Ascension of Jesus Mary, Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community Presiders: Dotty Shugrue and Joan Pesce Prayer Leaders and Readers: Susie Zavodnyik and Luca Cruzat IT: Cheryl Brandi, Michael Rigdon and Jerry Bires

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           Theme: “We will Rise Above It All”

 

Dotty:  Welcome dear ones to our MMOJ community Liturgical Celebration, our inclusive Catholic Community, our “Church without Walls.”  We join together today in heart and Spirit and in love and support as we seek a deeper understanding of our own Ascension with Christ. With all the struggles and concerns we have, with the chaos in our country and in our world today, we know that in this circle we are comforted, supported, accepted and loved.

Continue, Holy One, to be with us, as we remain faithful to our commitment of service.

                Whoever you are.  Wherever you are.  

                                    Just as you are. 

                        You are welcome at our table.

Opening Song.   Invocation - Christopher Grundy 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A95UbOPVQKc

 

Joan P.  Opening Prayer:  Wisdom comes to us every moment as we embrace the profound presence of you Sacred Spirit, Holy Mystery. You are one with us as we bring Light to our moments of darkness sharing our faith. We believe we are indeed one with the Divine, and we will not give up.  Yes, there is tragedy around us. Suffering is everywhere on our planet, in all forms of life. Our country leaders have lost their way.   Many are blinded by fear, and unfortunately bygreed. We pray that they clear their chosen blindness and speak truth to oppressive power.  We own our fears but we are a people who follow the way of Jesus.  We put his teaching into practice truth to abuses of power. We are faithful followers, and we will not let anyone or anything darken our vision of peace. We pray together in hope and faith that all of us will recognize that the power within our collective selves is ours to embrace, ours to reflect, ours to offer light to all life.  This is the truth that sets us free.

 

Let it Be So

Liturgy of the Word

 

Susie: Reading from the Acts of the Apostles:

 

On one occasion, Jesus told his followers,not to leave Jerusalem. “Wait, rather for what God has promised, of which you have heard me speak,” Jesus said. “John baptized with water but in a few days, you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

While meeting together, they asked, “Has the time come, Rabbi? Are you going to restore sovereignty to Israel?” 

Jesus replied, “It’s not for you to know times or dates that Abba God has decided. You will receive power when the Spirit comes upon you; then you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth.”

Having said this, Jesus was lifted up in a cloud before their eyes and taken from their sight. They were still gazing up into the heavens when two messengers dressed in white stood beside them. “You Galileans—why are you standing here looking up at the skies?” they asked. “Jesus who has been taken from you—this same Jesus will returnin the same way you watched him go into heaven.”

 

These are the inspired words from Acts of the Apostles, and we respond:  So be it!

 

The Gospel:  The Ascension of Jesus

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvXW9jJWmUw

 

                       ******* Shared Reflection *******

 

Luca:  Statement of Faith:  

We believe in the Holy One, a divine mystery
beyond all definition and rational understanding,
the heart of all that has ever existed,
that exists now, or that ever will exist.

We believe in Jesus, messenger of the Divine Word,
bringer of healing, heart of Divine compassion,
bright star in the firmament of the Holy One's
prophets, mystics, and saints.

 We believe that we are called to follow Jesus
as a vehicle of divine love,
a source of wisdom and truth,
and an instrument of peace in the world.

We believe in the Spirit of the Holy One,
the life that is our innermost life,
the breath moving in our being,
the depth living in each of us.

We believe that the Divine kin-dom is here and now,  stretched out all around us for those with eyes to see it, hearts to receive it,
who have the hands to make it happen.

 

Let it Be So. 

 

Prayers of the Community:

 

Suzie:  As we prepare for the sacred meal, we bring to the table our prayers and intentions.  Please voice your intentions beginning with the words, “I bring to the table.”

