LITURGICAL YEARBOOK including the ORDER
for the celebration of the Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours
according to the General Roman Calendar, the Calendar for England and Wales and the Calendar of the Diocese of Salford
Liturgical Year
2022-2023
Christ is the centre of the Liturgical Year. In the year we follow Christ, come to know Christ more, die and rise to life with Christ, look forward to eternity with Christ. The Liturgical Year is a gift which enables us to be members of Christ, whose body is the Church. For the Liturgical Year to achieve this, it must be celebrated, not simply observed. It must become a heartbeat in the life of the Diocese, of the Parish, of each of Christ’s faithful people. The Year should somehow inform the rhythms of our everyday life, so that it can fulfil its mission to allow us to be with Christ. As with all liturgy, the year is more than simple rubrics and data; it is the scaffolding on which we build ourselves as Christ’s body.
So how do we “celebrate” the Liturgical Year?
We must allow it to be a journey, which carries us through the mysteries of our faith, journeying with Christ the Lord, with Mary, and with the many saints whose days shine like guideposts on the way. The Liturgical Year can be the festive weddinggarment that we put on; its colours, images, symbols, prayers and themes transforming “everyday” into “holyday”.
This Order in itself is simply a guide to observing the Liturgical Year in the Diocese of Salford. Each community should use its ingenuity and imagination to build that observance into celebration. This preface is a reflection, which seeks to prompt that imagination suggesting ways in which the Year can become a powerful pastoral tool in the life of our parishes.
The Church teaches us that Sunday, the weekly Easter, is at the very heart of the meaning of the Liturgical Year. Each Sunday commemorates the Paschal Mystery, and each Sunday the community assembles, as it has since the time of the apostles, to acclaim Christ as Risen Lord, to Celebrate our victory over sin and death, and to be renewed as the Body of the Risen Christ Sunday is always, and in ever’ sense, “special “. As we come together on the 52 or 53 Sundays of each year, we are presented with the whole of the mystery of salvation. In Advent we hear of the expectation of the coming of the long- awaited Messiah; at Christmas we hear of the great events of his birth. In Lent we are called to renew our membership of Christ, first given in Baptism, and renewed at Easter, when we hear once more of his triumphant victory.
Throughout the “ordinary” Sundays of the year we walk with Christ in Galilee.and Jerusalem: we stand on the hillsides, by the lake and in the porticoes as he speaks to us; we learn who Christ is, so that we can declare him to be the Messiah, the One sent by God. And every time we hear the story, it is sealed by the sacramental gift of Christ himself. his Body and Blood given to the people who are his Body.
Sunday is, however, more than our Sunday Eucharist. It is a.day given over to something else, to God and the things of God. Wherever possible, we must take this day and set it aside, as a gift from the Lord. It is to be our weekly recreation and renewal. It will be coloured by the Seasons. We should take Advent and Christmas, Lent and Easter, even Ordinary Time, from our churches, and allow the colours, images and stories of the Seasons to fill our homes. We should carefully take home the gift of God’s Word each Sunday, and find time to dwell on (and in) the picture of Christ given each week.
Thus, each Sunday, a parish should develop a keen sense of how Christ is present to us this week: always in the Eucharist, but also in different ways through the Word and the Season. So we see the expected Messiah in Advent, the child at Christmas, the suffering servant and the Risen King at Lent and Easter, and throughout Ordinary Time, the teacher, the healer, the leader, the carer. As Sunday mounts up on Sunday through the year, so our picture of Christ should deepen and develop, as we are all led through the unfolding mystery of God’s purpose.
THE SAINTS
Punctuating both Ordinary Time and the Four Great Seasons are many celebrations of our Saints. The grading of these days should tell us something about their meaning. Solemnities are like Sundays-great days of rejoicing, both in the Liturgy and in Life, when the greatest mysteries of God’s love are once more revealed to us. Included as Solemnities are our own Patrons of Diocese and Parish truly days when we take a holiday from the week, and rejoice to be the Church of God. Next in order of festivity are Feasts, where we sing “Gloria” to remember Apostles, great martyrs and our local and national saints. In some communities the celebration of a Feast brings local life to a standstill as people come together to celebrate a special “friend in heaven” Finally are Memorials - still days when we rejoice to remember those who “did God’s will throughout the ages”. Memorials shouldn’t interrupt our working through the Scriptures day by day (except in certain rare cases): the saints we celebrate on these days are real and living examples of how to let the Word of God bear fruit in our lives.
Matthew’s Gospel
‘Every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old’ (13:52).
This could be the author of Matthew’s Gospel describing himself. As we will see, the themes of using the new and old to demonstrate who Jesus is summarises the purpose of this Gospel. There is a great emphasis on teaching, and this serves to portray Jesus as the great teacher. An image that can be particularly helpful when thinking of Matthew is from Pasolini’s classic film ‘The Gospel according to St Matthew.’ There we see a Jesus who goes from group to group making speeches and teaching.
The Gospel also provides something akin to a blueprint for how a disciple should live within a Christian community, and then how that community serves and improves wider society.
When was it written and for whom?
When we try to answer these questions, we do not have any hard, obvious evidence to say anything for certain. Instead, we deduce from what we have been handed down in the text. Because we can detect a lot of Mark’s Gospel in Matthew, it is assumed that Matthew was written after Mark. Mark is commonly said to have been written for the Christian community in Rome during Nero’s persecution, so that places Matthew in the 80s AD. There was also a clear separation beginning from 80 AD between Christians and Jews. Up until then, Christians tended to be accepted as a sect within Judaism, but at the Council of Jamnia it was decided that believers in Jesus should be excluded from synagogues and a curse against Christians was added to some Jewish prayers. This is reflected in Matthew’s Gospel where there are indications of a separation between Jews and Christians, e.g. the repeated use of the expression ‘their synagogues.’
The most likely place this Gospel was written is Antioch in Syria. It was here ‘that the disciples were first called “Christians”’ (Acts 11:26), which provides us with a place where this distinction was being made, and there was a community of Jewish and Gentile Christians there. The urban setting is supported by such themes as being encouraged to be ‘salt and light’ in the local community, and there is reference in the Gospel to persecution by both synagogues and governors (10:17-18).
We can also try to trace the author of the Gospel. An early tradition was that the author was Matthew the tax collector (Levi in Mark and Luke), which of course would give it special authority. However, the linguistic and theological quality of the Gospel, as well as the refined themes found throughout, suggests that the person or people responsible for its writing was more than just one Galilean tax collector. A nice image
is of some Christian scribes who were very familiar with Mark’s Gospel (a lot of passages are word-for-word the same), had access to other sources (e.g. common material found in Matthew and Luke, known as ‘Q’), and had a strong link back to the Apostle Matthew and his Jewish roots but with a more universal outlook.
But why is any of this important, you may ask? Well, by identifying this possible context, we can perhaps see more clearly what the Gospel is trying to communicate to us about Jesus, and by knowing the relevance of the Gospel in the time it was written, we can more easily apply its relevance to situations in our world today. Matthew’s Gospel is particularly appropriate for people trying to work out how to live in a Christian community, and then how this Christian community lives within wider society.
Structure
Although we are unsure if any particular structure was intended by the author, Matthew’s Gospel can usefully be divided into the famous ‘chiastic’ structure, with ‘alternating rings of narrative and sermon or discourse.’ The symmetry of this structure makes it particularly helpful in remembering where we are in the Gospel. It also reminds us of the five books of the Pentateuch further strengthening the theme of fulfilling the Law and the Prophets as Matthew seeks to provide a similar foundational text for Christianity.
1-4 Narrative: Birth and beginnings
5-7 SERMON (ON THE MOUNT): BLESSINGS, ENTERING THE KINGDOM
8-9 Narrative: Authority and invitation (ten miracles)
10 SERMON: MISSION DISCOURSE
11-12 Narrative: Rejection by this generation
13 SERMON: PARABLES OF THE KINGDOM
14-17 Narrative: Acknowledgement by the disciples
18 SERMON: COMMUNITY DISCOURSE
19-22 Narrative: Authority and invitation
23-25 SERMON: WOES, COMING OF THE KINGDOM
26-28 Narrative: Death and Resurrection
Themes Who is Jesus?
While Mark left the reader to answer this question and provides us with a lot more material about Jesus’ vulnerability and suffering, Matthew puts more emphasis on a strong, majestic Jesus, and tries to tell the reader clearly who Jesus is.
Jesus is called ‘Christ, Son of David, Son of Abraham’ in the opening verse, which points to fulfilment of Old Testament prophecies. ‘Son of David’ provides continuity with Jewish expectation, and ‘Son of Abraham’ indicates the promise that all peoples will be blessed by God.
The title ‘Son of God’ is more prevalent in Matthew than Mark. It is made clear in the infancy narrative that Jesus had no human father. And Jesus is referred to as Son of God in the temptations scene, when he walks on water, in Peter’s Confession (expanding on simply Messiah), in his trial, and on the cross as he is taunted. He also refers to himself as the Son at 11:17, ‘No one knows the Son except the Father…’ This is reinforced by Matthew including the three instances of this title found in Mark (Baptism, unclean spirits, and on Calvary).
Jesus is continually portrayed as the Teacher and this is particularly evident in the five discourses where he expounds his teaching. It is especially striking to see the level at which Matthew pitches Jesus’ teaching, ‘You have heard that it was said… but I say to you.’ This simple phrase puts Jesus’ teaching as parallel to God’s on Mount Sinai to Moses. Matthew is saying that Jesus’ teaching has divine authority because he is divine. A great example of Jesus as the best of teachers is the way in which he draws out the faith of the Canaanite woman, being in total control of the situation and giving her the space to demonstrate her faith.
Matthew makes it obvious that Jesus is a Miracle Worker by devoting two whole chapters (8 and 9) to ten accounts of his miracles.
Every time Jesus is called ‘Lord’ evokes the title that early Christians used to address the Risen Lord. This is a reminder of the group of people for whom this Gospel was originally written. In contrast, non-believers such as the Pharisees and Sadducees call Jesus ‘teacher.’
As well as including and adding to the negative uses of the title ‘King’ found in Mark, Matthew develops this with several positive examples. The Magi honour Jesus as king, he is greeted as the humble king as he enters Jerusalem, and he will judge the world as king (25:34). But the sense of a suffering, servant king is retained throughout with references to the Servant Songs of Isaiah. This kingly status of
Jesus is further emphasised when people bend low and worship him throughout the Gospel.
Jewish roots/Universal commission
Matthew contains many more Old Testament quotations than Mark and its ‘Jewishness’ is apparent right from the beginning with the long genealogy rooting Jesus in his Jewish ancestors. The Sermon on the Mount evokes the Torah, the Jewish Law, and other Jewish writings. And Jesus is constantly said to be fulfilling the Old Testament throughout the Gospel either by explicit Old Testament quotations and references, or by implicit allusions. To make an exhaustive list would be too long for this introduction.
However, there remains a tension in Matthew between this emphasis on Jewish roots, and the universal outlook and mission of Jesus and his disciples. Jesus says he was sent only to the ‘lost sheep of the house of Israel,’ but at 10:6, he is simply giving the twelve their first mission, and at 15:24 he is provoking a response from the Canaanite woman as a good teacher. We see a more universal outlook right from the prologue/infancy narrative as the Magi come to visit Jesus, representing the wider Gentile world. And then this is reinforced at the end of the Gospel with Jesus’ great commission for the disciples to go out and make disciples of all nations.
Life of a disciple within the community
All five of Jesus’s discourse in Matthew show Jesus providing explanations and help for someone to work out how to live as a disciple in a Christian community, and then how that community can improve the wider world around it. Perhaps one of the author’s intentions was to produce a foundation document for Christian communities so that they could begin to define their own identity, in the same way that the Torah/Pentateuch helped the people of Israel.
Liturgical year
The table opposite provides an overview of where we encounter Matthew’s Gospel at Mass this liturgical year. We can see straightaway that it takes us on a faithful journey from Galilee to Jerusalem, and only fails to follow the order of the Gospel when the liturgical seasons require. We hear nearly the whole Gospel, and only really miss out on some chapters (6:24-7:27, 9:9-13) because we do not celebrate the 8th-10th Sundays in Ordinary Time, where we would have heard the end of the Sermon on the Mount, and, indeed, the calling of Matthew. We also celebrate the Transfiguration this year instead of the 18th Sunday of Ordinary Time, so we do not hear the feeding of the five thousand.
As we can see, Matthew’s Gospel provides us with something for every liturgical season, and it is only in the second half of Lent and most of Easter that the usual yearly readings from John’s Gospel take over.
by Fr. Michael DeasRULES FOR CELEBRATIONS
THE LITURGICAL YEAR
“The Popes, together with the Fathers and the tradition of the Catholic Church, taught that the historical events by which Christ Jesus won our salvation through his death are not merely commemorated or recalled in the course of the liturgical year... These pontiffs taught rather that the celebration of the liturgical year exerts ‘a special sacramental power and influence which strengthens Christian life .’ Approval of General Norms for the Liturgical Year and the New General Roman Calendar, Apostolic Letter of Pope Paul VI
The Church celebrates the memory of Christ’s saving work on appointed days in the course of the year. Every week the Church celebrates the memorial of the Resurrection on Sunday, which is called the Lord’s Day. This is also celebrated, together with the Passion of Jesus, on the great feast of Easter once a year. Throughout the year the entire mystery of Christ is unfolded, and the birthdays (days of death) of the saints are commemorated.The Church celebrates the Paschal Mystery on the first day of the week, known as the Lord’s Day or Sunday . This follows a tradition handed down from the Apostles, which took its origin from the day of Christ’s Resurrection. Thus Sunday should be considered the original feast day.” General Norms for the Liturgical Year and Calendar n.1, 4.
THE GENERAL CALENDAR
There are three ranks of celebration; SOLEMNITY; Feast; Memorial
SOLEMNITIES are days of greatest importance and begin with Evening Prayer I on the preceding day. Solemnities are always celebrated, though they are moved if they concur, in any particular year, with a day of higher rank (e.g. Holy Week and the Easter Octave).
Feasts are celebrated within the limits of a natural day (though Feasts of the Lord which fall on a Sunday in ordinary Time or a Sunday of Christmas are celebrated with Evening Prayer l). If a Feast concurs with a day of higher rank, it is omitted for that year.
Memorials are either Obligatory or Optional. Optional Memorials may be celebrated if desired.
During Advent, Advent, from 17-24 December, during the Christmas Octave and also during Lent, any memorials which occur are considered optional memorials or commemorations.
THE DIOCESAN CALENDAR
To the General Calendar are added the feasts of the Principal Patron of the Diocese, the Dedication of the Cathedral and other feasts and memorials for saints connected with the Diocese. Work on a Diocesan Proper is ongoing.
PARISH CALENDAR
Added to the calendar are the following : The anniversary of the Dedication of the church, celebrated within that Church as a SOLEMNITY. The titular feast of the church, celebrated as a SOLEMNITY.
Those days which take precedence over parish solemnities are:
Holy Week and the Easter Octave; Christmas, Epiphany, Ascension, Pentecost; Sunday of Advent, Lent and Eastertide; Ash Wednesday;
All Souls Day; Solemnities which occur in the General Calendar.
If a parish solemnity coincides with any of the above days, it is moved forward to the first available day. Parish solemnities take precedence over all Feasts, Memorials, Sundays of Ordinary Time and Sundays of Christmastide.
THE NATIONAL AND DIOCESAN CYCLE OF PRAYER
For the purpose of public prayer throughout the year, the liturgical year has been divided into six parts. We are asked to pray for the intentions specified throughout the current period, both corporately and in personal prayer.
In addition each week we are asked to pray for a parish within our Diocese, its people, churches, priests and deacons, religious, schools and particular institutions.
On Special Days of Prayer, at Mass it is sufficient to announce the Day during the opening remarks and to include a suitable petition in the General Intercessions at Mass. It is good also to include these national and diocesan intentions in the Intercessions at Morning and Evening Prayer.
Special Days of Prayer are noted on the appropriate day in the Ordo.
THE CELEBRATION OF THE MASS
Sundays, Solemnities and Feasts
These are celebrated according to indications given in the Ordo.
Memorials
The Opening Prayer is from the Mass of the memorial or, if this is lacking, from the appropriate Common.
The Prayer over the Gifts and the Prayer after Communion are from the Mass of the memorial. If Proper texts are lacking, these prayers may be chosen from the occurring weekday of the season or from the appropriate Common. The Preface is of the Season or, if desired, from the appropriate Common. The Readings are of the occurring weekday, unless there is a proper reading (which will be indicated in the order).
Optional Memorials
An optional memorial is celebrated in the same manner as a memorial. Should more than one optional memorial fall on the same day, only one is celebrated; the others are omitted.
Weekdays
In Advent, Christmastide, Eastertide and Lent, there are Proper prayers and readings for each day. There is also a proper Preface for each season. In ordinary time, any of the thirty-four Masses in ordinary Time may be celebrated, or a Votive Mass, or Mass for Various Needs and Occasions, or a daily Mass of the dead, provided the Mass is actually applied for the dead. There are six Prefaces for use on the weekdays of ordinary time. In most cases, the weekday readings are to be used on their assigned days, unless a solemnity, feast or memorial with proper readings occurs.
THE CELEBRATION OF THE LITURGY OF THE HOURS
Sundays
Everything is done as in the Ordinary, in the Psalter and in the Proper, according to the various seasons.
Both First and Second Evening Prayers are recited.
At the Office of Readings, after the second reading and its Responsory the ‘Te Deum’ is sung or said, except in Lent.
Solemnities
At First Evening Prayer everything is taken from the Proper or the Common.
The Night Prayer that follows First Evening Prayer is that laid down for recitation after First Evening Prayer of Sundays.
At the Office of Readings everything is taken from the Proper or the Common and the ‘Te Deum’ is always said or sung.
At Morning Prayer everything is taken from the proper or the Common, using the Psalms of Sunday Week I.
At Prayer During the Day: the Hymn is from the Ordinary; the antiphon, short reading, versicle and response and the prayer are from the Proper or the Common; the psalms - if particular psalms are laid down for a Solemnity, these are to be recited at one of the Middle Hours; those who recite the other two Middle Hours take the psalms from the supplementary series. If no particular psalms are laid down for a Solemnity which occurs on a Sunday, at one of the Middle Hours the psalms recited are taken from those given for Sunday Week I; those who recite the other two Middle Hours that day take the psalms from the supplementary series.
At Second Evening Prayer everything from the Proper or the Common.
The Night Prayer that follows Second Evening Prayer is that laid down for recitation after Second Evening Prayer of Sunday.
Feasts
First Evening Prayer is recited only on Feasts of the Lord in the General Calendar which fall on a Sunday. Night Prayer that follows is that laid down for recitation after First Evening Prayer of Sunday.
At the Office of Readings, everything is taken from the Proper or the Common and the ‘Te Deum’ is always sung or said.
At Morning Prayer everything is taken from the Proper or the Common, using the psalms of Sunday Week I.
At Prayer during the Day: the hymn is from the Ordinary; the short reading, versicle and response and the prayer are from the Proper or the Common; at one of the Little Hours the antiphons (unless Proper) and psalms are from the current day of the week; those who recite the other Little Hours that day take the psalms from the supplementary series.
At Evening Prayer everything is taken from the Proper or the Common. Night Prayer is that laid down for the particular day of the week.
Memorials
At Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer and Office of Readings the psalms and antiphons are of the weekday. If the memorial has proper antiphons for Morning Prayer these are used with the psalms of Sunday Week I; if proper antiphons for Evening Prayer, these are used with psalms from the Common.
The Invitatory antiphon, the hymns, the short readings with the versicle and response, the Benedictus and Magnificat antiphons, and the intercessions: if there are proper texts, those of the memorial are used; otherwise they may be taken from either the Common or from the particular weekday. The Prayer is that of the memorial.
At the Office of Readings: the biblical reading and Responsory is taken from the present season; the second reading is of the saint, with its proper Responsory, or from the Common, but in the absence of a Proper reading concerning the saint, the reading is taken from the weekday. The ‘Te Deum is never said.
At Prayer during the Day, and at Night Prayer, everything is taken from the weekday.
Weekdays
Everything is taken from the Ordinary from the Psalter, and from the Proper, according to the season. The ‘Te Deum’ is never said. The prayer at the Office of Readings is taken from the Proper; at the other hours during Ordinary Time it is taken from the Psalter, and at other seasons from the Proper.
Celebration of Reduced Memorials (Commemorations), in Advent II, the Christmas Octave and Lent.
Mass:
The collect of the saint maybe used, provided the saint is inscribed in the General Roman Calendar. Everything else is from the Mass of the day.
Hours:
At the Office of Readings, after the prescribed second reading and its Responsory is added the reading of the saint with its Responsory and then the prayer of the saint.
At Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer, after the prayer, the conclusion is omitted and the antiphon and prayer of the saint is added.
THE SEASON OF ADVENT
The Year begins in darkness, a deep purple darkness, where we long for light and the bright shimmer of a star is a sign of hope and life. In the Liturgical Year, purple or violet is a colour of longing, renewal and expectation: in Advent and Lent, at funerals or in the Sacrament of Penance, purple should speak to us of that which we long and yearn for: like a deer longs for running streams, so we yearn for the living God to come to us, to heal us, to be with us. Our purple is a sign of all we long for: the presence of Christ, the washing clean of all sin, the resurrection of the dead. Purple is also a sign of kingship and majesty, the One who comes, the One who heals, the One who raises the dead is himself the King who reigns from the cross.
To celebrate truly this part of the Year, Advent should be seen, felt and heard by all the faithful. The Church and the liturgy should be waiting, not quite there yet, just around the corner. Our decoration, our music, our gatherings should somehow create a sense of expectation; on the one level, our expectation of Christmas, and the light and joy and glory that will burst forth in our liturgy but also on another level our longing for Christ to come again.
Advent is the unfilled glass polished and made ready - speaking in its emptiness of what is to fill it. Many symbols can emphasise this; an empty manger scene, an undecorated tree, the unlighted candles on the Advent wreath, even the unopened doors on the Advent Calendar. Our very Church buildings, and all our Advent celebrations, should lead us to cry out in our hearts “Tomorrow there will be an end to the sin of the world, and the saviour of the world will be our king”
Scripture: In the first part of Advent there are readings from Isaiah, distributed according to the sequence of the book itself and including salient texts that are also read on Sundays.
The Gospels are chosen to show how Our Lord was the fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecies; each day the Gospel illustrates the fulfilment in Christ of the First Reading.
‘From Thursday of the second week, the readings of the Gospel about John the Baptist begin. The first reading is either a continuation of Isaiah or a text chosen in view of the Gospel.’ (GIL 94)
Advent II (17th-24th December). ‘In the week before Christmas the events that immediately prepared for the Lord’s birth are presented from Matthew and Luke. The texts in the first reading, chosen in view of the gospel reading, are from different Old Testament books and include important Messianic prophecies ‘ (GIL94).
Eucharistic Prayers:
During the Masses of the Sundays of Advent the Fourth Eucharistic Prayer, the Eucharistic Prayers for Reconciliation and the Eucharistic Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions should not be used.
At Masses with children the Eucharistic Prayers for Masses with children may be used. Please note that there is an updated version in accordance with the present translation of the Roman Missal.
The Saturday Votive Mass of Our Lady should not be used.
For the celebration of Reduced Memorials/Optional Commemorations in Advent ll and the Christmas Octave (ie 21st and 23rd December and 31st December) see note on page 17.
