J
jprioli
Guest
Sylvia:**We have used retired priests for years but they are all pressed now to say Sunday Masses at parish churches and can’t seem to get to us any longer.Our deacons are too busy to come. Now, you see our dilemma. Thanks for all ideas and suggestions but we have exhausted all of these.**
Blessings
Sylvia
Another poster has given you some good ideas. You should get a copy of Holy Communion and the Worship of the Eucharist Outside of Mass. That is the relevant book
However, to get you through this Saturday, I may be able to help you. Follow this format:
(1) Greeting
“Brothers and sisters, the Lord invites us to his table to share in the body of Christ: Bless him for his goodness.” (Resp: Blessed be God forever.) [Note: in a liturgical or paraliturgical setting, laypersons should not use the familiar “The Lord be with you.”]
(2) Penitential Rite
“My brothers and sisters, to prepare ourselves for this celebration, let us call to mind our sins.” Pause, Recite the Confiteor. At the end, “May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and brings us to everlasting life.” (Resp: Amen)
(3) Celebration of the Word of God
Use the Lectionary. Either the readings for the current day, or those for Votive Masses of the Holy Eucharist. For the Gospel reading, don’t say, “The Lord be with you…” Just begin wth “A reading from the Holy Gospel…”
After the Gospel, if you are permitted by your bishop, you may offer a brief reflection on the readings.
Then the General Intercessions, which you may compose or use the one from the parish.
(4) Holy Communion
Go to the place where you have the Blessed Sacrament reserved. Bring It to the altar (or the table you have set up for this purpose). Spread a corporal on the altar, and place the ciborium or pyx on the corporal.
Genuflect, then say, “Let us pray with confidence to the Father in the words our Savior gave us. Our Father…” Omit the embolism (“Deliver us…”) and the doxology (“For the kingdom…”).
You may wish to invite the people to share the sign of peace: “Let us offer each other the sign of peace.”
At the altar, genuflect again, and raise a host slightly over the pyx and say, “This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Happy are those who are called to his supper.” (They respond, “Lord, I am not worthy…”)
If you are to receive, say quietly “May the body of Christ bring me to everlasting life.” and reverently consume.
Minister Holy Communion as you normally would.
Have a period of silence after Holy Communion, or a song of praise.
Finally, the** Concluding Prayer:**
Then go to the Sacramentary. Find the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi). It can be found in the section “Solemnities of the Lord during Ordinary Time.” In the 1985 edition of the Sacramentary by the Catholic Book Publishing Company, it can be found on page 348.
Use the First Opening Prayer, “Lord Jesus Christ, you gave us the eucharist…” This is the prayer that is indicated for use as the closing prayer for a Communion service.
(5) Dismissal
Make the Sign of the Cross on yourself, saying:
“May the Lord bless us,” (forehead)
“Protect us from all evil,” (chest)
“And bring us to everlasting life.” (shoulders)
“Go in the peace of Christ” (Resp: Thanks be to God)