 

We bring to the table our Pope Leo the XIV. We pray that he will listen to Catholic people who want change in the Church’s teachings that recognize equality and the goodness of all people and not force one narrow perspective on all issues of choice and justice.

 

Response:  Holy One, we trust in you.

 

We bring to the table the hope and blessing of peace to all borders especially Ukraine, Gaza, and Israel and that leaders of these countries will commit to a lasting peace agreement which includes the release of innocent hostages.

Response:  Holy One, we trust in you.

 

We bring to the table all Americans who fear for their future and the future of all children. We pray that we will continue to demonstrate our disagreement with the outrageous leadership of most of those who have elected to represent us.

Response: Holy One, we trust in you.

 

For what else shall we pray? 

Please voice your intentions beginning with the words, “I bring to the table” 

 

These are our prayers, our needs and our concerns, O Holy One. Strengthen us as we seek to be Christ to our broken world.  Help us, as people of faith, to be a light to or world in darkness that Light.

.

Holy, Holy, Holy: Here in this Place by Christopher Grundy 

 https://youtu.be/uXyu57tR2gk?si=xAc1gOkkEdxoz3sv

Joan P.  Let us pray our Eucharistic prayer with open hearts:

 

We have gathered in faith and hope to explore through prayer, what the experience of the Ascension means for us today.

We can travel deep into the Spirit within us to understand how we too can experience our own “ascension” experience.  We believe with deep conviction that divisions will be healed even with all the struggles, pain, upset and fear. In unity we bring a tender heart to the broken, to our broken country and our broken world.  We celebrate the gift of life, and we support one another on the journey to transformation. 

 

Luca:  Holy One, we commit to follow the ministry of Jesus and bring comfort to wherever people are in need.  We pray for wisdom, patience, and persistence to make a difference in our world. We resolve to love as Jesus loved, to discern the better transformed aspects of our nature with open hearts.

 

Sacred Spirit we cannot grow in the darkness of this world without Your Light. Our desire is to be Your light with compassion and love for all those whose paths we cross on our journey together. Help us keep our hearts and minds open to You through our love and care for each other and all creation.

Please extend your hands in blessing of bread and wine.

 

Dotty: We call on Spirit, present in these gifts - bread from the fields of wheat that satisfies our hunger and wine from the vineyard that quenches our thirst – to make us more deeply One, living in the fullness of holy compassion and Sophia wisdom.

 

The disciples, women and men, were gathered together with Jesus for the Seder meal.

Anticipating the likelihood of betrayal, arrest and pain, Jesus wanted more than anything to be with his friends, to share a meal, exchange stories and create memories. 

 

Please join in praying the Litany for the Breaking of the Bread 

 

Holy One, you call us to speak truth to power; we will do so.

Holy One, you call us to live the Gospel of healing and justice; we will do so. 

Holy One, you call us to be Your presence in the world, we will do so.

 

On the night before he died, Jesus gathered for the supper with the people closest to him. Like the least of household servants, he washed their feet. Once again, he showed us how to love one another.

 

Back at the table, he took the Passover Bread, spoke the grace, broke the bread, and offered it to them saying, 

              Take and eat, this is my very self.

Then he took the cup of blessing, spoke the grace, and offered it to them saying:

                     Take and drink of the covenant

              made new again through my life in you.

               Whenever you remember me like this,

   I am among you.

​

We call upon you Christ Presence.  What we have heard with our ears, we will live with our lives; as we share communion, we will become communion, both Love’s nourishment and Love’s challenge. Let us share this bread and cup as we proclaim and live the gospel of justice and peace.

 

Receive/share the Bread of Life and the Cup of the New Covenant with the words: “I AM THE BODY OF CHRIST.”

