We Belong to

God’s Family
Year Four - Class Mass
Friday 16th AUGUST
 Gather
 
Welcome: We gather here today to celebrate a special gift – the gift of
belonging to God’s family. When we belong we feel that we are a
part of something. We feel happy, safe and secure. This is the way
that we feel in God’s family. We are grateful to be a part of a
community where we are supported, loved and are always learning to
follow in Jesus’ footsteps. Today we reflect on this goodness of God
and show thanks for being a part of his Church.

Entrance Hymn: ‘We are One’ – Andrew Chinn

We are one in our faith, we are one in our God
We are one in God’s love, a family we are
We are one on the journey,
our hands joined in peace
With hope in our eyes, and love in our heart

Let the children come to me

Called by His cross to harmony
Though many parts, one body we are
Called by our faith, from near and far

Love is patient, love is kind

Here we live in the love of Christ
Brothers and sisters, one holy family
A circle of love, we live in peace

And as we journey through our life

We follow Jesus’ guiding light
We walk in your footsteps, we follow your way
Respecting each other day by day
Penitential Rite: Lord Jesus, you have called us to your family.
Lord, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you reach out to care for us and save us.
Christ, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you heal us and forgive us.

Lord, have mercy.

Opening Prayer: Let us pray.

Lord God, you have called us into your family. Strengthen us by your
Spirit to live always according to your will. We ask this through
Christ our Lord.

FOCUS
First Reading: Peter 2: 9-10 (We are God’s Chosen People)

A reading from the first letter of St Peter.

But you are the chosen race, the King’s priests, the holy nation, God’s
own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God, who
called you out of darkness into his own marvellous light. At one time
you were not God’s people, but now you are his people; at one time
you did not know God’s mercy, but now you have received his mercy.

The word of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 34:1-2, 7-8

Response: Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

 I will always thank the Lord;
I will never stop praising him. Response

I will praise him for what he has done;

May all who are oppressed listen and be glad! Response

His angel guards those who have reverence for the Lord
And rescues them from danger. Response

Find out for yourself how good the Lord is.

Happy are those who find safety with him. Response

Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia! Alleluia!

“Let the little children come to me: The Kingdom belongs to them.”
Alleluia!

Gospel: Mark 10:13-16 (Jesus puts his arms around the children)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.

Some people brought children to Jesus for him to place his hands
on them, but the disciples scolded the people. When Jesus noticed
this he was angry and said to his disciples, “Let the children come to
me, and do not stop them, because the Kingdom of God belongs to
such as these. I assure you that whoever does not receive the
Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” Then he took the
children in his arms, placed his hands on each of them, and blessed
them.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Prayers of the faithful: We are gathered as God’s family. Let us now pray to our
heavenly father.

We pray for Pope Francis, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe and

all others who lead and serve in this Church. May they know
your guidance and direction as they continue working towards
a better world, through the teachings of Jesus.
(Pause) Lord hear us.

We pray for our world leaders. May they be inspired and

supported to carry love with them always.
(Pause) Lord hear us.

We pray for those who are sick, especially in our school

community. May they feel your warmth and be brought to
good health.
(Pause) Lord hear us.

We pray for those who are lonely: may we welcome them as

friends with open arms and may they find peace and
freedom.
(Pause) Lord hear us.

We pray for teachers, staff, parents and families of our

school. May they always see God’s goodness, offering love,
care and support to everyone that they meet.
(Pause) Lord hear us.

We pray for ourselves. May we never forget that we belong

to God’s family.
(Pause) Lord hear us.
 REFLECT
Offertory Hymn: ‘I Belong’ – Holy Chorus
Another day, in my life I see
Thank you Lord, for giving me
Mark my way, so I’ll never stray
Away from you, come what may

I do believe, that you are near

Lord you relieve, all my fear
With your grace, each night and day
Life I’ll face, and win my way

Sometimes I’m so heartless

Sometimes so cold
But deep inside I feel your love and calling I hold
Makes me reassess and seek your holiness
Lord, you’re my road to happiness

Time again you forgive

My trespasses and make me live
Help me Lord, to be firm and strong
And turn away, from all wrong

On your road, step me on

You know to love you more, how much I long
Hold me Lord, all along
To you Lord, I belong

Prayer over the Gifts: Lord, you welcome us to your table. May we who celebrate
the Eucharist be worthy members of your family the Lord.
Communion Hymn: ‘We are God’s Hands’ – Andrew Chinn
We are God’s hands, we are God’s eyes
We are the love, the heart of Christ
Oh Spirit move, our hearts and minds
That we may see, peace in our time

May our hands reach out to those

Who’ve come across our seas to find a home
May we reach out across the seas
To touch the poor, be God’s mercy

May we see with open eyes

And comfort those with lonely lives
Look all around and see the need
With eyes of hope, be God’s mercy

May our hearts be the love of God

Bring the love of Christ to one and all
May our love sow seeds of peace
And may our hearts, be God’s Mercy

We are God’s hands, we are God’s eyes

We are the love, the heart of Christ
Oh Spirit move, our hearts and minds
That we may see, peace in our time
That we may be, peace in our time

Prayer after Communion: Let us pray.

Lord, through our participation in this Eucharist you make us
one family in Christ. Help us grow in love for one another.
Through Christ our Lord.
 RESPOND
Concluding Rite: Father, hear our prayers and help us to welcome others as
you welcome us. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Recessional Hymn: ‘Tell the Good News!’ – Andrew Chinn

Tell the Good News! Let it live in your heart
Live the Good News! What you do, who you are
Be the Good News! Be my voice, be my hands
My Good News is Peace let it blossom through all the land!

Love one another as I have loved you

Reach out to others, as I would do
Be lilies of peace, give a fair go to all
This is my cry and This is my call

I came to give life – life to the full

Be all you can be, all your gifts use them all
And see the gifts in others, help them to grow
And if this you will do, my fullness you’ll know

Filled with my Spirit, my fire of love

These gifts of the Spirit, from God above
May they live in your hearts, as you learn as you grow
For all of your days, wherever you go

Be my good news, be my people of peace

Throughout every day, for all of your years
Be people of joy, be people of hope
Wherever you are, wherever you go