Source: http://www.cam.org.au/evangelisation/Summit
Timestamp: 2019-04-25 01:45:58+00:00

Document:
Welcome to The Summit Online!
The Summit Online builds on over 40 years of service to liturgy teams across Australia (and internationally), by providing insightful commentaries on the seasons, ministries and pastoral celebration of the Church's liturgy; as well as liturgical notes for homilists, music suggestions and videos, and weekly reflections on the Sunday gospels.
New to The Summit Online? This brief video gives an introduction to the resource and how it can help you as you plan local liturgies.
Indicates the weekly scriptural citations and a brief summary of the content of each reading. Includes Images from the Word, prepared by Davir Orr OSB, which may be used in framing texts for penitential rites, intercessions, the Lamb of God litany and invitations.
© The scriptural quotations are taken from the Jerusalem Bible, published and copyright 1966, 1967 and 1968 by Darton, Longman and Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Co Inc.
The confession of faith of the elect.
R. Be with me Lord, when I am in trouble.
The confession of faith of the believers in Christ.
No one lives on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.
‘Holy Communion has a fuller form as a sign when it takes place under both kinds. For in this form the sign of the Eucharistic banquet is more clearly evident and clearer expression is given to the divine will by which the new and eternal Covenant is ratified in the Blood of the Lord, as also the connection between the Eucharistic banquet and the eschatological banquet in the Kingdom of the Father’ (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, § 281).
The theme of being people of the new covenant is not strong among Catholics. This is particularly evident in our reserve in regard to sharing in the cup of the new covenant. At the Last Supper, Christ gave to his disciples the cup of the new covenant so that they could share for all generations in the blood of that covenant that he shed for us. As we drink from the one cup at Mass, we affirm our willingness to be people of the new covenant and live accordingly.
‘When he calls on me, I will answer him; I will deliver him and give him glory, I will grant him length of days’ (entrance antiphon).
God made a covenant with Abraham, his faithful servant.
Christ will transfigure these bodies of ours into copies of his glorious body.
From the shining cloud the Father’s voice is heard: This is my beloved Son, hear him.
As Jesus prayed, the aspect of his face was changed and his clothing became brilliant as lightening.
‘The Second Vatican Council, which recommended “that more perfect form of participation in the Mass by which the faithful, after the Priest’s Communion, receive the Lord’s Body from the same Sacrifice,” called for another desire of the Fathers of Trent to be put into effect, namely, that for the sake of a fuller participation in the Holy Eucharist “at each Mass the faithful present should communicate not only by spiritual desire but also by sacramental reception of the Eucharist”’ (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, § 13).
The theme of sacrifice is very central to the Catholic’s understanding of the Mass. However, it is important that the assembly is made aware of their central role in offering this one sacrifice of Christ. The priestly people of God are not spectators but are active in offering this sacrifice under the leadership of the ordained priest. To be able to share in this offering of the sacrifice, they must communicate with the bread consecrated at that celebration and not from the tabernacle. Only in this way do they share in the ‘more perfect form of participation in the Mass’.
‘Of you my heart has spoken: Seek his face. It is your face, O Lord, that I seek; hide not your face from me’ (entrance antiphon).
Pope Francis reminds us in his encyclical that ‘Mary is that woman who rejoiced in the presence of God, who treasured everything in her heart, and who let herself be pierced by the sword. Mary is the saint among the saints, blessed above all others. She teaches us the way of holiness and she walks ever at our side. She does not let us remain fallen and at times she takes us into her arms without judging us’ (Gaudete et Exultate,§ 176).
As we pause in our Lenten journey to celebrate the ministry of Mary in the life of the church, we are invited to take courage in her ever-protecting presence in the life of the church. Like Mary, we are called to be ever-attentive to God’s word and ever-obedient to his call.
‘The Lord said, as he entered the world. Behold, I come to do your will, O God’ (entrance antiphon).
The people of God went to the Promised Land and there kept the Passover.
God reconciled us to himself through Christ.
I will rise and go to my father and tell him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.
‘In the celebration of Mass the faithful form a holy people, a people of God’s own possession and a royal priesthood, so that they may give thanks to God and offer the unblemished sacrificial Victim not only by means of the hands of the Priest but also together with him and so that they may learn to offer their very selves. They should, moreover, take care to show this by their deep religious sense and their charity toward brothers and sisters who participate with them in the same celebration’ (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, § 95).
