy Lord Jesus, you draw us back from exile with your forgiving love – Christ have mercy Lord Jesus, you call us out of darkness into the light of your mercy – Lord have mercy

Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 136) O how could we sing the song of the Lord on alien soil?

Second Reading (Ephesians 2:4-10) For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared for us to do.

Gospel (John 3:14-21) Jesus preached a mission of salvation and not of condemnation. What a difference that attitude would make if we could embrace it. Condemning others comes easily to us. The real task is seeing the good and working to bring that out in those around us.

Liturgy of the Word

Homily Notes

First Reading (2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23/Psalm 136) The Lord, the God of their fathers, sent word to them through his messengers again and again, because he had pity on his people and on his dwelling place.

It seems that people in leadership took their eye off the ball when it comes to the management of economies throughout the world. The first casualties of a recession in terms of spending cuts are those who seek support for development work as people prioritise their financial

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Liturgy notes commitments usually starting with themselves. God’s Word today speaks of great generosity – ‘God loved us so much that he was generous with his mercy’. Our challenge as a society is to extend our sense of mercy to embrace those who perhaps through no fault of their own find themselves in difficult financial situations. We do this while keeping in mind those who relatively speaking are always at the bottom of the pile in good times and again in bad.

‘God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son’.

This Gospel passage is at the heart of our understanding of the sacrifice of love which is the Eucharist. We who have received great love are called to show great love in return.

The Eucharist is a celebration of generosity and all aspects of the liturgy should reflect that spirit – from the warmth of the welcome, the quality of the preparation and the joy of the celebration.

Reference to the exile in Babylon reminds us of those who are forced to live away from their families due to the recession or those who have been forced out of their homes and villages by oppression and terrorism. We should keep them at the centre of our prayer where friends and strangers are acknowledged.

The General Intercessions

God of kindness and compassion listen to our prayers and grant what we ask if it is for the good of our soul through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Reflection Blessed Theresa of Calcutta was a woman who was spurred to action by her commitment to Jesus in the Eucharist and she encourages us today to make wonderful things happen.

“What I do you cannot do; but what you do, I cannot do. The needs are great, and none of us, including me, ever do great things. But we can all do small things, with great love, and together we can do something wonderful.”

Liturgical Music Suggestions Eucharistic Prayer Acclamations Holy, Holy / Memorial Acclamation / Amen from Sing the Mass, Anthology of Music for the Irish Church, 2011

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 137 – Babylon (Ian Callanan) – Seinn Publications Psalm 137 – Responsorial Psalms for Sundays and Major Feast Days (Fintan O’Carroll)

Gospel Acclamation

We bask in the love of God who only wants the best for us.

In that spirit we present our intercessions this day.

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ from Mass of St Columba (Columba McCann OSB)

All the heads of the priesthood, and the people too added infidelity to infidelity

Songs

We pray for those in positions of leadership in our Church: that they will guide their people with compassion and offer them the best of example.

– Lord hear us

By the rivers of Babylon there we sat and wept We pray for those who have been displaced by war or conflict and live away from home: that our love and support may give them comfort.

– Lord hear us

God loved us with so much love We pray for those who feel unloved and forgotten in our communities: that we will put ourselves out in making them welcome.

– Lord hear us

Everyone who believes in him will not be lost We pray for those who struggle with their faith at this time: that they may come to know Jesus Christ as their saviour and friend.

– Lord hear us

Though we are many (Bernard Sexton) – 50 IEC 2012 Anthem – Sing the Mass, 2011 Grant to us, O Lord (Lucien Deiss) – Alleluia Amen God of mercy and compassion (Trad. French tune adapted by Pergolesi) – In Caelo When we gather in this place (Lori True) – Emmanuel 2012, Dublin Diocesan Liturgy Resource Centre St Patrick’s Breastplate (John O’Keefe) – Feast and Seasons/ Becoming the Body of Christ

Penitential Act Lord have mercy from Mass of St Columba (Columba McCann OSB) – Sing the Mass, 2011

Sacred Space Each week during the season of Lent create a sacred space outside of the sanctuary. Let the symbols and the scripture of the day dictate the location of the space. Compile a list of groups in the parish that offer a service to others. Display them imaginatively on promotion boards as people enter the church so that they can give praise and thanks for the gift of those who put love into action.

