Blessing of the fire and preparation of the candle

• May the light of Christ—CWBII 331

The procession

• The light of Christ/Lumen Christi—CWBII 332  a or b
• Christ our light—CWB 264
• People of God—GA 338

Suggested Exsultet settings

• Exsultet (long version, free training video)—www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyEAsiDjFP4
• Exsultet (short version, ICEL)—www.icelweb.org/musicfolder/openpdf.php?file=ExsultetShort.pdf
• Exsultet (Willcock)—in Your Kingdom Come (ship from OCP)

Responsorial psalm after the first reading (see also music overview for Holy Week and Easter)

• Psalm 103 (104): Lord, send out your Spirit (Alonso)—DD (GIA)
• Psalm 103 (104): Lord, send out your Spirit (Guimont)—G 77
• Psalm 103 (104): Lord, send out your Spirit (Heagney)—GA 63, Psalms for the Church’s Year (Liturgical Song)
• Psalm 103 (104): Lord, send out your Spirit (Jones)—CWB 267, GA 62
• Psalm 103 (104): Lord, send out your Spirit (Proulx)—G 77
• Psalm 103 (104): Lord, send out your Spirit (Willcock)—PFS 34
• Psalm 32 (33): The earth is full (Heagney)—CWB 268

Responsorial psalm after the second reading

• Psalm 15 (16): Keep me safe, O God (Foley)—G 29
• Psalm 15 (16): Keep me safe, O God (Haugen)—G 30 (refrain II)
• Psalm 15 (16): Keep me safe, O God (Mews)—CWB 269

Responsorial psalm after the third reading

• Exodus 15: Let us sing to the Lord (Mews)—CWB 270, GA 340
• Exodus 15: Let us sing to the Lord/Song at the Sea (O’Kelly-Fischer)—G 95, DD (GIA)

Responsorial psalm after the fourth reading

• Psalm 29 (30): I will praise you, Lord (Inwood)—G 42, DD (OCP)
• Psalm 29 (30): I will praise you, Lord (Mews)—CWB 271
• Psalm 29 (30): I will praise you, Lord (O’Brien)—GA 29

Responsorial psalm after the fifth reading

• Isaiah 12: We shall draw water joyfully (Inwood)—GA 341
• Isaiah 12: With joy you shall draw water (Haugen)—G 97
• Isaiah 12: You will draw water joyfully (Batastini)—CWB 272

Responsorial psalm after the sixth reading

• Psalm 18 (19): Lord, you have the words (Hurd)—DD (OCP)
• Psalm 18 (19): Lord, you have the words (Peloquin)—CWB 273

Responsorial psalm after the seventh reading

• Psalm 41 (42): As the deer longs (Hurd)—GA 38, DD (OCP)
• Psalm 41 (42): Like a deer that longs (Boschetti)—CWB 274
• Psalm 41 (42): My soul is thirsting (Gelineau)—GA 37
• Psalm 50 (51): Create a clean heart (Boschetti)—CWB 275
• Psalm 50 (51): Create a clean heart (Pishner)—G 52 (refrain II)
• Psalm 50 (51): Create a clean heart (Willcock)—GA 41 (refrain II)
• Psalm 50 (51): Create in me (O’Brien)—CWBII 478, GA 40

Responsorial psalm (with verses of the day)

• Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia (chant)—CWB 277, CWBII 43, GA 142
• Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia (Willcock)—PFS 70
• Celtic Alleluia—AOV1 13, CWBII 48, GA 141
• Halle, halle, halle—AOV2 46, GA 107
• Mawby Alleluia—CWBII 51
• Murray Alleluia—CWBII 52
• Taizé Alleluia—CWBII 53

Rite of the blessing and sprinkling of water

• Baptised in water—G 903, GA 179, CWBII 99
• Cleanse us, Lord (Willcock)—GA 136
• If we have died to ourselves in Jesus—CWBII 30, GA 87
• I saw water flowing (Cox)—CWBII 29
• I saw water flowing (Hurd)—DD (OCP)
• I saw water flowing (Stephan)—DD (OCP)
• Springs of living water—CWBII 32
• You springs and all that moves—CWBII 31