THE SEASON OF CHRISTMAS
If Advent has been celebrated full of longing and desire, then Christmas will explode upon us as a Season of true joy. Not joy in the lights and baubles and glistening array of the world, but true joy that “God-is-with-us” Emmanuel! Even so, the lights and glistening array can help us to feel that joy and that presence after four weeks of purple, of subdued decoration and music, of waiting, then the flash of white and gold, the peals of bells and call of trumpets, the colour and vibrancy of our Christmas celebrations should inform a very deep part of ourselves that something has happened, that Christ is born, and the world will never be the same again.
The key to Christmas is light - “on those who live in a land of deep shadow, a light has shone”. The very fact that in our hemisphere the feast falls in the darkest depths of Winter gives us the opportunity to allow light to speak: the Church must be a place of dazzling light in the Christmas season, for the Light of the World has come among us. Christmas is about Revelation - and it is in the light that all things are revealed, and we become, like John the Baptist, “witnesses to the light”.
It is important that to our Churches look different: there must be some transition from Advent to Christmas that announces without the need of words that something has changed. Traditionally the colour of vestments has always achieved this, as sombre purple flashes into gold. But how much more we can do. Let the Season engage the senses.
There is no reason why a Christmas tree cannot be part of the decorations in Church. There is beautiful prayer of blessing in the Book of Blessings. Decorate it with red baubles to speak of the tree of Eden, where the “happy fault of Adam” led to this moment of salvation. Let it remind us of the wood of the cross, where the newborn Saviour triumphed over sin and death. The manger scene also teaches and inspires. Let it be in a place where people, young and old, can quietly spend time gazing at the figures. Let there be a festivity in the flowers and other decorations of the Church, which raises the hearts of all.
But remember the need for quality and taste - our churches are places of beauty. Remember too the pastoral needs of the Parish Church; let the beauty of our Christmas music, apparel and decoration speak always of the deepest joy that Christ is here, so that the presence of a coffin at a Funeral is not embarrassed by a gaudiness which belongs to the world, not the Lord.
Christmas is a Season, not a day. This is difficult to realise in our liturgy, since the world wants to get “back to normal” long before we have arrived at the last day of Christmas: the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Each Parish must think of ways to sustain the joy of the Season through the great feasts - Nativity, Holy Family,
Epiphany, all the way to that day when we celebrate the fullest revelation that Christ is the Messiah and the Son of God - that moment when the voice from the cloud says of Jesus, “This is my Son, the Beloved.” Our Scripture for this Season answers a question: “Who is this who has come to us?” Revelation gradually unfolds, as shepherds, then Magi, then crowds in the River Jordan are told who this is. This is the Time of Manifestation, when we first begin to see not just a child in a manger, but the face of Christ. What can we add to our liturgy, day by day, in order to awaken this sense of gradual unfolding of the picture of Christ? And how wonderful to be able, day by day, to deepen that deepest joy, not just knowing that Christ is born, but realising once more just who Christ is!
In Masses celebrated on Christmas night and Christmas Day there is the option of choosing more appropriate readings from any of the three Masses according to the pastoral needs of the celebration.
During the Creed at the Masses of Christmas all genuflect during the words ‘and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary and became man.’
The Saturday Votive Mass of Our Lady should not be used.
Scripture: From 29th December on, there is a continuous reading of the whole of 1 John. The Gospels relate manifestations/epiphanies of the Lord: events of Jesus’ childhood (29-30 December); passages from John 1 (31st December-5 January); other manifestations (7-12 January) (GIL 96).
FIRST WEEK IN ADVENT
Readings: L1. Isaiah 2:1-5; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:37-44
Mass: M.161 NO Gloria; Creed; Preface M.568
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter
Other: Blessing of an Advent Wreath, Book of Blessings
Readings: L1.11 Isaiah 4:2-6; Matthew 8:5-11
Mass: M.162 Preface M.568
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter
Readings: L1.13 Isaiah11:1-10; Luke 10:21-24
Mass: M.163 Preface M.568
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter
30
Readings: L2.1279 Romans 10:9-18; Matthew 4:18-22
Mass: M.1070 Gloria, Preface M.628 or M.630
Hours: Proper of Saints
1 ADVENT WEEKDAY (P)
Readings: L1.18 Isaiah 25_6-10; Matthew 15:29-37
Mass: M.164 Preface M.568
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter
2 ADVENT WEEKDAY (P)
Readings: L1.20 Isaiah 26:1-6; Matthew 7:21.24-27
Mass: M.166 Preface M.568
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter
Other: First Friday
SUNDAY CYCLE A WEEKDAY CYCLE 1 (Psalter Week 1)
Readings: L1.22 Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26; Matthew 9:27-31
Mass: M.1022 Preface M.568
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter + Proper of Saints, EP1 of Sunday
Cycle of Prayer: During Advent and Christmastide we are asked to pray for these intentions: Migrants and Refugees, Expectant Mothers
Holy Father's intention: We pray for children who are suffering, especially those who are homeless, orphans, and victims of war; may they be guaranteed access to education and the opportunity to experience family affection.
Second Week of Advent
4 SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT (P)
Readings: L1.24 Isaiah 11:1-10; Romans 15:4-9; Matthew 3:1-12
Mass: M.168: NO Gloria; Creed, Preface M.568
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter
Anniv: Fr. Peter McKie (2020)
5 ADVENT WEEKDAY (P)
Readings: L1.33 Isaiah 35:1-10; Luke 5:17-26
Mass: M.168 Preface M.568
Hours: Proper of Seasons and Psalter
SUNDAY CYCLE A WEEKDAY CYCLE 1
6 ADVENT WEEKDAY (P) OR ST. NICHOLAS, BISHOP (W) OM
Readings: L1.35 Isaiah 40:1-11 Matthew 18:12-14
Mass: M.170 or 1073 +1133 Preface M.568
Hours: Proper of Season, Psalter (+Proper of Saints)
7 ST. AMBROSE, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH (W)
Readings: L1.38. Ephesians 3:8-12; John 10:11-16
Mass: M.1074, Preface M.568
Hours: EP1 of Solemnity
8 THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (W)
Readings: L1.1009 Genesis 3: 9-15. 20; Ephesians 1:3-6.11-12; Luke 1:26-38
Mass: M.1075
Hours: Proper of the Saints
Anniv: Fr Thomas F. Murray (2006)
9
Readings: L1.42. Isaiah 48:17-19 Gospel 11:16-19
Mass: M.172 or M.1107; Preface M.568
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter (+ Common of Saints)
10 ADVENT WEEKDAY (P) OR OUR LADY OF LORETO (W) OM
Readings: L1.44 Ecclesiasticus 48:1-4.9-11; Matthew 17:10-13
Mass: M.173 or M1107; Preface M.568
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter (+Common of Our Lady), EP1 of Sunday
Cycle of Prayer: During Advent and Christmastide we are asked to pray for these intentions: Migrants and Refugees, Expectant Mothers
Holy Father's intention: We pray that volunteer non-profit organisations committed to human development find people dedicated to the common good and ceaselessly seek out new paths to international cooperation.
St Nicholas: bishop of Myra, in what is now Turkey; he died in the fourth century - in Eastern Europe, “Saint Nicholas” distributes presents to children on this day, in remembrance of his charity and care as a bishop.
St Ambrose, Born c340, he was a surprising choice as Bishop of Milan. Renowned for his charity and eloquence, a great hymn-writer and preacher, he baptised St. Augustine. He died in 397.
St. Juan Diego, An Aztec shepherd who had a vision of Our Lady in 1531, later building a church in her honour.
Our Lady of Loreto, The shrine of Our Lady in Loreto recalls the Holy House of Nazareth which, by tradition, was transported there miraculously.
Third Week of Advent
11 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT (P OR ROSE) “GAUDETE” SUNDAY
Readings: L1.46 Isaiah 35:1-6,10; James 5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11
Mass: M.175: NO Gloria; Creed, Preface M.568.
Hours: Proper of the Season + Psalter
Anniv: Mgr Arthur Keegan (2006)
SUNDAY CYCLE A
WEEKDAY CYCLE 1 (Psalter Week 3)
12 ADVENT WEEKDAY (P) OR OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE (W) OM
Readings: L1.53 Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17 Matthew 22:23-27
Mass: M1.177 Preface M.568
Hours: Proper of Seasons, Psalter (+Common of Our Lady)
Anniv: Fr. Michael Fraher (2017)
13 ST. LUCY, VIRGIN AND MARTYR (R) M
Readings: L1.56 Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13 Matthew 21:28-32
Mass: M.1080 Preface M.568
Hours: Proper of Seasons, Psalter + Proper of Saints
14 ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH (W) M
Readings: L1.58 Isaiah 45:6-8. 18. 21-25 Luke 17:19-23
Mass: M.1081 Preface M.568
Hours: Proper of Seasons, Psalter + Proper of Saints
Anniv: Fr. David McGarry (2012)
15 ADVENT WEEKDAY (P)
Readings: L1.61 Isaiah 54:1-10 Luke 7:24-30
Mass: M.179, Preface M.568
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter
16 ADVENT WEEKDAY (P)
Readings: L1.62 Isaiah 56:1-3, 6-8; John 5:33-36
Mass: M.181 Preface M.568
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter
Anniv: Fr. Anthony Sudlow (2015)
17 ADVENT II WEEKDAY (P) O SAPIENTIA (O WISDOM)
Readings: L1.76 Genesis 49: 2,8-10; Matthew 1:1-17
Mass: M.182, Preface M.570
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter, EP1 of Sunday
Cycle of Prayer: During Advent and Christmastide we are asked to pray for these intentions: Migrants and Refugees, Expectant Mothers
Holy Father's intention: We pray that volunteer non-profit organisations committed to human development find people dedicated to the common good and ceaselessly seek out new paths to international cooperation.
St. Lucy, a Sicilian martyr who died in the persecution of the Fifth Century under the Emperor Diocletian. She is an example of faithfulness and innocence and her cult was very popular in the early Church.
St. John of the Cross, born in 1542, a Carmelite friar and friend of St. Teresa of Avila, with whom he worked for the reform of the order. A poet and mystic, he died in 1591.
Fourth Week of Advent
18
Readings: L1.68 Isaiah 7:10-14; Romans 11:1-7; Matthew 1:18-24
Mass: M.181, NO Gloria, Creed, Preface M.570
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter; at EP2
Other: Day of prayer for expectant mothers
Readings: L1.81 Judges 13:2-7, 24-25; Luke 1:5-25
Mass: M184, Preface M.570
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter
Readings: L1.83 Isaiah 7:10-14; Luke 1:26-38
Mass: M185 Preface M570
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter
Readings: L1.85 Song of Songs 2:8-14 or Zephaniah 3:14-18; Luke 1:39-45
Mass: M186, Preface M570
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter
SUNDAY CYCLE
Readings: L1.88 1 Samuel 1:24-28; Luke 1:46-56
Mass: M.187 Preface M570
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter .
Anniv: Fr. Peter Birmingham (2015)
23
Readings L1.90 Malachi 3:1-4.23-24 Luke 157-66
Mass: M.187 Preface M570
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter
Readings: L1.92 2 Samuel 7:1-5.8-12.14.16; Luke 1:67-79
Mass: M.189 Preface M.570
Hours: Proper of Seasons, EP1 of Christmas
Anniv: Fr. Francis Cavanagh (2002)
Cycle of Prayer: During Advent and Christmastide we are asked to pray for these intentions: Migrants and Refugees, Expectant Mothers
Holy Father's intention: We pray that volunteer non-profit organisations committed to human development find people dedicated to the common good and ceaselessly seek out new paths to international cooperation.
St. John of Kanty was born near Cracow in 1390; after ordination he taught in the University there. He is remembered as an example of learning, charity and holiness. He died in 1473.
FOR LITURGICAL INFORMATION ON CHRISTMAS AND THE CHRISTMAS SEASON SEE PAGES 20 AND 21.
The Octave of Christmas
VIGIL: Readings: L1.99 Isaiah 62:1-5; Acts 13:16-17.22-25; Matthew 1:1-25
Mass: M.193; Gloria; Creed; Preface M.572-577; Blessing M.710
DURING THE NIGHT: Readings: L1.104 Isaiah 9:1-7; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-14
Mass: M.194; Gloria; Creed; Preface M.572-577; Blessing M.710
DAWN: Readings: L1.107 Isaiah 62:11-12; Titus 3:4-7; Luke 2:15-20
Mass: M.196; Gloria; Creed; Preface M.572-577; Blessing M.710
DAY: Readings L.109 Isaiah 52:7-10; Hebrews 1:1-6; John 1:1-18
Mass: M.198; Gloria; Creed; Preface M.572-577; Blessing M.710
Hours: Proper of Seasons
Readings: L2.1304 Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Matthew 10:17-22
Mass: M.1083 Gloria, Preface M 572-577
Hours: Proper of Seasons and Proper of Saints
Readings: L1.127 1 John 1:1-4; John 20:2-8
Mass: M.1084; Gloria; Preface M.572-577
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Proper of Saints
Anniv: Fr. James Creaton (2017)
Readings: L1.129 1 John 5:-2:2; Matthew 2:13-18
Mass: M.1085 Gloria; Preface M.572-577
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Proper of Saints
Readings: L2.1376 Colossians 1:24-29; Luke 22:24-30
Mass: M.1087, Gloria, Preface 572-577
Hours: Proper of Seasons + National Proper of Saints
Readings: L1.114 Ecclesiasticus 3:2-6. 12-14 OR Colossians 3:12-21 Matthew 2:13-15. 19-23
Mass: M.200 Gloria Preface M.72-577
Hours: Proper of Seasons
Readings: L1.136 1 John 2-18-21; John 1:1-18
Mass: M.204 Gloria, Preface M.624
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter, EP 1 of Mary, Mother of God
Other: The Te Deum may be sung in thanksgiving for the year that is closing. (Holy God, we praise thy name is a well-known arrangement)
Cycle of Prayer: During Advent and Christmastide we are asked to pray for these intentions: Migrants and Refugees, Expectant Mothers
Holy Father's intention: We pray that volunteer non-profit organisations committed to human development find people dedicated to the common good and ceaselessly seek out new paths to international cooperation.
St. Stephen; the first martyr to shed his blood for Christ, as witness to the newly revealed love of God. The Second Reading in the Office of Readings says: “the love that Christ brought down from heaven to earth, lifted Stephen from earth to heaven.”
St John: John's Gospel is another form of witness to the Word made flesh; as we read his Gospel we are once more presented with the mystery of this Christmas Season.
Holy Innocents: a harsh reminder of the reality of the Incarnation. Christ came into the world precisely to take upon himself such suffering, to share in our human condition even to the point of death. In the midst of Christmas, this feast already points us towards Easter, and the mystery of death and resurrection.
St Thomas Becket: was born in London in 1118; he became Chancellor of England and in 1162 was chosen to be Archbishop of Canterbury. He defended, the rights of the Church and King Henry ll exiled him to France. On his return the followers of the King murdered him in 1170.
St Sylvester I: became Pope in 314, and lived through the period of settlement under the Emperor Constantine, though there was trouble with the Arian and the Donatist heresies. He died in 335.
Second Week of Christmas
Readings: L1.139 Numbers 6:22-27; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:16-21
Mass: M.206; Gloria; Creed; Preface M.624
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Proper of Saints, EP 2 of today
Anniv: Fr Anthony Petty (2022)
Readings: L1.146 1 John 2:22-28 John 1:19-28
Mass: M.835 Preface M.572-577
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter
Readings: L1.148 1 John 2:29-3:6; John 1:29-34
Mass: M.216 or M.834 Preface M.572-577
Hours: Proper of Seasons +Psalter
Readings: L1.150 1 John 3:7-10; John 1:35-42
Mass: M.217 Preface M.522-527
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter
Anniv: Fr. Francis Fitzpatrick (2015)
Readings: L1.152 1 John 3:11-21 John 1:43-51
Mass: M.220; Gloria; Creed; Preface M.578
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Pssalter; EP1 of the Epiphany
Anniv: Fr. Walter Brazil (2009)
Evening Mass: M. 211, Preface M.578. Readings as tomorrow
Readings: L1.161 Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:2-2.5-6; Matthew 2:1-12
Mass: M.212; Gloria; Creed; Preface M.578
Hours: Proper of Seasons
Readings: L1.164 1 John 3:22-4:6
Mass: M.222 or M.835/1137 Preface M.572-579
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter (+Proper of Saints) EP 1 of the Baptism of the Lord
Cycle of Prayer: During Advent and Christmastide we are asked to pray for these intentions: Migrants and Refugees, Expectant Mothers
Holy Father's intention: We pray that educators may be credible witnesses, teaching fraternity rather than competition and helping the youngest and most vulnerable above all.
Saint Basil the Great and Saint Gregory Nazianzen: close friends, and great figures of the Eastern Church in the fourth century. Basil was Bishop of Caesarea and active in promoting the monastic life, writing a "rule" which is still observed today. Gregory was Bishop of Constantinople, and because of his great learning is still known in the East as "Gregory the Theologian"; he eventually retired from the episcopacy to return to his monastery in Nazianzus. Gregory summed up their lives: "Our great concern, our great name, was to be Christians and be called Christians."
The Most Holy Name of Jesus: The greatest promoters of this devotion were St Bernardine of Siena and St John of Capistrano, who used the monogram of the Holy Name in their preaching. Because the manner in which Saint Bernardine preached this devotion was new, he was accused before Pope Martin V, but was successfully defended by John. This feast reminds us that the word “Jesus” means “God Saves”, and our salvation comes through Christ alone.
St Raymond of Penyafort: aged 47 Raymond entered the Dominican Order; he then became confessor to Pope Gregory IX, and collated the decrees of Popes and Councils into the ‘Book of Decretals’; he also compiled the ‘Summary of Cases’, a text book on The Sacrament of Penance for the use of priests. He died, aged around 100, in 1275.
First Week of Ordinary Time
Readings: L1.179 Isaiah 42:1-4.6-7; Acts 10:34-38; Matthew 3:13-17
Mass: M.227: Gloria; Creed; Preface M.229
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter
Readings: L2.3 Hebrews 1:1-6 Mark 1:14-20
Mass: M.499 During Masses on weekdays in ordinary time Common prefaces or EP with its own preface are used
Hours: Psalter
Readings: L2.5 Hebrews 2:5-12 Mark 1:21-28
Mass: M.499
Hours: Psalter
Anniv: Fr. Brendan Quilter (2007), Canon Valentine Kamaitas (2014)
SUNDAY CYCLE A
WEEKDAY CYCLE 1 (Psalter Week 1)
Readings: L2.7 Hebrews 2:13 Mark 1:29-39
Mass: M.499 or M.835/1161
Hours: Psalter (+Common of pastors)
Anniv: Fr. Joseph Cain (2005)
12 THURSDAY WEEKDAY (G) OR ST. AELRED OF RIEVAULX (W) OM
Readings: L2.9 Hebrews 3:7-14 Mark 1:40-45
Mass: M.499 or M.835/1161
Hours: Psalter (+Common of pastors)
Anniv: Fr. Gerard Duffy (2004)
13 WEEKDAY (G) OR ST. HILARY OF POITIERS, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH (W) OM
Readings: L2.11 Hebrews 4:1-5.11 Mark 2:1-12
Mass: M.499 or M.836/1130 or 1146
Hours: Psalter
Readings: L2.12 Hebrews 4:12-16 Mark2:13-17
Mass: M.499 or M1098ff or M1411ff or Collection of Masses of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Hours: Psalter (+Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary). EP1 of Sunday
Anniv: Fr James Ryan (2010); Fr Joseph Duggan (2014)
During Ordinary Time (winter) we pray for: Peace on Earth; Openness to the Word of God, Christian Unity; The sick and those who care for them; victims of trafficking and those who work to combat it; the Unemployed
Holy Father's intention: We pray that educators may be credible witnesses, teaching fraternity rather than competition and helping the youngest and most vulnerable above all.
St Aelred, born in 1110, died on this day in Rievaulx (Yorkshire) in 1167. He was educated at Durham and in the King’s household in Scotland. He entered the Cistercian monastery at Rievaulx in 1134 and was eventually elected Abbot, He is remembered for his spiritual writings, above all on the gift of friendship.
St. Hilary, born of pagan parents in 315, was baptised, as an adult, with his parent and chosen as Bishop of Poitiers. For combating Arianism he was exiled. He died in 367.
During weekdays of Ordinary Time when there is no obligatory celebration of a Saint, texts may be chosen from any of the 34 Sundays of Ordinary Time, of Votive Masses or for Various Needs and Occasions.
If there is ‘some real necessity or pastoral advantage’ the texts for Various Needs and Occasions may be used even on an Obligatory Memorial.
Second Week in Ordinary Time
15 SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (G)
Readings: L1.641 (Isaiah 49:3.5-6; 1 Corinthians 1:1-3; John 1:29-34)
Mass: M.500 Gloria, Creed, Preface M.606ff
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons
Other: Peace Day
16 WEEKDAY (G)
Readings: L2. 15 Hebrews 5:1-10 Mark2:18-22
Mass: M.500
Hours: Psalter
SUNDAY CYCLE A
WEEKDAY CYCLE 1 (Psalter Week 2)
17 ST. ANTHONY, ABBOT (W) M
Readings: L2.17 Hebrews 6:10-20 Mark 2:23-28
Mass. M.837
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints
18 WEEKDAY (G)
Readings: L2.19 Heb 7:1-3. 15-17 Mark 3:1-6
Mass: M.500
Hours: Psalter
Other: The Week of Prayer for the Unity of Christians begins today. EPs I and 2 for Various Needs and Occasions would be suitable (M.804 or 811)
19 WEEKDAY (G) OR ST. WULSTAN (W) OM
Readings: L2.21 Hebrews 7:25-8:6 Mark 3:7-12
Mass: M.500 or 838 + 1130 or M.1337 or 1338
Hours: Psalter (+Common of Pastors)
20 WEEKDAY (G) OR ST. FABIAN, POPE, MARTYR OR ST. SEBASTIAN, MARTYR (R) OM
Readings: L2.23 Hebrews 8:6-13 Mark 3:13-19
Mass: M.500 or 838+1118
Hours: Psalter (+ Proper of Saints)
Anniv: Fr. Aidan O'Reilly (2011)
21 ST. AGNES, VIRGIN AND MARTYR (R) M
Readings: L2.25 Hebrews 9:2-3.11-14 Mark 3:2-31
Mass: M.839 +1127 or 1150
Hours: Psalter EP 1 of Sunday
During Ordinary Time (winter) we pray for: Peace on Earth; Openness to the Word of God, Christian Unity; The sick and those who care for them; victims of trafficking and those who work to combat it; the Unemployed
Holy Father's intention: We pray that educators may be credible witnesses, teaching fraternity rather than competition and helping the youngest and most vulnerable above all.
St. Anthony, inspired by the words of Jesus which he heard proclaimed in the Gospel at Mass, retired to the Egyptian desert at the age of twenty. He attracted many to the monastic life, dying in the year 356.
St. Wulstan was born in Warwickshire c1008 and died in 1095. He became a Benedictine monk at the Cathedral Priory of Worcester. In 1062 he was appointed Bishop, one of the few Anglo-Saxons to survive in high office following the Norman Conquest. He was renowned for his care of the poor and sick and the high standards he asked of his clergy.
