God has reconciled us through Jesus Christ. We implore God today to show mercy, healing and forgiveness to all who are in need.
Reader
We pray for Pope Francis and all Church leaders. May they show the way of a Church that is a welcoming community, and may they teach us how to forgive and be forgiven.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for families who are experiencing discord and animosity. May they be reconciled with each other and be blessed by God’s love.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We continue to pray for Project Compassion this Lenten season. May people’s efforts and sacrifices strengthen their awareness so that they can respond to the needs of the poor more effectively.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for our faith community. May we pause and examine our own lives in the light of Jesus’ teaching in today’s gospel.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for …
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for the sick of our parish and for all who have asked us for our prayers. We pray for those who have died recently and for those whose anniversaries occur at this time. May they be raised to eternal life in Christ.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
Presider
Merciful Father, we come to you with repentant hearts. Hear the prayers we have brought to you today. We make our prayer through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Entrance
Alleluia! Alleluia!—CWBII 346
Alleluia No. 1—AOV1 15, CWBII 350, G 524, GA 360
Alleluia! Raise the gospel (Alstott/Farrell)—DD (OCP)
At the Lamb’s high feast we sing—CWBII 341
By your kingly power, O risen Lord—CWB 633, CWBII 352, GA 352
Christ is alive, with joy we sing—CWB 639, CWBII 353, GA 365
Christ is here (Walker)—GA 351, DD (OCP)
Christ the Lord is risen today/Jesus Christ is risen today—CWBII 360, G 523, GA 361
Easter Alleluia—CWBII 348, G 537, GA 358
Easter glory fills the sky—CWB 671, CWBII 358, GA 366
Easter Song—CWB 672
Hail the day that sees him rise—CWBII 375
Jesus is risen—AOVNG 82
O sons and daughters—G 532
Sing a new song unto the Lord—AOV1 80, CWBII 598, GA 414
This day was made by the Lord—CWBII 369, GA 356
Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Holy Week and Easter)
Psalm 117 (118): This is the day (Willcock)—CWB 289a, GA 70, PFS 26
Psalm 117 (118): Let us rejoice (Haugen)—G 81, GA 71
Alleluia, Alleluia! Christ has become our paschal Christ has become our paschal sacrifice; let us feast with joy in the Lord. Alleluia, Alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia (chant)—CWB 277, CWBII 43, GA 142
Celtic Alleluia—AOV1 13, CWBII 48, GA 141
Mawby Alleluia—CWBII 51
Murray Alleluia—CWBII 52
Taizé Alleluia—CWBII 53
Procession of the gifts/offertory
Alleluia No. 1—AOV1 15, CWBII 350, G 524, GA 360
Goodness is stronger than evil—G 528, DD (GIA)
Jesus lives!—AOV2 29
Now the green blade rises—AOV2 131, CWB 756, CWBII 363, G 534, GA 364
Surrexit Christus (Taizé)—CWBII 365, G 529, GA 363
Communion
Bread of life, hope of the world—AOV1 164, CWBII 459, GA 199
I am the bread of life (Toolan)—AOV1 49, CWB 718, CWBII 508, G 945, GA 204
In remembrance of you—CWBII 359, GA 355
Love divine, all loves excelling—CWB 740, CWBII 552, G 641, GA 463
Make of our hands a throne (Warner)—DD (GIA)
One bread, one body—AOV1 129, CWBII 579, G 932, GA 193
The name of God (I will take the cup of life)—CWBII 517, G 80, GA 68
Thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all)
Alleluia! Raise the gospel (Alstott/Farrell)—DD (OCP)
Christ has no body now but yours (Lawton)—DD (GIA)
Halleluya! We sing your praises—G 626
I know that my Redeemer lives (Soper)—AOV2 34, CWBII 145, DD (OCP)
I know that my Redeemer lives! (DUKE STREET)—G 527
I know that my Redeemer lives (WINCHESTER NEW)—CWBII 144
Jesus Christ (Toolan)—G 847, GA 527
This joyful Eastertide—CWB 845
We walk his way/Ewe, thina—G 517, DD (GIA)
Sending forth
Alleluia! Raise the gospel (Alstott/Farrell)—DD (OCP)