Procession of the gifts

• Alleluia No. 1—AOV1 15, CWBII 350, G 524, GA 360
• Goodness is stronger than evil—G 528, DD (GIA)
• Receive the light of Christ—CWBII 106, GA 256
• Surrexit Christus (Taizé)—CWBII 365, G 529, GA 363
• There is one Lord (Taizé)—GA 346

Communion

• Bread of life, hope of the world—AOV1 164, CWBII 459, GA 199
• Christ is alive, with joy we sing—CWB 639, CWBII 353, GA 365
• Christ has no body now but yours (Lawton)—DD (GIA)
• In remembrance of you—CWBII 359, GA 355
• Love divine, all loves excelling—CWB 740, CWBII 552, G 641, GA 463
• Now the green blade rises—AOV2 131, CWB 756, CWBII 363, G 534, GA 364
• One bread, one body—AOV1 129, CWBII 579, G 932, GA 193

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
• How great is our God—AOVNG 70
• Jesus Christ, yesterday, today and forever—G 847, GA 527, DD (OCP)
• 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)
• By your kingly power, O risen Lord—CWB 633, CWBII 352, GA 352
• Be not afraid (Taizé)—G 516
• Christ is alive, with joy we sing—CWB 639, CWBII 353, GA 365
• 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
• Go out in the world—AOVNG 54
• I know that my Redeemer lives! (DUKE STREET)—G 527
• O sons and daughters—G 532
• 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 day was made by the Lord—CWBII 369, GA 356
• This is the feast of victory—CWBII 371, G 520

Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Holy Week and Easter)

• Psalm 30 (31): Father, I put my life in your hands (Mews)—CWB 256
• Psalm 30 (31): I put my life in your hands (Bonighton)—GA 30
• Seasonal Psalm 21 (22): My God, my God (Willcock)—CWB 233, GA 22, PFS 20

Gospel acclamation

Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!
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.
Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!

Veneration of the cross 1 (during the procession with the cross)

• Behold, the wood of the cross—CWBII 319
• This is the wood of the cross—CWB 259
• This is the wood of the cross (Chant)—GA 328

Veneration of the cross 2

• All you who pass this way—GA 331
• At the cross her vigil keeping—CWB 624, CWBII 318, G 488
• Behold the cross—AOV1 105
• Behold the wood—CWBII 320, G 514, GA 333
• Faithful cross the saints rely on—CWBII 321
• Jesus, remember me (Taizé)—AOV1 152, CWBII 526, G 510, GA 308
• O Jesus crucified—CWB 770, CWBII 326, GA 334
• O my people—GA 329
• O sacred head, surrounded—CWB 776, CWBII 330, G 512, GA 335
• See him—AOVNG 108
• Stay with me (Taizé)—AOV2 88, CWBII 317, GA 325
• We have no other boast—CWBII 502, GA 491
• Were you there?—AOV1 103, CWBII 328, G 511, GA 336
• When I survey the wondrous cross—CWB 862, CWBII 329, GA 330

The reproaches

• My people, my people (Wise)—CWBII 322
• My people, what have I done to you? (O’Brien)—CWBII 323
• O my people—GA 329

Communion

• Glory in the cross (Schutte)—G 501, DD (OCP)
• Jesus, remember me (Taizé)—AOV1 152, CWBII 526, G 510, GA 308
• No greater love—CWBII 622, G 701, GA 460
• Only this I want (Schutte)—G 782, DD (OCP)
• Song of the cross—AOVNG 116

Entrance

• An upper room—CWB 620, CWBII 309, GA 187
• At the supper, Christ the Lord—CWBII 313
• Praise to you, O Christ, our Saviour—AOV1 28, CWBII 587, G 596, GA 407
• The glory of the cross we sing—CWBII 310
• Where there is charity and love—CWB 863, CWBII 638, GA 323
• Where charity and love prevail—G 706
• In faith and hope and love—CWB 722, CWBII 520, GA 442

Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Holy Week and Easter)

• Psalm 115 (116): Our blessing cup (Bonighton)—GA 69
• Psalm 115 (116): Our blessing-cup (Haugen)—G 78
• Psalm 115 (116): Our blessing cup (Mews)—CWB 245
• Psalm 115 (116): The cup we bless (Willcock)—GA 67, DD (OCP)

Gospel acclamation (see also CWBII)

John13:34

Praise and honour to you, Lord, Jesus, Christ!
I give you a new commandment:
love one another as I have loved you.
Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus Christ!

Washing of the feet

• A new commandment—CWB 615, CWBII 443, GA 318
• As I have done for you (Schutte)—DD (OCP)
• At the supper, Christ the Lord—CWBII 313
• God is forgiveness (Taizé)—AOVNG 55, G 959
• Jesu, Jesu—G 505
• Mandatum (Latona)—DD (GIA)
• Servant Song—AOV2 169, CWBII 461, G 751, GA 487
• So you must do (Haugen)—G 507, DD (GIA)
• Ubi caritas (Taizé)—CWBII 633, 634, GA 324
• Ubi caritas (chant)—CWBII 639, GA 319

Procession of the gifts/offertory

• Christians, let us love one another—CWB 648, CWBII 469, GA 206
• Stay with me (Taizé)—AOV2 88, CWBII 317, GA 325
• This body will be given for you—CWB 839, GA 387
• This is my will—CWB 842, CWBII 626, GA 465
• Ubi caritas (chant)—CWBII 639, GA 319
• Ubi caritas (Taizé)—CWBII 633, 634, GA 324
• Wait for the Lord (Taizé)—CWBII 251, G 406, GA 283
• We have no other boast—CWBII 502, GA 491

Communion

• An upper room—CWB 620, CWBII 309, GA 187
• 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
• Gift of finest wheat/You satisfy the hungry heart—CWB 685, CWBII 651, G 940, GA 191
• In perfect charity—AOV1 142
• In remembrance of you—CWBII 359, GA 355
• No greater love—CWBII 622, G 701, GA 460
• One bread, one body—AOV1 129, CWBII 579, G 932, GA 193
• Remain in my love—AOV1 159
• Song of the Lord’s Supper—CWBII 311, GA 322
• Take and eat (Russell)—AOV2 162, CWBII 117
• Take and eat (Joncas)—CWBII 608, G 950, GA 198

Transfer of the Eucharist

• Pange lingua/Sing my tongue—CWB 252, CWBII 315 or 316, G 509, GA 320

The watch

• Stay with me (Taizé)—AOV2 88, CWBII 317, GA 325

Entrance

• Again we keep this solemn fast—CWBII 285, G 487
• Bring us back to you, O Lord our God—CWB 629, CWBII 287
• Forty days and forty nights—CWBII 288, G 483
• O Sun of Justice, Jesus Christ (morning hymn)—GA 2, CWBII 179
• Praise to you, O Christ, our Saviour—AOV1 28, CWBII 587, G 596, GA 407
• Psalm 94 (95): If today you hear his voice (Willcock)—PFS 50
• The glory of these forty days—CWB 825, CWBII 301, G 481
• There’s a wideness in God’s mercy—CWB 838, CWBII 624, G 644

Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Lent)

• Seasonal Psalm 50 (51): Be merciful, O Lord (Mews)—CWB 202
• Seasonal Psalm 50 (51): Be merciful, O Lord (O’Brien)—CWBII 92
• Seasonal Psalm 50 (51): Be merciful, O Lord (Willcock)—GA 41, PFS 14

Gospel acclamation (see CWBII 54–61)

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, king of endless glory!
If today you hear his voice,
harden not your hearts.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, king of endless glory!