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Family Mass – week 4 Our hopes for Daniel Daniel’s mother Betty says that Daniel was a miracle baby. When he was born she was very sick and in a lot of pain. Their country was also a very unsafe place for a baby. Today, with peace and the help of Trócaire, Betty looks forward to a bright future for her son.

Action Write a letter to your mother this mother’s day.

Tell her how much you love her just like Daniel loves his mum Betty.

Photo: Jeannie O’Brien/Trócaire.

Lent puzzle Find the words below in the puzzle box: BETTY GOOD LOVE MARY MERCY MOTHER SON

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Activities Colour me in

My Lent prayer We pray today for the children of Uganda who’s mother’s are sick or have passed away. Have you already learned the prayer we pray to Jesus’ mother Mary? Let’s try it together...

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you amongst women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.

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Fifth Sunday of Lent In the Gospel story today we have the image of the wheat grain that falls on the ground and dies. We are reminded of the process of death that comes before birth. Each day we are called to die to our selfishness so that we can be renewed and become again who we are meant to be in the eyes of our Creator.

passage. It is about letting go of what we value even though it is temporary so that it can be replaced by something more enduring. Just like the grain of wheat we are invited every day to die a little so that we can rise a little too. Death and resurrection happens daily in the life of the Christian who works to overcome self-centeredness.

Homily Notes

Trócaire support local farmers in Uganda. Photo: Alan Whelan/Trócaire.

Penitential Act God is kind and compassionate. We trust in his mercy and love. Let us bring before God now our sins and celebrate the gift of forgiveness.

Lord Jesus, in your mercy you cleanse me from my sin – Kyrie eleison Lord Jesus, in your compassion you blot out my offence – Christe eleison Lord Jesus, in your kindness you never reject me – Kyrie eleison

Liturgy of the Word First Reading (Jeremiah 31: 33-34) Learn to know the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 50) Do not cast me away from your presence.

Second Reading (Hebrews 5: 7-9) He became for all who obey him the source of eternal salvation.

Gospel (John 17: 20 – 33) The paradox of the Christian message is stated clearly in this

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Most people have difficulty in letting go of the hurts and wrongs that have been done to us. We fail to understand that we allow ourselves to be trapped in the past in so far as we hold on to the memories and strong feelings associated with betrayal and injury. Jesus often uses nature to teach a lesson to us. The seed of grain must fall on the ground and die before there can be fruit. Letting go in a broader sense is a sacrifice we are asked to take on every day. We are invited to let go of our pride, our jealousy, our hatred and our prejudice so that we can live more freely the life-giving message of the Gospel. If we take Jesus as our model we see that he embraced suffering out of love for us. What are we prepared to do out of love for our brothers and sisters?

In the context of the Trócaire Lenten campaign, we are given the challenge to support their staff who we do not know in the work of development, in a country we probably have never visited and among people we will never meet.

That is what it means to be ‘one body’. Solidarity with those in need with whom we share a common Christian heritage is our call this Lent. The prophet Jeremiah spoke of a new covenant. Maybe it is time for us to make a covenant with another Christian community that is now as well resourced as ours to support them regularly. This kind of covenant may not offer us tax relief but it will bear fruit in the lives of those we touch and in our lives too. No matter how small the change we make or the seed of hope we plant let us be assured that it will make a difference though we may never see the fruit.

The General Intercessions We are a pilgrim people on our journey to Easter. We need help along the way and so we offer our intentions to God who is forgiving and generous.

I will forgive their iniquity and never call their sin to mind For all who are preparing to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation during Lent: that they will experience the

Liturgy notes generosity of God’s mercy and forgiveness.

– Let us pray to the Lord

Put a steadfast spirit within me For those struggling with habits that they find hard to shake off or with the pain of addiction: that they will get the strength to change and be renewed.

