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Sunday, May 7, 2023

MMOJ Liturgy, 6th Sunday of Extraordinary Time , May 13, 2023 - Mother's Day, Liturgical Ministry Team: Presiders: Bridget Mary Meehan and Suzanne Bires, Readers: Andrea Seabaugh and Joan Pesce, Prayer Leaders: Denis Rigdon and Luca Cruzat, Music: Linda Lee Miller,IT Cheryl Brandi



Zoom link: 

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


Meeting ID: 815 3407 5389
Passcode: 803326



Welcoming and Gathering Rites


Presider: Suzanne B.

 Happy Mothers' Day!

Welcome to our Zoom liturgy at Mary Mother of Jesus, an inclusive Catholic Community that embraces diversity, works for equality and the empowerment of all people.

-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. 

-Please have bread and wine/juice nearby as we pray our Eucharistic prayer.

-Our theme is Christ dwells with you and you dwell within Christ, so set the world ablaze with love.


Gathering Song: How Can I keep from Signing by Pete Seeger, video by Denise Hackert-Stoner


https://youtu.be/UxQhxKPbFTY



Communal Transformation Rite

Presider 2: Bridget Mary


As we gather at this table of abundant love and gracious care in memory of Jesus, we pause now to remember the times we did not treat others with kindness and compassion.  Take a few moments to recall one missed opportunity, one broken or damaged relationship.


(Pause briefly)


 Hold your hands over your heart and remember the power of divine love within you to forgive and heal self and others. Now imagine this person or situation in the light of abundant grace  as we pray for forgiveness.


(Pause briefly.)


 I am sorry, please forgive me, I love you, I thank you.




Gloria: Christopher Grundy



https://youtu.be/w7ykbXZUCOw

Opening Prayer:

Presider: Suzanne B.

We rejoice that the Holy Mystery, the Lover of All, the Beloved, and the Breath of Love is with us, within us and beyond us. We rejoice in the precious memories of our mothers and pray for all mothers in our world.  May we be a reflection of nurturing love, wisdom and courage to all whom we encounter. 

All: Amen



Liturgy of the Word

Reader 1: Andrea Seabaugh


Our First Reading is from Acts 8:5-8, 14-17 

Philip went down to the city of Samaria
and proclaimed the Christ to them.
With one accord, the crowds paid attention to what was said by Philip
when they heard it and saw the signs he was doing.
For unclean spirits, crying out in a loud voice,
came out of many possessed people,
and many paralyzed or crippled people were cured.
There was great joy in that city.

Now when the apostles in Jerusalem
heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God,
they sent them Peter and John,
who went down and prayed for them,
that they might receive the Holy Spirit,
for it had not yet fallen upon any of them;
they had only been baptized in the name of Jesus.
Then they laid hands on them
and they received the Holy Spirit.

These are the inspired words of the Author of Acts and we respond to them by saying Amen.



Responsorial Psalm:

I Will Sing of Your Love, Love, Love by Christopher Grundy



https://youtu.be/AUyjdGNIYH4



Reader 2: Joan Pesce
Our Second Reading is
 from Ilia Delio


Get Up! Go into the world and live in the flow of love. 


Forgive, show mercy, be compassionate, care for the poor, tend to the earth as family; find your inner wholeness in the love of God and create new wholes in your midst, in your communities, your workplace, at shopping malls, and jazz fests.


 Live in the energy of the Spirit; let yourself be led into new patterns of wholeness, into new structures and languages that kindle life more abundantly. 


Stop playing with your toys, your electronic gadgets; stop creating books of laws and rules that lie on dusty shelves; do not lose yourselves to consumer products that blind your mission or distract your attention from the whole. 


Get up because you are too old to be asleep, lest you die in your sleep and the world dies of neglect, Grow up because it is time to move on. 

The world is your life, and your life belongs to the whole of life. 


Stop trying to preserve yourself; lose yourself; lose yourself in something more than yourself because you have the power to christify life, to help unify it, to raise it to a new level of ultrahumanity . 


Live to the point of tears and don’t be saddened by sin, misunderstanding, weakness, and hate.


Omega love is in our midst, and this love is our power, our hope and our future. 