Distribution of ashes

• Merciful God (Alonso)—G 489, DD (GIA)
• Return to God—CWBII 298, G 478, GA 304
• Servant Song—AOV2 169, CWBII 461, G 751, GA 487

Procession of the gifts/offertory

• Attende Domine/Hear us, almighty Lord—CWBII 292
• Bring us back to you, O Lord our God—CWB 629, CWBII 287
• Create in me a clean heart, O God—CWBII 478
• In every age—AOVNG 77, G 716, DD (OCP)
• Forgive our sins as we forgive—CWB 680, CWBII 120
• Grant to us, O Lord—CWB 698, CWBII 291, GA 303
• Hosea (Come back to me)—AOV1 30, CWB 715, G 484, GA 213
• O Lord, hear my prayer (Taizé)—AOV1 17, GA 431
• Tree of life (Haugen)—CWBII 300, G 475, GA 307
• Tree of life (Thompson)—AOVNG 138
• Yes, I shall arise—CWB 867, CWBII 648, GA 214

Communion

• Be reconciled as one—AOV1 162
• Be with me, Lord (Haugen)—CWB 627, CWBII 286, G 65, GA 53
• Grant to us, O Lord—CWB 698, CWBII 291, GA 303
• Psalm 90 (91): Be with me, Lord (Willcock)—PFS 16
• Return to God—CWBII 298, G 478, GA 304
• There is a longing—CWBII 82
• Tree of life (Thompson)—AOVNG 138
• 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

Sending forth

• A new heart for a new world (Create a new heart)—AOV1 158, CWBII 477, GA 438
• May this Lenten discipline—CWB 746, CWBII 295
• Praise to you, O Christ, our Saviour—AOV1 28, CWBII 587, G 596, GA 407
• There’s a wideness in God’s mercy—CWB 838, CWBII 624, G 644

Entrance

• All the ends of the earth (Dufford)—AOV1 76, G 604, GA 420
• All the ends of the earth (Fisher)—AOVNG 5
• Angels we have heard on high—AOV2 140, CWB 622, CWBII 255, G 430, GA 286
• Emmanuel—AOVNG 40
• O come, all ye faithful—AOV1 167, CWB 760, CWBII 267, G 439, GA 287
• Of the Father’s love begotten—CWB 779, CWBII 268, G 427
• Sing a new song unto the Lord—AOV1 80, CWBII 598, GA 414

Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Christmas Time)

• Psalm 97 (98): All the ends of the earth (Roff)—CWB 185
• Common Psalm 97 (98): All the ends of the earth (Willcock)—PFS 6

Gospel acclamation

Alleluia, Alleluia!
A hallowed day has dawned upon us.
Come, you nations, worship the Lord,
for today a great light has shone down upon the earth.
Alleluia!

• A child is born in Bethlehem—CWB 612
• Away in a manger—CWBII 256, GA 289
• Baby lying in a manger—CWBII 257
• Behold, a rose e’er blooming—CWBII 258, G 451
• Carol at the manger—CWBII 259, G 443
• He came down—GA 293
• I want to walk as a child of the light—CWBII 514, G 593
• Born in the night—AOV2 101
• Peace child (Glover)—DD (GIA)
• Like a child rests—AOV1 85
• Rise up, shepherd, and follow—G 453
• What child is this—AOV1 165, CWBII 275, G 466

Communion

• Bread of life, hope of the world—AOV1 164, CWBII 459, GA 199
• Carol at the manger—CWBII 259, G 443
• Gift of finest wheat/You satisfy the hungry heart—CWB 685, CWBII 651, G 940, GA 191
• I receive the living God—G 916, DD (OCP)
• Silent night—AOV1 168, CWB 803, CWBII 270, G 441, GA 290

Sending forth or thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all)

