Triduum of Prayer, Reflection and Penance for victims of sexual abuse by members of the Church Friday, 2 December 2016 OPENING MASS Introduce the whole Triduum with the Pastoral Letter from the Bishops of the SACBC. This could be read by the Parish Priest/ Commentator or Proclaimer/ Lay leader Opening Prayer God our Father, you have such an immense love for each of us, especially the small and helpless. We pray for all those whose dignity as children of God has not been respected, particularly the children, young people and vulnerable adults who have been sexually abused, that by your grace and with the support of the Christian Community they may once again find peace and their deep wounds be healed. We pray also for the gift of conversion for those who have caused them this harm. We offer you these prayers through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. Liturgy of the Word First Reading: 1Kings 8:44-52 or Isaiah 1: 16-20 or Joel 2: 12-17 Psalm Response: Psalm 26:1, 4, 13-14 Gospel: Luke 4: 18-21 Homily Any readings that are relevant can be used. See attached other suggested readings The Prayers of the Faithful Brothers and Sisters, we pray to Jesus Christ, the faithful and compassionate priest who atoned for our sins so that we would know forgiveness, reconciliation and peace. In response we say: Oh Lord, heal the wounds of your faithful. For the Church of Christ, called to be a safe home that welcomes all with the balm of mercy, that we grow relentlessly in our solicitude for children, young people and the vulnerable, so that we all may experience God s protection. Lord hear us: For our Holy Father Pope Francis, that the eyes of his heart may always see clearly the path of merciful love, and that God grant him the courage to continue in that path for the sake of all God s children. Lord hear us: For bishops, priests and all who have responsibility for others in the church communities, that they may work tirelessly in ensuring the safety of children, young people and vulnerable adults, promoting best practices of education, prevention and healing in the Church. Lord hear us: For all who have been abused, especially sexual abuse, during their childhood or adolescence, that they find healing and new hope within in the church community. Lord hear us:
For those who have sexually abused a minor or vulnerable adult, that the Lord grant them the gift of conversion and commit themselves to restore in justice the damage they have inflicted on others and cooperated with therapies which lead to restraint and healing. Lord hear us: Conclusion May God our Father hear our prayers and send the Holy Spirit to infuse into each of us, especially into the hearts of the ministers of the Church, the love and affection for the Father s little one which characterised Jesus own presence among us and which leads us to embrace a special responsibility for the well-being of all children, young people and vulnerable adults. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. The Liturgy of the Eucharist Eucharistic Prayer for Reconciliation 1 Prayer after Communion Blessing Dismissal Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament The exposition could follow the celebration of the Mass for an hour or two, it could also take the form of a night -vigil or conclude at midnight, or, it could be organised for the whole day of Saturday. Confessions and a healing liturgy could take place sometime during the Exposition or at the end of exposition or on Saturday or at the end of the Sunday Mass. People could request to be prayed over by the laying-on of hands or anointing with oil blessed according to the prescriptions of the SACBC. Decisions are best made by the parish priest together with the Parish Pastoral Council with the aim of giving as many people as possible the opportunity to be part of this triduum of prayer and fasting.
