Mass for the Survivors of Sex Abuse
MASS FOR THE HOLY INNOCENTS
28 December 2013
Introductory Rites:
“The leaders of the Catholic Church in Australia recognise and acknowledge the devastating harm caused to people by the crime of child sexual abuse. \
The leaders of the Catholic Church in Australia commit ourselves to endeavour to repair the wrongs of the past, to listen to and hear victims, to put their needs first, and do everything we can to ensure a safer future for children.” (First published in the Truth Justice and Healing Council’s Toward Healing submission to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, September 2013)”
Entrance Hymn:
Here I am Lord”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcxOkht8w7c
Penitential Act:
1. Lord Jesus, you are the light of salvation for all. Lord …….
2. Christ Jesus, you came to carry our burdens.
3. Lord Jesus, you are the way to justice and peace.
Gloria
(The Gloria is not said in this mass)
Collect
O God, whom the Holy Innocents confessed and proclaimed on this day,
not by speaking but by dying,
grant, we pray,
that the faith in you which we confess with our lips,
may also speak through our manner of life.
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.
Readings for Mass
First Reading: Isiaih 25:6-9
New International Version (NIV)
6 On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare
a feast of rich food for all peoples,
a banquet of aged wine—
the best of meats and the finest of wines.
7 On this mountain he will destroy
the shroud that enfolds all peoples,
the sheet that covers all nations;
8 he will swallow up death forever.
The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears
from all faces;
he will remove his people’s disgrace
from all the earth.
The Lord has spoken.
9 In that day they will say,
“Surely this is our God;
we trusted in him, and he saved us.
This is the Lord, we trusted in him;
let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 27
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.
4 One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.
6 Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.
7 Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Saviour.
10Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.
11 Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.
12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.
13 I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
There is no Alleluia at this mass ????
Gospel Reading
Matthew 11:25-30
English Standard Version (ESV)
Come to Me, and I Will Give You Rest
25 At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.[a] 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
The Creed
The Prayers of the Faithful
For the leaders of the Church: that they work with humility, compassion and honesty to make the Church a true presence of Christ in the world.
For us as Church: that we respond to survivors of abuse with the mind and heart of Jesus, providing justice, compassion and support.
For the survivors of sexual abuse: that they find the comfort and strength to come to healing.
For children everywhere: that they are able to live and grow in safety and love.
For women, children and men who have suffered any form of abuse: may they come through the kindness of others to peace and wholeness.
For the families who grieve over the suffering of their family members: that they experience the healing love of God.
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Preparatory Prayer: As per the prayers of the day
Preface:
Eucharistic Prayer:
Communion Rite
The Lord’s Prayer
Sign of Peace
Communion Hymn
“Make me a Channel of your Peace”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gUEEE42Spg
Prayer after Communion
Recessional Hymn
“Strong and Constant is Your Love”