Be not afraid (Taizé)—G 516
By your kingly power, O risen Lord—CWB 633, CWBII 352, GA 352
Christ is alive, with joy we sing—CWB 639, CWBII 353, GA 365
Easter Alleluia—CWBII 348, G 537, GA 358
Go out in the world—AOVNG 54
I know that my Redeemer lives! (DUKE STREET)—G 527
Jesus is risen—AOVNG 82
Sing to the mountains—AOV1 92, CWBII 604, G 519, GA 362
Siyahamba (We are marching)—AOV2 113, G 594
Thine be the glory—CWBII 368
This is the feast of victory—CWBII 371, G 520
Entrance
Adoramus te Christe—CWBII 445, G 476, GA 305
All glory, laud and honour—CWB 229, CWBII 303, G 498, GA 309
Christ is the world’s light—CWB 643, CWBII 467
Hail, Redeemer, King divine!—CWB 703, CWBII 400, G 390
Hosanna to the Son of David—CWB 227, CWBII 302, GA 311
Lift high the cross—CWBII 537, G 881
Palm Sunday/Paschal Procession—AOV1 77, GA 310
Palm Sunday Procession (Willcock)—DD (OCP)
Palm Sunday Processional (Cooney)—DD (GIA)
Praise to you, O Christ, our Saviour—AOV1 28, CWBII 587, G 596, GA 407
Sing hosanna to our king (Angotti)—DD (GIA)
The children of Jerusalem (Consiglio)—DD (OCP)
Tree of life (Haugen)—CWBII 300, G 475, GA 307
Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Holy Week and Easter)
Psalm 21 (22): My God, my God (Boschetti)—CWB 233
Psalm 21 (22): My God, my God (Haugen)—G 33
Psalm 21 (22): My God, my God (Willcock)—CWB 233, GA 22, PFS 20
Gospel acclamation (see CWBII 54–61)
Philippians 2:8–9
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, king of endless glory! Christ became obedient for us even to death, dying on the cross. Therefore God raised him on high and gave him a name above all other names. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, king of endless glory!
Procession of the gifts/offertory
Behold the wood—CWBII 320, G 514, GA 333
Jesus Christ is Lord (A Changed Heart)—SC (ship from GIA)
No greater love—CWBII 622, G 701, GA 460
O Jesus crucified—CWB 770, CWBII 326, GA 334
O sacred head, surrounded—CWB 776, CWBII 330, G 512, GA 335
Stay with me (Taizé)—AOV2 88, CWBII 317, GA 325
Take up your cross—CWBII 612, G 801
Weep not for me (Dean)—DD (OCP)
Communion
Bread of life, hope of the world—AOV1 164, CWBII 459, GA 199
Eat this bread (Taizé)—AOV1 125, CWBII 484, G 941, GA 205
Jesus, remember me (Taizé)—AOV1 152, CWBII 526, G 510, GA 308
Keep in mind—AOV1 180, CWB 730, CWBII 530, G 646
Love is his word—CWB 743, CWBII 553, GA 462
No greater love—CWBII 622, G 701, GA 460
Return to God—CWBII 298, G 478, GA 304
Take and eat (Joncas)—CWBII 608, G 950, GA 198
Thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all)
Love divine, all loves excelling—CWB 740, CWBII 552, G 641, GA 463
Were you there?—AOV1 103, CWBII 328, G 511, GA 336
Will you love me—AOV1 40, GA 505
Sending forth
Jesus, remember me (Taizé)—AOV1 152, CWBII 526, G 510, GA 308
Lift high the cross—CWBII 537, G 881
Love divine, all loves excelling—CWB 740, CWBII 552, G 641, GA 463
Take up your cross—CWBII 612, G 801
There’s a wideness in God’s mercy—CWB 838, CWBII 624, G 644
When I survey the wondrous cross—CWB 862, CWBII 329, GA 330
God of mercy and compassion—CWB 692, CWBII 290, GA 302
Grant to us, O Lord—CWB 698, CWBII 291, GA 303
I heard the voice of Jesus say—AOV1 54, CWBII 512, G 724, GA 468
Lift high the cross—CWBII 537, G 881
Praise to you, O Christ, our Saviour—AOV1 28, CWBII 587, G 596, GA 407
Seek, O seek the Lord—CWB 802, CWBII 595, GA 211
Take up your cross—CWBII 612, G 801
Tree of life (Haugen)—CWBII 300, G 475, GA 307
Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Lent)
Psalm 125 (126): The Lord has done great things for us (Ancell)—CWB 177, GA 74
Seasonal Psalm 90 (91): Be with me, Lord (Willcock)—PFS 16
Seasonal Psalm 90 (91): Be with me, Lord (Haugen)—CWB 627, CWBII 286, G 65, GA 53
Lenten Gospel acclamation (see CWBII 54–61)
Joel 2:12—13
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, king of endless glory! With all your heart turn to me, for I am tender and compassionate. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, king of endless glory!