– Let us pray to the Lord

He became the source of eternal salvation We pray for all who have died marked with the sign of faith: that they will enjoy the heavenly banquet prepared by Jesus, our Saviour.

– Let us pray to the Lord

Liturgical Music Suggestions Eucharistic Prayer Acclamations Holy, Holy / Memorial Acclamation / Amen from Sing the Mass, Anthology of Music for the Irish Church, 2011

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 50 – Be Merciful , O Lord (Michael Joncas) – Gather Psalm 50 – Responsorial Psalms for Sundays and Major Feast Days (Fintan O’Carroll)

Gospel Acclamation Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ from Mass of St Columba (Columba McCann OSB)

If it dies it yields a rich harvest

Songs

We pray for the Christian community gathered here: that we will let go of our self-interest to act in solidarity with the people of Uganda.

– Let us pray to the Lord

Though we are many (Bernard Sexton) – 50 IEC 2012 Anthem – Sing the Mass, 2011 Grant to us, O Lord (Lucien Deiss) – Alleluia Amen God of mercy and compassion (Trad. French tune adapted by Pergolesi) – In Caelo St Patrick’s Breastplate (John O’Keefe) – Feast and Seasons/ Becoming the Body of Christ Quietly Peacefully (Dvorak/Adapted Lori True) – Emmanuel 2012, Dublin Diocesan Liturgy Resource Centre

God of wisdom and compassion listen to the prayers of your people offered with confidence through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Reflection Archbishop Oscar Romero was assassinated while celebrating the Eucharist in his Cathedral in El Salvador on 24 March 1980. He challenges us today with these words: “There are so many hungry people in this world, and their hunger is more than physical. Children are starving for love and affection. The elderly are groaning out of loneliness.

People in our families and circle of friends are craving our time and attention. The poor and sick yearn for care and understanding. The wealthy hunger for meaning. Our challenge as Eucharistic people is to become the Bread of Life for others. As St. Augustine put it: ‘Become what you receive.’ We, as Christians, must become the bread that feeds the hungry people around us. We are called to feed others with love, care, compassion, concern, hospitality and justice. This is precisely what we commit ourselves to at each Eucharist. The challenge is addressed to each of us personally, and as a community: ‘The Body of Christ.’

‘The Blood of Christ.’ When we say our ‘Amen,’ we accept the challenge. We say, ‘Yes! I am called to break my body and pour out my blood for everybody. Yes! I am daily bread for the hungry people I know and those I don’t know.’

That ‘Amen’ is one of the most important words we say at Mass. We should think twice before we say it. It should make us shudder. To receive the Eucharist is to make the commitment to become the Eucharist – for whoever needs it. Indeed, if we do not intend to ‘become what we receive’, we would do well to absent ourselves from the communion line.”

Penitential Act Lord have mercy from Mass of St Columba (Columba McCann OSB) – Sing the Mass, 2011

Sacred Space Each week during the season of Lent create a sacred space outside of the sanctuary. Let the symbols and the scripture of the day dictate the location of the space. On both sides of the sanctuary put a table covered with a green cloth. Place a basket of seeds on the table and encourage people to take one and to plant a seed for justice that day.

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Family Mass – week 5 Loving our neighbour When Daniel gets home from school in the evenings he does his homework and chores and then goes out to play football. His favourite team is Arsenal! He doesn’t have electricity so doesn’t get to see his favourite team play on television.

Daniel loves his friends and relies on them when he wants to have fun and to play. Jesus asks us to love everybody equally, including our friends, family and even Daniel who we have never met before.

Group activity In the Parish hall or outside, arrange the children around the parachute (sheet) so they are each holding a section. Place a large inflatable globe into the middle of the parachute.

Ask the children to move back a step and pull the parachute tight so the globe is lifted into the air. Stretch the parachute a number of times so that the globe bounces higher.

Ask the children to place the parachute on the ground. Whoever the globe rolls nearest must take the globe and call out their wish for the world.

Repeat the parachute game a number of times so that a number of children get a chance to call out their wish for the world.

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Photo: Alan Whelan/Trócaire.