• All the ends of the earth (Dufford)—AOV1 76, G 604, GA 420
• All the ends of the earth (Fisher)—AOVNG 5
• Angels we have heard on high—AOV2 140, CWB 622, CWBII 255, G 430, GA 286
• Good Christians all, rejoice—CWB 697, CWBII 261, G 440
• Hark! The herald angels sing—AOV1 171, CWB 704, CWBII 262, GA 294
• Joy to the world—AOV1 170, CWB 728, CWBII 265, G 437, GA 295
• Let heaven rejoice—AOV1 124
• Love has come (Maher)—DD (OCP)
• Open the heavens—AOV2 163, CWBII 243
• Rejoice, rejoice!—CWB 798
• Sing a new song unto the Lord—AOV1 80, CWBII 598, GA 414

Entrance

• All the ends of the earth (Dufford)—AOV1 76, G 604, GA 420
• All the ends of the earth (Fisher)—AOVNG 5
• Angels we have heard on high—AOV2 140, CWB 622, CWBII 255, G 430, GA 286
• Emmanuel—AOVNG 40
• O come, all ye faithful—AOV1 167, CWB 760, CWBII 267, G 439, GA 287
• Of the Father’s love begotten—CWB 779, CWBII 268, G 427
• Sing a new song unto the Lord—AOV1 80, CWBII 598, GA 414

Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Christmas Time)

• Psalm 96 (97): A light will shine on us this day (Carroll)—CWB 190
• Seasonal Psalm 97 (98): All the ends of the earth (Roff)—CWB 185
• Common Psalm 97 (98): All the ends of the earth (Willcock)—PFS 6

Gospel acclamation

Alleluia, Alleluia!
Glory to God in the highest,
peace to his people on earth.
Alleluia!

Procession of the gifts/offertory

• A child is born in Bethlehem—CWB 612
• Away in a manger—CWBII 256, GA 289
• Baby lying in a manger—CWBII 257
• Carol at the manger—CWBII 259, G 443
• Christmas Psalm—AOV2 71
• He came down—GA 293
• I want to walk as a child of the light—CWBII 514, G 593
• Like a child rests—AOV1 85
• Born in the night—AOV2 101
• Peace child (Glover)—DD (GIA)
• Rise up, shepherd, and follow—G 453
• What child is this—AOV1 165, CWBII 275, G 466

Communion

• Bread of life, hope of the world—AOV1 164, CWBII 459, GA 199
• Carol at the manger—CWBII 259, G 443
• I receive the living God—G 916, DD (OCP)
• Silent night—AOV1 168, CWB 803, CWBII 270, G 441, GA 290

Sending forth or thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all)

• All the ends of the earth (Dufford)—AOV1 76, G 604, GA 420
• All the ends of the earth (Fisher)—AOVNG 5
• Angels we have heard on high—AOV2 140, CWB 622, CWBII 255, G 430, GA 286
• Good Christians all, rejoice—CWB 697, CWBII 261, G 440
• Hark! The herald angels sing—AOV1 171, CWB 704, CWBII 262, GA 294
• Joy to the world—AOV1 170, CWB 728, CWBII 265, G 437, GA 295
• Let heaven rejoice—AOV1 124
• Love has come (Maher)—DD (OCP)
• Open the heavens—AOV2 163, CWBII 243
• Rejoice, rejoice!—CWB 798
• Sing we, sing we noel—AOV2 124

Entrance

• All the ends of the earth (Dufford)—AOV1 76, G 604, GA 420
• All the ends of the earth (Fisher)—AOVNG 5
• Angels we have heard on high—AOV2 140, CWB 622, CWBII 255, G 430, GA 286
• Emmanuel—AOVNG 40
• O come, all ye faithful—AOV1 167, CWB 760, CWBII 267, G 439, GA 287
• O little town of Bethlehem—CWB 772, CWBII 266, G 446, GA 296
• Of the Father’s love begotten—CWB 779, CWBII 268, G 427

Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Christmas Time)

• Psalm 95 (96): Today is born our saviour (Isele)—CWB 189
• Seasonal Psalm 97 (98): All the ends of the earth (Roff)—CWB 185
• Common Psalm 97 (98): All the ends of the earth (Willcock)—PFS 6

Gospel acclamation

Alleluia, Alleluia!
Good news and great joy to all the world:
Today is born our Saviour, Christ the Lord.
Alleluia!

