MMOJ Liturgy for Earth Day, April 22, 2023

Zoom link

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81534075389?pwd=TTdGY2NxS3AzTW13ODJESkdYME9aUT09

Meeting ID: 815 3407 5389
Passcode: 803326

Presiders: Kathryn Shea and Lee Beyer

Readers: Bob and Pat Ferkenhoff 

IT: Cheryl Brandi

Music Ministers: Linda and Rick Miller

Theme: Earth Day - Every Day

 

Welcome and Gathering

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

-We invite you to pray the liturgy and respond where it says “All.” 

-All participants will be muted during the liturgy except for the presiders and readers. 

Whoever you are, 

Wherever you are, 

Just as you are, 

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

Let us now take a few minutes to collect ourselves as we prepare to focus our minds and our hearts on our knowledge that we are all one, brought together at this time to transform ourselves and our world through love; love for our Holy One, love for our neighbors, love for ourselves, and love for our planet.  Let us begin our liturgy by lighting our candle and expressing this love through song.  

 

Opening Song: Of the Earth by the Many

https://youtu.be/FDW_YEokpxE

 

Opening Prayer: (Kathryn ) Great Spirit, you are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures. You embrace all that exists with your loving tenderness. You pour out upon us the power of your love that we may protect life and beauty. May we be filled with Your peace, and may we live as brothers and sisters, caring for all of Your creation. Amen. 

(adapted from Laudato Si written by Pope Francis)

 

Rite of Transformation

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

ALL: As we ask for and receive forgiveness, we open our hearts to Infinite Love embracing and healing us. Let it be so, Yes, Alleluia!

 

A Joyful Gloria: Linda Lee Miller and graphics by Rick Miller

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lA5I0nODZI

LITURGY OF THE WORD

 

First Reading: (Pat F) A Reading from the Book of Genesis

 

God said, “Let us make humankind. Let them care for the fish in the sea, the birds of the air, the cattle, the wild animals, and everything that crawls on the ground.” 

 

God blessed them and said, “Bear fruit, increase your numbers and fill the earth—and be responsible for it!”

 

God looked at all creation, and proclaimed that all was good, very good.

 

These are the inspired words of our ancestors and we affirm them by saying, Amen. (adapted from the Inclusive Bible.) 

 

Second Reading: Earth Day Video

https://youtu.be/RMhfNOHGQnQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lA5I0nODZI 

Gospel: (Lee) A Reading from the Gospel of Matthew

 

Look at the birds in the sky. They don’t sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet the Holy One feeds them. Aren’t you more important than they? Which of you by worrying can add a moment to your lifespan? And why be anxious about clothing? Learn a lesson from the way the wildflowers grow. They don’t work; they don’t spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in full splendor was arrayed like one of these. If the Holy One can clothe in such splendor the grasses of the field, which bloom today and are thrown on the fire tomorrow, won’t the Holy One do so much more for you?

 

These are the inspired words of the Gospel writer known as Matthew, and the community affirms them by saying, Amen. 

Celtic Alleluia:

  

https://youtu.be/o1rc7ojQtJU

Homily/Community Sharing

 

Communal Statement of Faith

Kathryn and ALL: 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 God's Word, bringer of God's healing, heart of God's compassion, bright star in the firmament of God's prophets, mystics, and saints. 

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

We believe in the Holy Spirit, The life of God that is our innermost life,

The breath of God moving in our being, the depth of God living in each of us.

 

We believe that God's 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.

Prayers of and for the Community

Bob: We now bring our prayer intentions to the Table. 

Our response is: All: May our light bring healing in our world.  

We pray for the devastated families of those still suffering from all the natural disasters in our world. R

We pray for the people of Ukraine and Russia that they may live in peace without fear and that goodness and sanity will fill the hearts and minds of those that would cause them harm.  R

We pray that our government puts children above guns, power, and greed.  R

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

Our response is: All: May our light bring healing in our world. 

For what else should we pray?

Our response is: All: May our light bring healing in our world.  