Lent puzzle Find the words below in the puzzle box: Forgive

Jesus

Lasting

Lent

Love neighbour

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Activities Colour me in

My Lent prayer Holy God, I want to love everybody equally like Jesus did. Help me to keep my promise this Lent and to follow Jesus well.

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Daniel Okweng, nine years old, in his class P3, Bar Kawach village, Barlonyo, Uganda.

Photo: Jeannie O’Brien/Trócaire.

Passion Sunday How quickly the tide of public opinion can move from adulation to rejection. The ‘Hosannas’ of Palm Sunday were replaced by the calls to ‘Crucify him’ of Good Friday. We can be very fickle in our affiliations and loyalties. Reflection on the Passion of Christ today should make us stop and re-evaluate our willingness to share in the sufferings of Christ today.

Child of Bar Kawach village. Photo: Alan Whelan/Trócaire.

Penitential Act Lord Jesus, you called us to be your disciples – Kyrie eleison Lord, you give us strength when we feel lost – Christe eleison Lord, you are a model of humility and acceptance – Kyrie eleison

Liturgy of the Word First Reading (Isaiah 50:4-7) A true prophet knows both how to listen and to speak. The prophet does not draw attention away from the message on to himself nor does he retaliate with bitter words of contempt.

Psalm 21 Many people can identify with that feeling of abandonment in the face of pain and suffering. The story of the Footsteps in the Sand reminds us that we are not alone especially when we are in trouble.

Second Reading (Philippians 2:6-11) Jesus is the supreme example of humility. We can only aspire to his witness.

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Gospel (Mark 14:1 – 15:7) “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” We can be very passive during the long reading of the Passion especially since the story is well known. Resolve to be more alert and to note what strikes you on this hearing.

Homily Notes There is a profound association between Passover, trickery, anointing with costly nard and betrayal for money. This Passover will be the Passion and the ‘preparations’ spoken about in the passage signify the preparation for the Passion that has been going on right throughout the gospel of Mark.

This Passover, this Passion, is a New Covenant. Jesus’ blood is the sign of the New Covenant. Here he prefigures his own death by inviting his followers to do what he does: to take, to thank and to give. There is a task to be carried out to recall what Jesus has done. The New Covenant must be remembered and lived out.

We look for Christ everywhere. We are taught that Christ is present in four ways during the liturgy: in the gathered assembly; in the proclaimed Word; in the Priest presiding; and in the Eucharist celebrated. Here, Christ is present in Sacrament, Word, action and in people. For us Catholics,

Liturgy notes the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist is a core doctrine of our faith that we defend highly. We are less vigorous in our defence of the other ‘presences’ of Christ. Still less so are we defensive of the presence of Christ in the poor, in the voiceless and in the marginalised. Christ is present in Daniel, in Joel and in Betty, most especially because of the violence, suffering, separation and aloneness that they have experienced. Their suffering, like all human suffering, unites them to Christ on the cross in a profound way. Perhaps this is a good time to remember that much of the Church’s social teaching has the status of doctrine. This places it on a similar footing to all the great doctrines of the Church.

Liturgical Music Suggestions

The General Intercessions

Songs

Gathered together at the start of this Great Week we ask God to listen to our prayers.

For my part I made no resistance We pray for the grace to live as a true disciple: that we may give authentic witness to the message of the Gospel.

– A Thiarna éist linn

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

We pray for those who feel alone and abandoned: that we will offer them Christian love and support in their time of need.

– A Thiarna éist linn

Christ Jesus did not cling to equality with God We pray for the gift of humility: that we will recognise the true source of our gifts and talents.

– A Thiarna éist linn

Crucify him We pray for those we persecute by our words and actions: that we may recognise the effects our behaviour and change our ways.