Remain in this love, because this love is the fire of life itself and will endure forever.

 

Be the co-creator you are made to be: emblazen this world with the grandeur of God.


These are the sacred words of Ilia Deliio and we affirm them by saying,


All: AMEN.  




Alleluia: Jan Phillips 



https://youtu.be/IC4nbwmQDVw


Presider or Reader: 


A reading from the Gospel according to John 14:15-21

Jesus said to his disciples:
"If you love me, and obey the command I give you, I will ask the One who sent me to give you another Paraclete, another Helper, to be with you always- the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot accept since the world neither sees her nor recognizes her, but you can recognize the Spirit because she remains with you and will be within you.

I won’t leave you orphaned; I will come back to you. A little while now and the world will see me no more but you’ll see me because I live, and you will live as well. On that day you’ll know that I am in God, and you are in me, and I am in you. Those who obey the commandments are the ones who love me, and those who love me will be loved by Abba God. I, too, will love them and will reveal myself to them. 

These are the sacred words in the Gospel of John and 

These are the sacred words in the Gospel of John and we affirm them by saying: 

All: Amen


Homily Starter: It is love that Matters with Ilia Delio



https://youtu.be/DG_CIHDM4SY



Community Sharing: What did you hear in our readings today?



Communal Statement of Faith


Prayer Leader 1: Denis Rigdon

Please join in our Communal 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.



Prayers of the Community:

Prayer Leader 2: Luca C


As we prepare for this sacred meal we are aware of our call to serve, and just as Jesus did. We bring to this table our prayers for the community. Please feel free to voice your prayers beginning with the words “I bring to the table….”


(Joan Meehan share MMOJ Book of Intentions)


Prayers for the community are offered.


 Closing Prayer: Prayer Leader 2: Luca C.

We pray for these and all unspoken intentions. Amen. 


Liturgy of the Eucharist



Preparation of the Gifts:


Presider 1: Suzanne B.

  Blessed are You, Holy One, through Your divine providence we have this bread, to share, the Bread of Life. 


All: Blessed are You, Holy One, forever.  


Presider 2: Bridget Mary

Blessed are You, O Loving One through Your divine providence we have this wine to share, our spiritual drink. 


All: Blessed are, You, Holy One, forever.


Presider: Suzanne Bires 

Nurturing One, we are united in this sacrament by the love of Christ, whose presence we are as we proclaim the liberating power of your Spirit Sophia, in our humanity and divinity, calling us to build the unity of Love in a more compassionate and just world.  All:  Amen.



Eucharistic Prayer


Preface:


Prayer Leader 1: Denis R.The Holy One is within us.

Prayer Leader 2: Luca C and All: And within all living beings.

Prayer Leader 1: Denis R: Lift up your hearts.

Prayer Leader 2: Luca C and All:We celebrate the divine presence within and all around.


Prayer Leader 1:Denis R: Extravagant Lover, in you, with you and through your endless outpouring of grace, we are blessed with joy amidst the wrong and suffering of our world. In you, we live and move and dwell in love beyond our deepest desires. 


Prayer Leader 2: Luca C.

Generous Giver, you give us wise companions on our journey who work for humanity’s healing and well-being and for the flourishing of all creation. With thankful hearts, in the company of all holy women and men, your liberating Spirit rises up within us, works through us and we sing:


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


https://youtu.be/orKBBIj5LZA


Prayer Leader 1: Denis R.

Conscious of the oneness we share and the inequity that exists in our world, we pray that we may serve others with generous hearts especially those in need of tender, loving care and the basic necessities of life. The bread we break and the cup we share are symbols of the love that all are invited to share.



 (Please extend Your hands in blessing and pray together.)


Prayer Leader 2  Luca C. and All

As we bless this bread and wine, we are ever aware of Your Spirit in us and among us at this Eucharistic table.  We remember our brother Jesus whose life and teachings remind us that we are called to point the way to God by living and loving as he did.


Presider 2 Bridget Mary and All (hold bread in hand)

On the night before he died, Jesus came to table with his family and the women and men he loved. Jesus took bread blessed and broke it, saying, “Take, eat, this is my body. Do this in memory of me.”                         