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

Liturgy of the Eucharist

Lee: Gracious Wisdom, you embrace us with your extravagant affection in our times of both blessedness and weakness.  You are always with us, carrying us, you living in us and we living in you.  As we prepare for this sacred meal, we are aware of our call to serve, our call as your anointed ones to tend to the sick and dying, hold the hearts of those in emotional pain, and protect and defend the marginalized.  In this festive meal, your Spirit is poured out on each of us, your anointed disciples, gathered together in this time and place.  We also ask that your Spirit be spread to those of our community who are not with us today.

Let us rejoice as we sing:

All:  Holy, Holy, Holy Linda Lee Miller

(adapted from Holy, Holy, Holy by Karen Drucker)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orKBBIj5LZA

Pat F:  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. 

Kathryn and All: 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, lived and 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.  

ALL: 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]

Lee: 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.

Pat F: Jesus, who was with God “in the beginning of the creation of the heavens and the earth,” is with us now 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.

Pat F and ALL:  Jesus has died.  Christ is risen.  The Divine Presence lives in us and through us in the world today.

Bob: 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 also all 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..) 

Kathryn 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.  

Great Amen: Linda Lee Miller

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dy76fpfkNsg

The Prayer of Jesus

 

Pat F and ALL: Let us pray as Jesus taught us. 

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:

(in memory of Russ Banner)

Song: Peace is Flowing Like a River

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dy76fpfkNsg://youtu.be/6qWnEIX5YUE

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

Lee 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.

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

Bob and All:  What we have heard with our ears, we will live with our lives.  As we share communion, we become communion, both Love’s nourishment and Love’s challenge.                     

Please receive/share Eucharist now, saying: “You are the heart of the Earth.” And “You are the soul of the world.”

Communion Song: God Bless the Grass by Pete Seeger - video by Denise Hackert-Stoner

https://youtu.be/MgiNEsgyhBM

Introductions/Thanksgiving/Announcements

Prayer after Communion

Lee: Prayer for All the World by Linda Jones

Compassionate and Loving One,
you created the world for us all to share,
a world of beauty and plenty.
Create in us a desire to live simply
so that our lives may reflect your generosity.

Breath of Life,
you gave us responsibility for the earth,
a world of riches and delight.
Create in us a desire to live sustainably
so that those who follow after us
may enjoy the fruits of your creation.

Source of Peace and Justice,
you give us the capacity to change,
to bring about a world that mirrors your image.
Create in us a desire for solidarity
so that the pillars of injustice crumble
and those now crushed are set free.

ALL: Amen. Let it be so.

Community Blessing

 

Kathryn: Let us raise our hands and pray our blessing:

 

May we have the wisdom to care for the earth.

May we act now for the good of future generations and all Your creatures. May we be instruments of a new creation, founded on the covenant of Your love. Amen.

 

Closing Song: I Will Sing of Your Love, Love, Love by Christopher Grundy

https://youtu.be/AUyjdGNIYH4

 

 

This liturgy is adapted from the beautiful Earth Day liturgy written by Mary Theresa Streck and Denise Hackert-Stoner from the Upper Room Inclusive Community in Albany, NY.  I am truly grateful. 

 

 

 

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.

 

NEW PO BOX:

Please send donations to:

Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community
5342 Clark Road #3079
Sarasota, FL 34233

www.marymotherofjesus.net

 

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Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community on this day of Saturday, April 15th, 2023 we celebrate the 2nd week after Easter. Our Presiders are: ​​Dotty Shugrue ​​Joan Pesce ​​Suzanne Bires ​​Jerry Bires

 

Zoom link: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81534075389?pwd=TTdGY2NxS3AzTW13ODJESkdYME9aUT09

Meeting ID: 815 3407 5389
Passcode: 803326

 

 

 

Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community on this day of Saturday, April 15th, 2023 we celebrate the 2nd week after Easter.

Our Presiders are:

​​Dotty Shugrue

​​Joan Pesce

​​Suzanne Bires

​​Jerry Bires

 

         IT  Cheryl Brandi

 

 

Suzanne:  Mary Mother of Jesus is an inclusive Catholic Community where all are welcome to share Eucharist. As you hear the Word, you will be invited to share your insights. As an inclusive catholic community, we encourage all to read the prayers with us and to listen and join us in song.  Be sure you are muted throughout the Liturgy unless you are a Co-Presider. Unmute when you share your thoughts and re-mute when finished.