Procession of the gifts/offertory
As gentle as silence—CWB 621, CWBII 580, GA 470
Come to me (Joncas)—GA 471, G 731
Come to me (Norbert)—AOV1 37, CWB 660, GA 228
Come to me, all you who labour—CWBII 470
Create in me a clean heart, O God—CWBII 478
Forgive our sins as we forgive—CWB 680, CWBII 120
O Father, I know I can count on your mercy—CWBII 122
Only this I want (Schutte)—G 782, DD (OCP)
Out of darkness—AOV1 134, GA 504
Thirsting for God—AOV2 97, CWBII 529, GA 450
Yes, I shall arise—CWB 867, CWBII 648, GA 214
You shall be my people (Ward)—DD (WLP)
Communion
Be reconciled as one—AOV1 162
Bread of life (Fisher)—DD (OCP)
Centre of my life—AOV2 170, G 679, GA 444
Eat this bread (Taizé)—AOV1 125, CWBII 484, G 941, GA 205
I am the bread of life (Toolan)—AOV1 49, CWB 718, CWBII 508, G 945, GA 204
Keep in mind—AOV1 180, CWB 730, CWBII 530, G 646
My soul in stillness waits—CWBII 237, G 415, GA 280
Return to God—CWBII 298, G 478, GA 304
Tend the ground (Stephan)—DD (OCP)
Unless a grain of wheat—AOV1 35, CWBII 635, G 783, GA 500
Thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all)
Amazing grace—AOV1 29, CWBII 450, G 645, GA 437
Beyond the days (Manalo)—DD (OCP)
From ashes to the living font—CWBII 289, G 474
Praise to you, O Christ, our Saviour—AOV1 28, CWBII 587, G 596, GA 407
Sing praise to the Lord all our days—CWBII 602
Sending forth
A new heart for a new world (Create a new heart)—AOV1 158, CWBII 477, GA 438
Go make a difference—AOVNG 52, DD (OCP)
God of peace—AOV2 138, CWBII 546, GA 553
In faith and hope and love—CWB 722, CWBII 520, GA 442
Lift high the cross—CWBII 537, G 881
Praise to you, O Christ, our Saviour—AOV1 28, CWBII 587, G 596, GA 407
Remain in my love—AOV1 159
Strong and constant—AOV1 110, CWB 812, CWBII 515
Take up your cross—CWBII 612, G 801
There’s a wideness in God’s mercy—CWB 838, CWBII 624, G 644
Though the mountains may fall—AOV1 182, G 689, GA 453
Entrance
As we gather at your table—CWBII 451
Attende Domine/Hear us, almighty Lord—CWBII 292
Christ, be our light—AOV2 3, CWBII 540, G 590, GA 404
Come to set us free—AOV1 39, CWBII 233, GA 277
Come to the feast—AOV1 151, G 585, GA 400
From ashes to the living font—CWBII 289, G 474
Gather us together—AOV1 111
Gather us in—AOV1 12, CWBII 501, G 848, GA 526
God of mercy and compassion—CWB 692, CWBII 290, GA 302
I heard the voice of Jesus say—AOV1 54, CWBII 512, G 724, GA 468
Strong and constant—AOV1 110, CWB 812, CWBII 515
Tree of life (Haugen)—CWBII 300, G 475, GA 307
Your grace is enough—AOVNG 156, DD (OCP)
Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Lent)
Psalm 33 (34): Taste and see (Dean)—CWBII 609, GA 34
Psalm 33 (34): Taste and see (Guimont)—G 46
Psalm 33 (34): Taste and see (Haugen)—G 45, and in The Lyric Psalter: Year C (ship from GIA)
Psalm 33 (34): Taste and see (Proulx)—CWB 332
Psalm 33 (34): Taste and see (Willcock)—CWBII 610, GA 33, PFS 46
Lenten gospel acclamation (see CWBII 54–61)
Luke 15:18
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, king of endless glory! I will rise and go to my Father and tell him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, king of endless glory!