Saturday 03 December DAY OF FASTING AND PENANCE/SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Holy Hours with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Introduce the whole Triduum with the Pastoral Letter from the Bishops of the SACBC. This could be read by the Parish Priest/ Commentator or Proclaimer/ Lay leader. The Blessed Sacrament is exposed in the monstrance; therefore, six candles are lit at the altar, and incense must be used at the beginning and the conclusion. It may be used throughout the day. EXPOSITION A suitable hymn is sung while the minister comes to the altar. A brief greeting and introduction to the Holy Hour can be given. The minister then opens the tabernacle and places the Host in the monstrance and incenses it. As he does so, a suitable hymn is sung. ADORATION Silent prayer for a few minutes Reading from Scripture: The following are some possible choices for Scripture Readings: Joel 2.12-18 And/or Mark 10.13-16 Silent prayer Praying of the Rosary: The Sorrowful Mysteries Then the following prayer may be recited: Prayer for the Victims of Sexual Abuse Heavenly Father, who loves and cares for all your children, especially the smallest and most vulnerable, we entrust to you the lives of the many children and vulnerable adults, who have been sexually abused, and whose trust and innocence have been destroyed. Help us to hear their cries of pain and to take responsibility for their care and support. We pray that within our communities and families these children and young adults may find understanding and support so that with the help of your grace their wounds may be healed and that they may again find peace. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who shared our weakness and vulnerability in all things but sin, lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen. Then the Hail, Holy Queen may be recited BENEDICTION A suitable Eucharistic hymn is sung. During this, if the Blessed Sacrament is exposed in the monstrance, the minister incenses it. Afterwards the minister rises and sings or says one of the usual prayers:
Let us pray. Lord Jesus Christ, you gave us the Eucharist as the memorial of your suffering and death. May our worship of this sacrament of your Body and Blood help us to experience the salvation you won for us and the peace of the Kingdom where you live with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen After the prayer, the priest or deacon puts on the humeral veil, genuflects, and takes the monstrance. He makes the sign of the cross over the people with the monstrance in silence. Afterwards The Divine Praises are recited or sung. The minister replaces the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle. Meanwhile a suitable song may be sung, and the minister then leaves. Further resource material for night vigil will be found on the website of the Conference, www.sacbc.org.za
Sunday, 04 December 2016 Introduce the whole Triduum with the Pastoral Letter from the Bishops of the SACBC. This could be read by the Parish Priest/ Commentator or Proclaimer/ Lay leader. Proclaimer: Let us now stand and join in singing the Entrance Hymn Processional Hymn Penitential Rite SPRINKLING RITE: Water is blessed according to the rite found in the appendix of the Roman Missal. The KYRIE is omitted while the priest sprinkles the congregation with Holy Water. During the sprinkling, the congregation sings a solemn hymn of cleansing or something that suggest the healing waters of Baptism. This hymn concludes when the sprinkling rite is completed. Opening Prayer of the 2 nd Sunday of Advent LITURGY OF THE WORD The readings are taken from the Second Sunday of Advent Year A First Reading: Isaiah 11:1-10 Psalm Response: Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13 First Reading: Romans 15:4-9 Gospel: Matthew 3:1-12 Homily PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFULL Priest: Brothers and sisters, during this Advent Season we express our longing for Jesus Christ, the faithful and compassionate Priest, who atoned for our sins so that we would know forgiveness, reconciliation and peace. Proclaimer: Our response is, Lord heal the wounds of your people. For the Church and its leaders, especially our Holy Father the Pope, our bishops and all entrusted with the care of the Lord s flock, that they may truly fulfil the vocation to shepherd and protect all in their care. Lord hear us: For civic leaders entrusted with upholding the common good and justice for all that they may act in ways that show their commitment to the protection of all. Lord hear us: For parents, mentors, teachers, coaches and all who work with children and young people, that they may look after them with the watchful eye of the Good Shepherd. Lord hear us: For families who are called to be the first to show God s love, that with necessary support they provide safe and nurturing environments for all their members. Lord hear us:
For those who have suffered abuse, that they may experience God s profound love for them and God s healing powers. Lord hear us: For those who provide help for the abused: priests and pastoral workers, counsellors, therapists, and advocates that they may act with wisdom and compassion in their healing ministry. Lord hear us: For those affected by abuse in anyway, that they may have the courage to tell their story, to reach for healing. Lord hear us: Priest: Lord God, your own Son was delivered into the hands of the wicked who abused and misused him, yet he prayed for his persecutors and overcame hatred with the blood of the cross. Relieve the suffering of those present today and grant them peace of mind and a renewed faith in your protection and care. Protect us all from the violence of others, keep us safe from the weapons of hate, and restore to us tranquillity and peace. We ask this through Christ our Lord. LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST Preparation of the Altar and Presentation of the Gifts Prayer after Communion CONCLUDING RITE Final Blessing and Dismissal