JUBILEE YEAR OF MERCY RECONCILIATION SERVICE 2015 Presider s Copy Penance Service Checklist: 1.) Set-up places of reconciliation for the priests. 2.) Place the presider's notebook at the presider's chair (with music included.) 3.) Have songbooks and programs ready for visiting priests. 5.) Ask someone to distribute programs to the people. 6.) Place readings and music at their appropriate places. ********************************************************************** Procession? Pre-seated? At the given time, the cantor begins. Cantor: We come together this morning/afternoon/evening to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation during this Jubilee Year of Mercy. Pope Francis tells us that new evangelization means becoming aware of the Father s merciful love so that we too may become instruments of salvation for our brothers and sisters." Let us join in singing: which you will find in your worship aid. GATHERING HYMN: Have Mercy on Us, Lord OR Loving and Forgiving OR The God of All Grace
OPENING RITES +In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Grace, mercy, and peace be with you from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. And with your spirit. We gather this day to repent of our sins and to be renewed by the lifegiving mercy of God. Let us pray for true conversion of heart that we may rise with Jesus to fullness of life. Lord, hear the prayers of those who call on you, forgive the sins of those who confess to you, and in your merciful love give us your pardon and your peace. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen. LITURGY OF THE WORD Sit 1 st Reading: Romans 5:1-2, 5-8 (Lectionary Vol I 28A) Reader: A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans. Brothers and sisters: Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in hope of the glory of God. And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. For Christ, while we were still helpless, died at the appointed time for the ungodly. Indeed, only with difficulty does one die for a just person, though perhaps for a good person one might even find courage to die. But God proves his love for us that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Response: Psalm 33 (Lectionary Volume I 52A] Let Your mercy be on us, O God, as we place our trust in You. Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia or Lenten Acclamation (include a verse if necessary for procession) Gospel: Matthew 9:9-13 (Lectionary Volume I 88A [also in Book of Gospels]) Deacon (or priest): Deacon (or priest): The Lord be with you. And with your spirit. A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew. Glory to you, O Lord. As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, Follow me. And Matthew got up and followed him. While Jesus was at table in Matthew s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners? Jesus heard this and said, Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners." The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. Homily EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE Sit Mindful of Jesus suffering and death for our salvation, we come before him this day with humble and contrite hearts, acknowledging our sinfulness and praying for his mercy. (The music begins. The music will continue softly under each reflection and the cantor will bring in the assembly at the designated times.)
Reader: 1.) When priorities other than God take precedence in my life when I neglect my prayer life and ignore God s presence within me when I take God s name in vain and refuse to grow in holiness 2.) When I harbor bitterness and resentment towards others because of disagreements and hurt feelings when concern for my own personal needs prevents me from recognizing and responding to the needs of others when impatience and intolerance inhibit me from recognizing the goodness and potential of each person I meet 3.) When worry and frustration keep me from placing my trust and confidence in God when anger and jealousy prevent me from hearing God speak to me in my heart when feelings of discouragement and despair hinder me from realizing that darkness always leads to light Let us pause for a moment of silence to examine our lives as we consider the sins we will confess. Please kneel. (time for silent reflection) Kneel Brothers and sisters, let us call to mind the goodness of God our Father, and acknowledge our sins, so that we may receive his merciful forgiveness: My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you, whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy. Amen. Cantor: Lord, Have Mercy or Kyrie Eleison (repeated by assembly; as at Mass)
The Lord s Prayer Remember us, Lord, when you come into your kingdom and teach us how to pray: Our Father INDIVIDUAL CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION Sit All are seated as the priests make their way to where they will hear individual confessions. If desired, instrumental music may be played in the background (see appendix). FOLLOWING INDIVIDUAL CONFESSIONS: Proclamation of Praise for God s Mercy All stand and sing: There's a Wideness in God's Mercy OR Blest Be the Lord OR These Alone Are Enough Concluding Prayer 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. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. CONCLUDING RITE Blessing The Lord be with you. And with your spirit. May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Dismissal Deacon: The Lord has freed you from your sins. Go in peace. (or presider, if no deacon) Thanks be to God. (instrumental music for recessional, except in Lent)
READING: Romans 5:1-2, 5-8 A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans. Brothers and sisters: Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in hope of the glory of God. And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. For Christ, while we were still helpless, died at the appointed time for the ungodly. Indeed, only with difficulty does one die for a just person, though perhaps for a good person one might even find courage to die. But God proves his love for us that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. The Word of the Lord. GOSPEL: Matthew 9:9-13 A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew. As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, Follow me. And Matthew got up and followed him. While Jesus was at table in Matthew s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners? Jesus heard this and said, Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners." The Gospel of the Lord.
EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE - stand Mindful of Jesus suffering and death for our salvation, we come before him this morning with humble and contrite hearts acknowledging our sinfulness and praying for his mercy. (The music begins. The music will continue under each reflection and the cantor will bring in the assembly at the designated times.) Reader: 1.) When priorities other than God take precedence in my life when I neglect my prayer life and ignore God s presence within me when I take God s name in vain and refuse to grow in holiness 2.) When I harbor bitterness and resentment towards others because of disagreements and hurt feelings when concern for my own personal needs prevents me from recognizing and responding to the needs of others when impatience and intolerance inhibit me from recognizing the goodness and potential of each person I meet 3.) When worry and frustration keep me from placing my trust and confidence in God when anger and jealousy prevent me from hearing God speak to me in my heart when feelings of discouragement and despair hinder me from realizing that darkness always leads to light
1.) There is a Longing 2.) Hosea 3.) The Lord is My Hope 4.) O God, You Search Me Appendix: Suggested instrumental music selections to be played very softly during individual confessions: 5.) Humbly Lord, We Worship You 6.) God of Day and God of Darkness 7.) As the Deer Longs 8.) Come to the Water 9.) Abide With Me 10.) The Cry of the Poor 11.) There is a Balm in Gilead 12.) There is a Longing 13.) We Will Rise Again 14.) Whatsoever You Do 15.) Where My Father Lives 16.) Be Still, My Soul 17.) Be Thou My Vision 18.) Earthen Vessels 19.) Jesus, Come to Us 20.) Taize selections - appropriate to the liturgical season