Our God has formed us to be his work of art. In the waters of baptism and the anointing of confirmation, we are called and formed to be his holy people, enjoying a share in the royal priesthood of his Son. Having been created in his likeness, we must respond to God by giving thanks and offering the sacrifice of his Son. Our role at Mass is never to be silent spectators of the actions of others but to help form the celebration by the sacrifice of our lives, taken to the altar during the procession of gifts.
‘Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful, all who were in mourning; exult and be satisfied at her consoling breast’ (entrance antiphon).
With all your heart turn to me, for I am tender and compassionate.
‘If Communion of the Blood of Christ is carried out by communicants’ drinking from the chalice, each communicant, after receiving the Body of Christ, moves to the minister of the chalice and stands facing him. The minister says, The Blood of Christ, the communicant replies, Amen, and the minister hands over the chalice, which the communicant raises to his or her mouth’ (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, § 286).
Fortunately in our times, Communion from the chalice has been restored to the priestly people of God. At our Sunday Mass, we are gifted with the sacrifice of Christ and are made sharers in the new covenant foreseen by Jeremiah in today’s first reading. By the ritual of communing in the chalice, we acknowledge by our ‘Amen’ our commitment to share in the cross of Christ by the life we live in his name.
‘Give me justice, O God, and plead my cause against a nation that is faithless. From the deceitful and cunning rescue me, for you, O God, are my strength’ (entrance antiphon).
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.
The passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.
‘At the Last Supper, Our Saviour instituted the Eucharistic Sacrifice of his Body and Blood, by which the Sacrifice of his Cross is perpetuated until he comes again; and till then he entrusts the memorial of his Death and Resurrection to his beloved spouse, the Church’ (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, § 2).
At the Mass, we do not reenact the historical events of Calvary, for they have passed into time. We do, however, celebrate the presence of the one who died and has risen. We have been entrusted with this sacred memory. ‘When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again’, we acclaim during the eucharistic prayer. So our focus on Palm Sunday is not directly upon the historical events of the day, but upon the mystery of the one who gave his life so that we may live.
‘The children of the Hebrews, carrying olive branches, went to meet the Lord, crying out and saying: Hosanna in the highest’ (antiphon).
Please refer to the Lectionary, Vol. 1 or Sunday Missal for Scripture citations and the headings to the readings.
‘The fundamental importance of Sunday has been recognized through two thousand years of history and was emphatically restated by the Second Vatican Council: “Every seven days, the Church celebrates the Easter mystery. This is a tradition going back to the Apostles, taking its origin from the actual day of Christ’s Resurrection—a day thus appropriately designated ‘the Lord’s Day’”’ (Dies Domini, § 3).
In his encyclical on keeping Sunday holy, St John Paul II reminded us that the importance of Sunday is based upon today’s great feast of Easter. The actual celebration of Easter as a special feast day did not come to Rome until the middle of the second century. Previously, the sacrament of the resurrection with the celebration of the Mass occurred every Sunday. The community sings ‘Alleluia’ and draws life for the coming week from their encounter with the resurrected Christ.
‘I have risen, and I am with you still, alleluia. You have laid your hand upon me, alleluia. Too wonderful for me, this knowledge, alleluia, alleluia’ (entrance antiphon).
Audio Divina is a lectio-divina inspired Podcast that features high-quality, meticulously researched reflections provided by world-renowned biblical scholar Rev. Professor Francis J. Moloney SDB AM. Audio Divina will help bring the sacred texts alive through a medium that is easily accessible to all ages in the modern world. The podcast will eventually cover every Sunday reading over years A, B and C of the liturgical calendar, offering a fantastic resource to those who are studying, or simply hunger for the gift that comes from listening and understanding the Word of God.
They are available to listen to and download from https://salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina.
The first page contains a copy of the Sunday Gospel, snippets of Catholic ‘lore’ related to the readings, and questions for reflection/discussion including a prayer for the week. They may be photocopied for use by the whole group.
The second page is useful especially for catechists as it offers a closer look at the Scripture of the day and how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ. Practical ideas are also offered for connecting the Gospel and daily life, and suggested music and environment. Finally, space has been provided for the catechumens and candidates to write any notes arising from the discussion or points for further reflection.
Exploring the Word is written by Kath Boyle, MEd (Hons), MTheol.