(pause)


Presider 1 Suzanne B and All:(hold cup in hand)

 After supper, Jesus poured a cup of wine and shared it with his friends, saying,

“This is the cup of the covenant of my love. As often as You drink of it, remember me.”


(pause)


Prayer Leader 1: Denis R.

Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:

Christ has died in all those who have passed away from violent hate crimes.

Christ is rising in all those working for the well-being of humanity, dismantling institutional sexism, racism and all that divides us.

Christ comes each day in our ministry, prayers and actions for a renewed world with justice and equity for all.


Prayer Leader 2: Luca C

 Embracing Presence, we remember all the companions who have gone before us:  Mary, Mother of Jesus, Mary of Magdala, and all holy women and men who are rising up in loving service to heal our world.  We pause now to remember our family and loved one in thel communion of saints. 
(pause)

(Presiders and all hold bread and wine)


Presider 2 Bridget Mary and All: 

For it is through living as Jesus lived, and loving as he loved, that we awaken to Your Spirit empowering us to work for the flourishing of life on for all people and for planet Earth. 

All: Great Amen (Sung) Linda Lee Miller

 


https://youtu.be/Dy76fpfkNsg

                                            Communion Rite

The Prayer of Jesus


Presider 1 Suzanne B. and All:


Gracious Spirit,
Who loves us like a mother,
Whose realm is blooming among us now.
And within.
We pray that your compassion guide us in every action.
Give us what we need for each day,
and help us to be satisfied with the miracle of that alone.
Forgiver, whose embrace brings us to wholeness without our asking, may we reconcile ourselves to one another in humility.
And may we cancel the crushing debts that imprison our neighbors, so that communities of joy and health may flourish.
May we neither profit from nor ignore evil.
But ever work to thwart it with non-violence, as we co-create the realm of peace in this world, now and each day.
Amen. (Bret Hesla/wsj)



Sign of Peace 

(Offer one another a gesture of Peace.)


Namaste(music video) 

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


Litany for the Breaking of the Bread:

Presider  2 Bridget Mary and All: Please join in praying the Litany for the Breaking of the Bread 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.


Presider1:Suznne (hold bread and cup up)

This is the bread of life and the cup of blessing. Blessed are we who are called to the Feast.

Presider a Suzanne B and All:  We are the Body and Blood of Christ for the world.                         

Please receive/share Eucharist now saying You are the Body of Christ.


Communion Meditation Song: (Let us remember our mothers and all mothers past and present in the world as we reflect on this song.)


Medals for Mothers by Rhonda Vincent

https://youtu.be/5rWpoACrqBc







Presider 2 Bridget Mary




Prayer After Communion

Presider 2 Bridget Mary

We go forth, nourished at this banquet table, to be love in the world. May, we know Jesus in the depths of our hearts and, experience the Risen One’s strength within us, enabling us to live as courageous, compassionate witnesses to the Gospel every day. May we give thanks for all mothers especially our own mothers.


Community Thanksgivings, Introductions and Announcements


                  


Concluding Rite


Presider 2:Suzanne B:

 The Holy One is within You. As you go forth to continue your ministry for justice and equality, and peace for all life and earth itself, may you be a radiant reflection of the Risen Christ in our world. Please extend your hands as we pray our final blessing.


Presider 1 Suzanne B. and All:

We go forth as apostles, to share the good news that love lives within us, and, strengthens us to be love in our world. Amen Allleluia.


Closing Song: Compassion by Andrew Witt



https://youtu.be/Tw_pUMqEZ_E


Eucharistic Prayer written by Dr. Bridget Mary Meehan 


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


Our website:

www.marymotherofjesus.net




Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community Memorial for Russ Banner, May 6, 2023, 4:00PM EDT

Zoom link:


Russ Banner, Peace and Social Justice Activist






Presiders: Lee Breyer and Bridget Mary Meehan
Readers: Jack McKillip and Mary Montavon, Lisa Babusck
Music Minister: Linda Lee Miska
IT: Bridget Mary Meehan

Introduction: 

Presider 1: Lee Breyer
Welcome to our Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Community Memorial Liturgy for Russ Banner. This community had been the center of Russ’s life during his retirement years here in Florida.  From the earliest days of house church, to St. Andrew UCC, to the days of ZOOM, he loved to gather once a week with his brothers and sisters. 
Russ wrote this beautiful liturgy that we will pray today. Please pray the parts marked all and sing your hearts out while muted. If you have a speaking part, please unmute for your part and remute when finished.  Please have bread and wine on your table as we begin this celebration of Russ's life and legacy with our Gathering Song. 

