Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy Second Rite of Reconciliation 1
Processional Hymn A Trusting Psalm - Kevin Bates Greeting Welcome to [insert parish name] for the celebration of the Second Rite of Reconciliation in this Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy. In the words of Pope Francis: The Sacrament of Reconciliation calls us back to God, and embraces us with his infinite mercy and joy. May we allow his love to renew us as his children and to reconcile us with him, with ourselves and with one another. Opening Prayer Let us pray God of goodness and mercy, you offer us the opportunity of healing and renewal of our relationships with you and your people. Give us the strength and courage to truly open our hearts to your will as we come to you in humility and trust. We make this prayer through Jesus Christ out Lord. Amen. First Reading A reading from St Paul to the Corinthians. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God. 2
Responsorial Psalm Response: The Lord is Kind and Merciful My Soul, give thanks to the Lord, All my being bless his holy name. My Soul, give thanks to the Lord And never forget all his blessings. R It is God who forgives all your guilt, Who heals all of your ills, Who redeems your life from the grave, Who crowns you with love and compassion. R The Lord is compassion and love, slow to anger and rich in mercy. Treats us not according to sin, Nor repays us according to our faults. R As far as the east is from west So far does God remove our sins, As a father has regard for his sons, The Lord will forgive those who are faithful. R Gospel Acclamation [Fifth Sunday of Lent, Year C] [suggested setting Mass Shalom by Colin Smith / Paul Mason] Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus; Praise and honour, Lord Jesus Christ. With all your heart turn to me, for I am tender and compassionate. Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus; Praise and honour, Lord Jesus Christ. 3
Gospel Reading Luke 6: 31-38 A Reading from the Holy Gospel According to Luke Do to others as you would have them do to you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back. The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. Homily Commentator: Please Be Seated God, our loving Father, we place ourselves before you and come to you with open hearts. We know well our weaknesses. We have hurt others and there are many good things that we have failed to do. Help us with the guidance of your Holy Spirit to seek ways to renew our relationship with you and with others. Let us pause now to examine our conscience before we confess our sins. 4
Examination of Conscience Gentle organ music in the background Reader: Let us reflect on our relationship with God. Do I act as a follower of God in what I say and do? Am I letting God in his Word and in the Eucharist lead my life? Do I put things of the world before my relationship with God? Reader: Let us reflect on the way we live our lives as members of the Catholic Church. Do I take time to understand and support the teachings of the Church or do I just follow the crowd? Am I willing to stand up for my faith in public? Do I live by the example of Jesus? Reader: Let us reflect on how we live as people of faith. Do I show Christ-like respect and acceptance of my family and neighbours? Do I act with justice and mercy towards others? Do I act out of anger, envy or impatience, putting my needs and desires before others? Do I spend time in prayer? Reader: Let us reflect on how we live with other people. Do I use my talents and gifts for the good of others? Do I share what has been given to me, especially with those less fortunate? Do I treat people with respect regardless of differences? Reader: Let us reflect on our behaviour. Do I act honestly in both word and action? Am I respectful of other people s property? Do I speak of other people with respect and truth? 5
Let us pray now to God our Father in the words Christ gave us, and ask him for his forgiveness and protection from all evil: Our Father, Who art in heaven Hallowed be Thy Name; Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. Commentator: There is now the opportunity for individual Confession and absolution. A few points: Spend as much time as you need with the priest. Below is a suggested outline but be reassured you will be guided gently by the priest. Please respect this time of silence and reflection as people approach. You may want to re-read the Gospel reading or reflect on the examination of conscience or simply pray in silence. If you can please remain for the final prayers of this celebration once everyone has been to confession You are now invited to approach one of the priests at various places around the Church. Individual Confession and Absolution The Priest will greet you and invite you to confess your sins. Once you have finished your confession the priest will give you an appropriate penance (A prayer or action given to you by the priest which is an expression of sorrow). He will then invite you to pray an Act of Sorrow (Contrition). You may wish to use one listed below. O my God, I am very sorry that I have sinned against you because you are so good and with your help I will not sin again. or 6
Lord God, in you goodness have mercy on me: do not look on my sins, but take away all my guilt. Create in me a heart of joy and renew within me the peace of your presence in my life. or You may wish to pray your own prayer of sorry. Then Priest will pray the prayer of absolution (forgiveness) You answer: Amen. Then Priest will say: God has forgiven your sins. Go in peace. You respond: Thanks be to God. Your confession is now complete and you may wish to return to your seat in the Church and spend some time in prayer. After Personal Confession Proclamation of Praise for God s Mercy All-holy Father, you have shown us your mercy and made us a new creation in the likeness of your Son. Make us living signs of your love for the whole world to see. We ask this through Christ the Lord. Amen. In The Lord - Jacques Berthier, Taize Sign of Peace The Lord has given us the gift of peace, let us now give the same gift to our brothers and sisters. All exchange the sign of peace. 7
Concluding Rite May the Lord guide your hearts in the way of his love and fill you with Christ-like patience. Amen. May he give you strength to walk in newness of life and to please him in all things. Amen. May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. The Lord has freed you from your sins. Go in peace. Thanks be to God. Recessional Song Lift up Your Hearts - Roc O Connor 8