Preparation
Ideally, people should bring their own candles so that they could have them lighted before the proclamation of the Gospel. Where this is impractical, those with candles can have them blessed at a special ceremony at the end of Mass.
The Presider and ministers gather in the Nave opposite the 1st Door.
Two Sanctuary Assistants carry lighted candles.
As the Ministers are gathering in the Nave of the Church the Commentator says:
CM The BLESSING OF CANDLES Ceremony will take place before the
end of the Mass.
When all are ready the Presider, using a hand-held Mic, greets the people in these or similar words.
P
Welcome to our Church as we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple of Jerusalem.
Forty days ago we celebrated the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Today, we recall the occasion on which he was presented in the Temple, was offered to the Father and was revealed to the people.
Led by the Spirit, two elderly people, Simeon and Anna, came to the temple, recognized the baby Jesus as their Lord, and proclaimed him with joy.
Gathered now in this house of God, and united by the Spirit, we shall welcome Jesus Christ, the light to the nations, and recognize him in the sharing of the word and the breaking of bread.
CM Please stand and join in singing, THE LIGHT OF CHRIST.
The Ministers, led by Candle bearers, proceed to the Sanctuary.
Upon arrival, after the customary reverences, the Presider goes to his chair.
Sign of the Cross
Litany of Praise
Let us now praise the Lord Jesus who is our ‘light and our salvation’ (Ps 27.1)
Lord Jesus, you said:
“I am the light of the world.
Whoever follows me will have the light of life”. (John 8:12)
Lord, have mercy.
Christ Jesus, you said to us:
“You are the light of the world.
Let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works
and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5: 14, 16)
Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus,
you entrusted to us the mission
to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.
Lord, have mercy.
The Presider may introduce the GLORIA in these or similar words:
P
United with the whole Church
let us now give glory to God in the highest
and pray for peace among God’s people.
GLORIA
Opening Prayer
Inspired by your Spirit, Lord,
we gather in your temple to welcome your Son.
Enlighten our minds
and lay bare our inmost thoughts.
Purify your people,
and make us obedient to the demands of your law,
so that we too, like Jesus,
may grow in age and wisdom and grace.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever. AMEN
1st Reading Malachi 3.1-4
Responsorial Psalm 24 v. 1 -3
(2nd Reading may be omitted – if there are time constraints)
Gospel Acclamation
Gospel: Long Version: Luke 2: 22- 40
Shorter Version: Luke 2: 22-35; 39-40
Homily
GENERAL INTERCESSIONS
P Here in the House of God let us present our prayer through Jesus, the merciful high priest, who is not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters.
CM Our response is: Shine on your people, Lord.
Please repeat:
- In obedience to the law, Jesus was presented in the temple to his Father. (pause) May Christian parents follow the example of Joseph and Mary and have a healthy respect for just laws and religious traditions. We pray:
- The Lord comforted Simeon and Anna in their old age. (pause)May we always respect, honor and care for the elderly. We pray:
- Jesus was a sign that pointed the way to God, a sign that would be opposed by many. This brought him much suffering and even death. (pause) May we accept our trials and sufferings as we try to spread the reign of God in our world. We pray:
- Simeon longed to see the Lord before he died. (pause) May the Lord welcome into the kingdom our brothers and sisters who yearn to see God face-to-face. We pray:
[The Presider may add a Petition that is local / relevant]
P Loving Father, today we present our humble petitions to you and ask you to grant them through Christ our Lord. AMEN
Prayer over the Gifts
Eternal God,
we recall the day when Jesus your Son,
was presented in the temple through the arms of Mary,
and proclaimed by Anna and Simeon
as light to the nations
and the glory of your people Israel.
May the gifts we have presented today be pleasing to you.
This we ask through Christ our Lord. AMEN.
The Presider uses the designated Preface and an appropriate EP from the ROMAN MISSAL.
Presentation of the Lord
It is truly right and just,
our duty and salvation,
to give thanks to you
almighty and eternal God.
Today, your Son,
who shares your eternal splendor,
was presented in the temple,
and revealed by the Spirit
as the glory of Israel
and the light of all peoples.
Our hearts are joyful,
for we have seen your salvation,
and now with the angels and saints
we praise you for ever:
HOLY, HOLY….
Invitation to the Lord’s Prayer
Purify our hearts, O Lord,
that we may worthily offer you this prayer:
Deliver us Lord
Deliver us, Lord, from the darkness of sin
and let the light of your love shine upon us.
May your kindly light lead us forward in joy and hope
as we work for the final coming among us
of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Prayer for Peace
Lord, Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles:
I leave you peace, my peace I give you.
Purify your Church,
that it may bear witness to the light of the gospel
in a world torn by strife
and often devastated by natural disaster.
Grant us the peace and unity of your kingdom
where you live for ever and ever.
Exchange of Peace
As children of the God of peace,
let us offer one another a sign of reconciliation and peace.
Invitation to Communion
Like Simeon and Anna,
we look upon Jesus the Lord –
our light, our joy, and our salvation.
Blessed are those who are called to the Supper of the Lamb.
Prayer after Communion
Source of light and life,
you spoke your powerful word to the world
and there was light.
You have spoken your Word Jesus to us
and there is light in our minds and hearts.
Help us, through the nourishment we have received,
to let this light shine
that it may brighten the footsteps
of all who are searching for the truth.
All this we ask through Christ our Lord. AMEN.
Solemn Blessing
“In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high has broken upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness
and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
May the blessings of our loving God,
+ Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
descend upon you today,.
and remain with you forever. AMEN.
Since many people will come forward and present candles to be blessed the CM
(if none present, the Presider) says:
CM Those of you who have brought Candles to be blessed
please come forward to the foot of the Sanctuary.
When all are assembled the Presider says:
Jesus said:
I am the light of the world.
Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness
but will have the light of life. [John 8:12]
The Blessing of Candles
Creator God,
Source of all light,
today you reveal to Simeon and Anna
your beloved Son as the Light of the Nations.
We ask you to bless +
all those who will pray in the presence of these candles.
May we all walk in the light of faith
and follow Jesus, the Light of the World,
who lives with you and the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever. AMEN.
The Presider may sprinkle the Candles (and the Assembly) with Holy Water.
Dismissal
Go in peace of Christ… and
“Let your light shine before others
so that they may see your good works
and give glory to your Father in heaven”.
The Choir may lead the Assembly in a suitable Recessional hymn e.g.
WALK, WALK IN THE LIGHT.
Contemporary Liturgy 
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