Procession of the gifts/offertory

• A child is born in Bethlehem—CWB 612
• Away in a manger—CWBII 256, GA 289
• Baby lying in a manger—CWBII 257
• Born in the night—AOV2 101
• Carol at the manger—CWBII 259, G 443
• He came down—GA 293
• I want to walk as a child of the light—CWBII 514, G 593
• Like a child rests—AOV1 85
• Peace child (Glover)—DD (GIA)
• Rise up, shepherd, and follow—G 453
• What child is this—AOV1 165, CWBII 275, G 466
• While shepherds watched—AOV1 172, CWB 864, CWBII 274, GA 288

Communion

• Bread of life, hope of the world—AOV1 164, CWBII 459, GA 199
• Carol at the manger—CWBII 259, G 443
• I receive the living God—G 916, DD (OCP)
• Silent night—AOV1 168, CWB 803, CWBII 270, G 441, GA 290
• Night of silence—G 442, DD (GIA)

Sending forth or thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all)

• All the ends of the earth (Dufford)—AOV1 76, G 604, GA 420
• All the ends of the earth (Fisher)—AOVNG 5
• Angels we have heard on high—AOV2 140, CWB 622, CWBII 255, G 430, GA 286
• Christ Light, shining in the darkness—CWBII 468
• Good Christians all, rejoice—CWB 697, CWBII 261, G 440
• Hark! The herald angels sing—AOV1 171, CWB 704, CWBII 262, GA 294
• Joy to the world—AOV1 170, CWB 728, CWBII 265, G 437, GA 295
• Let heaven rejoice—AOV1 124
• Love has come (Maher)—DD (OCP)
• Open the heavens—AOV2 163, CWBII 243
• Sing we, sing we noel—AOV2 124

Entrance

• All the ends of the earth (Dufford)—AOV1 76, G 604, GA 420
• All the ends of the earth (Fisher)—AOVNG 5
• Angels we have heard on high—AOV2 140, CWB 622, CWBII 255, G 430, GA 286
• Emmanuel—AOVNG 40
• O come, all ye faithful—AOV1 167, CWB 760, CWBII 267, G 439, GA 287
• O little town of Bethlehem—CWB 772, CWBII 266, G 446, GA 296
• Of the Father’s love begotten—CWB 779, CWBII 268, G 427

Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Christmas Time)

• Psalm 88 (89): For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord (Somerville & Willcock)—CWB 385, verses 2, 3, 5
• Seasonal Psalm 97 (98): All the ends of the earth (Gelineau)—CWB 185
• Common Psalm 97 (98): All the ends of the earth (Willcock)—PFS 6

Gospel acclamation

Alleluia, Alleluia!
Tomorrow the wickedness of the earth will be destroyed:
the Saviour of the world will be our king.
Alleluia!

Procession of the gifts/offertory

• Away in a manger—CWBII 256, GA 289
• Baby lying in a manger—CWBII 257
• Born in the night—AOV2 101
• Carol at the manger—CWBII 259, G 443
• He came down—GA 293
• I want to walk as a child of the light—CWBII 514, G 593
• Like a child rests—AOV1 85
• Peace child (Glover)—DD (GIA)
• Rise up, shepherd, and follow—G 453
• What child is this—AOV1 165, CWBII 275, G 466

Communion

• Bread of life, hope of the world—AOV1 164, CWBII 459, GA 199
• Carol at the manger—CWBII 259, G 443
• Silent night—AOV1 168, CWB 803, CWBII 270, G 441, GA 290
• Night of silence—G 442, DD (GIA)

Sending forth or thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all)

• All the ends of the earth (Dufford)—AOV1 76, G 604, GA 420
• All the ends of the earth (Fisher)—AOVNG 5
• Angels we have heard on high—AOV2 140, CWB 622, CWBII 255, G 430, GA 286
• Hark! The herald angels sing—AOV1 171, CWB 704, CWBII 262, GA 294
• Joy to the world—AOV1 170, CWB 728, CWBII 265, G 437, GA 295
• Let heaven rejoice—AOV1 124
• Love has come (Maher)—DD (OCP)

Gospel

Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.