– A Thiarna éist linn

Eucharistic Prayer Acclamations Holy, Holy / Memorial Acclamation / Amen from Sing the Mass, Anthology of Music for the Irish Church, 2011

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 21 – My God, My God (Liam Lawton) Psalm 21 – My God, My God (Marty Haugen) – Gather

Gospel Acclamation Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ from Mass of St Columba (Columba McCann OSB)

Though we are many (Bernard Sexton) – 50th IEC 2012 Anthem – Sing the Mass, 2011 Grant to us, O Lord (Lucien Deiss) – Alleluia Amen God of mercy and compassion (Trad. French tune adapted by Pergolesi) – In Caelo Come to the Table (Tony Alonso) – Emmanuel 2012, Dublin Diocesan Liturgy Resource Centre Trading My Sorrows (Darrell Evans) – Emmanuel 2012, Dublin Diocesan Liturgy Resource Centre

Penitential Act Lord have mercy from Mass of St Columba (Columba McCann OSB) – Sing the Mass, 2011

Sacred Space Each week during the season of Lent create a sacred space outside of the sanctuary. Let the symbols and the scripture of the day dictate the location of the space. Place a Taizé style cross on the ground in front of the sanctuary and invite people to touch it as they move forward for Holy Communion.

God of mercy and compassion listen to the prayers of your people offered in faith, through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Reflection Reflection of Meister Eckhart Many people think that to show their sorrow for sin they must do extraordinary things, such as fasting, walking barefoot, and the like. The best penitence, however, is to turn away completely from all that is not God and not divine, whether it be in yourself or some other person, place or thing. True repentance is approaching God in love and squarely facing up to what you have done. Choose your own way of doing this, and discover that the more you do it, the more real your repentance will become. True conversion is like the Lord’s passion; the more you imitate it the more your sins will fall away.

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Family Mass – week 6 Steps towards a better life Trócaire are helping Daniel and his community take steps towards a better life. Today in the Gospel we hear about how Jesus suffered on the cross. He felt hurt, abandoned and alone. When his life was in danger, Daniel felt the same; lonely, sad and scared. But today, Daniel looks forward to a bright future.

Photo: Jeannie O’Brien/Trócaire.

Group activity Get the children to trace around their feet and cut out footsteps.

On each footstep they must write something that they can do to make the world a better place. On the back of each footstep they must write something that they hope will happen for Daniel in the future to make his world a better place.

Ensure that the children focus on the theme of community, how they are stronger as a community and how Trócaire’s work represents that of a community of believers.

Display the footprints as a learning journey around the Altar.

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Lent puzzle Find the words below in the puzzle box: Alone

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Activities Colour me in

My hopes for a better world My hopes for Daniel

My Lent prayer Holy God, Lent finishes this week and your son Jesus Christ died on the cross. I am thankful to Jesus for loving me so much. This year I gave up ............................ for Lent in thanks for all that Jesus has done for me.

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Easter Sunday We have journeyed through Lent 2012 preparing ourselves in mind, body and spirit for Christ’s death. We did this by giving alms, fasting and praying. Today, we are now ready to open our ears, hearts and minds to the joyous news that “He is risen, Alleluia”.

Margaret Ajuk in the Catholic Church of Bar Kawach, Barlonyo, Uganda. Photo: Alan Whelan/Trócaire.

Penitential Act Lord Jesus, you are the source of all forgiveness – Lord have mercy Lord Jesus, you are the hope of all salvation – Christ have mercy Lord Jesus, you raise us up – Lord have mercy

Liturgy of the Word First Reading (Acts 10:34. 37-43) All who believe in Jesus will have their sins forgiven through his name. God raised him to new life to judge everyone, alive or dead.

Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 117) I shall not die, I shall live – Let the sons of Israel say his love has no end!

Second Reading (Col 3:1-4) Let your thoughts be on heavenly things.

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Gospel (John 20:1-9) Commentaries on John’s Gospel insist that it does not need Chapter 20 to fulfil the theological premise of the resurrection. The story of the empty tomb has less to do with a proof of the resurrection and more to do with a profound witnessing to the resurrection. We will do well to be aware of the cultural assumptions of our time, which are that truth should be historically and scientifically provable. Mullins expounds this well: “Faith experience is independent of philosophical and scientific presuppositions, though philosophy and science can legitimately bring their questions to bear on the witness of faith. The action of God is free and not subject to human approval or immediate understanding.” (Mullins, The Gospel of John, 398)

Homily Notes What is the resurrection? It is a profound story about discipleship rather than an attempt to explain what happened to Jesus after he died on the cross (for John’s Gospel, what happened to Jesus as he died on the cross was his glorification and exaltation to God’s right hand). We do not explain what the resurrection is. Rather, we encounter

Liturgy notes the risen, glorified and exalted Lord. For that reason, at Easter we use scriptural phrases like: ‘He is Risen!”, “He is Lord!” and so on. We also speak about Jesus’ glorified body.