 

Sign of Peace:  Let us welcome one another with a sign of peace:

 

Namaste: Mark Hayes and Monique

Danelle    

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hxf8QFTkYY8

 

Dotty:  The Theme of today’s Liturgy is Doubt embraces Faith.  We turn to one another and call upon the Sacred Spirit within us to open our eyes that we may see, open our minds that we may listen and open our hearts that we may accept the inspirations and perspectives of all we meet even those with whom we disagree.

 

Opening Song: Learning to Sit with Not Knowing – Carrie Newcomr

https://youtu.be/I_t8WqgKL3I

Dotty:  Spirit Divine, we gather as community to remember the life of Jesus and honor him through the breaking of bread.  We renew ourselves to share our vision of the creation of a new earth.  We recognize that the reality of both doubt and faith is very much a part of our lives.  We open ourselves to use our eyes, ears, and hearts as we pause in our day and reflect on the meaning of these famous words of the Apostle Thomas.

We recognize that we have personal struggles in believing how Christ is alive in our world.  Every day, we are given an opportunity to see the strength and vision within, to listen to all we have been taught, to love every bit of life that surrounds us, so that we can and will let go of our doubts and embrace faith in all situations and circumstances. 

 

All:  Let it be so

 

Transformation Rite

 

Joan P:  Called to see that the same divine presence that lived in Jesus lives in us,

 

Open my eyes that I may see.

 

Called to respond to the cries of the of the poor, the hungry and the mistreated in our communities,

 

Open my mind that I may listen.

 

Called to appreciate differences in individuals and in all of creation,

 

Open my heart that I may love.

 

We are transformed because we believe.

 

LITURGY OF THE WORD

 

 

Jerry:  The first reading is a psalm 23 presented in Music:

 

 Psalm 23 by Bobby McFerri

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9fzWq-

d8jU

 

 

Jerry:  Our second reading is the Acts of the Apostles inspired by John. Chapter 2 vs 42-47

They devoted themselves
to the apostles’ instructions and to the communal life,
to the breaking of bread and to the prayers.
A reverent fear overtook them all for
many wonders and signs were performed by the apostles.
Those who believed lived together and shared all things in common;
they would sell their property and goods
sharing them with each other as each had need.
They met in the temple area and broke bread together in their homes every day.
With joyful and sincere hearts they took their meals in common, praising God and winning the approval of all people.
Day by day, God added to their number those who were being saved.

 

Alleluia Celtic Alleluia by Christopher Walker

https://youtu.be/o1rc7ojQtJU 

 

Suzanne:   Gospel:  John 20 (19-31)

In the evening of that same day of the week,
the doors were locked in the room where the disciples were,
for fear of the Temple authorities.
Jesus came and stood among them and said “Peace be with you.”
Having said this, the savior showed them the marks of the crucifixion.
The disciples were filled with joy when they saw Jesus who
said to them again, “Peace be with you.
As Abba God sent me, I’m sending you.”
After saying this, Jesus breathed on them and said
“Receive the Holy Spirit.
If you forgive anyone’s sins they are forgiven,
If you retain anyone’s sins they are retained .”

It happened that one of the twelve, Thomas, nicknamed Didymus or “Twin”, was absent when Jesus came.
The other disciples kept telling him, “We’ve seen Jesus.”

Thomas’ answer was
“I’ll never believe it without putting my finger in the nail marks and my hand into the spear wound.” 

On the eighth day the disciples were once more in the room
and this time Thomas was with them.
Despite the locked doors, Jesus came and stood before them saying,
“Peace be with you.”
Then he said to Thomas, “Take your finger and examine my hands.
Put your hand into my side.
Don’t persist in your unbelief but believe.” Thomas said in response, “My Savior and my God!” Jesus then said, “You’ve become a believer because you have seen me. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Jesus performed many other signs as well as signs not recorded here in the presence of the disciples. But these have been recorded to help you believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the only Begotten, so that by believing you may have life in Jesus’ name.

 

These are the inspired words of the apostle known as John and the community affirms them by saying:  SO BE IT! 

 

​​​​​Homily Starter

                  What did you hear in our readings today

 

Joan:   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,
and hands to make it happen.

 

 

 

Jerry:  Prayers for Community

 

As we prepare for the sacred meal, we are aware that just as Jesus is anointed, so is each of us. As we turn our doubt into faith, we bring to this table our cares and concerns. 