Procession of the gifts/offertory
Awake, O sleeper—GA 173
Bread of life—AOVNG 15
Bread of life (Stephan)—DD (OCP)
Bring us back to you, O Lord our God—CWB 629, CWBII 287
Come to me (Joncas)—GA 471, G 731
Come to me (Norbert)—AOV1 37, CWB 660, GA 228
Come to me, all you who labour—CWBII 470
Grant to us, O Lord—CWB 698, CWBII 291, GA 303
Hosea (Come back to me)—AOV1 30, CWB 715, G 484, GA 213
Shelter me, O God—AOV1 140, G 717, GA 230
Our Father, we have wandered—CWB 784, CWBII 297, G 956
The Lord is my shepherd—AOV1 26, CWB 830, CWBII 619, GA 506
Yes, I shall arise—CWB 867, CWBII 648, GA 214
Communion
As we gather at your table—CWBII 451
Be reconciled as one—AOV1 162
Bread of life—AOVNG 15
Bread of life (Stephan)—DD (OCP)
The Lord will heal the broken heart (Lawton)—G 730, DD (GIA)
For God so loved the world (Haugen)—G 580, DD (GIA)
How rich are the depths of God (Willcock)—AOV2 79, CWB 795, CWBII 505, GA 81
Jesus, bread of life—AOVNG 80
Now in this banquet—G 937, GA 197
Return to God—CWBII 298, G 478, GA 304
Shepherd me, O God—AOV1 33, CWBII 597, G 35, GA 24
Shepherd of souls, in love, come feed us—CWB 804, CWBII 596
Taste and see the goodness of the Lord (Herry)—CWBII 610, DD (Marist Music, free)
Taste and see/Drink in the richness (Wood)—GA 35
The cry of the poor—AOV1 83, CWBII 618, G 47, GA 36
Thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all)
Amazing grace—AOV1 29, CWBII 450, G 645, GA 437
Beyond the days (Manalo)—DD (OCP)
For the fruits of all creation—CWBII 488, GA 426
Love divine, all loves excelling—CWB 740, CWBII 552, G 641, GA 463
Your grace is enough—AOVNG 156, DD (OCP)
Sending forth
A new heart for a new world (Create a new heart)—AOV1 158, CWBII 477, GA 438
Christ be near us—AOVNG 21
God of mercy and compassion—CWB 692, CWBII 290, GA 302
In faith and hope and love—CWB 722, CWBII 520, GA 442
Praise to you, O Christ, our Saviour—AOV1 28, CWBII 587, G 596, GA 407
Strong and constant—AOV1 110, CWB 812, CWBII 515
The Church’s one foundation—CWB 819, CWBII 614, GA 484
There’s a wideness in God’s mercy—CWB 838, CWBII 624, G 644
Though the mountains may fall—AOV1 182, G 689, GA 453
We remember how you loved us—AOV1 81, GA 446
First reading
Acts 10:34, 37–43 ‘We have eaten and drunk with him after his resurrection.’
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 117(118):1–2, 16–17, 22–23 R. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.
Second reading
Colossians 3:1–4 Look for the things that are in heaven, where Christ is.
Gospel acclamation
1 Corinthians 5:7–8 Christ has become our paschal sacrifice; let us feast with joy in the Lord.
Gospel
John 20:1–9 He must rise from the dead.
Images from the Word
Came to the tomb
Saw and believed
Rise from the dead
Anointed him
Hidden with Christ
Liturgical notes
The fundamental importance of Sunday has been recognized through two thousand years of history and was emphatically restated by the Second Vatican Council: ‘Every seven days, the Church celebrates the Easter mystery. This is a tradition going back to the Apostles, taking its origin from the actual day of Christ’s Resurrection—a day thus appropriately designated "the Lord’s Day"'.
—Dies Domini, §3
In his encyclical on keeping Sunday holy, St John Paul II reminded us that the significance of Sunday is founded on today’s great feast of Easter. Easter as a distinct feast day was not celebrated in Rome until the mid–second century. Before that, the sacrament of the resurrection was celebrated during the Mass every Sunday. The community members sing ‘Alleluia’ and draw life for the coming week from their encounter with the resurrected Christ.
‘I have risen, and I am with you still, alleluia. You have laid your hand upon me, alleluia. Too wonderful for me, this knowledge, alleluia, alleluia’
—entrance antiphon
First reading
Isaiah 50:4–7 I did not cover my face against insult: I know I shall not be shamed.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 21(22):8–9, 17–20, 23–24 R. My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?
Second reading
Philippians 2:6–11 Christ humbled himself but God raised him high.