[Here we use the gospel reading for Midnight Mass.]

Caesar Augustus issued a decree for a census of the whole world to be taken. This census—the first—took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria, and everyone went to his own town to be registered. So Joseph set out from the town of Nazareth in Galilee and travelled up to Judaea, to the town of David called Bethlehem, since he was of David’s house and line, in order to be registered together with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to a son, her first-born. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them at the inn. In the countryside close by there were shepherds who lived in the fields and took it in turns to watch their flocks during the night. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone round them. They were terrified, but the angel said, ‘Do not be afraid. Listen, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people. Today in the town of David a saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. And here is a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly with the angel there was a great throng of the heavenly host, praising God and singing:

‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace to men who enjoy his favour.’

(Luke 2:1–14)

Did you know?

Points of interest and Catholic lore 

• There are different gospel readings for each of the Christmas Masses: midnight, dawn and during the day. This gospel is the reading for midnight Mass.
• Luke gives a number of historical details about the time when Jesus is born through the mention of Augustus and Quirinius. He is keen to stress that Jesus enters human history in a particular place and time.
• The date of Christmas, 25 December, was dictated by the pagan feast of the ‘unconquered sun’, which occurred at the time of the northern hemisphere’s winter solstice. The Church ‘Christianised’ this feast to celebrate the birth of the Son of God, Jesus Christ.

Exploring the Word

Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus is very different from Matthew’s, and this serves to remind us that we must read these as religious rather than historical stories. Luke goes to great lengths to situate Jesus in human history. He is born in a specific time and place. It shows how God works through human beings, human agencies and human institutions. No one could be further removed from Mary and Joseph than the Emperor of Rome, but it is through Augustus’ edict that the words of the prophets of Israel are fulfilled. Nevertheless, this astonishing news ‘of great joy’ is not given to the powerful but to the poor. 

• Overwhelmingly, this gospel leaves us with a sense of great rejoicing, both in heaven and on earth. God has come among us!
• When was the last time you truly ‘rejoiced’ at receiving some news? What form did that rejoicing take?

Making connections

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

• ‘Do not be afraid. Listen! I bring you tidings of great joy.’ What have been the joyful experiences of your life?
• How do you now experience the joy of this great day?
• What must we do to ‘enjoy God’s favour’?
• In this season of gift-giving, reflect on the gifts you have received over the years. What gifts have been especially treasured? What was the best present you ever received? On a deeper level, what do you regard as your most treasured gift as a human being? How do you share your giftedness? How do others share their giftedness with you? Share your reflections with the group.
• Share good news with someone this week. 
  Be conscious of who brings good news to you.
• Proclaim God’s glory often this season.
  Glory to God in the highest heaven 
  and peace to God’s people on earth.

Sharing the tradition

A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ 

Christmas Day is the climax of the second great season of the Church’s year (Advent/Christmas), but the season of Christmastide continues for several more weeks as aspects of this child are revealed. Christmas Day celebrates the mystery of the incarnation, which means that, in Jesus, God took human flesh, lived a human life and was fully one of us. As humans we cannot, of course, see God, but through Jesus, we see God’s plans for us fully revealed. St Augustine, a great thinker of the early Church, put it this way:

How much you have loved us, O God.
If your word had not become flesh 
and had not dwelt among us,
we would have had to believe 
that there was no connection
between God and humanity
and we would have been in despair.

• We believe that Jesus is the decisive revelation of God. What does the Christmas story show us about God?
• Talk about how you have celebrated Christmas in the past. What will be different for you this year?