St. Fabian was chosen as Bishop of Rome in 236. He remained steadfast when the Emperor Declan began another persecution and died a martyr’s death.
St. Sebastian, a native of Milan, was martyred in Rome, his tomb on the Via Appia becoming a place of pilgrimage and giving his name to the catacombs
Saint Agnes: martyred at the age of twelve or thirteen, according to Saint Ambrose, around the year 300.
Third Week in Ordinary Time
22 THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (G)
Readings: L1.644 Isaiah 8:23-9:3; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13.17; Matthew 4:12-23
Mass: M.501 Gloria, Creed, Preface M.606ff
Hours: Psalter
Other: Sunday of the Word of God
23 WEEKDAY (G)
Readings: L2. 27 Hebrews 9:15.24-28 Mark 3:22-30
Mass: M.501
Hours: Psalter
SUNDAY CYCLE A
WEEKDAY CYCLE 1 (Psalter Week 3)
24 ST. FRANCIS DE SALES, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH (W) M
Readings: L2.29 Hebrews 10:1-10
Mass: M.840 + 1130 or 1146
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints
25 THE CONVERSION OF ST. PAUL, APOSTLE (W)
Readings: L2.928 Acts 22:3-16 or Acts 9:1-22; Mark 16:15-18
Mass: M.841, Gloria, Preface M628
Hours: Proper of Saints
Other: The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity ends today
26 SAINTS TIMOTHY AND TITUS, BISHOPS (W)
Readings: L2.931 Timothy 1:1-8 or Titus 1:1-5; Luke 10:1-9
Mass: M.842
Hours: Psalter and Proper of Saints
Anniv: Fr John T Cribben (2015); Fr. William Fallon (2017)
27 WEEKDAY (G) OR ST. ANGELA MERICI, VIRGIN (W) OM
Readings: L2.35 Hebrews 10:32-39 Mark 4:26-34
Mass: M.501 or M.847 + 1150 or 1168
Hours: Psalter (+ Proper of Saints)
Other: Holocaust Memorial Day
28 ST. THOMAS AQUINAS, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH (W) M
Readings: L2.37 Hebrews 11:1-2. 8-19 Mark 4:35-41
Mass: M.847 + 1146 or 1137
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints EP1 of Sunday
During Ordinary Time (winter) we pray for: Peace on Earth; Openness to the Word of God, Christian Unity; The sick and those who care for them; victims of trafficking and those who work to combat it; the Unemployed
Holy Father's intention: We pray that educators may be credible witnesses, teaching fraternity rather than competition and helping the youngest and most vulnerable above all.
Whenever Weekday Readings in Ordinary Time are displaced by the proper readings of a Feast Day (as for example on Monday of this week) the displaced readings can be added to the end of the previous weekday’s readings or the beginning of the following day’s, or replace one of them, to preserve the continuous narrative of the particular series of readings.
St Francis de Sales was born into a noble family in Annecy in 1597. He was ordained a priest and worked strenuously for the Church by distributing printed essays on the Faith. He became Bishop of Geneva and is patron saint of journalists and writers.
SS Timothy and Titus were companions of St. Paul, entrusted with the care of the Christian communities in Ephesus and Crete. To them are addressed the Pastoral Letters, attributed to Paul.
St. Angela Merici, born in the north of Italy c1470, entered the Third Order of St. Francis and founded the Ursulines, devoted to the education of poor girls. She died in 1540.
St. Thomas was born in Aquino c1225. Becoming a Dominican he studied at Cologne under St. Albert the Great. An outstanding thinker, writer and teacher, he died in 1274.
Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: L1. 647 Zephaniah 2:2; 3:12-13 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 Matthew 5:1-12
Mass: M.502 Gloria, Creed, Preface M606ff
Other: MANDATORY COLLECTION FOR CARITAS
Readings: L2.40 Hebrews 11:32-40 Mark 5:1-20
Mass: M.502
Hours: Psalter
Anniv: Fr. Edward Morrisey (2014)
Readings: L2.42 Hebrews 12:1-4 Mark 5:21-43
Mass: M.848 + 1137 or 1168
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints
Readings: L2.45 Hebrews 12:4-7. 11-15
Mass: M.502
Hours: Psalter
Readings: L2.940 Malachi 3:1-4; Hebrews 2:14-18; Luke 2:22-40
Mass: M.851, Gloria
Hours: Proper of Saints
Anniv: Anniversary of the Episcopal Ordination of Bishop John Arnold
Other: Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life
Readings: L2.49 Hebrews 13:1-8; Mark 6:14-29
Mass: M.851 or (M.858 + 1118 or 1130) or (M.858 =1142 or 1130)
Other: First Friday. The form for the blessing of throats is found in the Book of Blessings
CYCLE 1 (Psalter Week 4)
Readings: L2.51 Hebrews 13:15-17.20-21 Mark 6:30-34
Mass: M.502
Hours: Psalter EP1 of Sunday
During Ordinary Time (winter) we pray for: Peace on Earth; Openness to the Word of God, Christian Unity; The sick and those who care for them; victims of trafficking and those who work to combat it; the Unemployed
Holy Father's intention: We pray that educators may be credible witnesses, teaching fraternity rather than competition and helping the youngest and most vulnerable above all.
The Presentation of the Lord Please note that the Blessing of Candles takes place in the context of a Procession or the Solemn Entrance.
St. John Bosco, born in 1815 in the north of Italy, dedicated his priestly ministry to working with young people, especially street children whom he encountered in Turin. He established the Salesians of Don Bosco and the Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians, to assist in this work. He died in 1888.
St Ansgar set out in 826 to preach the Gospel in Denmark. He persevered in his mission until he died in 865.
St. Blaise was bishop in Armenia in the fourth century.
January/February
Mandatory Second Collection for Caritas
Fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: L1.650 Isaiah 58:7-10 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 Matthew 5:13-16
Mass: M. 503 Gloria, Creed, Preface M606ff
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons
Other: Racial Justice Day
Readings: L2.54 Genesis 1:1-19 Mark 6:53-56
Mass: M.859 + 1111
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons
Readings: L2.56 Genesis 1:20-2:4 Mark 7:1-13
Mass: M.503
Hours: Psalter
Readings: L2.59 Genesis 2:4-9. 15-17 Mark 7:14-23
Mass: M.503 or (860+1168) or (860+1150)
Hours: Psalter ( + Proper of Saints or Common of martyrs)
Other: Day for victims of trafficking
Readings: L2.61 Genesis 2:18-25 Mark 7:24-30
Mass: M.503
Hours: Psalter Readings: L2.63 Genesis 3:1-8 Mark 7:31-37
Mass: M.861 + 1150 or 1163
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints
Readings: L2.65 Genesis 3:9-24 Mark 8:1-10
Mass: M.503 or 861+1098
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints Ep 1 of Sunday
Other: World Day of Prayer for the Sick
During Ordinary Time (winter) we pray for: Peace on Earth; Openness to the Word of God, Christian Unity; The sick and those who care for them; victims of trafficking and those who work to combat it; the Unemployed
Holy Father's intention: We pray that parishes, placing communion at the centre, may increasingly become communities of faith, fraternity and welcome towards those most in need.
Saints Paul Miki and Companions: the Japanese martyrs. Towards the end of the sixteenth century there began a persecution of the Church in Japan; among those arrested were Paul Miki, a young Jesuit, and 25 others, some as young as 13; they were taken to Naga saki where they were crucified in 1597
St. Jerome Emiliani was a soldier who, after capture and imprisonment, began to serve the poor, establishing in 1532 the Clerks Regular of Somaschi to assist the poor and needy. He died in 1537.
St. Josephine Bakhita was born in Sudan in 1869. She was kidnapped and sold as a slave. In Italy she entered the sisters of Mary Magdalene where she took part in the life of the community in prayer, cooking, sewing and attending to the door. She died on this day in 1947.
St. Scholastica, the sister of St. Benedict, was born in Umbria c 480. Like her brother she devoted her life to God, founding the Benedictine Sisters and dying on Monte Cassino in 547.
Racial Justice
Optional Special Collection for Caritas
Sixth Week of Ordinary Time
12 SIXTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME (G)
Readings: L1.652 Ecclesiasticus 15:15-20 1 Corinthians 2:6-10 Matthew 5:17-37
Mass: M.504 Gloria, Creed, Preface M606ff
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons
Anniv: Fr. James Austin (2021)
13 WEEKDAY (G)
Readings: L2. 68 Genesis 4:1-15. 25 Mark 8:11-13
Mass: M.504
Hours: Psalter
Anniv: Canon Henry Jones (2017)
SUNDAY CYCLE A
WEEKDAY CYCLE 1 (Psalter Week 2)
14 SS CYRIL AND METHODIUS, BISHOPS, PATRONS OF EUROPE (W) F
Readings: L2.957 Acts 13:46-49; Luke 10:1-9
Mass: M.862, Gloria Preface M. 640
Hours: Proper of Saints + Common of Pastors
Anniv: Mgr Michael McConnon (2013)
15 WEEKDAY (G)
Readings: L2.72 Genesis*:6-13. 20-22 Mark 8:22-26
Mass: M.504
Hours: Psalter
16 WEEKDAY (G)
Readings: L2.74 Genesis 9:1-13 Mark 8:27-22
Mass: M.504
Hours: Psalter
Anniv: Fr. Michael Hartley (2008)
17 WEEKDAY (G) OR THE SEVEN HOLY FOUNDERS OF THE SERVITE ORDER (W) OM
Readings: L2.76 Genesis 11:1-9 Mark 8:34-9:1
Mass: M.504 or 863 + 1164
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints
18 WEEKDAY (G) OR OUR LADY ON SATURDAY (W) OM
Readings: M2.78 Hebrews 11:1-7 Mark 9:2-13
Mass: M.504 or Votive Mass of Our Lady Ordo p31
Hours: Psalter, EP1 of Sunday
During Ordinary Time (winter) we pray for: Peace on Earth; Openness to the Word of God, Christian Unity; The sick and those who care for them; victims of trafficking and those who work to combat it; the Unemployed
Holy Father's intention: We pray that parishes, placing communion at the centre, may increasingly become communities of faith, fraternity and welcome towards those most in need.
Ss Cyril and Methodius: brothers and missionaries, who carried the Gospel into the Slavonic countries: they translated the liturgical books into the Slavonic language (inventing a new script, Cyrillic, to do so). Cyril died in 869, Methodius in 885. The Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order were born in Florence, lived the life of hermits, and founded the Servite Order in 1304.
THE SEASON OF LENT
Lent is a Season of many layers, but all are joined together in the idea of the Journey to New Life.
For the Elect, those who are journeying towards the waters of the font at the Vigil, it is a Season of final preparation, when the Word of God speaks to them of the mystery of death and life in water, their entry to the mystery of the Cross and Resurrection. For those of us who entered those waters few or many years before, it is a time to purify ourselves so that we can renew the sense of Rebirth as new creatures , washed in the Blood and Water.
Lent, like Advent, is a "season looking forwards"-our eyes fixed on the road ahead , and especially on the Easter Triduum, when the Church , empowered by the Holy Spirit, makes the Paschal mystery. All our penance and devotions should be carrying us somewhere, all our prayers and hymns and sacrifices should be leading us onwards and upwards.
Like Advent there should be an emptiness about Lent- music, vesture, decoration should all have a sparseness, waiting for the Easter Fire to lighten this Spring darkness. Communities should think about symbols they take for granted: Lent is about fasting : can it also be about thirst ? A thirst for the Waters of Life. Ashes, dust and sand can speak profoundly of the dryness of our Journey-so that we can revel in the Easter Waters when the Lenten Journey ends.
During Lent votive Masses are not celebrated except at the request or with permission of the Ordinary.
The word Alleluia is omitted wherever it occurs. In celebrations of weddings the spouses are to be asked to take account of the particular nature of the season. (Editor's suggestion: might this be done by inviting support for CAFOD?)
Traditionally the church/sanctuary is not decorated with flowers during Lent except for weddings, Laetare Sunday and Solemnities. Obviously due pastoral accommodation should be made when families request flowers for particular significant events.
The use of the organ and other musical instruments is allowed only to sustain the singing.
LENTEN SCRIPTURES: The readings from the Old Testament and the Gospels were selected because they are related to each other. They treat various themes of the Lenten catechesis that are suited to the spiritual significance of the season.
Beginning with Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent there is a semicontinuous reading of the Gospel of St. John, made up of texts that correspond more closely to the themes proper to Lent. (General Introduction to the Lectionary 98)
Eucharistic Prayers:
During the Masses of the Sundays of Advent the Fourth Eucharistic Prayer, the Eucharistic Prayers for Reconciliation and the Eucharistic Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions should not be used.
At Masses with children the Eucharistic Prayers for Masses with children may be used. Please note that there is an updated version in accordance with the present translation of the Roman Missal.
The Saturday Votive Mass of Our Lady should not be used.
For Celebration of Reduced Memorials/Optional Commemorations in Lent see note on page 19.
ASH WEDNESDAY
When ashes are blessed at Mass the Penitential Act is omitted. The blessing of ashes takes place after the homily. Ashes can also be blessed outside Mass, preferably during a Liturgy of the Word.
THE CHRISTIAN INITATION OF ADULTS
Lent marks the season of purification and enlightenment for those catechumens preparing for the Easter Sacraments and of continuing conversion for candidates for full communion with the Church. Please make the most of the following celebrations:
1st Sunday of Lent Rite of Election at the Cathedral
3rd Sunday of Lent First Scrutiny of the Elect in parish churches
During 3rd Week of Lent (RCIA81) during Sunday Mass (RCIA22)
4th Sunday of Lent Second Scrutiny of the Elect (RCIA87)
5th Sunday of Lent Third Scrutiny of the Elect (RCIA95)
During the 5th Week of Lent (RC1A103)
Holy Saturday Preparation Rites during the day (RCIA107)
For the scrutinies the readings should be those of Year A: L1.245;276;305. (Editor's suggestion; the long gospels may lend themselves to being read in parts, the part of Jesus being spoken by the priest.)
SEVENTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME/ START OF LENT
19 SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (G)
Readings: L1.656 Leviticus 19:1-12. 17-18 1 Corinthians 3:16-23 Matthew 5:38-48
Mass: M.505 Gloria, Creed, Preface M.606ff
Hours: Proper of Seasons
Other: Day for the Unemployed
20 WEEKDAY (G)
Readings: L2.81 Ecclesiasticus 1:1-10 Mark 9:14-29
Mass: M.505
Hours: Psalter
Anniv: Fr. Patrick Crowley (2013)
SUNDAY CYCLE A
WEEKDAY CYCLE 1 (Psalter Week 3)
21 WEEKDAY (G) OR ST. PETER DAMIAN, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH W) OM
Readings: L2. 83 Ecclesiasticus 2:1-11 Mark 9:30-37
Mass: M.505 or 863 + 1146 or 1130
Hours: Psalter (+Proper of Saints)
22 ASH WEDNESDAY (P) DAY OF FASTING AND ABSTINENCE
Readings: L1.191 Joel 2:12-18; 2 Cor 5:20-6.2; Matthew 6:1-6.16-18
Mass: M233, No Penitential Act, Preface 3 or 4 of Lent 585/586
Hours: Proper of Seasons Psalms at MP may be those of Friday of Week 3
23 LENT WEEKDAY (P) OR OPT COM OF ST. POLYCARP
Readings: L1.194 Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Luke 9:22-25
Mass: M.237, Preface 580-587
Hours: Proper of Seasons
24 LENT WEEKDAY (P)
Readings: L1.196 Isaiah 58:1-9; Matthew 9:14-15
Mass: M.238, Preface 580-587
Hours: Proper of Seasons
25 LENT WEEKDAY (P)
Readings: L1. 198 Isaiah 58:9-14; Luke 5:27-32
Mass: M 239, Preface 580-587
Hours: Proper of Seasons, EP1 of Sunday
Anniv: Fr. Thomas Bradley (2005)
During Lent we are asked to pray for: Candidates for the Sacraments; women; the needy and hungry of the world, penitents and wnaderers.
Holy Father's intention: We pray that parishes, placing communion at the centre, may increasingly become communities of faith, fraternity and welcome towards those most in need.
St Peter Damien: born in 1007, Peter became a hermit before taking part in a great reform of the Church; in 1057 he was made bishop of Os a, and on his death in 1072 was immediately venerated as a saint.
St. Polycarp was one of the ‘second-generation’ Christians, disciples of the Apostles. He became Bishop of Smyrna but was arrested in Rome and burned to death for his faith.
First Week of Lent
Readings: L1.201 Genesis 2:7-9. 3:1-7 Romans 5:12-19 Matthew 4:1-11
Mass: M.240 NO Gloria, Creed, Preface M.241
Hours: Proper of Seasons
Other: Rite of Election in the Cathedral this afternoon
Readings: L1.210 Leviticus 19:1-12. 11-18; Matthew 25:31-46
Mass: M.263 Prefaces M.580-587
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons
Readings: L1.212 Isaiah 55:10-11; Matthew 6:7-15
Mass: M.245 Prefaces M.580-587
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter
Readings: L2.1321 Philippians 3:8-14 Matthew 5;13-16
Mass: Mass: L.867, Gloria, Preface M.540
Hours: Proper of Saints, National Calendar + Common of Pastors
Readings: L1.216 Esther 4:17; Matthew 7:7-12
Mass: M.247 Prefaces M.580-587
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter
Readings: L1. 218 Ezekiel 18:21-28; Matthew 5:20-26
Mass: M 248 Prefaces M580-587
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter
Other: (Women’s) World Day of Prayer, First Friday, Family Fast Day
Readings: L1.221 Deuteronomy 26:16-19; Matthew 5:43-48
Mass: M 249 Prefaces M580-587
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter EP1 of Sunday
During Lent we are asked to pray for: Candidates for the Sacraments; women; the needy and hungry of the world, penitents and wnaderers.
Holy Father's intention: We pray that parishes, placing communion at the centre, may increasingly become communities of faith, fraternity and welcome towards those most in need.
St Gregory of Nysek was an Armenian mystical and lyrical poet. He was ordained a priest and was based at the monastery of Narek. He was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Francis.
St. David, born in Cardigan c520, founded monasteries and became Bishop and Primate of Wales. He settled his See at Mynyw (Menevia) where he died c588.
St. Casimir, son of the King of Poland, was born in 1458. He was known for the practice of the Christian virtues, especially chastity and the love of the poor. He was remembered for his devotion to the Blessed Eucharist and Our Lady. He died aged 26 of a lung disease.
Second Week of Lent
Readings: M1.223 Genesis 12:1-4 2 Timothy 1:8-10 Matthew 17:1-9
Mass: M.250 NO Gloria, Creed, Preface M.251
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter
Anniv: Fr. Joseph Feeley (2005)
Readings: L1.231 Daniel 9:4-10; Luke 6:36-38
Mass: M.253 Prefaces M.580-587
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter
Readings: L1.232 Isaiah 1:10.16-20; Matthew 23:1-12
Mass: M.254 Prefaces M.580-587
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter
Readings: L1. 234 Isaiah 18:18-20; Matthew 20:17-28
Mass: M.255 Prefaces M.580-587
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter
Readings: L1.236 Jeremiah 17:5-10 Luke 16:19-31
Mass: M.256
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter
Anniv: Fr. Geoffrey Hilton (2017)
SUNDAY CYCLE A
WEEKDAY CYCLE 1 (Psalter Week 2)
Readings: L1.239 Genesis 37:3-4. 12-13. 17-28; M 21:33-43. 45.46
Mass: M.257 Prefaces M.580-587
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter; EP1 of tomorrow
Anniv: Fr Patrick Quinlan (2022)
Readings: L1.241 Micah 7:14-15. 18-20 Luke 15:1-3.11-32
Mass: M.258
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter, EP1 of Sunday
During Lent we are asked to pray for: Candidates for the Sacraments; women; the needy and hungry of the world, penitents and wnaderers.
Holy Father's intention: We pray for those who have suffered harm from members of the Church; may they find within the Church herself a concrete response to their pain and suffering.
Ss Perpetua and Felicity: these two martyrs died in Carthage in 203, in the persecution under Septimus Severus; the account of their lives and martyrdom, partly written by the saints themselves and by eyewitnesses, survives.
St. John of God gave up a promising career as a soldier to serve God and the poor. Portuguese, he founded a hospital in Seville where he was outstanding in his love for the sick and needy. He died in 1550.
St. Frances of Rome was born in 1384, married and had three children. She was exemplary in her care for the victims of the frequent epidemics of that time, founding a congregation to continue her work. Legend has it that an angel lit her way with a lantern through the dark and dangerous streets of the city.
Third Week of Lent
Readings: L1.245 Exodus 17:3-7 Romans 5:1-2.
Mass: M.259 NO Gloria, Creed, Preface M.260
The First Scrutiny is celebrated today
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter
Readings: L1.262 2 Kings 5:1-15; Luke 4:24-30
Mass: M.263 Prefaces M.580-587
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons
Other: Anniversary of the Election of Pope Francis
Readings: L1.264 Daniel 3:25.34-43; Matthew 18:21-35
Mass: M.264 Prefaces M.580-587
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter
Anniv: Fr Peter Kirkland (2005)
Readings: L1.267 Deuteronomy 4:1.5-9; Matthew 5:17-19
Mass: M.265 Prefaces M.580-587
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter
Readings: L1.268 Jeremiah 7:23-28; Luke 11:14-23
Mass: M.266 Prefaces M.580-587
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter; EP1 of tomorrow
Readings: L2.976 1 Peter 4:7-11; Luke 5:1-11
Mass: M.873, Gloria, Preface M.632
Hours: Psalter + National Proper
Anniv: Fr Joseph Power (2012)
SUNDAY CYCLE A
WEEKDAY CYCLE 1 (Psalter Week 3)
Readings: L1.273 Hosea 5:15-6:6; Luke 18:9-14
Mass: M.268 Prefaces M.580-587
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter EP1 of Sunday
Anniv: Fr. James Brennan (2003)
During Lent we are asked to pray for: Candidates for the Sacraments; women; the needy and hungry of the world, penitents and wnaderers.
Holy Father's intention: We pray for those who have suffered harm from members of the Church; may they find within the Church herself a concrete response to their pain and suffering.
St Patrick, born c385, was taken, in his youth, as a captive to Ireland where he worked as a herdsman. Having escaped he became a priest and Bishop and returned to Ireland where he preached the Gospel and won many to the Faith. He died in 461 and was buried at Downpatrick.