Gathering Song: Sing Out, Earth and Skies [Marty Haugen]


Come, O God of all the earth: Come to us, O Righteous One;
Come, and bring our love to birth: In the Holy Chosen One.
Refrain:
Sing out, earth and skies!  Sing of the God who loves you!
Raise your joyful cries!  Dance to the life around you!

Come O God of wind and flame: Fill the earth with righteousness;
Teach us all to sing your name: May our lives your love confess.           [Refrain]

Come O God of flashing light, twinkling star and burning sun;
God of day and God of night: In your light we all are one. [Refrain]

Come O God of snow and rain: Shower down upon the earth.
Come O God of joy and pain, God of sorrow, God of mirth. [Refrain]

Come, O Justice, Come, O Peace: Come and shape our hearts anew;
Come, and make oppression cease: Bring us all to life with you. [Refrain]
Greeting: 
Presider 2 and All: Bridget Mary
 + In the name of Mother/Father / Christ the Chosen One / and the Holy Spirit, our Wisdom / Amen. 

Transformation Rite

Presider 2: Bridget Mary
We come together that we might form as one in spirit, but we know that our lives have left a mixed message. … In the past, we have chosen our will and our lives over God and others, and we recognize God’s response every time: 

[Presider 1 and All]  Lee
The Holy One forgives!  We, in turn, must forgive the wrongs of others.  The Holy One loves.  We, in turn, must love all others.

[we pause in silent reflection]

Presider 2 and All: Bridget Mary
[hands raised in blessing over each other]  
May the lesson of forgiveness bind us together in the Love that never ends.  Blessed be our loving God!



Glory to God, Glory! by Linda Lee Miska.

Opening Prayer:

Presider 1:  Lee 
We pause in prayer… 

(please pause in silence for all)

Presider 1: Lee 
Holy One our God, we give thanks and remember our brother, Russ.  Although his journey was but for a time among us, we are grateful for all you accomplished in, with and through him.  For it was in dying that he rose with you to everlasting life, a dying that set him free in this life to know you for all eternity.  Blessings upon you our God the Merciful, Who is Unconditional Love for all, with no exceptions.
All: Amen.

Presider 1: Lee
 We pause in silent reflection as fitting preparation for hearing God’s Word.  [pause]

 LITURGY OF THE WORD

First Reading: Jack McKillip    
Reader 1: A selection from the writings of Teilhard de Chardin.
  
When the signs of age begin mark my body [and still more when they touch my mind]; when the ill that is to diminish me or carry me off strikes from without or is born with me; when the painful moment comes in which I suddenly awaken to the fact that I am ill or grown old; and above all that last moment when I feel I am losing hold of myself and am absolutely passive within the hands of the great unknown forces that have formed me; in all those dark moments, O God, grant that I may understand that it is you [provided only my faith is strong enough] who are painfully parting the fibers of my being in order to penetrate to the very marrow of my substance and bear me away within yourself.  [pause] 
 
This day, sisters and brothers, through a great Teacher, we have heard the Word of God!
   
All: Thanks be to the Holy One, our God!

[please pause in silent reflection]

Response: Eye Has Not Seen [Marty Haugen]  https://youtu.be/rRyOS0nZr7s


Refrain:
Eye has not seen, ear has not heard 
What God has ready for those who love God.
Spirit of Love, come give us the mind of Jesus,
Teach us the wisdom of God.

   When pain and sorrow weigh us down,
   Be near to us, O God,
   Forgive the weakness of our faith,
   and bear us up within your peaceful word.  [refrain]

   Our lives are but a single breath,
   We flower and we fade,
   Yet all our days are in your hands,
   So we return in love what love has made. [refrain]

[pause, focus, in silent attentiveness, in preparation for hearing the Holy Word]

 Reader 2: Mary Montavon
 Russ enjoyed being an active part of the Body of Christ, especially when gathered with Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community.  Worshipping the God of all in the midst of all of us was the blessing that kept him growing on.  He also was a long-time, long-distance runner—from high school into his 40’s—a metaphor for  his spiritual journey.