Gospel acclamation
Philippians 2:8–9 Christ became obedient for us even to death, dying on the cross. Therefore God raised him on high and gave him a name above all other names.
Gospel
Luke 22:14–23:56 The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.
Images from the Word
Blessings
Crucified him
Into your hands
My help
On a cross
Liturgical notes
This Sunday, God's people gather with branches after the opening chant to sign themselves with the sign of the cross and exchange the usual greeting. Then we hear:
With all faith and devotion, let us commemorate the Lord’s entry into the city for our salvation, following in his footsteps, so that, being made by his grace partakers of the Cross, we may have a share also in his Resurrection and in his life.
—Palm Sunday Procession, §5
Blessed by water and the proclamation of the Gospel, the community proceeds in song into the body of the church to celebrate word and sacrament. The proclamation of the Gospel will be without candles, incense, greetings or signing. We, the people of the paschal mystery, then move to Communion in that very sacrifice.
‘Through the Passion of your Only Begotten Son, O Lord, may our reconciliation with you be near at hand, so that, though we do not merit it by our own deeds, yet by this sacrifice made once for all, we may feel already the effects of your mercy.’
—prayer over the offerings
First reading
Isaiah 43:16–21 I am doing a new thing and I will give drink to my people.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 125(126) R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
Second reading
Philippians 3:8–14 I look on everything as so much rubbish if only I can have Christ.
Gospel acclamation
Joel 2:12–13 With all your heart turn to me, for I am tender and compassionate.
Gospel
John 8:1–11 Let the person without sin be the first to throw a stone.
Images from the Word
Death by stoning
A text
Went away
My chosen people
Still running
Liturgical notes
Though holy in its origin, this people nevertheless grows continually in holiness by its conscious, active, and fruitful participation in the mystery of the Eucharist.
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §5
In the upcoming feast of the Easter Vigil, we offer the elect the redeeming waters of baptism and the imposition of hands for the gift of the Holy Spirit, so that they may share in Communion with the holy one. From our origins as Christians, we have shared in the holiness of our God. We are called to live this original blessing that God has entrusted us. Each time we gather to celebrate our Sunday Mass, we move ever closer to the holy one through our conscious, active and fruitful participation.
‘Hear us, almighty God, and, having instilled in your servants the teachings of the Christian faith, graciously purify them by the working of this sacrifice.’
—prayer over the offerings
Presider
We gather in faith before our God and confidently offer our prayers for ourselves and for our world.
Reader
We pray for Pope Francis and all Church leaders. May they illuminate God’s infinite love.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for our political, civil and business leaders. May they rise above power, control and greed and work for the good of all people.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We continue to pray for all catechumens and candidates who are preparing for reception into our Church this Easter. May we be blessed as we accompany them on their journeys of faith.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
In this Lenten season, we pray for our faith community, and for a deeper sense of repentance, forgiveness and reconciliation among ourselves and in our world.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for …
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all who are sick in our parish and for all who take care of them. We remember those who have died recently and those whose anniversaries occur at this time. Lead them all into the fullness of your life.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
Presider
God of love, extend your peace and mercy to all who cry out to you. Grant us the grace to rejoice in your saving Word. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
First reading
Exodus 3:1–8, 13–15 This is what you must say to the children of Israel: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 102(103):1–4 ,6–8, 11 R. The Lord is kind and merciful.
Second reading
1 Corinthians 10:1–6, 10–12 All this that happened to the people of Moses in the desert was written for our benefit.
Gospel acclamation
Matthew 4:17 Repent, says the Lord; the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Gospel
Luke 13:1–9 Unless you repent you will all perish as they did
Images from the Word
Sacrifices
Found none
Leave it
Bush burning
A warning
Liturgical notes
Pope Francis reminds us in his encyclical that:
The scrutinies are celebrated in order to deliver the elect from the power of sin and Satan, to protect them against temptation, and to give them strength in Christ, who is the way, the truth and the life.
—Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, §128
If your parish is celebrating the RCIA this year, then this Sunday will include the first of the three scrutinies to prepare the elect for their initiation during the Easter Vigil. These ceremonies offer the parish the opportunity to pray for each candidate as the presider lays hands on them. By our prayer, we acknowledge that conversion is a gift from God alone—it is his work, not ours. Together, we pray that God will show the elect the way to salvation and protect them from every danger.
‘Be pleased, O Lord, with these sacrificial offerings, and grant that we who beseech pardon for our own sins, may take care to forgive our neighbour.’