St Cyril became Bishop of Jerusalem in 348. He is famed for the catechetical instructions he gave to candidates for baptism and for his defence of the faith, for which he was exiled three times
Fourth Week of Lent
Readings: M1.276 1 Samuel 16:1. 6-7. 10-13 Ephesians 5:8-14 John 9:1-41 The Second Scrutiny is celebrated today
Mass: M.269 NO Gloria, Creed, Preface M.27082
Other: Blessing of mothers, Book of Blessings
Hours: Proper of Seasons and Psalter EP 2 of Sunday
Readings: L2.980 2 Samuel 7:4-5.12.14-16; Romans 4:13.16-18.22; Matthew 1:16.18-21.24 or Luke 2:41-51
Mass: M.875; Gloria, Creed, Preface M.877
Hours: Proper of Saints
Readings: L1.292 Ezekiel 47:1-9.12; John 5:1-3. 5-16
Mass: M.274 Prefaces M.580-587
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter
Readings: L1.294 Isaiah 49:8-15; John 5:17-30
Mass: M.275 Preface M.580-587
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons
Anniv: Canon Anthony Dorran (2018)
Readings: L1.297 Exodus 32:7-14; John 5:31-47
Mass: M.276 Prefaces M,580-587
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter
Anniv: Fr. James Rawson (2005)
SUNDAY CYCLE A
WEEKDAY CYCLE 1 (Psalter Week 4)
Readings: L1.300 Wisdom 2:1. 12-22 John 7:1-1. 10. 25-80
Mass: M.277 Prefaces 580-587
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons EP 1 of the Annunciation
Readings: L2.985 Isaiah 7:10-14; 8-10; Hebrews 10:4-10; Luke 1:26-38
Mass: M.881, Gloria, Creed (all genuflect at the words 'and was incarnate') Preface M.882
Hours: Proper of Saints EP 1 of tomorrow
During Lent we are asked to pray for: Candidates for the Sacraments; women; the needy and hungry of the world, penitents and wnaderers.
Holy Father's intention: We pray for those who have suffered harm from members of the Church; may they find within the Church herself a concrete response to their pain and suffering.
St Turibius of Mogrovejo, born in 1538, trained as a lawyer, and became Professor at the University of Salamanca; in 1580 he was chosen as Archbishop of Lima in Peru. Despite his resistance, he was an excellent choice, controlling the abuses of the clergy and using his authority to protect the poor. He made special efforts to learn the native Indian dialects, so that as he visited his Diocese he could talk directly with his people. He died in 1606.
Statues, images of saints and crucifixes may be veiled from the Fifth Sunday of Lent onwards. The crucifixes are unveiled after the Solemn Liturgy of Good Friday and the statues before the Easter Vigil.
Clocks go FORWARD one hour at 2am
Fifth Week of Lent
Readings: L1.305 Ezekiel 37:12-14 Romans 8:8-11 John 11:1-46
Mass: M.280 NO Gloria Creed, Preface 281
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter
Other: The Third Scrutiny is celebrated
Anniv: Fr John McNamara (2022)
Readings: L1.319 Daniel 13:1-9.15-17.19-30.33-63; John 8:1-11
Mass: M.284 Preface M.580-588
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter
Anniv: Fr. Patrick Bourke (2008)
Readings: L1.326 Numbers 21:4-9; John 8:21-30
Mass: M.286 Preface M.580-588
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter
Readings: L1.328 Daniel 3:14-20. 24-25. 28; John 8:31-42
Mass: M.287 Preface M.580-588
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter
Readings: L1.331 Genesis 17:3-9; John 8:51-59
Mass: M.288, Preface M.580-588
Hours: Proper of Seasons
Readings: L1.333 Jeremiah 20:10-13; John 10:31-42
Mass: M.290 Preface M.580-588
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter
Readings: L1.336 Ezekiel 37:21-28; John 11:45.56
Mass: M.292 Preface M.580-588
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter, EP1 of Sunday
During Lent we are asked to pray for: Candidates for the Sacraments; women; the needy and hungry of the world, penitents and wnaderers.
Holy Father's intention: We pray for those who have suffered harm from members of the Church; may they find within the Church herself a concrete response to their pain and suffering.
Statues, images of saints and crucifixes may be veiled from the Fifth Sunday of Lent onwards. The crucifixes are unveiled after the Solemn Liturgy of Good Friday and the statues before the Easter Vigil.
HOLY WEEK
In Holy Week, the Church celebrates the mysteries of Salvation accomplished by Christ in the last days of his earthly life, from his Messianic entry into Jerusalem, until his blessed Passion and glorious Resurrection.
Lent continues until Maundy Thursday. With the evening Mass of the Lord's Supper on Maundy Thursday begins the Easter Triduum, which includes Good Friday of the Lord's Passion and Holy Saturday, centres upon the Easter Vigil, and concludes with Evening Prayer on Easter Sunday of the Lord's Resurrection.
The weekdays of this week are dedicated to the celebration of penance, abstaining from the celebration of baptism and confirmation, since these have their natural place in the Easter Vigil. The rites of Holy Week, the blessing and procession with palms, the reposition of the Blessed Sacrament after the Mass of the Lord's Supper, the Solemn Celebration of the Lord's Passion on Good Friday and the Easter Vigil, may be celebrated in all churches and chapels. In churches other than parish churches, and in chapels, it is best that these rites be celebrated only if this can be done worthily - that is to say, with an appropriate number of minister, with the possibility of singing at least some parts of the liturgy, and with a sufficiently large congregation of the faithful.
Pastors should take care to instruct the faithful on the meaning and structure of the rites enacted in these days, and so lead them to an active and fruitful participation
PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD
The principal Mass begins with the procession from a place outside the church (M:297); or with the Solemn Entrance from in front of the church door, or from a place within the church but outside the sanctuary (M:308). The Procession may be held only once, but the Solemn Entrance maybe repeated before other Masses that are usually well attended. When either the procession or the Solemn Entrance takes place, the Penitential Rite is omitted and Mass continues immediately with the Opening Prayer (M:310). If neither the Procession nor the Solemn Entrance take place, the Mass begins with the Simple Entrance (M:309).
The reading of the Passion takes place at all Masses: the Passion 63 may be read by lay readers, with the part of Christ, if possible, reserved to the priest; candles and incense are not used; the greeting 'The Lord be with you' and the signs of the cross are omitted; all kneel for a short while after the reading of the death of the Lord; the Gospel Book is not kissed at the end of the proclamation . The Profession of Faith is said. The Preface of the Passion of the Lord is used (M:311).
THE EASTER TRIDUUM
“Christ redeemed us all and gave perfect glory to God principally through his paschal mystery: dying he destroyed our death and rising he restored our life. Therefore the Easter Triduum of the passion and resurrection of Christ is the culminations of the entire liturgical year. Thus the solemnity of Easter has the same kind of pre-eminence in the liturgical year that Sunday has in the week.
The Easter Triduum begins with the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, reaches its high point in the Easter Vigil, and closes with evening prayer on Easter Sunday. On Good Friday and, if possible, also on Holy Saturday until the Easter Vigil, the Easter fast is observed everywhere. On Holy Saturday the Church is, as it were, at the Lord’s tomb, meditating on his Passion and death, and on his descent into hell and awaiting his Resurrection with prayer and fasting... The image of Christ crucified or lying in the tomb, or also an image of the Sorrowful Virgin Mary can be placed in the church for the veneration of the faithful.
The Easter Vigil, during the holy night when Christ rose from the dead, ranks as the “mother of all vigils”. Keeping watch, the Church awaits Christ’s resurrection and celebrates it in the sacraments. Accordingly, the entire celebration of this vigil should take place at night, that is, it should either begin after nightfall or end before the dawn of Sunday.”
MAUNDY THURSDAY
General Information: Holy Communion may be given to the faithful only during Mass, but may be brought to the sick at any hour of the day.
No other Mass may be celebrated today apart from the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper.
Mass of the Lord’s Supper.
Before the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, the holy water stoups are to be emptied, the Tabernacle should be empty and lamps extinguished. Sufficient hosts should be consecrated at the Mass for Holy Communion on Good Friday.
This Mass may not be celebrated before 6pm. Mass without a congregation is not permitted.
Introductory Rites: The Entrance and penitential rite take place as usual. During the singing of the ‘Gloria’ the church bells are rung and then remain silent until the Easter Vigil. Opening Prayer (RM:331).
The Liturgy of the Word takes place as usual, and is normally followed by the Washing of Feet (RM:331-332). Depending on pastoral circumstances the Washing of Feet may be omitted.
The Liturgy of the Eucharist begins with the Procession of Gifts — it is particularly suitable to collect and present gifts for the poor at this Mass. Preface RM:336. The proper parts for Eucharistic Prayer I, ‘In union with..’, ‘Father, accept this offering...’ and ‘The day before he suffered...’ are found on RM:337-339.
Transfer of the Blessed Sacrament and Solemn Adoration. The transfer of the Blessed Sacrament to the place of reposition may only take place in those churches where the Good Friday Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion will also be celebrated. If the procession does not take place, the Mass concludes in the usual way. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament does not take place in those churches where the Good Friday Liturgy.
After the distribution of Communion, the ciborium with hosts for Good Friday is left on the altar and Mass concludes with the Prayer after Communion (RM:345). After the prayer, the priest incenses the Blessed Sacrament. The Blessed Sacrament is taken to the place of reposition. After a period of silent adoration, the priest and ministers genuflect and return to the sacristy. The altar is stripped and, if possible, the crosses are removed from the church. It is desirable to cover any crosses that remain in the church.
It is recommended that part of John 13-17 be read during Solemn Adoration. The faithful should be encouraged to continue adoration before the Blessed Sacrament for a suitable period of time during the night, according to local circumstances, but there should be no solemn adoration after midnight.
Day of Fasting and Abstinence
According to the Church’s ancient tradition, the sacraments are not celebrated today. Today is a day of fasting and abstinence. Holy Communion may only be given to the faithful during the celebration of the Lord’s Passion, but may be brought at any hour to the sick who cannot take part in the service.
The celebration of the Lord’s Passion takes place in the afternoon, about three o’clock, unless pastoral reason suggest a later hour; it should not be celebrated later than 9pm. The altar should be completely bare, without cloths, candles or cross. At a convenient time after the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion the altar is stripped.
Entrance Rites: The clergy enter in silence and prostrate or kneel before the altar. The priest then goes to the chair and the opening prayer is said (RM:346). The Liturgy of the Word: Candles and Incense are not used; the greeting ‘The Lord be with you’ and the sign of the cross are omitted; lay readers may read the Passion, with the part of Christ, if possible, reserved to the priest. A brief homily may be given. The General Intercessions may be sung or said (RM:348).
The Veneration of the Cross: Only one cross should be used for the veneration. If the number of people makes it impossible for everyone to venerate the cross individually, the priest may take the cross, after some of the faithful have venerated it, and stand in the centre in front of the altar. In a few words, he invites the people to venerate the cross and holds it up briefly for them to venerate in silence. There are two possibilities for the Showing of the Cross: first (RM:362) second (RM:363).
Holy Communion: After the Veneration of the Cross, the altar is prepared with the corporal and the book (RM:371). The priest, accompanied by two servers with lighted candles, brings the Blessed Sacrament from the place of reposition to the altar. The candles are placed near the altar or on it. The Communion Rite follows. After the communion of priest and faithful the ciborium is taken to a suitable place of reposition.
Concluding Rites: The Service concludes with the Post-Communion Prayer and a Prayer over the People (RM:373). All depart in silence.
According to the Church’s ancient tradition, the sacraments are not celebrated today. The altar is bare and the Mass is not celebrated. The Easter fast is observed today. Holy Communion may only be given as Viaticum. The celebration of marriage is forbidden.
THE EASTER VIGIL
Out of the darkness of sin and death comes a light—not just a faint beam, but a raging fire, which is shared so that each person carries the light of that fire, not just in their hands, but in their hearts— “divided, yet undimmed,” Fire and light are the first symbols of the Resurrection; as we gather in the darkness of night they will speak to the whole Christian person, and truly announce “Christ is indeed risen!”
There is a second symbol of Resurrection: water. At the Vigil we bless and use fresh, living water. It is both a rich sign and symbol of the dying and rising of Christ, and also our way into that mystery: we become part of his dying and rising, and so receive the greatest of gifts—eternal life.
In accord with ancient tradition, this night is one of Vigil for the Lord. The entire celebration of the Easter Vigil takes place at night. It should not begin before nightfall; it should end before daybreak on Sunday.
The celebration of the Easter Vigil begins in darkness, all the lights having been put out. Candles should be prepared for all who take part in the Vigil. The candles are used during the entrance procession and the singing of the Exsultet, and for the renewal of baptismal promises. The liturgical colour of the Vigil is white, however, more noble vestments may be used, even if not the colour of the season or the day.
A: LITURGY OF LIGHT AND EXSULTET
All the lights in the church are put out; the people gather with unlighted candles in their hands. The Vigil begins around the new fire with the Greeting and Introduction (RM.378) after which the fire is blessed; the Easter Candle is then lit from the new fire. The Preparation of the Candle, RM:379 may be omitted.
All follow the Easter Candle into the church; at the church door, the faithful light their candles from the Easter Candle; when the third ‘Christ our light’ has been sung, all the lights in the church are put on. The Candle is placed in its stand on the sanctuary or near the lectern, and may be incensed. The “Exsultet” follows (RM:382) at the end of which the people extinguish their candles.
B: LITURGY OF THE WORD
After an Introduction (RM:397) the Scripture Readings are proclaimed; the number of Readings from the Old Testament may be reduced for pastoral reasons, but the reading of the Word of God is the fundamental element of the Easter Vigil. At least three readings from the Old Testament should be read, although for more serious reasons the number may be reduced to two. The reading of Exodus 14, however, is never to be omitted. There is a Psalm and Prayer after each reading (RM:398-402).
After the last Old Testament Reading, with its Psalm and Prayer, the altar candles are lit and the “Gloria” is sung, during which the church bells are rung, according to local custom. This is followed by the Opening Prayer (RM:403).
The New Testament Reading is proclaimed. All then stand as the priest or cantor solemnly intones the “Alleluia”; the Psalm and Gospel follow. At the Gospel incense may be used, but candles are not carried. The Homily follows as normal.
C: LITURGY OF BAPTISM
The Liturgy of Baptism takes place at the Baptismal Font, if the congregation can see it; otherwise a vessel of water is placed in the sanctuary.
The structure of this part of the Rite depends on whether or not there are candidates for baptism and reception:
If there are catechumens or children to be baptised:
There is an Introduction (RM:404), which is followed by the Litany of Saints (RM:406). The catechumens and their godparents gather around the font where the water is blessed (RM:408). Then follow: the Renunciation of sin; the anointing with oil of catechumens (unless this has already taken place); the baptismal promises; BAPTISM; the explanatory rites.
Adults are then confirmed.
The whole congregation stands with lit candles for the Renewal of Baptismal Promises (RM:418) after which they are sprinkled with the newly blessed water (RM:420). The newly baptised are led to their place among the faithful and take part for the first time in the Prayer of the Faithful.
If there are candidates for reception: After the Introduction (RM:404) and the Litany of Saints (RM:406) the font or water is blessed (RM:408).
If the font is not to be blessed (i.e. if using a vessel of water) use RM:405.
The whole congregation stands with li t candles for the Renewal of Baptismal Promises (RM:418) followed by the sprinkling with the Easter water (RM:420).
Candidates for reception and their sponsors are called forward and gather on the sanctuary for their Profession and the Act of Reception.
The newly received are confirmed. They are then led to their place among the faithful to take part for the first time in the Prayer of the Faithful.
If there are catechumens or children to be baptised AND candidates for reception: The Introduction (RM:404) is followed by the Litany of Saints (RM:406). The catechumens and godparents gather at the font for the blessing of water (RM:408).
Then follow the Renunciation of sin; anointing with oil of catechumens (unless this has already taken place); the baptismal promises; BAPTISM; the explanatory rites.
The congregation stands with lit candles for the Renewal of Baptismal Promises (RM:418) after which they are sprinkled with the newly blessed water (RM:420).
Candidates for reception and their sponsors are called forward and gather on the sanctuary for their Profession and the Act of Reception.
The newly Baptised are called forward to join them for Confirmation. The newly confirmed and baptised are led to their places among the faithful to take part for the first time in the Prayer of the Faithful.
If there is no one to be baptised: After the Introduction (RM:404) and the Litany of Saints (RM:406), the font or water is blessed (RM:408).
If the font is not to be blessed (i.e. if using a vessel of water) use RM:405. The congregation stands with lighted candles for the Renewal of Baptismal Promises (RM:418) after which they are sprinkled with the newly blessed water (RM:420). The Prayer of the Faithful follows.
D: LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST
The Preparation of the Gifts takes place as usual – it is fitting that any newly baptised bring forward the bread and wine.
Preface (RM:592); only Eucharistic Prayers I – III are used tonight – there are proper parts for Eucharistic Prayer I ‘In union with...’ and ‘Father, accept this
offering...’. If candidates have been baptised, there are proper parts to be used in EP I (RCIA n.377) and in EPs II and III (RCIA n.391).
E. CONCLUDING RITES
The Solemn Blessing of the Easter Vigil may be used (RM:422). The dismissal is followed by a double ‘Alleluia’ (RM:423).
EASTER SUNDAY AND THE EASTER OCTAVE
The texts of the Nuptial Mass, with the exception of the Nuptial Blessing and final blessing, may not be used on Sunday or the week-days of the Easter Octave. However, one reading from those given in Volume III of the Lectionary may be used on the weekdays of the Easter Octave.
The Gloria is sung or said at all Masses. The Sequence may be sung or said at all Masses.
When Eucharistic Prayer I is used, the special forms of ‘In union with...’ and ‘Father, accept this offering...’ are said.
A double Alleluia is added to the dismissal at all Masses (RM.218)
THE EASTER SEASON
Easter, like Christmas, is not a day, but a season—the longest “season” of the liturgical year. An immense challenge to our communities is how to keep the light and life of Easter before us for fifty days. An answer is to let our Churches and our Liturgies flow with fire, light and water for fifty days. Each time we gather, we sing “Alleluia!”, an affirmation that we rise in the Risen Christ: during the season, the Word of God speaks to us of the great “mysteries” - Baptism and the Eucharist, whereby we become and are the Body of Christ. The culmination of the Easter Season is the great solemnity of Pentecost. The time of new birth is behind us: now we live as the Church, empowered and enflamed by the Spirit. Pentecost leads us back into “Ordinary” time, when we will learn once more, year by year, what it means to follow Christ.
During the Easter season the Scriptures offer us a semi-continuous reading of the Gospel of John but with texts that have a paschal character to complete the reading from John during Lent. This paschal reading is made up in large part of the Lord’s discourse and prayer at the Last Supper .
The first reading is a semi-continuous reading from the Acts of the Apostles. (General Instruction on the Lectionary 101)
Holy Week
SUNDAY CYCLE A
WEEKDAY CYCLE 1 (Psalter Week 2)
Readings: L.1.343 Matthew 21:1-11 Isiaah 50:4-7 Philippians 2:6-11 Matthew 26:14-27:66
Mass: M.297, Preface M.311, see notes on page 60
Hours: Proper of Seasons
Anniv: Fr Vincent Cavey (2021)
Readings: L1.374 Isaiah 42:1-7; John 12:1-11
Mass: M.314, Preface M.590
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons
Anniv: Fr. Peter Kitchen (2008), Fr. Myles Sheahan (2019)
Readings: L1.376 Isaiah 49:1-6; John 13:21-33. 36-38
Mass: M.316 Preface M.590
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons
Readings: L1.379 Isaiah 50:4-9; Matthew 26.14-25)
Mass: M.318 Preface M.590
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons
Other: Today the Mass of the Sacred Chrism is celebrated at the Cathedral at 11am
Readings: L1.387 Exodus 12.1-8.11-14; 1 Cor 11:23-26; John 13:1-15
Mass: M.330, Preface M.336, see notes on page 61
Hours: Psalter + Proper of seasons
Readings: L1.390 Isaiah 52:13- 53:12; Heb 4:14-16; 5:7-9; John 18:1-19:42
Solemn Liturgy: M.346, see notes on page 63
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons
At the Easter Vigil (W)
Readings: L1.399
Mass: M.377, see notes on page 64
Hours: Proper of Seasons
During Lent we are asked to pray for: Candidates for the Sacraments; women; the needy and hungry of the world, penitents and wnaderers.
Holy Father's intention: We pray for the spread of peace and non violence, by decreasing the use of weapons by States and citizens.
Octave Of Easter
Readings: L1.417 Acts 10:34. 37-43; Colossians 3:1-4 or 1 Corinthians 5:6-8; John 20:1-9
SUNDAY CYCLE A
WEEKDAY CYCLE 1 (Psalter Week 1)
Mass: M.424; Gloria, Sequence, Creed or Renewal of Baptismal Promises M.418, Preface M.592; Proper Inserts in EP1, Sol Blessing M.422; double Alleluia at Dismissal during Octave
Hours: Proper of Seasons
Readings: L1.423 Acts 2:14.22-33; Matthew 28:8-15
Mass: M.426, Gloria, opt sequence, Preface M.592
Hours: Proper of Seasons
Readings: L1.425 Acts 2:36-41; John 20:11-14)
Mass: M.427, Gloria, opt sequence, Preface M.592
Hours: Proper of Seasons
12
Readings: L1.427 Acts 3:1-10; Luke 24:13-35
Mass: M.428, Gloria, opt sequence, Preface M.592
Hours: Proper of Seasons
Readings: L1.430 Acts 3:11-26; Luke 24:35-48
Mass: M.429, Gloria, opt sequence, Preface M.592
Hours: Proper of Seasons
Readings: L1.432 Acts 4:1-12; John 21:1-14
Mass: M.430, Gloria, opt sequence, Preface M.592
Hours: Proper of Seasons
Readings: L1.435 Acts 4:13-21; Mark 16:9-15
Mass: M.431, Gloria, opt sequence, Preface M.592
Hours: Proper of Seasons, EP1 of Sunday
During Easter we pray for new members of the Church, vocations, the right use of the media, the Church and human work.
Holy Father's intention: We pray for the spread of peace and non violence, by decreasing the use of weapons by States and citizens.
Second Week of Easter
16
SUNDAY CYCLE A
WEEKDAY CYCLE 1 (Psalter Week 2)
SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER (W) OF DIVINE MERCY (LOW SUNDAY)
Readings: L1.438 Acts 2:42-47 1 Peter 1:3-9 John 20:19-31
Mass: M.432, Gloria, Creed, Preface M.592
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons.
17 EASTER WEEKDAY (W)
Readings: L1.447 Acts 4:23-31 John 3:1-8
Mass: M.434 Preface M.592-600
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter
18 EASTER WEEKDAY (W)
Readings: L1.449 Acts 4:32-37 John 3:7-15
Mass: M.434 Preface M.592-600
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter
19 EASTER WEEKDAY (W)
Readings: L1.452 Acts 5:17-26; John 3:16-21
Mass: M.436 Preface M.592-600
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons
20
EASTER WEEKDAY (W)
Readings: L1.454 Acts 5:27-33; John 3:31-36
Mass: M.437 Preface M.592-60
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons
Anniv: Fr Joseph Burns (2005)
21 EASTER WEEKDAY (W) OR ST. ANSELM, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OM OF THE CHURCH (W)
Readings: L1.456 Acts 5:34-40
Mass: M.438 or 887 +1130/1146
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter (+Proper of Saints)
Anniv: Fr. John Murphy (2012)
22 EASTER WEEKDAY (W)
Readings: L1.459 Acts 6:1-7; John 6:16-21
Mass: M.439, Preface M.592-600
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons, EP1 of Sunday
During Easter we pray for new members of the Church, vocations, the right use of the media, the Church and human work.
Holy Father's intention: We pray for the spread of peace and non violence, by decreasing the use of weapons by States and citizens.
Saint John Bosco: born near Turin in 1815, John was ordained priest and laboured to improve the education of young people, founding in 1859 a religious congregation, called the Salesians, for this purpose.