Our second reading is from Paul's Letter to the Philippians (chapter 3, vs. 10-14, Running with Jesus)
I gave up a lot of stuff so that I could know Christ personally, experience Christ’s resurrection power, be a partner in Christ’s suffering, and go all the way with Christ to death itself.  If there was any way to get in on the resurrection from the dead, I wanted to do it.
I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have covered the entire course.  But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has wondrously grabbed hold of me.  Friends, don’t get me wrong: by no means do I count myself an expert in how to run this race; but I have my eyes of the prize, while God is cheering us onward—toward Christ Jesus.  Hey, I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back!  [pause]

Sisters and Brothers, through Paul the apostle, we have heard the Word of God  
 
All: Thanks be to the Holy One, our God! 

Alle, Alle, Alleluia!  by Linda Lee Miska. https://youtu.be/gIHnZn3JjcM

 

Reader 3: Lisa Babusck (Russ's niece) 

A reading from the Gospel of Matthew 11:28-30 -Come to me

Are you tired?  Worn out?  Burn out on religion?  Come to me.  Come away with me and you’ll recover your life.  I’ll show you how to really take a break.  Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.  Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely, gently, and nonviolently.  [pause]

Sisters and Brothers we have heard this day the Gospel Good News according to Matthew—

All: Praise to you, Christ of the Cosmos!

Alle, Alle, Alleluia!  https://youtu.be/gIHnZn3JjcM



Homily Starter: Bridget Mary 
 This video was created by Bridget Mary from a 30 Minute slide show that Russ made of precious memories from his life. ( For Liturgy we will show a clip of 30 minute video below)
Clip of Video:
https://youtu.be/3iB_fMeov3Q
Clip: 4 minutes:


30 Minute Video:

https://youtu.be/jIqESiy59Fw

Music: "let justice roll like a river and wash all oppression away.
Come O God and wake us,
move and shake us
Come now and make us anew that we might 
love justice like you.:  (Marty Haugen)
https://hymnary.org/text/take_from_me_your_holy_feasts
Shared Homily:
We share now the Living Word as found alive in, with and through each of us the Body of Christ. As the gathered Body of Christ here and now, Russ' s family and friends, members of our MMOJ community we invite you share a brief story or reflection about our dear brother and friend, Russ: 


Profession of Faith
Voice #1 Mary Al and All: 
We are a people of faith, bound by faith, and led by faith. We believe in the Holy One, Our God, Divine Mystery beyond all definition and understanding, heart of all that has ever existed, that exists now, or will ever exist, whose divinity infuses the entire cosmos, making everything sacred. Mother/Father God is with us.

Voice #2 Joan M and All: 
We believe in the Chosen One, Christ of the Cosmos, God’s Word enfleshed, Bearer of healing, New life and compassion, who—as Jesus—brought us through the consequences of our brokenness to now share life eternal in the risen Body of Christ.  Christ is with us.
  
Voice #3  Ann C. and All:
We believe in the Holy Spirit, Wisdom, Sophia.  She strengthens us on our journey to follow Christ as a loving people,  share our gifts, be a source of compassion, truth, be instruments and witnesses of peace and justice in the world.  She who is Holy is with us.
 
Voice #4 Jack D. and All: 
We believe in God’s reign on earth here and now and forever—a KINdom of compassionate, nonviolent Love that embraces all and stretches all about us for all those with eyes to recognize it and hearts to share it with everyone, everywhere—with no exceptions.  Amen. 

Prayers of the Community 

Voice #5: //Beth
As a community, we take this time now to bring into our midst the needs of others. Please respond after each petition is offered,  "Holy One, hear us as we pray!"