 

Communion song:   St Teresa's Prayer  Lyrics by Michael Talbot

                                    

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SQtXzjC2pg&list=RD2SQtXzjC2pg&start_radio=1

 

Joan P:  Let us pray as Jesus taught us: 

 

Holy One, you are within, around and among us.  
We celebrate your many names. 
Your wisdom come; your will be done, 
unfolding from the depths within us. 
Each day you give us all that we need. 
You remind us of our limits, and we let go. 
You support us in our power, and we act with courage. 
For you are the dwelling place within us, 
the empowerment around us, 
and the celebration among us, 
now and forever, Amen.  

Created by Miriam Therese Winter 

 

As we bring our celebration to a close let us pause and share thanks for special gifts we hold in gratitude

                     

    Introductions.    Thanksgivings.   Announcements.

 

Let us all extend our hands for our mutual blessing:

May vision and truth companion us. 

May beauty be in our eyes. 

May peace fill our being. 

May Love hold us close.

Let us share the Peace of Christ to each and all of us.

  

 

Closing Song: “Choose to Hope” by Marty Haugen, Video by

MT Streck

 

 

     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOQJUbu9_wQ

 

 

 

 

 

Please send personal intentions to Joan Meehan. Jmeehan515@aol.com

They will be added in our Community Prayer Book.

   

Website: marymotherofjesus.net

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Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community Sixth Sunday of Easter May 24, 2025 Presiders: Suzanne and Jerry Bires, Seth Winners, and Kathryn Shea Readers: Mary Al Gagnon and Jeanne Schmitt IT: Cheryl Brandi

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Meeting ID: 934 7370 8926

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Theme: May Spirit Be With You

 

Welcome and Gathering

 

Suzanne: Welcome to our Zoom liturgy at Mary Mother of Jesus, an inclusive Catholic Community where all are welcome. 

 

Our blessed community gathers weekly on Saturday afternoon to celebrate the Eucharist and share love for our Holy One and one another and to give thanks for our many blessings.  Our time together is sacred time where we bring our collective loving energy and prayer to help heal ourselves, one another, and our hurting world.  “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

 

Whoever you are, 

Wherever you are, 

Just as you are, 

You are welcome at this table. (Integral Christianity by Paul Smith)

 

Let us begin our liturgy by expressing love through song. 

 

Gathering Song: Gather Us In by Marty Haugen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ar0BXa82F9M

 

Opening Prayer:

 

Kathryn: We are grateful, O Holy One, for this opportunity to gather as Christ’s Body. During this liturgy may we endeavor to focus our minds and our hearts on our knowledge that you formed us all as one body, and that we are all supported and strengthened by the same Holy Spirit for the samepurpose; the common good.  We are, in the depths of our being, one community and one Spirit.

 

Kathryn and ALL: Amen

 

Rite of Transformation

 

Jerry: We pause now to remember the times we have not born fruit in caring for self, others, and our planet Earth.  Take a moment to recall one missed opportunity, one broken or damaged relationship.  (Pause briefly and extend your hand over your heart)

 

Seth and ALL:

 

I am sorry. Forgive me. I love you. Thank you.

 

Liturgy of the Word

 

MARYAL: FIRST READING: REVELATION 21:10-14, 22-23

The angel took me in spirit to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. It gleamed with the splendor of God. Its radiance was like that of a precious stone, like jasper, clear as crystal.

It had a massive, high wall, with twelve gates where twelve angels were stationed and on which names were inscribed, the names of the twelve tribes of the Israelites. There were three gates facing east, three north, three south, and three west. The wall of the city had twelve courses of stones as its foundation, on which were inscribed the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

I saw no temple in the city for its temple is the Lord God almighty and the Lamb. The city had no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gave it light, and its lamp was the Lamb.

These are the words from the book of Revelation and we respond by saying, 

ALL AMEN.

 

Reflection: Morning Mercy and Grace 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfYL-JoYmVs

 

Gospel acclamation:  Celtic Alleluia by Christopher Walker 

https://youtu.be/4cs8NDVM3Vk 

 

JEANNE: A READING FROM THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 14:23-29

Jesus said to his disciples: “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Creator will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Holy One who sent me.