Third Week of Easter
23 THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER
Readings: L1.461 Acts 2:14.22-33 1 Peter 1:17-20 Luke 24:13-35
Mass: M.440
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons EP 2of Sunday
SUNDAY CYCLE A
WEEKDAY CYCLE 1 (Psalter Week 3)
24 ST GEORGE, MARTYR AND PATRON OF ENGLAND (R) S
Readings: L2.1329 Apoc 12:10-12; Rom 8:31-39 (L2.1461) Jn 15:18-21 or 15:1-8
Mass: M.888 Gloria, Creed Preface M.636-639
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints + Common of Martyrs
Anniv: Fr. Patrick Keane (2015), Fr. Paul Dillon (2020)
25 ST MARK, EVANGELIST (R) F
Readings: L2.1005 1 Peter 5:5-15; Mark 16:15-20
Mass: M.891 Gloria, Preface M.630
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints
Other: Anniversary of the Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Terence Brain
Anniv: Fr. Dermot O'Leary, MBE (2006), Fr. Peter Samuels (2015)
26 EASTER WEEKDAY W
Readings: L1.476 Acts 8:1-8 John 6:35-40
Mass: M.444 Preface M.592-600
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons
27 EASTER WEEKDAY W
Readings: L1.479 Acts 8:26-40 John 6:44-51
Mass: M.445 Preface M.592-600
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons
28 EASTER WEEKDAY (W) OR ST PETER CHANEL, PRIEST AND MARTYR (R) OR ST LOUIS MARIE GRIGNION DE MONTFORT, PRIEST (W)
Readings: L1.481 Acts 9:1-20 John 6:52-59
Mass: M.446 or (893 + 1124/1142) or (894+1137) Preface M.592-600
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons (+Proper of Saints)
29 ST CATHERINE OF SIENA, VIRGIN AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH (W) F
Readings: L2.1009 1John 1:5-2:2; Matthew 11:25-30
Mass: M.895, Gloria, Preface 642
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints EP1 of Sunday
During Easter we pray for new members of the Church, vocations, the right use of the media, the Church and human work.
Holy Father's intention: We pray for the spread of peace and non violence, by decreasing the use of weapons by States and citizens.
St George was martyred at Lydda (Israel) around 303, in the persecution of the Emperor Diocletian. His cult, which predates the legend of his slaying the dragon, spread quickly through East and West. King Richard I of England placed his army under his protection, and in 1222 his feast was proclaimed a national holiday.
St Mark: a cousin of Saint Barnabas. His close contact with Saint Peter is reflected in the composition of the Gospel that bears his name. Traditionally he is credited with founding the Church of Alexandria in Egypt .
St Peter Chanel, first martyr of Oceania, born in France in 1803, joined the Marists and travelled to the South Pacific. After working there with mixed success for five years, he was clubbed to death. His martyrdom succeeded in converting all the islanders to the Catholic faith.
St Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort, born in 1673, became a priest after great hardships, and founded the Congregation of Sisters of Divine Wisdom and the Missionary Priests of Mary. He wrote “The True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin”. He died in 1716
St Catherine, born at Siena (Italy) in 1347, entered the Third Order of Saint Dominic while an adolescent. She was on fire with love of God and neighbour; she brought peace and harmony between her fellow citizens, fought for the rights and liberty of the papacy, and worked to renew religious life. She died 1380.
Fourth Week of Easter
Readings: L1.487 Acts 2:14. 36-41 1 Peter 2:20-25 John 10:1-10
Mass: M.448 Gloria, Creed, Preface M.592-600
Hours: Psalter + proper of seasons
Other: Day of Prayer for Vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life
SUNDAY CYCLE A
WEEKDAY CYCLE 1 (Psalter Week 4)
Readings: L1.496 Acts 11:1-8; John 10:11-18
If celebrating St. Joseph the Gospel is proper L.2.1015 Matthew 13:54-58
Mass: M.449 or M.896 Preface M.592-600
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons (+Proper of Saints)
Readings: L1.496 Acts 11:1-8; John 10:1-10
Mass: M.900 Preface M.592-600
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons
Readings: L2.1017 1 Corintianhs 15:1-8 John 14:6-14
Mass: M.901 Gloria, Preface M.628
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints
Readings: L2.1332 Acts 7:55-60; Matthew 10:17-20
Mass: M.903, Gloria Preface M.636 or 638
Hours: Common of Martyrs + National Proper
Readings: L1.505 Acts 13:26-33; John 14:1-6
Mass: M.453 Preface M.592-600
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons
Anniv: Fr. John Dugdale (2015)
Other: First Friday
Readings: L1.508 Acts 13:44-52 John 14:7-14
Mass: M.454 Preface M.592-600
Hours: Psalter and Proper of Seasons EP1 of Sunday
Other: Coronation Day
During Easter we pray for new members of the Church, vocations, the right use of the media, the Church and human work.
Holy Father's intention: We pray for the spread of peace and non violence, by decreasing the use of weapons by States and citizens.
St Athanasius: foremost in the fight against Arianism, Athanasius was bishop of Alexandria; for his work against Arius, he was exiled several times. He died in 373.
SS Philip and James: Philip was born in Bethsaida. Formerly a disciples of John the Baptist, he became a follower of Jesus. James, son of Alphaeus and cousin of the Lord led the Church of Jerusalem and was martyred in 62.
The English Martyrs: on this day in 1535 there died at Tyburn three Carthusian monks, the first of many martyrs. Of these, 42 have been canonised and a further 242 declared blessed, but the number of those who died on the scaffold, perished in prison, or suffered harsh persecution for their faith over a century and a half cannot be reckoned. They came from every walk of life; among them rich and poor, married and single, women and men. They are remembered for the example they gave of constancy in their faith, and courage.
SPECIAL COLLECTION FOR THE ECCLESIASTICAL
EDUCATION FUND, which supports the formation of seminarians and candidates for the permanent diaconate
Fifth Week of Easter
Readings: L1.511 Acts 6:1-7 1 Peter 2:4-9 John 14:1-12
Mass: M.455 Gloria, Creed, Preface M.592-600
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons
SUNDAY CYCLE A
WEEKDAY CYCLE 1 (Psalter Week 1)
Readings: L1.519 Acts 14:5-18; John 14:21-26
Mass: M.456 Preface M.592-600
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons
Anniv: Fr. Francis Occleston (2005)
Readings: L1.522 Acts 14:19-28; John 14:27-31
Mass: M.457 Preface M.592-600
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons
Anniv: Fr. Albert Moriarty (2004), Fr. Peter Gooden (2020)
Other: Day of Prayer for Survivors of Sexual Abuse
Readings: L1.524 Acts 15:1-6; John 15:1-8
Mass: M.458 or Common of Pastors 1137 or of Doctors of the Church 1146 Preface M.592-600
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons (+Common of Pastors or of Doctors of the Church)
Readings: L1.526 Acts 15:7-21; John 15:9-11
Mass: M.460 Preface M.592-600
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons
Readings: L1.528 Acts 15:22-31; John 15:12-17
Mass: M.461 or (904+1121) or (904+1124) Preface 592-600
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons (+Proper of Saints)
Readings: L1. 531 Acts 16:1-10; John 15:18-21
Mass: M.461 or 904+1098 Preface M.592-600
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons (+Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary) EP of tomorrow
During Easter we pray for new members of the Church, vocations, the right use of the media, the Church and human work.
Holy Father's intention: We pray that Church movements and groups may rediscover their mission of evangelisation each day, placing their own charisms at the service of needs in the world.
St. John of Avila, was born in Cuidad Real, Spain c1500. As a priest he travalled through Andalusia, drawing crowds by his preaching. He was denounced for heresy and imprisoned but went on to play a leading role in the Council of Trent. He died in 1569.
Ss Nereus and Achilleus, Roman soldiers who converted to Christianity and were executed. Their tomb is in a cemetery on the Via Ardeatina in Rome, where a basilica was erected in their honour.
St Pancras suffered martyrdom under Diocletian (c.304), and was buried on the Via Aurelia, again with a basilica over his tomb. Tradition tells that he was only 12 or 14 at the time of his death.
Sixth Week Of Easter
14 SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (W)
Readings: L1.534 Acts 8:5-8. 14-17 1 Peter 3:15-18 John 14:15-21
Mass: M.462, Gloria, Creed, Preface M.592-600
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons
15 EASTER WEEKDAY (W)
Readings: L1.542 Acts 16:11-15; John 15:2-16:4
Mass: M.464 Preface M.592-600
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter
16 EASTER WEEKDAY (W)
Readings: L1.544 Acts 16:22-34; John 16:5-11
Mass: M.465 Preface M.592-600
Hours: Proper of Seasons + Psalter
17 EASTER WEEKDAY (W)
Readings: L1.546 Acts 17:15.22-18:1; John 16:12-15
Mass: M.466 Preface 592-600
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons EP1 of tomorrow
Mass in the evening:
Readings: as tomorrow
Mass: M469, Preface M602-605, Optional Solemn Blessing 713
SUNDAY CYCLE A
WEEKDAY CYCLE 1 (Psalter Week 2)
18 THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD (W) HOLYDAY OF OBLIGATION S
Readings: L1.549 Acts 1:1-11 Ephesians 1:17-23 Matthew 28:16-20
Mass: M.471, Gloria, Creed, Preface M.602-605, Optional Solemn Blessing 713
Hours: Proper of Seasons
19 EASTER WEEKDAY (W) OR ST. DUNSTAN, BISHOP (W) OM
Readings: L1.562 Acts 18:9-18 John 16:20-23
Mass: M.474 Preface M.602-605
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons (+Common of Pastors)
20 EASTER WEEKDAY OR ST. BERNARDINE OF SIENA (W)
Readings: L1.564 Acts 18:23-28; John 16:23-28
Mass: M.476 or 907+121 Preface M.602-605
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons (+Proper of Saints) EP1 of Sunday
During Easter we pray for new members of the Church, vocations, the right use of the media, the Church and human work.
Holy Father's intention: We pray that Church movements and groups may rediscover their mission of evangelisation each day, placing their own charisms at the service of needs in the world.
St Dunstan, born near Glastonbury in 909, died in Canterbury in 988. He studied arts and literature before becoming a monk, then abbot, at Glas-tonbury. He was the principal agent in the restoration of English monasticism after the Viking devastations. He was renowned as painter, musician, and metalworker, counsellor of kings and a zealous reforming bishop.
St Bernardine, born near Siena (Italy) in 1380, became a Franciscan and was ordained in 1404; a great preacher, he spread devotion to the name of Jesus. He died in 1444.
Seventh Week of Easter
21 SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (W)
Readings: L1.567 Acts 1:12-14 1 Peter 4:13-16 John 17:1-11
Mass: M.478 Gloria, Creed, Preface M.592-605
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons
Anniv: World Communications Day
SUNDAY CYCLE A
WEEKDAY CYCLE 1 (Psalter Week 3)
22 EASTER WEEKDAY (W) OR ST. RITA OF CASCIA (W) OM
Readings: L1.576 Acts 19:1-8; John 16:29-33
Mass: M.479 or 1163 Preface 592-605
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons (+ Common of Holy Women, Religious)
23 EASTER WEEKDAY
Readings: L1.578 Acts 20:17-27 John 17:1-11
Mass: M.480 Preface 592-605
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons
24 EASTER WEEKDAY
Readings: L1.580 Acts 20:28-38; John 17:11-19
Mass: M.481 Preface 592-605
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons
Anniv: Fr. Bernard McGarry (2020)
25 ST. BEDE THE VENERABLE, PRIEST, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH (W)
Readings: L1.583 Acts 22:30; 23:6-11; John 17:20-26
Mass: M.911 + 1146 or 1162 Preface M.592-605
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons + Proper of Saints
Anniv: Fr. Peter Sheahan (2020)
26 ST. PHILIL NERI, PRIEST (W)
Readings: L1.585 Acts 25:13-21; John 21:15-29
Mass: M.912 Preface M.592-605
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons + Proper of Saints
27 ST. AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY, BISHOP (W) F
In the morning:
Readings: L2.1342 1 Thessalonians 2:2-8 Luke10:1-9
Mass: M.913, Gloria, Preface 640
Hours: Proper of Saints + Common of Pastors
In the evening: Readings L1. 596 The Vigil Mass can be celebrated in its extended form M.488 in which case the four OT readings are as referenced in the Missal or in its Simple Form M.492 In either case double Alleluia at the Dismissal
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons EP1 of Pentecost
During Easter we pray for new members of the Church, vocations, the right use of the media, the Church and human work.
Holy Father's intention: We pray that Church movements and groups may rediscover their mission of evangelisation each day, placing their own charisms at the service of needs in the world.
St Bede the Venerable was born in 673, and educated by the Benedictines; he joined the monastery, and began a life of great erudition, producing many writings: particularly on the Scriptures and History of the Church in Britain. He died in 735.
St Augustine of Canterbury: in 597 Pope Gregory the Great sent Augustine, then a monk of the monastery of Saint Peter on the Coelian hill in Rome, to evangelise the people of Britain. He converted king Ethelbert and founded the see of Canterbury. He died in 605.
St Rita of Cascia was married at 18 but after the death of her abusive husband, and of her children, she joined the Augustinian monastery in Cascia (Italy) at the age of 36. Rita lived as a wife, mother, widow, and nun, buried her family, helped bring peace to her city and never lost her faith in God.
St Philip Neri, renowned for prayerfulness and humour, was born in Florence in 1515; he arrived in Rome, and after a mystical experience in the catacombs, gathered a community of friends to look after the sick, which eventually became the Oratory. He died in 1595.
St. Rita was born in Cascia, Italy, in 1381. She endured an abusive marriage for eighteen years until her husband was murdered in a local feud. Her two sons died shortly afterwards. She was professed as an Augustinian nun and worked hard to end the feuds between local warring families, in which she was successful. She died in 1457 and is patron saint of abused wives and mothers.
Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: L.601 Acts 2:1-11 1 Corinthians 12:3-7. 12-13 Sequence John 20:19-23
Mass: Gloria, Creed, Proper Preface, (EP1 Proper Insert), Double Alleluia at Dismissal
Hours: Proper of Seasons
SUNDAY CYCLE A
WEEKDAY CYCLE 1 (Psalter Week 4)
Readings: Genesis 3:9-15.20 L2.1289 or Acts 1:12-14 L2.1279; John 19:25-34 L3.901+73
Mass: M.1411, Preface M.1414
Hours: Psalter + Common of the BVM
Anniv: Canon Michael Fitzpatrick (2004)
Readings: L2.96 Ecclesiasticus 35:1-12 Mark 10:28-31
Mass: M.506 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter
Readings: L2.1040 Zephaniah 3:14-18 or Romans 12:9-16; Luke 1:39-56
Mass: M914, Gloria Preface M626
Hours: Proper of Saints
Other: Anniversary of the Mass celebrated by Pope Saint John Paul II at Heaton Park, Manchester, 1982
Readings: Is 6:1.4.8 (L2.640); John 17:1.2.9.14-16 (L1568+573 in parts)
Mass: Gloria, www.liturgyoffice.org.uk/Calendar/Sanctoral/OLJC-full.pdf
Hours: from Liturgy Office link as above
Readings: L2.103 Ecclesiasticus 44:1.9-13 Mark 11:11-26
Mass: M.506 ot M.918 + 1124 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter (+Proper of Saints)
Other: First Friday
Readings: L2.105 Ecclesiasticus 51:12-20 Mark 11:27-33
Mass: M.918 Preface M.644-654
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints EP1 of Trinity Sunday
During Ordinary Time (summer) we pray for these intentions: A deeper understanding between Christians and Jews; those who suffer persecution, oppression and denial of human rights, Europe, seafarers, human life.
Holy Father's intention: We pray that Church movements and groups may rediscover their mission of evangelisation each day, placing their own charisms at the service of needs in the world.
Ss Marcellinus and Peter were martyred in the persecution of Diocletian c300. Peter, in prison, invited the priest Marcellinus to baptise his gaoler, whom he had converted; the authorities had the two men executed.
St Charles Lwanga: Mwanga, ruler of Uganda in 1885-1887, persecuted of Christians of all denominations; among those executed were Charles and 21 companions, court pages, for being Christians and refusing to acquiesce in the king’s desires.
Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: L1.611 Exodus 34:4-6. 8-9 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 John 3:16-18
Mass: M.533 Gloria, Creed, Preface M.534
Hours: Proper of Seasons
Readings: L2.107 Tobit 1:3; 2:1-8 Mark 12:1-12
Mass: M.920 + 1118 or 1142 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints
Anniv: Fr. William O'Connor (2008)
Readings: L2.110 Tobit 2:9-14 Mark 12:13-17
Mass M.507 or M.920 + 1130 or 1164 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter (+ Proper of Saints)
Readings: L2.112 Tobit 3:1-11. 16-17 Mark 12:18-27
Mass: M.507 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter
Readings: L2.115 Tobit 6:10-11; 7:1.9-14; 8:4-9
Mass: M.507 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter
Readings: L2.118 Tobit 11:5-17 Mark 12:35-37
Mass: M.507 or (921 + 1146) or 922 + 1161)
Hours: Psalter (+ Proper of Saints or Irish National Saints)
SUNDAY CYCLE A
WEEKDAY CYCLE 1 (Psalter Week 1)
Readings: L2.121 Tobit 12:1. 5-15. 20 Mark 12:38-44
Mass: M.507 or for BVM see note on Ordo 14th January
Hours: Psalter (+ Common of the BVM) EP1 of Sunday
During Ordinary Time (summer) we pray for these intentions: A deeper understanding between Christians and Jews; those who suffer persecution, oppression and denial of human rights, Europe, seafarers, human life.
Holy Father's intention: We pray that the international community may commit in a concrete way to ensuring the abolition of torture and guarantee support to victims and their families.
Saint Boniface: born in Devon about 675, and killed in the Netherlands in 754. After years as monk and teacher, he went to evangelise the Germanic peoples. Ordained bishop, he was given wide-ranging papal commissions throughout Germany and Gaul. He founded monasteries and established dioceses, presided at Synods, and liased with kings, He is remembered as a determined missionary, and as a church organiser and reformer, whose work shaped the future of Europe.
Saint Norbert: Born in Germany in 1080, Norbert assiduously pursued a life of empty pleasures. Around 1115 he had a conversion experience: he be came a priest and began preaching. The manner of his life attracted others to accompany him, and the Premon stratensian (or Norbertine) Order was begun. He later became Archbishop of Magdeburg and died in 1134.
Saint Ephrem: born in Nisibis (in pre sentday Turkey) in 306, and eventually ordained deacon. Ephrem was famous as a writer of homilies, poems and many hymns for the liturgy - such that he was also called "The Harp of the
Saint Columba: Columba, or Colm Cille, was born in Donegal) about 521 and died at Iona in 597. Before leaving Ireland as an "exile for Christ", he had founded monasteries at Derry, Durrow and possibly Kells. His principal foun dation was Iona, from where he con verted much of Western Scotland, and his followers took the Gospel to north ern England. He was renowned as a poet and scribe as well as spiritual guide.
Tenth Week in Ordinary Time
SUNDAY CYCLE A
WEEKDAY CYCLE 1 (Psalter Week 2)
11 THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST (W) S
Readings: L1.617 Deuteronomy 8:2-3. 14-16 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 John 6:51-58
Sequence (longer or shorter form) John 6:51-58
Mass: M.537 Gloria, Creed, Preface M.538
Hours: Proper of the Feast
12 WEEKDAY (G)
Readings: L1.124 2 Corinthians 1:1-7 Matthew 5:1-12
Mass: M.508 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter
13 ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH (W) M
Readings: L2.126 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 Matthew 5:13-16
Mass: M.924 + 1130 or 1146 or 1164
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints
14 THE DEDICATION OF THE CATHEDRAL (W) F
Readings: L2.1392-1405 (First Reading and Gospel at choice) (Second Reading in the Cathedral where it is a Solemnity)
Mass: M.1095 Gloria, Preface M.1095
Hours: Psalter +Common of the Dedication of a Church
Anniv: Fr Maurice Murphy (2011)
15 WEEKDAY (G)
Readings: L2.130 2 Corinthians 3:15-4:1. 3-6 Matthew 5:20-26
Mass: M.509
Hours: Psalter EP1 of the Sacred Heart
Anniv: Canon Maurice O'Connell (2022)
16 THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS (W) NO ABSTINENCE S
Readings: L1.628 Deuteronomy 7:6-11 1 John 4:7-16 Matthew 11:25-30
Mass: M.540 Gloria, Creed, Preface M.541
Hours: Proper of Seasons
17 THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY (W) M
Readings: L2. 613 Isaiah 61:9-11;Luke 2:41-51
Mass: M.916 Preface M.624 or 626
Hours: Psalter (+Proper of Saints), EP1 of Sunday
During Ordinary Time (summer) we pray for these intentions: A deeper understanding between Christians and Jews; those who suffer persecution, oppression and denial of human rights, Europe, seafarers, human life.
Holy Father's intention: We pray that the international community may commit in a concrete way to ensuring the abolition of torture and guarantee support to victims and their families.
Saint Anthony of Padua: born in Lisbon in 1195, he first joined the Canons regular of Saint Augustine, but after being inspired by the stories of Franciscan martyrdoms in Morocco he joined the Friars Minor, though he desired to preach in Africa, he ended up in Italy, where he established a reputation as a great preacher and theologian. He died in Padua in 1231, aged 36.
Special collection next weekend
Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time
18 ELEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (G)
Readings: L1.666 Exodus 19:2-6 Romans 5:6-11 Matthew 9:36 – 10:8
Mass: M.509 Preface M.606ff
Hours: Psalter
SUNDAY CYCLE A WEEKDAY CYCLE 1
Week 3)
19 WEEKDAY (G) OR ST. ROMUALD, ABBOT (W) OM
Readings: L2.136 2 Corinthians 6:1-10 Matthew 5:38-42
Mass: M.509 or 925 + 1161 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter
20 WEEKDAY (G) OR ST. ALBAN, MARTYR (W) OM
Readings: L2.138 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 Matthew 5:43-48
Mass: M.509 or 925 + 1118 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter (+National Proper)
21 ST. ALOYSIUS GONZAGA, RELIGIOUS (W)
Readings: L2.140 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 Matthew 6:1-6. 16-18
Mass M.926 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints
22 SS JOHN FISHER AND THOMAS MORE, MARTYRS (R)
Readings: L2.1350 2 Macabees 6:18.21.24-31; Matthew 24:4-13
Mass: M.928 Gloria, Preface 636-638
Hours: Psalter + National Proper + Common of Martyrs
23 WEEKDAY (G) OR ST. ETHELDREDA (AUDREY), ABBESS (W)
Readings: 2 Corinthians 11:18. 21-30 Matthew 6:24-34
Mass: M.509 or M.930 + 1170 or 1164 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter (+Common of Holy Women, Religious)
In the evening: EP1 of St. John the Baptist Vigil Mass of St. John the Baptist M.933 Gloria Creed Preface
M934 Readings L2.1070 Jeremiah 1:4-10; 1 Peter1:8-12; Luke 1:5-17
24 THE NATIVITY OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST (W)
Readings: L2.1073 Isaiah 49:1-6; Acts 13:22-26; Luke 1:57-66.80
Mass: M.934 Gloria Creed Preface M.934
Hours: Proper of Saints, EP 2 of the Solemnity
Holy Father's intention: We pray that the international community may commit in a concrete way to ensuring the abolition of torture and guarantee support to victims and their families.