Voice #6: Anna D
We remember all who have gone before us, especially the grandparents, parents, brother and sister of Russ, the deceased of his 1967 ordination class, his special and close friend, Eileen, as well as relatives, many parishioners and friends; we also remember the departed members of this community: Jack Meehan, Marie Scott, Carol Ann Breyer, Ron Modras, Tom Murtha, Ford Englerth, Jody and Joe Adler, Charlie Grunkemeyer, Ron Sushinski, Angela Herbert, Imogene Rigdon, Helen Duffy, Eileen Miller, Bob Murray, Don Thompson, Bob MacMillan and Sally Brochu;

All: Holy One, hear us as we pray!

Voice #7: Joan P.
We remember the call to peace through justice and pray for the Catholic Worker wherever it labors and the Pax Christ USA Peace Movement wherever it is found:

All: Holy One, hear us as we pray!

Voice #8: Andrea S.
We remember all those who labor to end hunger in this world, including Catholic Relief Services, Bread for the World, Rick Steves, Food for the Poor, parish and local food pantries; may all they do reflect always the mercy and love of God:

All: Holy One, hear us as we pray!

Voice #9: Suzanne B.
We remember your saintly servant leaders, Dr. Bob and Bill W., and the millions of women and men and youth who sought and found transformative recovery by living the Twelve Steps of AA in a variety of 12 Step programs;

All: Holy One, hear us as we pray!

Voice # 10: Jerry B.
And for what else shall we pray? …… [community response]

All: Holy One, hear us as we pray!

Voice # 10: Jerry B.
These are the needs of your people, O Holy One, needs that we submit with full trust in your loving response.

All:  Amen

LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST



                                


Preparation of the Gifts
[participants place before themselves bread and wine.]

All Sing: Only a Shadow  Carey Landry  https://youtu.be/tbCM4w2eWqs


The love we have for you, O Christ,
is only a shadow of our love for us;
only a shadow of your love for us; 
your deep abiding love. [next verse]

The bread we take and eat, O Christ,
is your body broken and shared with us; 
your body broken and shared with us;
the gift of your great love. [refrain]

Refrain: Our lives are in your hands,
our lives are in your hands.
Our love for you will grow, O Christ;
your light in us will shine.

Our own belief in you, O Christ,
Is only a shadow of your faith in us;
only a shadow of your faith in us;
your deep and lasting faith, [next verse]

The dreams we share today, O Christ,
are only a shadow of your dreams for us;
only a shadow of your dreams for us;
if we but follow you.  [refrain]

The joy we share today, O Christ,
is only a shadow of your joys for us;
only a shadow of your joys for us;
when we meet face to face.  [refrain]

 (raise up gifts) 

                                  

Presider 1 and All: Lee
Blessed are you, O Holy One our God, who has given us gifts of food and drink, financial offerings and gifts of each other as we are gathered here today; may we become bread of life, spiritual drink, and transformed people in a material world.  Amen



EUCHARISTIC PRAYER

[All: place hands over gifts and pray] 

Presider 2 and All: Bridget Mary
As we do in this place what you did in an upstairs room, send down your Spirit Sophia on us and on these gifts of bread and wine that they may become for us your body: non-violent, healing and forgiving.  May we become for you, your body, loving and caring in the world until your KINdom embraces all. 

All sing: Holy, Holy, Holy (Linda Lee Miska)


(We [you, I, we] are holy, holy, holy! As produced by Linda Lee Miska]

Presider 1: Lee
On the night before Jesus died a vicious, and cruel death, he sat peacefully at a Seder meal with his companions.  Reminding them of all he taught, Jesus bent down to wash their feet.  He then said:” Let me give you a new command: Love one another.  In the same way I loved you, you must love one another.”  
Jesus knew he faced a memorable and life-giving death.  Right to the end, no matter what, he knew exactly why he was about to sacrifice all for all.

Presider 2 and All: Bridget Mary
[with hand extended in blessing] 
Jesus returned to his place at table, lifted the Passover bread and spoke the blessing, then broke the bread saying: “Take ,eat.  This is my very self.” 

[pause]

Jesus then raised the cup of blessing, spoke the grace, and offered them the wine saying: “Take, drink of the covenant made new again through my life for you and for everyone.  Whenever-wherever you do this, remember me.”

Memorial Acclamation: (Sung) 

"We remember how you loved us- to your death and still we celebrate for you are with us here- and we believe that we will see you when you come in your glory. We remember, we celebrate, we believe." 


