ARCHDIOCESE OF CINCINNATILITURGICAL RESOURCE: INTRODUCTION, PENITENTIAL ACT AND UNIVERSAL PRAYER

SOLEMNITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTIONDECEMBER 8, 2015

INTRODUCTION: Today marks the beginning of the Jubilee Year of

Mercy with the opening of the “Holy Door of

Mercy” by Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica.

As we celebrate this Marian feast of the Immaculate Conception, we give thanks and praise to God for her willingness to accept God’s invitation to be the Mother of Mercy, Jesus Christ. Pope Francis tells us, that “Jesus Christ is the face of the Father’s mercy,” and that God’s mercy “will always be greater than any sin.” God’s gift of mercy is ours to receive and ours to share.

PENITENTIAL ACT: For those times we have not offered mercy to others,

let us acknowledge our sins, and so prepare ourselves

to celebrate the sacred mysteries.

I confess to almighty God… Or

Lord Jesus, you came to heal the sinner.Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you heal the contrite of heart.Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you are Son of God, Son of Mary.Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

UNIVERSAL PRAYER

PRESIDER:Trusting in God’s mercy and Mary’s constant intercession

for us and the world, let us bring before the Lord our needs.

DEACON: For Pope Francis and the entire Church, for those who lead

us in the way of mercy. We pray to the Lord.

For our world and its leaders, for the desire and

willingness to lead with mercy and justice. We pray to the

Lord.

For ourselves, for the courage to say “yes” like Mary that mercy might be born in our hearts as we respond to the call of God and the needs of others. We pray

to the Lord.

For the sick, the lonely, the lost, and those on the fringes of

society, may the work of the Church provide comfort and care. We pray to the Lord.

For those who have died, especially ___________________, may they share in the

eternal banquet of heaven. We pray to the Lord.

PRESIDER: Merciful Father,You love us as your very own sons and

daughter. May thecompassion and love that you pour into our

hearts be the source of our joy and lead us to give you praise by responding to your call and serving those in need. We ask this through Christ, our Lord.