Saint Romuald: when his father killed a man, Romuald lived life doing penance for the crime. He was a hermit, founding monaster-ies and restoring solitary religious life. He died, aged 75, in 1027.
St Alban, Britain’s first saint, died in a persecution in the middle of the 3rd century. According to the story, he was a pagan soldier who sheltered a priest and was converted. He dressed as the priest, and was executed in his place.
St. Aloysius Gonzaga, born into a noble family in 1568, entered the Jesuits aged 17. He worked to help the victims of the Roman plague from which he died, aged 23.
St John Fisher, born at Beverley (Yorkshire) in 1469, died at London on 22 June 1535. As Bishop of Rochester he combined pastoral ministry with study and writing.
St Thomas More, born in London in 1478, died there on this day in 1535. Oxford scholar and an incorruptible judge, Speaker and Lord Chancellor. Both were drawn into conflict with Henry VIII over his remarriage and papal supremacy, imprisoned and beheaded for treason.
Saint Etheldreda: born in Suffolk, died at Ely in 679. She was the founder of the monastery there. Most popular of AngloSaxon saints, famed for her virginity (despite being married twice) and austerity.
Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
25 TWELFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (G)
Readings: L1.668 Jeremiah 20:10-13 Romans 5:12-15 Matthew 10:26-33
Mass: M.510 Gloria, Creed, Preface M.606ff
Hours: Psalter
26 WEEKDAY (G)
Readings: L2.149 Genesis 12:1-9 Matthew 7:1-5
Mass: M.510 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter
27 WEEKDAY (G) OR ST. CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA, OM BISHOP, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH (W)
Readings: L2.151 Genesis 13:2. 5-18 Matthew 7:26. 12-14
Mass: M.510 or 937 + 1130 or 1146 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter (+Proper of Saints)
28 ST. IRENAEUS, BISHOP, MARTYR, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH (R)
Readings: L2.153 Genesis 15:1-12. 17-18 Matthew 7:15-20
Mass: M.937
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints
In the evening: L1 979 Acts 3:1-10; Galatians 1:11-20; John 21:15-19 Mass: M 938 Preface M942 Opt.
Sol. Blessing M.718 Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints EP1 of tomorrow
29 SS PETER AND PAUL HOLYDAY OF OBLIGATION (R)
Readings: L1.981 Acts 12:1-11; 2 Timothy 4:6-8.17-18; Matthew 16:13-19
Mass: M.940, Gloria, Creed, Preface M.942, Opt. Sol. Blessing M.718
Hours: Proper of Saints
30 WEEKDAY (G) OR THE FIRST MARTYRS OF THE ROMAN CHURCH OM
Readings: L2.158 Genesis 17:1. 9-10. 15-22
Mass: M.510 or 943+1111
Hours: Psalter (+Proper of Saints)
Anniv: Fr. Anthony Lawton (2017)
01 WEEKDAY (G) OR ST. OLIVER PLUNKETT, BISHOP AND MARTYR OR OUR LADY ON SATURDAY (W) OM
Readings: L2.160 Genesis 18:1-15 Matthew 8:15-17
Mass: M.510 or 946 + 1118 or 1133 or for the BVM
Hours: Psalter EP 1 of Sunday
During Ordinary Time (summer) we pray for these intentions: A deeper understanding between Christians and Jews; those who suffer persecution, oppression and denial of human rights, Europe, seafarers, human life.
Holy Father's intention: We pray that the international community may commit in a concrete way to ensuring the abolition of torture and guarantee support to victims and their families.
Saint Cyril of Alexandria: born in Alex andria in 370, became Patriarch of the city in 412; he fought against heresies, and presided over the Council of Ephe sus in 431. He is thus primarily remem bered in the West for defending Our Lady's divine motherhood, expressed in the title "Theotokos". Cyril died in 444.
Saint Irenaeus, a name which means Peace, was born c130, became Bishop of Lyons, and was a great teacher against the errors of his time, dying in c200.
The First Martyrs of the Church of Rome are Christians who died (with Ss Peter and Paul) in the first great Roman persecution under the Emperor Nero in the year 67. The pagan writer Tacitus records their deaths.
St Oliver Plunkett, born in Co. Meath (Ireland) in 1625, died at Tyburn in 1681. Ordained in Rome he was appointed Archbishop of Armagh in 1669. He held synods and visitations and promoted the reforms of the Council of Trent. Imprisoned in Dublin in 1679, he was tried, condemned and executed in London, final victim of the ‘Popish Plot’ and the last to be executed for the faith in England.
Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: L1.671 2 Kings 4:8-11. 14-16 Romans 6:3-4. 8-11 Matthew 10:37-42
Mass: M.511 Gloria, Creed, Preface M.606ff
Hours: Psalter
Readings: L2.1087 Ephesians 2:19-22; John 20:24-29
Mass: M.944, Gloria, Preface M.628-631
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints
Readings: L2.165 Genesis 19:15-29 Matthew 8:23-27
Mass: M.511 or M.945 + 1167 Preface M.644-654
Hours: Psalter (+Proper of Saints)
Readings: L2.167 Genesis 21:5. 8-20 Matthew 8:28-34
Mass: M.511 or M.946 + 1130 or 1168 or 1164 Preface M.644-654
Hours: Psalter (+ Proper of Saints)
Anniv: Fr Liam Cotter (2007)
Readings: L2.169 Genesis 22:1-19 Matthew 9:1-8
Mass: M.511 or M.946 + 1127 or 1150 Preface M.644-654
Hours: Psalter (+Proper of Saints)
Readings: L2.172 Genesis 23:1-4. 19; 24:1-8. 62-67. Matthew 9:9-13
Mass: M.511 Preface M.644-654
Hour: Psalter
Other: First Friday
SUNDAY CYCLE A
WEEKDAY CYCLE 1 (Psalter Week 1)
Readings: L2.175 Genesis 27:1-5. 15-29. Matthew 9:14-17
Mass: M.511 Preface M.644-654
Hour: Psalter, EP 1 of Sunday
During Ordinary Time (summer) we pray for these intentions: A deeper understanding between Christians and Jews; those who suffer persecution, oppression and denial of human rights, Europe, seafarers, human life.
Holy Father's intention: We pray that Catholics may place the celebration of the Eucharist at the heart of their lives, transforming human relationships in a very deep way and opening to the encounter with God and all their brothers and sisters.
Saint Thomas: unfairly remem-bered as “Doubting Thomas”, his profession of faith, “My Lord and my God” is the climax of one of the Easter stories. Tradition has it that Thomas then preached in India, and was martyred there.
St Elizabeth of Portugal: born into the Royal family of Aragon in 1271, Elizabeth is known for her care for the poor; after the death of her husband, she gave away her worldly goods and joined the Third Order of Saint Francis. She died in 1336.
St Anthony Zaccaria, was born in Italy in 1502. Ordained priest he founded the Barnabites to imitate Paul and Barnabas in preaching. He died in 1539.
St Maria Goretti was born into a poor family in Ancona, Italy in 1890. She spent her childhood at Nettuno, helping her mother in the domestic chores. She was a religious girl, much given to prayer. In 1902, while defending her chastity against a neighbour trying to rape her, she preferred to die rather than give way, and was fatally stabbed. She forgave her attacker before she died, the following day.
Special Collection for Peter’s Pence, which funds the Pope’s charitable work worldwide.
Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: L1.673 Zechariah 9:9-10 Romans 8:9. 11-13 Matthew 11:25.30
Mass: M.512 Gloria Creed Preface 606ff
Hours: Psalter
Other: Sea Sunday
10 WEEKDAY (G)
Readings: L2.178 Genesis 28:10-22 Matthew 9:18-26
Mass: M.512 Preface M.644-654
Hours: Psalter
SUNDAY CYCLE A
WEEKDAY CYCLE 1 (Psalter Week 2)
Readings: L2.1095 Proverbs 2:1-9; Matthew 19:27-29
Mass: M.948 Gloria Preface 640 or 642
Hours: Proper of Saints + Common of Religious
12 WEEKDAY (G)
Readings: L2.182 Genesis 41:55-57; 42:5-7. 17-24. Matthew10:1-7
Mass: M.512 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter
13 WEEKDAY (G) OR ST. HENRY (W) OM
Readings: L2.184 Genesis 44:18-21. 23-29; 45:1-5 Matthew 10:7-15
Mass: M.512 or M949 +1159 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter (+Proper of Saints)
14 WEEKDAY (G) OR ST. CAMILLUS DE LELLIS, PRIEST (W) OM
Readings: L2.187 Genesis 46:1-7. 28-30 Matthew 10:16-23
Mass: M.512 or M.950 +1167
Hours: Psalter (+Proper of Saints)
15 ST. BONAVENTURE, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH (W) M
Readings: L2.189 Genesis 49:29-33; 50:15-26 Matthew 10:24-38
Mass: M.950 + 1130 or 1146
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints EP 1 of Sunday
Anniv: Mgr Terence Dodgeon (2015) Fr Francis Jennings (2022)
During Ordinary Time (summer) we pray for these intentions: A deeper understanding between Christians and Jews; those who suffer persecution, oppression and denial of human rights, Europe, seafarers, human life.
Holy Father's intention: We pray that Catholics may place the celebration of the Eucharist at the heart of their lives, transforming human relationships in a very deep way and opening to the encounter with God and all their brothers and sisters.
St Benedict: the “Father of Western Monasticism". Born at Norcia in 480, he gathered followers in Subiaco before moving south to Monte Cassino in 529; here he founded his most famous monastery, and composed his Rule, still the indispensable guide of the Benedictine Order. He died in 547, on the 21st March.
St Henry, born in 973, succeeded his father as Duke of Bavaria, and was elected Holy Roman Emperor at 41; he concentrated on the good of his people, building monasteries and helping the poor. He fostered missionary activity. He died in 1024.
St Camillus de Lellis, born in Italy in 1550, became a soldier but turned to ministering to the sick. He was ordained, and founded the congregation of the Servants of the Sick, which set up hospitals for the poor. He died in 1614, and is the patron of all health care workers.
St Bonaventure, born in Italy in 1218, became a Franciscan and eventually Minister General of the Order and Cardinal Bishop of Albano near Rome. He is remembered for his spiritual teaching. He died in 1274.
Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
16 FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (G)
Reading: L.1675 L.1.675 Isaiah 55:10-11 Romans 8:18023 Matthew 13:1-23
Mass: M.513 Gloria, Creed, Preface M606ff
Hours: Psalter
SUNDAY CYCLE A
WEEKDAY CYCLE 1 (Psalter Week 3)
Other: The Collect for Our Lady of Mt Carmel, M.950, might be used as the Concluding Prayer of the Prayer of the Faithful
17 WEEKDAY (G)
Readings: L2.19 :8-14.22 Matthew 10:34-11:1
Mass: M.513 Preface M.644-654
Hours: Psalter
18 WEEKDAY (G)
Readings: L2.194 Exodus 2:1-15 Mtthew 11:20-24
Mass: M.513 Preface M.644-654
Hours: Psalter
19 WEEKDAY (G)
Readings: L2.196 Exodus 3:1-6. 9-12 Mtthew 11:28-30
Mass: M.513 Preface M.644-654
Hours: Psalter
20 WEEKDAY (G) OR ST. APOLLINARIS, BISHOP, MARTYR (R) OM
Readings: L2.198 Exodus 3:13-10 Matthew 11:28-30
Mass: M.513 or M.951 + 1118 or 1130 Preface M.644-654
Hours: Psalter (+Common of Martyrs or of Pastors)
Anniv: Fr. Alfred Smith (2008)
21 WEEKDAY (G) OR ST. LAURENCE OF BRINDISI, OM PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH (W)
Readings: L2.200 Exodus 11:10-12. 14 Matthew 12:1-8
Mass: M.513 or 951 + 1130 or 1146 or 1164
Hours: Psalter (+ Proper of Saintd)
Anniv: Fr. Timothy Gunn (2013)
22 ST. MARY MAGDALENE (W) F
Readings: L2.1108 Song of songs 3:1-4 or 2 Cor 5:14-17; John 20:1-2.11-
Mass: M.952, Gloria, Preface M.632-635
Proper Preface is to be found in the USCCB newsletter www.usccb.org/ resources/newsletter-2019-11.pdf
Hours: Common of Holy Women + Proper of Saints EP1 of Sunday
During Ordinary Time (summer) we pray for these intentions: A deeper understanding between Christians and Jews; those who suffer persecution, oppression and denial of human rights, Europe, seafarers, human life.
Holy Father's intention: We pray that Catholics may place the celebration of the Eucharist at the heart of their lives, transforming human relationships in a very deep way and opening to the encounter with God and all their brothers and sisters.
St Apollinaris, disciple of St Peter, first Bishop of Ravenna (Italy), died near the end of the first century.
St Lawrence of Brindisi, born in 1559, entered the Capuchin Order, where he taught theology and became a renowned preacher, travelling through Europe, writing many works to explain the Faith. He died at Lisbon in 1619.
St Mary Magdalene was one of Christ's disciples, present at his death. On Easter morning she was the first to whom the risen Redeemer appeared.
Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time
23 SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (G)
Readings: L1.679 Wisdom 12:13. 16-19 Romans 8:26-27 Matthew 13:24-43
Mass: M.514 Gloria Creed Preface 606ff
Hours: Psalter and Proper of Seasons
Other: Day of Prayer for Grandparents and Elderly People
SUNDAY CYCLE A
WEEKDAY CYCLE 1 (Psalter Week 4)
24 WEEKDAY (G) OR ST. SHARBEL MAKHLOUF, PRIEST (W) OM
Readings: L2.205 Exodus 14:5-18 Matthew 12:38-42
Mass: M.514 or M.954 + 1137 or 1162 Preface M.644-654
Hours: Psalter (+Common of Pastors or of Holy Men and Women)
25 ST. JAMES, APOSTLE F
Readings: L2.1113 2 Corinthians 4:7-15; Matthew 20:20-28
Mass: M.954 Gloria, Preface 628-630
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints
26 SS JOACHIM AND ANNE, PARENTS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (W) M
Readings: L2.209 Exodus 16:1-5. 9-15 Matthew 13:1-9
Mass: M.956
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints
27 WEEKDAY (G)
Readings: L2.211 Exodus 19:1-2. 9-11. 16-20 Matthew 13:10-17
Mass: M.514 Preface M.644-654
Hours: Psalter
28 WEEKDAY (G)
Readings: L2.213 Exodus 20:1-17 Matthew 13:18-23
Mass: M.514 Preface M.644-654
Hours: Psalter
Other: Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes departs
29 SS MARTHA, MARY AND LAZARUS (W) M
Readings: L2. 1117 1 John 4:7-16 John 11:19-27 or Luke 10:38-42
Mass: sts-martha-mary-lazarus-interim-texts-english.pdf (usccb.org)
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints plus Collect from the Mass texts (link above) EP 1 of Sunday
During Ordinary Time (summer) we pray for these intentions: A deeper understanding between Christians and Jews; those who suffer persecution, oppression and denial of human rights, Europe, seafarers, human life.
Holy Father's intention: We pray that Catholics may place the celebration of the Eucharist at the heart of their lives, transforming human relationships in a very deep way and opening to the encounter with God and all their brothers and sisters.
Saint Sharbel Makhluf: born in Lebanon, son of a mule driver, raised by an uncle who opposed his youthful piety. At 23 he became a monk. He was ordained in 1859, becoming a hermit in 1875 until his death in 1884.
St James: born at Bethsaida, son of Zebedee and brother of John; he was killed by Herod in Jerusalem in about 42, and is especially venerated at Compostella in Spain.
Ss Joachim and Anne are the names traditionally given to the parents of Our Lady, grandparents of Jesus.
SS Martha, Mary and Lazarus. Martha received the Lord into her house and provided for his needs while Mary hung on his every word. Lazarus was raised from death by Jesus.
Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: L2.682 1 Kings 3:5. 7-12 Romans 8:28-30 Matthew 13: 44-52
Mass: M.515, Gloria, Creed, Preface M.606ff
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Seasons
Other: Given the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes is taking place, it would be appropriate to end Mass with the Lourdes hymn
Readings: L2.218 Exodus 32:15-14. 30-34 Matthew 13:31-35
Mass: M.958 Preface M.644-654
Hours: Psalter + Proper of saints
Readings: L2.220 Exodus 33:7-11; 34:5-9. 28 Matthew 13:36-43
Mass: M.962 + 1130 or 1146 or M.644-654
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints
Readings: L2.223 Exodus 34:29-35 Matthew 13:44-46
Mass: M.515 or (961 + 1130) or (961 + 1164 or 1137)
Hours: Psalter (+Proper of Saints/Common of Religious)
Readings: L2.225 Exodus 40:16-21. 34-38. Matthew 13:47-53
Mass: M.515 M.644-654
Hours: Psalter
Anniv: Mgr Thomas Devaney (2021)
Readings: L2. 227 Exodus 23:1. 4-11. 15-16. 27. 34-37 Matthew 13:54-58
Mass: M.962 + 1137 M.644-654
Hours: Psalter +Proper of Saints
Other: First Friday
Readings: L2.229 Exodus 25.1 8-17 Matthew 14:1-12
Mass: M.516 or 962 +1098 M.644-654
Hours: Psalter (+ Proper of Saints) EP1 of the Transfiguration
During Ordinary Time (summer) we pray for these intentions: A deeper understanding between Christians and Jews; those who suffer persecution, oppression and denial of human rights, Europe, seafarers, human life.
Holy Father's intention: We pray that Catholics may place the celebration of the Eucharist at the heart of their lives, transforming human relationships in a very deep way and opening to the encounter with God and all their brothers and sisters.
Saint Ignatius of Loyola: born in 1491. After life in the army, he converted to a deep spiritual life. He studied in Paris, and gathered companions around himself, who later became the Society of Jesus. They were effective in teaching and evangelising. He died in 1556.
St Alphonsus Liguori: after a career as a lawyer, he became a priest and founded the Redemp-torists. He wrote on Moral Theolo-gy and was vigorous in combating Jansenism. He died in 1787.
St Eusebius, a Bishop in the fourth century who preached and worked against Arianism. He was exiled for his opposition. He returned to Vercelli before his death in 371.
St. Peter Julian Eymard, born in France in 1811, was ordained in 1834. He founded the ‘Priests of the Blessed Sacrament. Dedicated to fostering devotion to the Eucharist. He died in 1868.
St. John Mary Vianney, born in Lyons in 1786; after years of struggle he was ordained and sent to Ars, where by preaching and holiness he drew people back to the sacraments, especially the Sacrament of Penance. He died in 1859.
Dedication of the Basilica of St Mary Major: the doctrine of Mary, Mother of God was proclaimed at the Council of Ephesus (431); Pope Sixtus III erected a Basilica on the Esquiline Hill in Rome to honour her, later known as St Mary Major.
Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: L2. 1131 Daniel 7:9-10. 13-14; 2 Peter 1:16-19; Mark 9:2-10
Mass: M.965 Gloria, Creed
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints EP2 of the Feast
Readings: L2.232 Exodus 11:4-15 Matthew 14:13-21
Mass: M.515 or (968 + 1111) or (968 + 1137 or 1164) Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter (+Proper of Saints)
Readings: L2.235 Numbers 12:1-1; Matthew 14:22-36
Mass: M.969
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints
Readings: First Reading L2.1273 Hosea 2:16. 17.21-22 with accompanying psalm; Gospel L2 1297 Matthew 25:1-13
Mass: Mass: M.972 Gloria, Preface M.636-639
Hours: Common of Virgins or Common of Martyrs
Readings: L2.1141 2 Corinthians 9:6-10; John 12:24-26
Mass: M.973 Gloria Preface 636-638
Hours: Proper of Saints
Readings: L2.243 Deuteronomy 4:32-40 Matthew 16:24-28
Mass: M.974 + 1149 or 1163
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints
Readings: L2.245 Deuteronomy 6:4-14 Matthew 17:14-20
Mass: M.516 or 975 + 1164
Hours: Psalter (+ Proper of Saints printed on in the Breviary on its older date of 12th December) EP1 of Sunday
During Ordinary Time (summer) we pray for these intentions: A deeper understanding between Christians and Jews; those who suffer persecution, oppression and denial of human rights, Europe, seafarers, human life.
Holy Father's intention: We pray the World Youth Day in Lisbon will help young people to live and witness the Gospel in their own lives.
St Jane Frances de Chantal was born in Dijon in 1572, and was married with six children. After the death of her husband she entered religious life and founded the Visitation Order. She died in 1641.
Saint Sixtus II and companions: Sixtus became Pope in 257; cele-brating Mass in the catacombs, he and his deacons were arrested and executed there and then.
Saint Cajetan: Cajetan, a brilliant lawyer, founded the Congregation of Clerks Regular or “Theatines", to work with the poor and needy. The order spread and its work also embraced the earliest 'credit un-ions' to assist the poor. Cajetan died in 1547.
St Dominic: born in 1170 in Spain, Dominic became a priest and after strenuous preaching against the Albigensians he founded the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) to continue his work. He died in 1221.
St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross; born in Germany in 1891, Edith Stein was killed with her sister Rosa in the gas chamber of Auschwitz in 1942. A convert from Judaism, she became a Discalced Carmelite, and embraced in her life the cross of Christ.
St Lawrence, deacon in Rome in the time of Pope Sixtus II. Responsible for the charitable work of the Roman church he was asked, when arrested, for the treasure of the Church: he pointed to the poor, hungry, lepers, widows he served. Tradition tells that he was killed by being roasted on a grid.
St Clare born in Assisi in 1193, followed St Francis in his life of poverty and was the founder of an order of nuns (Poor Clares). She led a very austere life, abounding in works of piety and charity. She died in 1253.
Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
13 NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (G)
Readings: L1.688 1 Kings 19:9. 11-13 Romans 9:1-6 Matthew 14:22-33
Mass: M.517 Gloria, Creed, Preface M.606ff
Hours: Psalter
SUNDAY CYCLE A
WEEKDAY CYCLE 1 (Psalter Week 3)
14 ST MAXILIMIAN KOLBE, PRIEST AMD MARTYR M
Readings: L2.247 Deuteronomy 10:12-22 Matthew 17:22-27
Mass: M.976 Preface 644-654
In the evening, Mass M977
Hours: Psalter + Common of Martyrs EP 1 of the Assumption
15 THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (W) HOLYDAY OF OBLIGATION S
Readings: L2.1148 Apoc 11:19. 12:1-6.10; 1 Cor 15:20-26; Luke 1:39-56
Mass: M.981, Gloria, Creed, Preface M.982, Opt. Sol. Blessing M.717
Hours: Proper of Saints
16 WEEKDAY (G) OR ST STEPHEN OF HUNGARY (W) OM
Readings: L2.251 Deuteronomy 34:1-12 Matthew 18:15-20
Mass: M.517 or 984+1159 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter
Anniv: Fr. Michael Ryan (2010)
17 WEEKDAY (G)
Readings: L2.253 Joshua 3.7-11. 13-17 Matthew 18:21-19:1
Mass: M.517 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter
18 WEEKDAY (G)
Readings: L2.256 Joshua 24:1-13 Matthew 19:3-12
Mass: M.517 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter
19 WEEKDAY (G) OR ST. JOHN EUDES, PRIEST (W) OM OR OUR LADY ON SATURDAY (W)
Readings: L2.258 Joshua 24:14-29 Matthew 19:13-15
Mass: M.517 or 984+1159 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter (+Proper of Saints) EP 1 of Sunday
During Ordinary Time (summer) we pray for these intentions: A deeper understanding between Christians and Jews; those who suffer persecution, oppression and denial of human rights, Europe, seafarers, human life.