Produced quarterly, this Exploring the Word offers reflections on each Sunday gospel reading, questions for reflection and suggested prayers.
Hymn selections have been prepared by Fiona Dyball (B.Mus (ACU), Grad.Dip. Music Therapy (Melb), Grad.Dip. Sec Ed (Melb), MMusSt (Melb), Grad.Dip. RE (ACU), MTS (Liturgy, Boston College, USA).
A change in Mass setting from whatever is usually used in Ordinary Time serves to highlight the change of liturgical season. In keeping with the more introspective and reflective character of the season of Lent, a Mass setting that is simpler and more contemplative would be appropriate. This deepens the character of the season. Use the Lenten acclamations, remembering that the gospel acclamation also changes to reflect the season. See the ‘Mass Settings’ section in CWBII, as well as the ‘Service Music’ section in CWBII for the seasonal responses. There is no Gloria sung and no Alleluia gospel acclamation used in Lent. Lent is a time for returning to God in all aspects of our lives; the music chosen should reflect and support this purpose.
Seasonal psalms can be used at any liturgy during Lent.
It is preferable to use one acclamation throughout the whole season.
Seasonal psalms, common responsorial psalms and common responses are a resource for communities who wish to sing the responsorial psalm but find they cannot learn new music each week. These settings can be sung over some weeks: seasonal and common responsorial psalms are sung as they are written, and common responses allow for the use of a common antiphon and the psalm verses set for each week. Over time, by using the psalms suggested, a community can gradually build its repertoire and ensure that the sung responsorial psalm stays a regular part of the Liturgy of the Word.
The procession of the gifts/offertory is an appropriate time for an appropriate solo piece from a solo singer, or the choir. This piece may replace a communal hymn or song at this time.
The GIRM §88 instructs that when the distribution of Communion is finished, there is a time of silence and prayer. This period of silence may then be followed by a thanksgiving hymn, psalm or canticle that is to be sung by all.
A change in Mass setting from whatever is used in Lent highlights the change of liturgical season. The great fifty days from Easter to Pentecost form a season of sustained joy, and a Mass setting that reflects this joy may also be used at Pentecost. This again deepens the character of the season without there being too much new music to learn for the people. Instruments may now also be used more freely in Masses. See the ‘Mass Settings’ section in CWBII, as well as the ‘Service Music’ section in CWBII for some seasonal responses. The Gloria and Alleluia gospel acclamations are both used in the season of Easter.
Seasonal psalms can be used at any liturgy during the season of Easter.
Please use the verses of the day.
Praise and honour to you, Lord, Jesus, Christ!
A collection of suggested prayers of the faithful.
As we enter into the Lenten season, we recognise our need to pray each day for peace, for reconciliation and healing, and for an end to violence in our world.
We pray for Pope Francis and all bishops and priests of our church. May their voices be heard as they call on all people to reflect on the significance of the Lenten season as a time of personal reconciliation.
In acknowledging International Women’s Day, in prayer we salute women for the support they provide to family, community and the church, especially in the area of pastoral care.
We pray for Project Compassion during Lent. May the efforts and sacrifices people make so strengthen their awareness that they can respond to the needs of the poor.
We pray for our faith community. During this Lenten season, may we heed Jesus’ call to us to repent and believe in the Good News.
We pray for the sick and for those who minister to them.
We commend to your love those who have died recently and those whose anniversaries occur at this time. May they be welcomed into your kingdom and find the peace and happiness promised to them.
Heavenly Father, in your mercy, help us in this season of repentance to remember the needy, the poor and the sick. We ask this in Jesus’ name.
God shows no partiality but hears all those who cry out in need. Let us begin our prayers to our God of mercy.
We pray for Pope Francis and all church leaders. May Christians understand and put into practice the message of mercy they proclaim.
We pray for peace in our world. May all Abraham’s descendants respect the mutual rights of others to follow the prophet on their own journey of peace.
We pray for all catechumens and candidates presenting themselves for reception into the church at the Rite of Election in the cathedral this Sunday. May we grow with them in the life Christ has shared with us.
We pray for our faith community. May our Lenten practices and works for Project Compassion be the living witness of our commitment to live by the Gospel.
We pray for the sick of our parish and for all who have asked for our prayers.
We commend to your love those who have died recently and those whose anniversaries occur at this time. May they now be in eternal peace.