 

We bring to the table all those individuals, women, children, and men who live in an environment of hate and persecution yet continue to reach out to one another. May they be liberated from the tragedy of war and abuse.

 

We bring to the table all those who struggle with doubt may they recognized that The Holy One is with them in their despair and through faith they can be fre. 

 

We bring to the table the sick and dying.  We pray that the love of others will bring strength and comfort to their families, and all those who have requested our prayers in the MMOJ Book of Prayer Requests

 

Please bring your concerns to our table (remember to unmute and then re-mute after you share). All members of our community are invited to share…

 

We pray for these and all unspoken intentions. Amen. 

 

Liturgy of the Eucharist

adapted from Diarmuid O’Murchu

Dotty:   With open hands let us pray our Eucharistic Prayer together:

 

Gracious God, source and sustenance of life, redeeming presence to the pain and brokenness of our world, Holy Spirit, who enlivens and inebriates all that exists, we beseech your healing power upon us and all we pray for today.
Down through the ages, you rescue us from darkness.
you light up our ways with wise and holy people. You restore our spirits, and you revive our dwindling hope.

 

May the Spirit of life and wholeness transform us that we may be refreshed in our inner being and be empowered to bring mercy, love, and healing to those whose lives we touch.
Holy, Holy, Holy: Here in this Place –by Christopher Grundy

https://youtu.be/cVWY9ourooI

 

Prayer Before the Breaking of the Bread

 

Joan:  Loving God, You call us to speak truth to power. We will do so. 

 

Loving God, You call us to live the Gospel of peace and justice. We will do so. 

 

Loving God, You call us to be Your presence in the world. We will do so.

 

Please extend your hands over your bread and cup

 

Come forth Sacred Spirit and be with us at our Eucharistic Table and send light and blessing upon the bread and wine which reminds us of our call to be the body of Christ in the world.

 

As we gather around this friendship table, we recall God’s
blessing and love from ages past, and we celebrate anew
the gift of life which we share among us at this Eucharistic feast.

 

We share this bread and cup to proclaim and live the gospel of justice and peace. We choose to live justly, love tenderly, and walk with integrity.

 

Dotty:   On the night before Jesus died, He gathered for supper with the people closest to him. Like the least of household servants, he washed their feet, so that they would re-member him.

 

All lift their plates and pray the following:

 

When he returned to his place at the table, he lifted the bread, spoke the blessing, broke the bread, and offered it to them saying: 

Take and eat. This is my very self.

(pause) 

 

All lift their cups and pray the following:

 

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

Take and drink.

Whenever you remember me like this,

I am among you.

(pause) 

 

Receive communion saying: “Choose Faith”

Communion Song:  Quiet Place by The Many

    https://youtu.be/hcq385i1kHE

 

Prayer After Communion

 

Suzanne:  In a faith free of doubt we are sustained,
In grace our dignity reclaimed,
In praise we thank our God.

 

Grant that we may strive to create a world where suffering and pain are diminished, where justice and peace are restored, and where all people can live in health and wholeness, united in acclaiming the God of life, whose abundance is offered to each and to all, until the Kin-dom arrives in the fullness of time.

This prayer we make in the name of our healing and nurturing God through, with, and in whom we offer these gifts, sources of life, love, and goodness, now and forever.  Amen.

 

Jerry: Let us pray as Jesus taught us:

 

O Holy One, who is 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 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 (Miriam Therese Winter) 

 

INTRODUCTIONS, THANKSGIVINGS, ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Blessing

 

Joan:  Let us raise our hands and bless each other.

 

Holy One, we to choose to support and challenge one another in living a resurrected life of bravery and trust. 

 

Jesus our brother we will change our world his community and trust in you. 

 

Those same precious relationships are ours. With them, may we heal ourselves, each other and our hurting waiting world. Amen

 

Closing Song:  GRATEFUL: A Love Song to the World | 

 

Empty Hands Music Daniel Nahmod

https://youtu.be/sO2o98Zpzg8

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NEW PO BOX:

Please send donations to:

Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community
5342 Clark Road #3079
Sarasota, FL 34233

Please send intention for our community prayer book to Joan Meehan.

Jmeehan515@aol.com