“I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom God will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.

You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Holy One; for the Holy One isgreater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe.”

These are the words spoken by the apostle John and we affirm them by saying, ALL Amen.

Homily Starter and Community Sharing

 

Communal Statement of Faith

 

Suzanne and ALL: Together let us profess our Faith. 

 

We believe in our Creator who has not forgotten us, rather is ever and always present with us.

 

We believe in Jesus, the Word incarnate, who journeyed on the earth, blessing the sick, making whole the broken, healing many, instilling faith in his followers so that they may continue the work He began.

 

We believe in Christ, the everlasting Presence in our world in our universe.

 

We believe in the Spirit of Life, the breath of wisdom Sophia, who stays present and real to us during this great human struggle we face today and in the daysahead.

 

We believe in the communion of saints, our heavenly friends who walk with us in love as we continue our life journey.

 

We believe in one another and our individual and collective response to being diligent in following the directives given by medical professionals at this time.

 

We believe in the partnership and equality of women and men in our Church and our world.  Here we live our prophetic call of Gospel equality.

 

We believe that kin-dom is here and now, stretched out all around us for those with eyes to see it, hearts to receive it,

and hands to make it happen.

 

Mary Al: We pray that the Holy One renew in our hearts our commitment to journey always in faith and hope as we reach out and support, comfort and love those closest to us, those who live in our country and all the people of the earth.

 

Prayers of and for the Community

 

Jerry: We now bring our prayer intentions to the Table, saying, “I bring to the Table…”

 

Our response is: Spirit hears our call and answers always. 

 

We pray for all those suffering, or will be suffering, as a result of those in charge in our government. 

Response:  Spirit hears our call and answers always.  

 

 

We pray for all who are suffering, lonely, and without faith or hope. Response: Spirit hears our call and answers always.  

 

 

We pray for all those living in the conditions of war and fear.

Response: Spirit hears our call and answers always.  

 

We pray for all of those suffering from the impact of natural disasters. 

Response: Spirit hears our call and answers always.  

 

We pray for the intentions in our MMOJ community prayer list. (Joan shares)

Response: Spirit hears our call and answers always.  

 

And, for what else should we pray?

 

Response: Spirit hears our call and answers always.

 

Jerry: Holy Mystery may we respond to the needs of our sisters and brothers in loving prayer and solidarity. Amen

 

Eucharistic Prayer

Kathryn: Gracious Wisdom, you embrace us with your extravagant affection in our times of both blessedness and weakness.  Even though we have times of doubt, we know You are always with us…you living in us and we living in you.  In this festive meal, your Spirit is poured out on each of us gathered in the circle of your friends and disciples, we also ask that your Spirit be spread to those of our community who are not with us today.

Suzanne:  We thank you for the gift of Jesus of Nazareth in history -- and the gift of Jesus in faith. On earth, his life burned with the vision of his mission on earth. Through the example of his life – his teachings and actions - he showed us not only how we should live, but also what was worth even dying for. 

Jerry:  When his time on earth had come to an end, Jesus – aware of and accepting his destiny – gave us his life for the values that he deeply believed, livedand taught…his conviction that love is stronger than death.  And then, in providing an example of this wisdom for all people in ages to come, he opened wide his arms…and died.  And the spirit that lived in Jesus resurrected him to a new life, a promise made to all of us too who live the new story.  Jesus is with us today and he will be through the end of time.

(With an outstretched arm, we pray the consecration together.  

Kathryn: We remember the gift that Jesus gave us on the night before he died.  He gathered with his friends to share a final Passover meal.  And it was at that supper that Jesus took bread, said the blessing and shared it with them saying: take this, all of you, and eat it.  This bread is you; this bread is me.  We are one body, the presence of God in the world. When you do this, remember me and all that I have taught you.  This is the new and everlasting covenant.  