Living the Word

Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment 

• How does your parish usually celebrate this season of joy and rejoicing? Will it be different this year? Are there special rituals or gatherings that catechumens could take part in? 
• How does your community proclaim the birth of light into the world? How will you bear this light to the world this year?
• If you are able, you could process with candles to the parish crib for the final prayer. Sing ‘O come, all ye faithful’ 
  (GA 287) as you go. 
• Pray for the world, so much in need of light and joy, and pray for each other. You could adapt the prayer of exorcism in the RCIA at §94C. Conclude with a carol celebrating the birth of Christ.

Entrance

• All that is hidden—AOV1 127, G 746
• All the earth proclaim the Lord—AOV1 184, CWB 611, CWBII 447, GA 534
• All the ends of the earth (Dufford)—AOV1 76, G 604, GA 420
• As we gather at your table—CWBII 451
• Christ, be our light—AOV2 3, CWBII 540, G 590, GA 404
• Gather us in—AOV1 12, CWBII 501, G 848, GA 526
• Live the Gospel—AOVNG 92
• Lord of creation, to you be all praise—CWB 739, CWBII 543, GA 423
• Lord, whose love in humble service—CWB 741, CWBII 551, G 764
• Send down the fire—AOV2 164, CWBII 389, GA 475, G 557
• Who will speak?—AOV2 102

Responsorial psalm (see also the music recommendations tab)

• Psalm 145 (146): Praise, praise the Lord (Ancell)—CWB 416, GA 83
• Common Psalm 99 (100): We are God’s people (Willcock)—CWB 335, GA 59 (refrain II), PFS 54
• Common Psalm 121 (122): Let us go rejoicing (Willcock)—CWBII 536, GA 72, PFS 60

Gospel acclamation 

Matthew 5:3

Alleluia, Alleluia!
Happy the poor in spirit;
the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
Alleluia!

Procession of the gifts/offertory 

• A Touching Place—GA 469
• A Trusting Psalm—AOV1 115, CWBII 293, GA 455
• Eye has not seen—AOV1 146, G 728, GA 466
• For the world and all it’s people—AOV2 137
• God has chosen me (Farrell)—AOV1 21, CWBII 495, G 761, GA 497 
• Open my eyes—AOV1 166, CWBII 582, G 651
• The cry of the poor—AOV1 83, CWBII 618, G 47, GA 36
• The Lord is my shepherd—AOV1 26, CWB 830, CWBII 619, GA 506
• Two small coins (Herry)—DD (Marist Music)

Communion

• Be not afraid (Dufford)—AOV1 114, CWBII 653, G 683, GA 449
• Do not be afraid/The Lord is my light—AOV2 73, CWBII 481, GA 28, PFS 40
• Draw near and take—CWB 668, CWBII 482
• In the breaking of the bread (Hurd)—AOV1 58, G 918, DD (OCP)
• Now in this banquet—GA 197
• Prayer of St Francis—AOV2 126, CWB 793, CWBII 555, G 828, GA 490
• Shepherd me, O God—AOV1 33, CWBII 597, G 35, GA 24
• What you have done for me (Alonso)—G 816, DD (GIA)
• Whatever you do (Angotti)—AOVNG 147

Thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all)

• For the fruits of all creation—CWBII 488, GA 426
• Glory and praise to our God—AOV1 16, CWBII 491, GA 417, G 606
• I will praise the Lord (Joncas)—G 93
• Lift up your hearts—CWBII 539, GA 416
• Let justice roll like a river—GA 515, G 810
• Praise God from whom all blessings flow—AOV1 10, CWB 788, CWBII 394, GA 384

Sending forth

• City of God—AOV1 57, CWBII 453, G 766, GA 498
• Love is his word—CWB 743, CWBII 553, GA 462
• Now thank we all our God—AOV1 189, CWB 755, CWBII 561, G 636, GA 425
• Sing a new Church (Dufner)—G 743, DD (OCP)
• Sing of the Lord’s goodness—AOV1 131, CWBII 601, G 610, GA 413
• Take the word of God with you—CWBII 607, GA 494, DD (OCP)
• There’s a wideness in God’s mercy—CWB 838, CWBII 624, G 644
• What does the Lord require—CWBII 642
• Whatsoever you do—CWB 860