Holy Father's intention: We pray the World Youth Day in Lisbon will help young people to live and witness the Gospel in their own lives.
Saint Maximilian Mary Kolbe: born in Poland in 1894, he became a Franciscan in 1910. Arrested by the invading German forces in 1939 and sentenced to heavy labour in the extermination camp at Auschwitz, when a married man was chosen to be executed, Maxi-milian volunteered to take his place: he was killed by lethal injec-tion on 14 August 1941. He was canonised in 1982 in the presence of the man whose life he saved.
St. Stephen, crowned as King of Hungary in 1000, was just, peaceful and religious, and dedicated to spreading Christianity in his realm. He died in 1038.
St John Eudes, born in 1601, became a priest and Missioner, travelling to many parishes in France. He propagated devotion to the Sacred Heart, and founded a congregation to promote the formation of priests; he also founded the Congregation of Our Lady of the Refuge, to rescue women and girls trying to escape from prostitution. He died in 1680.
Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
20 TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (G)
Readings: L1.690 Isaiah 56:1.6-7 Romans 1:13-15. 29-32 Matthew 15:21-28
Mass: M.518 Gloria Creed Preface 606ff
Hours: Psalter
21 ST . PIUS X, POPE (W)
Readings: L2.261 Judges 2:11-19 Matthew 19:16-22
Mass: M.986 + 1130 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints
22 THE QUEENSHIP OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (W)
Readings: L2.263 Judges 6:11-24 Matthew 19:23-30
Mass: M.987
Hours: Psalter +Proper of Saints
SUNDAY CYCLE A
WEEKDAY CYCLE 1 (Psalter Week 4)
23 WEEKDAY (G) OR ST ROSE OF LIMA, VIRGIN (W) OM
Readings: L2.266 Judges 9:6-15 Matthew 20:1-16
Mass: M.519 or 988 +1150
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints
24 ST BARTHOLOMEW, APOSTLE (R) F
Readings: L2.1164 Apocalypse 21:9-14; John 1:45-51
Mass: M.988 Gloria, Preface 628-630
Hours: Proper of Saints
25 WEEKDAY (G) OR ST. LOUIS (W) OR ST. JOSEPH CALASANZ, PRIEST (W) OM
Readings: L2. 271 Ruth 1:1. 3-6. 14-16. 22 Matthew 22:34-40
Mass: M.519 or (990 + 1159) or (990 + 1168 or 1137)
Hours: Psalter (+ Proper of Saints)
26 WEEKDAY (G) OR BL DOMINIC OF THE MOTHER OF GOD (W) OM
Readings: L2.273 Ruth 2: 1-3. 8-11; 4:13-17 Matthew 23:1-12
Mass: M.519 or 991 +1137 or 1164
Hours: Psalter (+ National Proper)
Anniv: Fr. James Culkin (2018) Canon Paul Mitcheson (2019)
During Ordinary Time (summer) we pray for these intentions: A deeper understanding between Christians and Jews; those who suffer persecution, oppression and denial of human rights, Europe, seafarers, human life.
Holy Father's intention: We pray the World Youth Day in Lisbon will help young people to live and witness the Gospel in their own lives.
Saint Pius X: born in Riese (Italy) into a poor family in 1835, he was ordained and worked as parish priest for 17 years before being made spiritual director at the seminary, then bishop of Mantua, patriarch of Venice, and finally Pope in 1903. He sought to renew Christian life, by emphasising charity and the Eucharist; he worked to avoid war in 1914, but died shortly after its outbreak.
St. Rose of Lima, born in Peru in 1586, entered the third order of Saint Dominic and became known as a great mystic, all the time living at home. She died, aged 31, in 1617.
St Bartholomew, born at Cana, was led to Jesus by Philip, and after the Ascension, tradition has it that he preached the Gospel in India and suffered martyrdom.
St Louis, born in 1214, became King Louis IX of France in 1236, undertaking Crusades to the Holy Land. Famed for humility and love of the Church, he died in Carthage in 1270.
St Joseph Calasanz, born in Spain in 1557, went to Rome as a priest to educate poor children in the face of great opposition.
Bl. Dominic of the Mother of God: Dominic Barberi was born in Viterbo in 1792; he became a Passionist and travelled to England in 1841; here he worked tirelessly, establishing four Passionist houses and bringing many people into the Church by his preaching and writing; he received St. John Henry Newman into the Church. He died at Reading in 1849.
Twenty First Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: L1.692 Isaiah 22:19-23 Romans 11:33-36 Matthew 16:13-20
Mass: M.519 Gloria Creed Preface M.606ff
Hours: Psalter
Readings: L2.276 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5. 8-10 Matthew 23:13-22
Mass: M.992 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints
Anniv: Fr Patrick McIntyre (2022)
Readings: L2.1175 Jeremiah 1:17-19; Mark 6:17-29
Mass: M.993
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints
Readings: L2.280 1 Thesallonians 2:9-13 Matthew 23:27-32
Mass: M.520 or 995 + 1111 or 1170
Hours: Psalter (+Common of Martyrs)
Readings: L2. 282 1 Thessallonians 3:7-13 Matthew 24:42-51
Mass: M.520 or 996 +1133 or 1164
Hours: Psalter (+Common of Pastors)
Readings: L2.1332 Acts 7:55-60; Matthew 10:17-20
Mass: M.1118; Gloria, Preface M.636
Hours: Psalter + Common of One Martyr
Other: World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation
SUNDAY CYCLE A WEEKDAY CYCLE 1 (Psalter Week 1)
Readings: L2.286 Thessallonians 4:9-11 Matthew 25:14-30
Mass. 519 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter EP1 of Sunday
During Ordinary Time (summer) we pray for these intentions: A deeper understanding between Christians and Jews; those who suffer persecution, oppression and denial of human rights, Europe, seafarers, human life.
Holy Father's intention: We pray the World Youth Day in Lisbon will help young people to live and witness the Gospel in their own lives.
Saint Augustine: born in 354, and thanks to the example and prayers of his mother Monica he became a Christian and was chosen as bish-op of Hippo, in North Africa. Here his pastoral care, teaching and writings were exemplary. He died in 430, leaving many works, the most famous of which are his “Confessions”.
St Margaret Clitherow was born in York in 1556, and died there on 25 March 1586. At 15, she married a butcher, John Clitherow, and three years later became Catholic. She hid priests in their house. In 1586, the secret hiding places were discovered, and she refused to plead at her trial. She refused to plead, for which she was crushed to death.
St Anne Line was born at Dunmow (Essex) c1565, and hanged at Tyburn on 27 February 1601. In her teens, she became a Catholic and was disinherited, and in 1585 married Roger Line who was exiled for his faith, leaving her destitute. She kept house for priests. After people had been seen at her house for Mass, she was arrested, tried and condemned to death.
St Margaret Ward was born at Congleton (Cheshire), but entered into the service of a family in London. She was arrested after assisting a priest escape from prison, but refused to reveal his hiding place or renounce her faith. She was tried at the Old Bailey, and executed in 1588.
St Aidan and Saints of Lindisfarne: born in Ireland, Aidan died at Bamburgh (Northumberland) in 651. A monk of Iona, he was sent to Northumbria when King Oswald asked for help in converting his kingdom, and established his monastery on the island of Lindisfarne. With him are remembered the holy abbots, bishops, teachers and missionaries who made Lindisfarne a cradle of English Christianity.
St Edmund Arrowsmith, born in 1585 at Haydock, was ordained at Douai and began his work in Lancashire, including Salmesbury and Walton-le-Dale; he was amazingly zealous in his work, despite one arrest; finally arrested in 1628, he was imprisoned and martyred at Lancaster.
Twenty Second Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: L1.695 Jeremiah 20:7-9 Romans 12:1-2 Matthew 16:21-27
Mass: M.520 Gloria, Creed, Preface M.606ff
Hours: Psalter
Readings: L2. 288 1 Thessallonians 4:13-18 Luke 4:16-30
Mass: M.520 or 999+1133
Hours: Psalter (+Common of Pastors)
Readings: L2.291 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6. 9-11 Luke 4:31-37
Mass: M.520 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter
Readings: L2.293 Colossians 1:1-8 Luke 4:38-44
Mass: M.520 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter
Readings: L2.295 Colossians 1:9-14 Luke 5:1-11
Mass: M.520 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter
Readings: L2.1180 Micah 5:1-4 or Rom 8:28-30; Matthew 1:1-16.18-23
Mass: M.1000, Gloria, Preface M.624-627
Hours: Proper of Saints
Other: Accession Day
Anniv: Fr Anthony Gallagher (2010)
Readings: L2.299 Colossians 1:21-23 Luke 6:1-5
Mass: M521 or 1001 + 1137 or 1167
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints EP 1 of Sunday
During Ordinary Time (autumn) we pray for these intentions: students and teachers, the spread of the Gospel, the harvest, the fruits of human work, the reverent use of creation, justice and peace in the world, all victims of war, young people, prisoners and their families.
Holy Father's intention: We pray for those persons living on the margins of society, in inhumane life conditions; may they not be overlooked by institutions and never considered of lesser importance.
St. Cuthbert, born c.643, died on Farne 20 March 687. A shepherd boy, he became monk at Melrose. After the Synod of Whitby in 664, he became prior of Lindisfarne, and won over the community to Roman customs. In 676 he left the monastery to live in solitude on the island of Farne. For the last two years of his life he served as bishop of Lindisfarne but returned to his island to die.
St Peter Claver, born in Spain in 1580, studied at Barcelona before becoming a Jesuit; he joined the Jesuit mission in Colombia, where he spent his life in ministering to the slaves arriving from Africa in the most dreadful conditions. He referred to himself as “servant of the slaves”, and continued until his death in 1654.
Special collection next weekend
Twenty Third Week in Ordinary Time
10 TWENTY THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (G)
Readings: L1.697 Ezekiel 33:7-9 Romans 13:8-10 Matthew 18:15-20
Mass: M.521 Gloria, Creed, Preface M.606ff
Hours: Psalter
Other: Education Day
Anniv: Fr Terence McCann (2009)
11 WEEKDAY (G)
Readings: L2.300 Colossians 1:23-2:3 Luke 6:6-11
Mass: M.521 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter
12 WEEKDAY (G) OR THE MOST HOLY NAME OF MARY (W)
Readings: L2.302 Colossians 2:6-15 Luke 6:12-19
Mass: M.522 or 1003
Hours: Psalter or Common of Our Lady
13 ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (W)
Readings: L2.304 Colossians 3:3-11 Luke 6:20-26
Mass: M.1003
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints
14 THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS (R)
Readings: L2. 1186 Numbers 21:4-9; Philippians 2:6-11; John 3:13-
Mass: M.1004, Gloria
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints
15 OUR LADY OF SORROWS (W)
Readings: L2.1189 Hebrews 5:7-9; John 19:25-27 or Luke 2:33-35
Mass: M.1007, Preface M.624-627
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints
16 SS CORNELIUS, POPE AND CYPRIAN, BISHOP, MARTYRS (R)
Readings: L2. 310 1 Timothy 1:15-17 Luke 6:43-49
Mass: M.1008 + 1111 or 1130
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints EP I of Sunday
SUNDAY CYCLE A
WEEKDAY CYCLE 1 (Psalter Week 3)
During Ordinary Time (autumn) we pray for these intentions: students and teachers, the spread of the Gospel, the harvest, the fruits of human work, the reverent use of creation, justice and peace in the world, all victims of war, young people, prisoners and their families.
Holy Father's intention: We pray for those persons living on the margins of society, in inhumane life conditions; may they not be overlooked by institutions and never considered of lesser importance.
St John Chrysostom, ‘golden mouthed’, was born in Antoich oin 349. He becamse Bishop of Constantinople in 397 but, because of his steadfast preaching faced opposition from the Empress. He died in exile in 407.
Ss Cornelius and Cyprian: both lived in a time of turbulence in the Church: they were at the forefront of the debate on reconciling those who had denied the faith under persecution. To-gether they struck a middle course and guided the Church onward by writing and preaching. Cornelius died in exile in 253; Cyprian was martyred in 258.
Special Collection for the Catholic Education Service
Twenty Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
17 TWENTY FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (G)
Readings: L1.699 Ecclesiasticus 27:30-28:7 Romans 14:7-9 Matthew 18:21-25
Mass: M.522 Gloria Creed Preface M.606ff
Hours: Psalter
Other: Evangelii Gaudium Day
18 WEEKDAY (G)
Readings: L2.312 1 Timothy 2:1-8 Luke 7:1-10
Mass: M.522 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter
SUNDAY CYCLE A WEEKDAY CYCLE 1 (Psalter Week 4)
19 WEEKDAY (G) OR ST. JANUARIUS, BISHOP AND MARTYR (R) OR OM ST. THEODORE OF CANTERBURY, BISHOP (W)
Readings: L2.314 1 Timothy 3:1-13 Luke 7:11-17
Mass: M.523 or (1010 + 1118 or 1133) or (1010 + 1133)
Hours: Psalter (+ Proper of Saints or Common of Martyrs
20 SS ANDREW KIM TAEGON, PRIEST AND PAUL CHONG HASANG, OM AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS (R)
Readings: L2.316 1 Timothy 3:14-16 Luke 7:31-35
Mass: M.1011
Hours: Psalter + Common of Martyrs
Anniv: Fr Terence Schofield (2016)
21 ST. MATTHEW, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST (R)
Readings: L2.1198 Ephesians 4:1-7.11-3 Matthew 9:9-13
Mass: M.1012, Gloria, Preface M.628-631
Hours: Proper of Saints
Anniv: Fr Philip Price (2018)
22 WEEKDAY (G)
Readings: L2.320 1 Timothy 6:2-12 Luke 6:13-16
Mass: M.522 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter
23 ST PIUS OF PIETRELCINA, PRIEST (W)
Readings: L2.322 1 Timothy 6:13-16 Luke 8:4-15
Mass: M.1013 + 1137 or 1164
Hours: Psalter + Common of the BVM EP1 of Sunday
During Ordinary Time (autumn) we pray for these intentions: students and teachers, the spread of the Gospel, the harvest, the fruits of human work, the reverent use of creation, justice and peace in the world, all victims of war, young people, prisoners and their families.
Holy Father's intention: We pray for those persons living on the margins of society, in inhumane life conditions; may they not be overlooked by institutions and never considered of lesser importance.
St Januarius was Bishop of Benevento in Italy, and together with his companions suffered martyrdom under the Emperor Diocletian around 305. He is still greatly venerated in Naples, where a relic of his blood liquefies on his feast.
St Theodore of Canterbury, born around 601, was a monk in Italy who was ordained when Pope Vitalian appointed him archbishop of Canterbury in 666. For the rest of his life he reorganised and reformed the life of the Church throughout this country, holding visitations and synods, establishing new dioceses and reconciling divisions between the Celtic and Roman traditions. He died in 690.
Ss Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul, and 101 other Korean martyrs represent the over 10 000 Catholics of all walks of life who were martyred in Korea before 1882. Andrew, born in 1821, was the first native Korean priest to be martyred.
St Matthew, born at Capernaum, was a taxgatherer when called by Jesus. He wrote his Gospel in Hebrew, and tradition has it that he preached the Faith in the East.
St Pius of Pietrelcina, born on 25 May 1887, he entered the novitiate of the Capuchin Friars aged 16 and was ordained priest in 1910. He lived a remarkable devotion to prayer and the sacraments. He committed himself to relieving the pain of many families, chiefly through the foundation of the “House for the Relief of Suffering”. He died in 1968.
Collection for Home Missions
Bishops’ Conference
Deanery Conference
ANNUAL MASS COUNT
Twenty Fifth Week in Ordinary Time
24 TWENTY FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (G)
Readings: L1.701 Isaiah 55:6-9 Phillipians 1:2-24.27 Matthew 20:1-16
Mass: M.523, Gloria Creed Preface M.606ff
Hours: Psalter
Other: The Harvest
25 WEEKDAY (G)
Readings: L2.325 Ezra 1:1-6 Luke 8:16-18
Mass: M.523 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter
SUNDAY CYCLE A WEEKDAY CYCLE 1
26 WEEKDAY (G) OR SS COSMAS AND DAMIAN, MARTYRS (R) OM
Readings: L2.327 Ezra 6:7-8. 14-20 Luke 8:19-21
Mass: M.1014 or 1014 +1111
Hours: Psalter (+ Proper of Saints)
27 ST VINCENT DE PAUL, PRIEST (W) M
Readings: L2.328 Ezra 9:5-9 Luke 9:1-6
Mass: M.1014
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saint
Anniv: Monsignor Thomas Mulheran (2022)
28 WEEKDAY (G) OR ST WENCESLAUS, MARTYR (R) OR OM SS LAURENCE RUIZ AND HIS COMPANIONS, MARTYRS (R)
Readings: L2.331 Haggai 1:1-8 Luke 9:7-9
Mass: M.524 or (1016+1118) or (1016 +1111)
Hours: Psalter (+ Proper of Saints or Common of Martyrs)
ANNIV: Fr Michael Fasnacht (2015)
29 SS MICHAEL, GABRIEL AND RAPHAEL, ARCHANGELS (W) F
Readings: L2.1205 Daniel &; 9-10. 13-14 or Apoc 12:7-12; John 1:47-51
Mass: M.1017 Gloria
Hours: Proper of Saints
30 ST JEROME, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH (W) M
Readings: L2.335 Zechariah 2:5-9. 14-15 Luke 9:43-45
Mass: M.1020
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints EP1 of Sunday
Anniv: Bishop Thomas Holland DSC 1999
During Ordinary Time (autumn) we pray for these intentions: students and teachers, the spread of the Gospel, the harvest, the fruits of human work, the reverent use of creation, justice and peace in the world, all victims of war, young people, prisoners and their families.
Holy Father's intention: We pray for those persons living on the margins of society, in inhumane life conditions; may they not be overlooked by institutions and never considered of lesser importance.
Ss Cosmas & Damian were doctors who were martyred in Syria around 300. There is evidence that their tomb was at Cyrrhus, where a basilica was built in their honour.
St Wenceslaus, born in Bohemia in 907; was a Christian in a pagan land. He be-came king, and encouraged the faith, bringing back priests, building churches and practising a life of charity and care for the poor. His brother Boleslaus became jealous and had him killed in 935.
St Laurence Ruiz, born in Manila in the Philippines in 1600, became a Dominican, and travelled to Japan; he was arrested, taken to Nagasaki and executed in 1637, the first Filipino martyr.
The Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael: today celebrates God’s constant care for his people and intervention in their lives. The names of the angels reveal the aspect of God’s care: Michael means “Who is like God?”, Gabriel means “Strength of God” and Raphael “God has healed”.
St Jerome, born in Dalmatia in 340, studied in Rome and was baptised; he became secretary to Pope Damasus I, and set about translating the Bible into Latin and promoting the monastic life. He settled in Bethlehem where he trained others in Scriptural studies and died in 420 at the age of 80.
Twenty Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: L1.705 Ezekiel 18:25-28 Philippians 2:1-11 Matthew 21:28-32
Mass: M.524, Gloria, Creed, Preface M.606ff
Hours: Psalter
Readings: L2.1212 Exodus 23:20-23 Matthew 18:1-5.10
Mass: M.1022
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints
Readings: L2.339 Zechariah 8:20-23 Luke 9:51-56
Mass: M.524 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter
Anniv: Fr. John Mackie (2022)
Readings: L2.341 Nehemiah 2:1-8 Luke 9:57-62
Mass: M.1024
Hours: Psalter and Proper of Saints
Readings: L2.343 Nehemiah 8:1-12 Luke 10:1-12
Mass: M.524 or 1163
Hours: Psalter (+Common of Holy Men and Women)
Readings: L2.346 Baruch 1:15-22 Luke 10:13-16
Mass: M.1025 or 1025 +1162 or 1137
Hours: Psalter (+ Proper of Saints)
Other: First Friday, Harvest Fast Day
Readings: L2.348 Baruch 4:5-12. 27-29 Luke 10:17-24
Mass: M.1025 Prefaces 624-626
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints EP1 if Sunday
During Ordinary Time (autumn) we pray for these intentions: students and teachers, the spread of the Gospel, the harvest, the fruits of human work, the reverent use of creation, justice and peace in the world, all victims of war, young people, prisoners and their families.
Holy Father's intention: We pray for the Church, that she may adopt listening and dialogue as a lifestyle at every level, and allow herself to be guided by the Holy Spirit towards the peripheries of the world.
St. Francis was born in Assisi in 1182. After a profound conversion he embraced poverty and turned to God. Preaching the love of God he gathered brothers around him who became the Friars Minor. He bore in his body he wounds of Christ and died in 1226.
St. Faustina Kowalska was born in Poland in 1905. Aged 20 she entered religious life. For many years, while suffering ill health, she received visions of Jesus as the Divine Mercy. She died in Krakow on 5th October 1938.
Twenty Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
08 TWENTY SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (G)
Readings: L1.708 Isaiah 5:1-7 Philippians 4:6-9 Matthew 21:33-43
Mass: M.525 Gloria Creed Preface M.606ff
Hours: Psalter
Other: Prisons Week
09 ST. JOHN HENRY NEWMAN, PRIEST (W) F
Readings: L2.1508 1 Corinthians
Mass: M.1027 + 1137, Gloria, Preface M.640
Hours: Common of Pastors
10 WEEKDAY (G) OR ST. DENIS, BISHOP, AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS (R) OM OR ST. JOHN LEONARDI, PRIEST, OR ST. PAULINUS OF YORK, BISHOP (W)
Readings: L2.353 Jonah 3:1-10 Luke 10:38-42
Mass: M.525 or (1026 + 1111) or (1027 + 1142 or 1167) or (1028 + 1133)
Hours: Psalter (+Proper of Saints)
11 WEEKDAY (G) OR ST. JOHN XXIII, POPE (W) OM
Readings: L2.355 Jonah 4:1-11 Luke 11:1-4
Mass: M.526 or for St. John XXIII www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/ liturgical-year-and-calendar/saint-john-xxiii
Hours: Psalter (+ link as above)
Anniv: Fr Michael Fleming (2017)
12 WEEKDAY (G) OR ST. WILFRID, BISHOP (W) OM
Readings: L2.357 Malachi 3:13-20 Luke 11:5-13
Mass: M.526 or M.1028 +1133
Hours: Psalter (+Common of Bishops)
13 WEEKDAY (G) OR ST EDWARD THE CONFESSOR (W) OM
Readings: L2.359 Joel 1:13-15; 2:1-2 Luke 11:15-26
Mass: M.526 or M.1029 +1159
Hours: Psalter (+ National Proper)
Anniv: Bishop Geoffrey Burke (1999); Fr Anthony Barrett (2016); Fr James Tubman (2018)
14 WEEKDAY (G) OR ST CALLISTUS, POPE AND MARTYR (R) OM
Readings: L2.362 Joel 4:12-21 Luke 11:27-28
Mass: M.525 or 1019 + 1118 or 1130
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints EP1 of Sunday
Anniv: Fr. John Laide (2020)
During Ordinary Time (autumn) we pray for these intentions: students and teachers, the spread of the Gospel, the harvest, the fruits of human work, the reverent use of creation, justice and peace in the world, all victims of war, young people, prisoners and their families.
