Mass on 9/11

On this, the 10th anniversary of 9/11, we will celebrate Mass "In Time of War or Civil Disturbance." This means that the vestments worn will be violet rather than the green of Ordinary Time. It also means the prayers will be a little different:

Opening Prayer:
God our Father,
maker and lover of peace,
to know you is to live,
and to serve you is to reign.
All our faith is in your saving help;
protect us from men of violence
and keep us safe from weapons of hate.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

Prayer over the gifts
Lord,
remember Christ your Son who is peace itself
and who has washed away our hatred with his blood.
Because you love all men,
look with mercy on us.
Banish the violence and evil within us,
and by this offering restore tranquility and peace.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Prayer after Communion
Father,
you satisfy our hunger with one bread
that gives strength to mankind.
Help us to overcome war and violence,
and to establish your law of love and justice.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Guadete Sunday

Yesterday was Guadete Sunday. Guadete is Latin for "rejoice." Because it is a time to rejoice in Christ being with us, the color of the candle and the presider's vestment changes, as Fr. Damian said, "from penitential violet to hopeful rose; to say symbolically that there is something different today."

The new Rose colored vestements arrived on Friday so this was the first weekend we were able to use them.

Guadete!