Voice #1 : Mary Al
We recall Jesus’ passion and execution on a cross, how he suffered at the hands of those filled with the spirit of violence and hostility.  But, we also recall that he died loving enemies, praying for persecutors, forgiving, and being superabundantly merciful to those who would otherwise have demanded mere justice.

Voice #2: Joan M.
Remember, Holy One our God, your church throughout the world.  May our hearts be open to everyone as sisters and brothers.  Then, joined with all people, may we strive to create a world where we live nonviolently, where suffering is diminished, and all can live in peace, health and wholeness.

Voice #3 and All: Ann C.
Thru Christ, with Christ, in Christ, together with the Holy Spirit, all glory is yours, Holy One our God forever and ever… 




[sing] Amen as sung by Linda Lee Miska

COMMUNION RITE

Voice 4 and All: Jack D.
And now, we join in our family prayer…

All: 
Eternal Spirit,
Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver,
Source of all that is and that shall be,
Mother and Father of us all—
Loving God, in whom is heaven:
The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!

The way of your justice be followed by the peoples
        of the world!
Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom
        sustain our hope and come on earth.

With the bread we need for today, feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.
In times of temptation and test, strengthen us.
From trials too great to endure, spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil, free us.

For you reign in the glory of the power that is love,
       now and for ever.   Amen. 

SIGN OF PEACE:
Voice 5: Beth P.
As Christ among us, please share now with each other a sign of peace and love.  [bowing]  Namesté! Namesté! Namesté!

BREAKING OF BREAD:
Presider 1 and All: Lee
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 this world; we will do so.

Presider 2: Bridget Mary
This is Christ who liberates, heals and transforms us and our world.  All are invited to partake of this banquet of love.

Presider 2 and All: Bridget Mary
WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST!
Holy gifts for holy people, come you hungry and believe. Come receive Christ’s body offered, come and be what you receive.  Receive the Body and Blood of Christ/ in the midst of the Body and Blood of Christ/ as the gathered Body and Blood of Christ/ now and

Communion Song :

We Will Rise Again [David Haas]  
https://youtu.be/V0Jhui8RvuU



Like a shepherd I will feed you; I will gather you with care.
I will lead you and hold you close to my heart.

Refrain:
We will run and not grow weary, for our God will be our strength,
And we will fly like the eagle, we will rise again.

I am strength to the weary, to the weak I am new life. 
Though the young may grow weary, I will be their hope. [refrain]

Lift up your eyes, and see who made the stars.
I lead you, and I know you, I call you each by name. [refrain]

Fear not, I am with you; I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; uphold you with my hand. [refrain]



Presider 2: Bridget Mary
Community Prayers of Thanksgiving - Introductions - Announcements

CLOSING BLESSING

Presider 1: Lee
 Turn toward each other with hand extended in blessing and sing You are the Face of God.


You are the face of God; I hold you in my heart; 
you are a part of me; you are the face of God. 
 
You are the face of God; I hold you in my heart; 
you are my family; you are the face of God.

SENDING FORTH

Presider 1: Lee
Go now in the peace of Christ!  
In the memory of all those 
who have gone before us 
and all those who are yet to come among us, 
may our non-violent loving service 
of peace and justice toward all 
continue to mark our presence on this earth, leading us forth into the race of life
as we head to its fulfillment before us!

 All: Thanks be to God, Alleluia!  Alleluia!



 Presider 2: Bridget Mary
We are ending this Memorial Liturgy with Russ's own words and the grand MMMOJ SENDOFF!





When the Saints Go Marching In:


Russ with his dear friend Eileen



This Memorial Liturgy was written by Russ Banner


Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community 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


www.marymotherofjesus.net



MMOJ Inclusive Catholic Community Liturgy, Season of Creation - Week 1, September 5, 2026, Liturgy Team: Mary Theresa Streck, Pat and Bob Ferkenhoff, Joan Chesterfield and Cheryl Brandi

Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/93473708926?pwd=VHFKZGJ5N3ljbzZtVU1qQVRZY1lodz09 Meeting ID: 934 7370 8926 Passcode:  552967     Welcome ...