Explaining the resurrection arises in trying to work out and share with each other what the risen Lord means to us who have encountered him in our own lives. The disciples sought to explain what had happened to them by the stories they told and wrote about Jesus. They set out to witness to the risen Lord! This is our mission as well, as one of the new translations of the dismissal at the end of Mass goes: “Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.”

Liturgical Music Suggestions Eucharistic Prayer Acclamations Holy, Holy / Memorial Acclamation / Amen from Sing the Mass, Anthology of Music for the Irish Church, 2011

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 117 – This is the day the Lord has made, Alleluia (Feasts and Seasons; Maynooth College, John O’Keeffe)

Gospel Acclamation Seinn Alleluia (trad)

The tyre of the resurrection meets the road of life when we begin to do what the dismissal tells us to do: to go on mission!

The resurrection of Jesus is meant to raise all people up to God. Rooted in the bodiliness of the resurrection, mission is not simply about religious proclamation. Mission is rooted in apostolic works. Contributing to the apostolic works, the actions of Trócaire, means being involved in a grounded vision of the resurrection. It means that we are involved in enabling people around our world to discover their true dignity as human beings, raised up in Christ Jesus. It means that we are witnessing the resurrection, re-telling the story of the resurrection on tablets, not of stone but of human flesh.

The General Intercessions Heavenly Father, we pray that we will encourage each other to walk in the footsteps of Christ.

– Lord hear us

Songs Though we are many (Bernard Sexton) – 50th IEC 2012 Anthem – Sing the Mass, 2011 Grant to us, O Lord (Lucien Deiss) – Alleluia Amen Jesus Christ is Risen Today – (Henry Monk) – Veritas Hymnal Song of the Resurrection (Ronan McDonagh) – Fuamlaoí: Ancient Promise

Sacred Space An Easter garden perfectly illustrates the splendour and glory of the Easter/spring season and the hope we have as a result of Christ’s resurrection. Members of your community could perhaps be invited to donate plants or flowers for the garden over the seven weeks of the season. Remember to include water for Baptism and New life, a Stone to represent the tombstone (and people’s hardness of hearts) and also the white colour of Easter.

We pray that we may know God’s love in our lives That we will give witness to Christ’s love by showing compassion and mercy for those in need.

– Lord hear us Heavenly father, you lead us from Darkness into new life.

– Lord hear us

We pray for those who have died in our community We also keep in our prayers the people of Bar Kawach, Uganda who died during brutal war there. May they rise to new life with your Son Jesus Christ.

– Lord hear us.

Reflection Lord, as I celebrate the gift of new life at Easter, give me the grace to hold on to the good practices I began during Lent.

May I always remain conscious of the needs of others and the effects my lifestyle has on the most vulnerable in the world. Keep me firm in my resolution to protect the gifts of creation which you placed in my care. May my thoughtful actions and words ensure that others can celebrate new life too brought about by the work of their hands and the blessing of water.

Emmanuel, 15, brother of Daniel outside his home in Bar Kawach, Barlonyo, northern Uganda. Photo: Alan Whelan/Trócaire.

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Family Mass – week 7 Alleluia!

Today we celebrate that Jesus Christ is Risen. Jesus gives us all hope for the future. Daniel and his family can now look forward to a bright future now that there is peace in their country and because of Trócaire’s help.

Action Why not write a letter to Daniel? You have learned so much about Daniel, his community and his family over the past few weeks.

Why not tell him your story now?

Dear Daniel,

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Activities Colour me in

My Lent prayer Holy God, thank you for your son Jesus. Today I am happy that Jesus has risen. Thank you for being my friend and keeping me strong during Lent.

Alleluia!!!!

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