          [short pause]

Suzanne: In the same way, Jesus took a cup of wine, said the blessing and gave it to his friends saying: take this, all of you, and drink it.  This wine is you; this wine is me.  We are one blood, the presence of God in the world.  When you do this, remember me and all that I have taught you. This is the new and everlasting covenant.

Jerry: Jesus, who was with God “in the beginning of the creation of the heavens and the earth,” is with usnow in this bread. The Spirit, of whom the prophets spoke in history, is with us now in this cup.  Let us proclaim this mystery of faith.

Kathryn and All:  Jesus has died.  Christ is risen.  The Divine Presence lives in us and through us in the world today.

Mary Al: God, we know that you bless your church throughout the world. We, your people, ask for your grace that we may continually grow in our love and caring for Francis, our Pope, Bridget Mary, our Bishop and for everyone with whom we come in contact, especially those who live on the margins of church and society. They are all our brothers and sisters, members of your Blessed Family.  We remember alsoall those, living and dead, who touched our lives and left their footprints on our hearts.  We remember especially….(mention names here, if you would like to..) 

Jeanne and All: We believe that the Spirit of God is at work in and among us and will do more than we could ever ask or imagine.  We believe that it is through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours, Creator God, forever and ever.  

The Great Amen with Linda Lee Miller 

https://youtu.be/Dy76fpfkNsg

 

The Prayer of Jesus

 

Jerry: Let us pray as Jesus taught us. 

Jerry and All:  O Holy One, you are within, around, and among us.

We celebrate your many names.  Your wisdom come, your will be done, unfolding from the depths within us.  Each day you give us all we need.  You remind us of our limits, and we let go.  You support us in your power, and we act with courage.  For you are the dwelling place within us, the empowerment around us, and the celebration among us, now and forever.  Amen    Adapted, Miriam Therese Winter, MMS

 

Sign of Peace:

 

Kathryn: Eternal wellspring of peace-

May we be drenched with the longing for peace

That we may give ourselves over

As the earth to the rain, to the dew,

Until peace overflows our lives

As living waters overflow the seas.  (Marcia Falk)

 

Jesus said to his disciples, “My peace I leave you.  My peace I give you.”  Let us now extend a sign of peace to one another as we say, 

 

Seth: “Namaste, Namaste, Namaste.”

 

Jeanne: Please join in praying the Litany for the Breaking of the Bread:

 

Jeanne and All: Holy One, You call us to speak truth to power; we will do so.

 

Holy One, You call us to live the Gospel of healing and justice; we will do so. 

 

Holy One, You call us to be Your presence in the world; we will do so.

 

Suzanne: This is the bread of life and the cup of blessing. Blessed are we who are called to Christ’s table.  

 

Kathryn: Please receive/share Eucharist now, saying: “You are the bread of life.” And “You are the cup of compassion.”

 

 

Communion Song: Old Spirit Rising

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nsi5nXEkNGE

 

Introductions/Thanksgiving/Announcements

 

Closing Prayer:

 

 

Jerry: Holy Spirit, guide us and fill our hearts with your love. Help us to follow your will and stay true to Jesus’ teachings. Be our comfort and strength in all we do. Amen.

 

Closing Community Blessing

 

Kathryn and Seth: Please raise your hands in blessing: And together with our arms extended to one another we say:

 

May we speak with kindness and truth.

May we be humble and see our own faults. 

May we live faithfully and love others as you love us. 

May we keep Spirit alive in us and in our world.

May we be Christ in all those we meet.

 

Seth and ALL: Thanks be to all that is holy! Amen andAlleluia! 

 

Closing Song: Spirit Rising gospel song

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwXbSdrfIhs

 

 

 

If you would like to add your intercession to our MMOJ Community Prayers book,

Please send an email to jmeehan515@aol.com

If you would like to invite another person to attend our liturgy please refer them to

www.marymotherofJesus.net where the day’s liturgy is found. Zoom instructions are also included there.