Advent Penitential Service

Introduction In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you.

Jesus said, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” - (Jn 8:12) “…though the light has come into the world people have shown they prefer darkness to the light because their deeds were sinful.” - (Jn 3:19)

Opening Prayer Let us Pray, Lord Jesus, Light of the world, take away our darkness, forgive our sins. Make us people of light make us faithful to your word that we may bring your light to the waiting world to the glory of God the Father. Amen

A reading from the Letter of St Paul to the Romans (13:8-14) Avoid getting into debt, except the debt of mutual love. If you love your fellow men you have carried out your obligations. All the commandments: You shall not commit adultery, you shall not kill, you shall not steal, you shall not covet, and so on, are summed up in this single command: You must love your neighbour as yourself. Love is the one thing that cannot hurt your neighbour; that is why it is the answer to every one of the commandments. Liturgy of the Word

Besides, you know ‘the time’ has come: you must wake up now: our salvation is even nearer than it was when we were converted. The night is almost over, it will be daylight soon - let us give up all the things we prefer to do under cover of the dark; let us arm ourselves and appear in the light. Let us live decently as people do in the daytime: no drunken orgies, no promiscuity or licentiousness, and no wrangling or jealousy. Let your armour be the Lord Jesus Christ; forget about your bodies with all their cravings. This is the Word of the Lord Thanks be to God

Homily

Reflection and Examination of Conscience Priest: A world of darkness is a world of confusion. So many people are confused about life. So many people living in darkness. So many people looking for happiness, but afraid to let the Light come in. Are you living in darkness?

Darkness in… …the moments of self pity and indifference. …lack of care and compassion. …selfishness and black moods. …cruel thoughts; cruel words; cruel actions. …old grudges stubbornly held. …half hearted worship. Priest:Lord have mercy. All:Lord have mercy.

Darkness when… …I refuse to forgive. …I am bad news for others. …the doors of my heart are closed. …I moan all the time. …I treat others unfairly. …I am unfaithful to God. to family…to others. Priest:Christ have mercy. All:Christ have mercy.

Darkness in… …my lack of love. …my outbursts of anger. …my ingratitude. …my abuse of life’s good things. …the prayerlessness of life. …my infidelity to the promises of my Baptism. Priest:Lord have mercy. All:Lord have mercy.

Let us in the words of Jesus, ask Our Father to forgive our sins and bring us to forgive those who sin against us. Our Father, who art in heaven Hallowed be thy name, Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, And forgive us our trespasses As we forgive those who trespass against us, And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil.

Individual Confession and Absolution The p enitents now go to the priests designated for individual confession, confess their sins, receive penance and are individually absolved. During this time people will be led in prayerful reflection; music may also be played.

Proclamation of God’s Mercy My soul glorifies the Lord My spirit rejoices in God my Saviour He looks on his servant in her lowliness: Henceforth all ages will call me blessed. The Almighty works marvels for me, Holy is his name! His mercy is from age to age on those who fear him.

He puts forth his arm in strength and scatters the proud hearted. He casts the mighty from their thrones and raises the lowly. He fills the starving with good thinks and sends the rich away empty. He protects Israel, his servant, remembering his mercy, the mercy promised to his father, to Abraham and his sons forever.

Proclamation of God’s Mercy My soul, give thanks to the Lord, all my being bless his holy name. My soul, give thanks to the Lord and never forget all his blessings.  It is he who forgives all your guilt, who heals every one of your ills, who redeems your life from the grave, who crowns you with love and compassion 

The Lord is compassion and love, slow to anger and rich in mercy. His wrath will come to an end; He will not be angry for ever. He does not treat us according to our sins nor repay us according to our faults  But the love of the Lord is everlasting upon those who hold him in fear; his justice reaches out to the children's children when they keep his covenant in truth. when they keep his will in their minds 

Concluding Prayer Lord Jesus Christ, Your loving forgiveness knows no limits. You took our human nature to give an example of humility and to make us faithful in every trail. May we never lose the gifts you have given us, but if we fall into sin lift us up by your gift of repentance, for you live and reign for ever and ever. to the glory of God the Father. Amen

Blessing The Lord be with you.And also with you. May the Lord bless you and keep you. Amen. May he let his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. Amen. May he lift up his countenance to you and give you peace. Amen.

Blessing May almighty God bless you. The Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Let us go in the love and peace of Christ. Thanks be to God.

A happy and Holy Christmas To all our Parishioners