Holy Father's intention: We pray for the Church, that she may adopt listening and dialogue as a lifestyle at every level, and allow herself to be guided by the Holy Spirit towards the peripheries of the world.
St John Henry Newman, born in London in 1801, was for over 20 years an Anglican clergyman and Fellow of Oriel College, Ox¬ford. His studies of the early Church led him towards Catholicism, into which, in 1845,he was received and ordained in 1847. In 1879 he was created Cardi¬nal by Pope Leo XIII. Praised for humility, care of souls and contributions to the intellectual life of the Church, he died in Birmingham on 11 August 1890.
St Paulinus of York: Paulinus died in 644. He was among the second group of monks sent to England by Pope Gregory. After working for 20 years in Kent, he was ordained bishop and sent to Northumbria. By 627, he baptised the king and many of his nobles.
St John XXIII; Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli was born in the village of Sotto il Monte in 1881. In 1904 he was ordained priest. In 1953 he was created Cardinal and made Patriarch of Venice. In 1958 he was elected Supreme Pontiff. During his pontificate he summoned the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council. He died in Rome June 3, 1963.
St. Wilfrid was born in Northumbria c634, and died c709. As bishop of York he was the first English bishop to appeal to the Pope. Although reinstated in York, he fell out again with the king and other bishops, and ministered in the East Midlands and finally at Hexham.
St Edward the Confessor: became King of England in 1042; he was remarkable for his help to the poor. He died on 5 January 1066.
St Callistus I was a slave who became a deacon, supervising the cemetery on the Via Appia that bears his name. and later Pope. He was martyred in 222.
Twenty Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
15 TWENTY EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (G)
Readings: L1.711 Isaiah 25:6-10 Philippians 4:12-14. 19-20 Matthew 22:1-14
Mass: M.526 Gloria Creed Preface M.606ff
Hours: Psalter
16 WEEKDAY (G) OR ST. HEDWIG, RELIGIOUS, (W), OM OR ST. MARGARET MARY ALACOQUE, VIRGIN (W)
Readings: L2.364 Romans 1:1-7 Luke 11:29-32
Mass: M.526 or (1031 +1164 or 1170) or (1031 +1150) Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter ( + Proper of Saints)
17 ST IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH, BISHOP AND MARTYR (R)
Readings: L2.366 Romans 1:16-25 Luke 11:37-41
Mass: M.1032
Hours: Proper of Saints
18 ST LUKE, EVANGELIST (R)
Readings: L2.1233 2 Timothy 4:10-17; Luke 10:1-9
Mass: M.1033 Gloria Preface M.630
Hours: Proper of Saints
19 WEEKDAY (G) OR SS JOHN DE BREBEUF, ISAAC JOGUES, PRIESTS, AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS, (R) OR ST PAUL OF THE CROSS, PRIEST (W)
Readings: L2.370 Romans 3:21-30 Luke 11:47-54
Mass: M.527 or (1034 + 1125) or 1034
Hours: Psalter (+Proper of Saints)
20 WEEKDAY (G)
Readings: L2.372 Romans 4:1-8 Luke 12:1-7
Mass; 526 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter
21 WEEKDAY (G)
Readings: L2.374 Romans 4:13. 16-18 Luke 12:9-12
Mass; 526 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter EP1 of Sunday
During Ordinary Time (autumn) we pray for these intentions: students and teachers, the spread of the Gospel, the harvest, the fruits of human work, the reverent use of creation, justice and peace in the world, all victims of war, young people, prisoners and their families.
Holy Father's intention: We pray for the Church, that she may adopt listening and dialogue as a lifestyle at every level, and allow herself to be guided by the Holy Spirit towards the peripheries of the world.
St. Hedwig, born in Bavaria in 1174, married the Duke of Silesia and had 7 children. Renowned for her kindness to the sick and the poor, for whom she built hostels, on the death of her husband she retired to a monastery where she died in 1243.
St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, born 1647, joined the Visitation sisters at Paray-le-Monial in 1671. In 1673-1675 she was given revelations of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and worked to spread this devotion. She died in 1690.
St Ignatius of Antioch, second bishop of that city wa,s sentenced to death in 107 and deported to Rome, where he was thrown to wild beasts.
St. Luke, born into a pagan family and a convert to the faith, was a companion of St. Paul. He composed the third Gospel and its sequel, the Acts of the Apostles.
Ss John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues were Jesuits who preached the Gospel in North America from 1635. They worked among the Huron and Iroquois but between 1642 and 1649 all were brutally killed.
St Paul of the Cross, born in 1694, was devoted to the Passion of Our Lord, and set up houses for others to share his work, the Passionist Order. He died in Rome in 1775.
ANNUAL MASS COUNT
Twenty Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
22 TWENTY NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (G)
Readings: L1.714 Isaiah 45:1.4-6 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5 Matthew 22:15-21
Mass: M.527 Gloria Creed Preface M.606ff
Hours: Psalter
SUNDAY CYCLE A
WEEKDAY CYCLE 1 (Psalter Week 1)
23 WEEKDAY (G) OR ST. JOHN OF CAPRISTRANO, PRIEST (W) OM
Readings: L2.378 Romans 4:20-25 Luke 12:13-21
Mass: M.527 or 1035 +1142 or 1164 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter (+Proper of Saints)
24 WEEKDAY (G) OR ST. ANTHONY MARY CLARET, BISHOP (W) OM
Readings: L2.378 Romans 5:12. 15. 17-21 Luke 12:35-38
Mass: M.527 or 1036 + 1142 or 1133
Hours: Psalter (+ Proper of Saints)
Anniv: Canon Kevin O'Connor (2017)
25 WEEKDAY (G) S
Readings: L2. 380 Romans 6:12-18 Luke 12:39-47
Mass: M.527 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter
26 WEEKDAY (G) OR SS CHAD AND CEDD, BISHOPS (W) M
Readings: L2.382 Romans 6:19-23 Luke 12:49-53
Mass: M.527 or M.1037 +1136
Hours: Psalter (+Common of Pastors)
27 WEEKDAY (G)
Readings: L2.384 Romans 7:18-25 Luke 12:54-59
Mass: M.527 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter
28 SS SIMON AND JUDE, APOSTLES (R) M
Readings: L2.1242 Ephesians 2:19-22; Luke 6:12-19
Mass: M.1038 Gloria, Preface M.628-631
Hours: Proper of Saints EP 1 of Sunday
During Ordinary Time (autumn) we pray for these intentions: students and teachers, the spread of the Gospel, the harvest, the fruits of human work, the reverent use of creation, justice and peace in the world, all victims of war, young people, prisoners and their families.
Holy Father's intention: We pray for the Church, that she may adopt listening and dialogue as a lifestyle at every level, and allow herself to be guided by the Holy Spirit towards the peripheries of the world.
St John of Capistrano, born in 1386, after a legal career became a Franciscan, travelling through Europe to preach. He died in 1456.
St Anthony Mary Claret, born in 1807, was ordained and began preaching throughout Spain; he founded the Claretians, before being made Archbishop of Santiago, Cuba, where he over-came great trials (such as fifteen assassination attempts) in his ministry. He returned to Spain, but fled in 1868 after the revolution; he died in France in 1870.
Ss Chad and Cedd: Chad, who died at Lichfield on 2 March 672, and Cedd, who died at Lastingham (Yorkshire) on this day in 664, were brothers who were educated at Lindisfarne under Aidan. Cedd founded many monasteries and was sent as a bishop to evangelise the East Saxons , establishing his See at Bradwell (Essex). He died of the plague at his monastery in Lastingham. Chad was abbot of Lastingham when chosen Bishop of Northumbria, but his ordination was contested by Wilfrid, and he humbly withdrew. He was sent as Bishop of Mercia, where he founded the See of Lichfield. Despite the shortness of his ministry, he was immediately revered as a saint because of the holiness of his life, his outstanding humility, and his dedication to preaching the Gospel.
Ss Simon and Jude: the name of Simon is placed eleventh in the list of apostles and nothing in known of him, except that he was born at Cana and was known as the Zealot. Jude, also known as Thaddaeus, was the apostle who, at the Last Supper, asked the Lord why he showed himself only to his disciples and not to the whole world.
Saint Margaret of Scotland was born in Hungary to the English prince Edward. Following the death of king Harold II in 1066, her brother Edgar was elected as King but never crowned. After she and her family fled north, Margaret married Malcolm III of Scotland. Margaret died at Edinburgh Castle in 1093, merely days after receiving the news of her husband's death in battle
Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
SUNDAY CYCLE A
WEEKDAY CYCLE 1 (Psalter Week 2)
Readings: Lectionary L1.717 Exodus 22:20-26 1 Thessalonians 1:5-10 Matthew 22:34-40
Mass: M.528 Gloria Creed Preface M.606ff
Hours: Psalter
Other: World Mission Day
Readings: L2. 388 Romans 8:12-17 Luke 13:10-17
Mass: M.528 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter
Readings: L2.390 Romans 8:18-25 Luke 13:18-21
Mass: M.528 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter EP1 of All Saints
Evening Mass: M.1039
Anniv: Mgr Joseph Mallon (2007)
Readings: L1.999 Apocalypse 7:2-4.9-14; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12
Mass: M.1039, Gloria, Creed, Preface M.1040
Hours: Proper of Saints
Readings: L1.1102 Isaiah 25:1-6; Romans 5:5-11; Matthew 11:25-30
Readings may also be chosen from L3.849fff
Mass: M.1043, Prefaces M.656-665
Hours: Proper of Saints + Office for the Dead
Anniv: Fr. Bernard Jackson (2005)
Readings: L2.396 Romans 9:1-5 Luke 14:1-6
Mass: M.528 or 1048 + 1164 or 1149
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints or National Proper
Other: First Friday
Readings: L2.397 Romans 11:1-2.11-12. 25-29
Mass: M.1050 + 1133 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter EP1 of Sunday
During Ordinary Time (autumn) we pray for these intentions: students and teachers, the spread of the Gospel, the harvest, the fruits of human work, the reverent use of creation, justice and peace in the world, all victims of war, young people, prisoners and their families.
Holy Father's intention: We pray for the Church, that she may adopt listening and dialogue as a lifestyle at every level, and allow herself to be guided by the Holy Spirit towards the peripheries of the world.
St Martin de Porres, born in Lima, Peru, of an indigenous mother and a Spanish father, he entered the Dominican Order where he worked for the poor. He died in 1639.
St Winefride: Very little is known for certain about her except that she lived in the 6th/7th century near Treffynon (Holywell) in Clwyd. Her cult has been widespread since the middle ages, centres at Shrewsbury where her remains were enshrined in 1138, and her well at Holywell, which has remained a place of healing and pilgrimage through penal times to today.
St Charles Borromeo: born in 1538; after obtaining a doctorate in civil and canon law he was created a cardinal by his uncle, Pope Pius IV, and was chosen to be Bishop of Milan. He became a true shepherd of his flock, and frequently visited his diocese, called synods, made wise regulations for the good of souls, and worked for the good of Christian morality. He died in 1584.
Special Collection for Missio
Thirty First Week in Ordinary Time
Mass M.529 Gloria Creed Preface
Readings: L2.400 Romans 11:19-36 Luke 14:12-14
Mass M.529 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter
Readings: L2.402 Romans 12:5-16 Luke 14:15-24
Mass: M.530 or 1051 + 1133
Hours: Psalter
Anniv: Fr. Michael Walsh (2008)
Readings: L2.404 Romans 13: 8-10 Luke 14:24-33
Mass M.529 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter
Anniv: Fr. William Hunt (2005)
Readings: L2.1250 Ezekiel 47:1-2. 8-9.
Mass: M.1054, Gloria, Preface M.1057
Hours: Proper of Saints
Readings: L2.408 Romans 15:14-21 Luke 16:1-8
Mass: M.529 Prefaces 644-654
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints
Readings: L2.410 Romans 16:3-9. 16. 22-27 Luke 16:9-15
Mass: M.529 Prefaces 644-654
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints EP1 of Sunday
During Ordinary Time (autumn) we pray for these intentions: students and teachers, the spread of the Gospel, the harvest, the fruits of human work, the reverent use of creation, justice and peace in the world, all victims of war, young people, prisoners and their families.
Holy Father's intention: We pray for the Holy Father; as he fulfils his mission, may he continue to accompany the flock entrusted to him, with the help of the Holy Spirit.
St Willibrord: born in Yorkshire in 658, he died in 739. After ordination he set out in 690 to evangelise Frisia. He was ordained bishop in 695, and founded the see of Utrecht. He preached the Gospel in North Germany and Denmark and founded dioceses and monasteries in the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Dedication of the Lateran Basilica commemorates the dedication of the Pope’s Cathedral in Rome, known as “Mother and Head of all the Churches of the City and the World”. Today is observed through all the Church as a sign of unity with the Holy See.
St Leo the Great became Pope in 440, a true father and shepherd of his people. He strove to protect the integrity of the faith, defended the unity of the Church and repelled or alleviated the incursions of the Huns and Vandals. He died in 461.
St Martin of Tours, born in 316, became a soldier, but was baptised and founded a monastery in France under the direction of St Hilary. He became Bishop of Tours; here he worked hard to visit his flock, and preach against paganism. He died in 397, and was honoured as a saint - one of the first nonmartyrs so to be honoured.
Thirty Second Week in Ordinary Time
12 THIRTY SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (G)
Readings: L1.722 Wisdom 6:12-16 1 Corinthians 4:13-18 Matthew 25:1-13
Mass: M.530 Gloria Creed Preface M.606ff
Hours: Psalter
Other: Remembrance Sunday, World Day of the Poor
13 WEEKDAY (G)
Readings: L2.412 Wisdom 1:1-7 Luke 17:1-6
Mass: M.530 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter
14 WEEKDAY (G)
Readings: Lectionary: L2. 414 Wisdom 2:23-3:9 Luke 17:1=7-10
Mass: M.530 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter
15 WEEKDAY (G) OR ST ALBERT THE GREAT, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (W) OM
Readings: L2. 416 Wisdom 6:1-11 Luke17:11-19
Mass: M.530 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter (+ Proper of Saints)
16 WEEKDAY (G) OR ST MARGARET OF SCOTLAND (W) OR ST GERTRUDE, VIRGIN (W) OR ST. EDMUND OF ABINGDON (W) OM
Readings: L2. 418 Wisdom 7:22-8:1 Luke 17:20-21
Mass: M.531 or (M.1062 + M.1167) or (M.1062 + M.1150 or M.1163) or (M.1063 + 1133)
Hours: Psalter + (Proper of Saints or National Propers or Common of Bishops)
17 WEEKDAY OR ST ELIZABETH OF HUNGARY, RELIGIOUS (W) OM OR ST. HILDA (W) OR ST. HUGH OF LINCOLN (W)
Readings: L2.420 Wisdom 13:1-9 Luke 17:26-37
Mass: M.531 or (M.1064 + 1167) or (M.1064+1163) or (M.1065 +1133)
Hours: Psalter +(Proper of Saints, Common of Holy Men and Women or of Bishops)
Anniv: Fr. Joshua Sheeky (2004)
18 WEEKDAY (G) OR THE DEDICATION OF THE BASILICAS OF SS PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES (W) OM
Readings: L2.422 Wisdom 18:14-16; 19:6-9 Luke 18:1-8
Mass: M.531 or 1065
Hours: Psalter (+ Proper of Saints) EP1 of Sunday
Anniv: Fr. Joseph Hope (2004)
During Ordinary Time (autumn) we pray for these intentions: students and teachers, the spread of the Gospel, the harvest, the fruits of human work, the reverent use of creation, justice and peace in the world, all victims of war, young people, prisoners and their families. Holy Father's intention: We pray for the Holy Father; as he fulfils his mission, may he continue to accompany the flock entrusted to him, with the help of the Holy Spirit.
St Albert the Great, born in 1206, became a Dominican and, in 1260, Bishop of Regensburg. His interest in natural sciences left many works. He died at Cologne in 1280.
St. Edmund of Abingdon, born in 1175, became archbishop of Canterbury in 1233. He had disputes with the king, and while on his way to seek the Pope’s support that he died in France in 1240.
St. Margaret of Scotland, or Margaret of Wessex, was an English princess born in Hungary around 1045. After the Battle of Hastings Margaret's family fled from William the Conqueror. King Malcolm of Scotland, welcomed Margaret and her family. Margaret and Malcolm became married in 1070 at the castle of Dunfermline. They had 8 children. She constantly worked to aid the poor in Scotland and was well-known for her deep life of prayer and piety. In 1093, Malcolm and their oldest son were killed during the Battle of Alnwick. Already ill and worn from a life full of austerity and fasting, Margaret passed away four days after her husband, on November 16, 1093.
St Elizabeth of Hungary, born in 1207, daughter of the King of Hungary, was married at the age of 14; after the death of her husband she embraced poverty, caring for the sick in a hospital she herself had built. She died in 1231. St Hilda, born in 614, was abbess of Whitby, which became a great centre of learning. She hosted the Synod in 664, accepting its decisions and following Roman traditions. She died in 680.
St Hugh of Lincoln, born in France in 1140 and a Carthusian became bishop of Lincoln in 1185, and devoted to the pastoral care of his flock. He was a supporter of the oppressed, especially the Jewish community, for whom he risked his life.
Dedication of the Basilicas of Ss Peter and Paul: From the 12th century the dedications of the Vatican Basilica and the Basilica of Saint Paul on the Via Ostiense have been kept on this day to honour the memories of the Princes of the Apostles.
Thirty Third Week in Ordinary Time
19 THIRTY THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (G)
Readings: L1.725 Proverbs 31:10-13. 19-20.30-31 1
Mass: M.531 Gloria Creed Preface M.606ff
Hours: Psalter
20 WEEKDAY (G)
Mass: M.531 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter
21 THE PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (W) M
Readings: L2.427 2 Maccabees 6:18-31 Luke 19:1-10
Mass: M.1066 + 1098
Hours: Psalter + Proper of Saints
Anniv: Fr James Dwyer (2004) Fr Lionel Devany (2021)
22 ST CECILIA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR (R) M
Readings: L2.430 2 Maccabees 7:1. 20-32 Luke 19:11-28
Mass: M.1067 + 1126 or 1150
Hours: Psalter +Proper of Saints
23 WEEKDAY (G) OR ST CLEMENT I, POPE AND MARTYR (R) OM OR ST COLUMBANUS, ABBOT AND MISSIONARY (W)
Readings: L2.433 1 Maccabees 2:15-29 Luke 19:41-44
Mass: M.532 or (M.1067 +1118 or 1130) or (M.1068 + 1142 or 1161)
Hours: Psalter (+Common of Martyrs)
24 SS ANDREW DŨNG-LẠC AND HIS COMPANIONS, MARTYRS (R) M
Readings: L2.435 1 Maccabees 4:36-37. 52-59 Luke 19:45-48
Mass: M.1068
Hours: Psalter + Common of Martyrs
25 WEEKDAY (G) OR ST CATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR (R) OM
Readings: L2.437 1 Maccabees 6:1-13 Luke 20:27-40
Mass: M.532 or 1069 + 1127 or 1150
Hours: Psalter
During Ordinary Time (autumn) we pray for these intentions: students and teachers, the spread of the Gospel, the harvest, the fruits of human work, the reverent use of creation, justice and peace in the world, all victims of war, young people, prisoners and their families. Holy Father's intention: We pray for the Holy Father; as he fulfils his mission, may he continue to accompany the flock entrusted to him, with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary: this day saw the dedication in 543 of the Church of Our Lady near to the Temple in Jerusalem: we celebrate that dedication of herself which Mary made to God from her very childhood. St Clement I was the third Pope after St Peter, at about the end of the third century. He wrote a letter to the Christians of Corinth to preserve peace among them.
St Columban, born in Ireland in the 6th century. He became a monk and went to France where he founded a number of monasteries. He was sentenced to exile, and went to Italy. Renowned for his example of the Christian and religious life, he died in 615.
St Andrew Dùng-Lac & Companions: Between 1820 and 1862 these 117 Vietnamese martyrs were killed in a brutal persecution. Andrew was a parish priest; the group includes eight bishops, fifty priests and fifty-nine laymen and women.
St Catherine of Alexandria: Tradition tells us that she was a noble lady, learned in science and oratory, who came to Christianity after receiving a vision. At 18 years old she offered to debate with the pagan philosophers, who were convinced by her arguments; the Emperor ordered her execution, and she was beheaded.
Last Week in Ordinary Time
26 CHRIST THE KING (W)
Readings: L1. 729 Ezekiel 34:11-12. 15-17 1 Corinthians 15:20-26. 28 Matthew 25:31-46
Mass: M.543 Gloria Creed Preface M.544
Hours: Proper of Seasons
Other: Youth Day
27 WEEKDAY (G)
Readings: L2.439 Daniel 1:1-6. 8-20 Luke 21:1-4
Mass: M.532 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter
28 WEEKDAY (G)
Readings: L2.442 Daniel 2:31-45 Luke 21:5-11
Mass: M.532 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter
29 WEEKDAY (G)
Readings: L2.444 Daniel 5:1-6. 13-14. 16-7. 23-28 Luke 21:12-19
Mass: M.532 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter
30 ST ANDREW, APOSTLE (R) F
Readings: L2.1279 Romans 10:9-18; Matthew 4:18-22
Mass: M.1070 Gloria; Preface M.628 or M.630
Hours: Proper of the Saints
01 WEEKDAY (G)
Readings: L2.449 Daniel 7:2-14 Luke 21:29-33
Mass: M.532 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter
Other: First Friday
02 WEEKDAY (G)
Readings: L2.452 Daniel 7:15-27 Luke 21:34-36
Mass: M.532 Preface 644-654
Hours: Psalter EP1 of First Sunday of Advent
During Ordinary Time (autumn) we pray for these intentions: students and teachers, the spread of the Gospel, the harvest, the fruits of human work, the reverent use of creation, justice and peace in the world, all victims of war, young people, prisoners and their families. Holy Father's intention: We pray for the Holy Father; as he fulfils his mission, may he continue to accompany the flock entrusted to him, with the help of the Holy Spirit.
TABLE OF RUBRICS
4 indicates that such a Mass may be celebrated. 6 indicates that is it prohibited to celebrate such a Mass
TABLE OF MOVEABLE FEASTS
Governing Ritual Masses, Masses for Various Needs and Occasions and Masses for the dead:
1 = Ritual Masses (GIRM 330). Masses for Various Needs and Occasions and Votive Masses, in case of serious need or pastoral advantage, which may only be celebrated at the direction of the local Ordinary or with his permission (GIRM 332).
2 = Masses for Various Needs and Occasions and Votive Masses, in case of serious need or pastoral advantage, at the discretion of the rector of the church or the priest celebrant (GIRM 333).
3 = Masses for Various Needs and Occasions and Votive Masses chosen by the priest celebrant in favour of the devotion of the people (GIRM 329 b and c).
4 = Funeral Mass (GIRM 336)
5 = Mass for the dead on the occasion of news of a death, final burial, or the first anniversary.
6 = Daily Mass for the dead (GIRM).