O God, may your love reach out and touch all those in need of your mercy. We offer these prayers to you through Jesus our Lord.
We gather in faith before our God and we confidently offer our prayers for ourselves and our world.
We pray for Pope Francis and all church leaders. May they bring to light the infinite love of God.
We pray for our political, civil and business leaders. May they move beyond power, control and greed and work for the good of all their people.
We continue to pray for all catechumens and candidates preparing for reception into our church this Easter. May we be blessed to accompany them on their journey of faith.
In this Lenten season, we pray for our faith community, and for a deeper sense of repentance, forgiveness and reconciliation among ourselves and in our world.
We pray for the sick of our parish and for all who care for them.
We remember those who have died recently and those whose anniversaries occur at this time.
God of love, may your peace and mercy be on all those who cry out to you. Grant us the grace to rejoice in your saving Word. We ask this in Jesus’ name.
God has reconciled us through Jesus Christ. We implore God today to show mercy, healing and forgiveness to all who are in need.
We pray for Pope Francis and all church leaders. May they show the way of a church that is a welcoming community, teaching us how to forgive and how to be forgiven.
We pray for families where there is discord and animosity. May they be reconciled with each other and be blessed by God’s love.
We continue to pray for Project Compassion this Lenten season. May the efforts and sacrifices people make strengthen their awareness so that they can better respond to the needs of the poor.
We pray for our faith community. May we pause and examine our own lives in the light of Jesus’ teaching in today’s gospel.
We pray for the sick of our parish and for all who have asked us for our prayers.
We pray for all who have died recently and for all whose anniversaries occur at this time. May they be raised to eternal life in Christ.
Merciful Father, we come to you with repentant hearts. Hear the prayers we have brought to you today. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord.
The power of God was manifest in all that Jesus said and did. Through the Spirit of Jesus, we open our hearts in prayer.
We pray for our church. Under the leadership of Pope Francis, may it model Jesus’ wisdom, mercy and love in our troubled world.
We pray for all government officials. May their service always be grounded in the ideals of justice and the common good.
We pray with and for the catechumens and candidates of our parish and diocese. As they come closer to the Easter sacraments, may they experience peace and healing.
We pray for our faith community. May we recognise our own sinfulness so that we may respond with mercy and kindness to others.
We pray for those who have died recently and for all whose anniversaries occur at this time. May God welcome them into the eternal kingdom.
Merciful Father, hear the prayers of your children gathered here today. May your saving grace reach out to all for whom we pray. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
United with Christ, in this Holy Week, we call out to God for harmony, reconciliation and healing of the world’s wounds.
We pray for Pope Francis and all church leaders. May they be inspired by the example of the Suffering Servant in their mission to call Christians to a sense of service to others.
We pray for Project Compassion and the work of Caritas. May our contributions help to lighten the load of communities struggling to make their way in the world.
We pray for all who are being received into our church this Easter. May they be supported and encouraged as they live out the Christian call to worship and service.
We pray for our faith community as we journey with Jesus through his passion and death. May we all come to a deeper understanding and acceptance of what this means to us.
We pray for the sick and the suffering, that they may be healed.
We pray for those who have died recently and for all whose anniversaries occur at this time. May they be raised in Christ to the eternal life he has promised.
God of mercy and compassion, speak to those whose needs we entrust to you today. We pray this through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns forever.
On this Easter Day, our hearts are full of gladness and hope. With confidence, we entrust to God our prayers of petition.
We pray for Pope Francis and all bishops and priests of our church. May the Spirit guide them in spreading the Easter message throughout the world.
We pray for all church agencies and outreach programs. May their efforts be stimulated by the generosity of all who have contributed to Project Compassion.
In recognition of Anzac Day this week, we pray for all those women and men from Australia and New Zealand who lost their lives in the battles of the First World War. We pray for all who have fought on battlefields since then, especially those engaged in various places around the world today.
We pray for our faith community, especially those received into the church this week. May the graces we have received during this Easter season help and encourage us to grow in the knowledge and love of our Lord and Saviour.
We pray for those who have died recently and those whose anniversaries occur at this time. May they be raised up to be with the Risen Lord.
God of life, hear these prayers of intercession. Let your mercy flow in abundance upon all who are in need. We make our prayers through Christ, the risen Lord.

References: § 281
 § 13
 § 95
 § 286
 § 2
 § 3
 §88