When Mass cannot be celebrated publicly
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear? : The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
These words from Psalm 26 were penned by David in the twilight of his life. Having experienced many ups and downs as King of Israel, he reflects on the one steadfast thing, the love of God for him. In these difficult times when our worlds can seem to be upside down and the familiar patterns of life are removed from us, we turn to God and rely on his mercy and loving compassion for us all. This booklet has been provided as a help for prayer when Mass is not available to us. Our priests will continue to offer Mass for the Church and the world at this time, and we can unite ourselves to their celebrations through a spiritual communion. St Thomas Aquinas described Spiritual Communion as, ‘an ardent desire to receive Jesus in the most holy sacrament and lovingly embrace him’. As our pattern of life changes, we should endeavour to keep a pattern of prayer and praise in our days, and this is one way we can unite ourselves in prayer to our Lord and his world.
Be assured of my prayers for you all at this time.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols President Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales
Introduction
Some will find it helpful to have a space as a focus for their prayer. This might include a crucifix, icon or other holy image, and a lighted candle.
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Examen
Before listening to the Word of God take a moment to reflect.
For what am I grateful to God for today? Where did I stray from God: through words, actions or things I did not do. How might I do better tomorrow? What grace do I ask from God in order to live more closely in his love?
You may wish to conclude by saying:
Lord Jesus, you have revealed yourself as the way to the Father: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
You have poured out on your people the Spirit of truth: Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
You are the Good Shepherd, leading us to eternal life: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Additional Prayers
Pope Francis’ prayer to the Virgin for protection
O Mary, you shine continuously on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick. At the foot of the Cross you participated in Jesus’ pain, with steadfast faith.
You, Salvation of the Roman People, know what we need. We are certain that you will provide, so that, as you did at Cana of Galilee, joy and feasting might return after this moment of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform ourselves to the Father’s will and to do what Jesus tells us:
He who took our sufferings upon Himself, and bore our sorrows to bring us through the Cross, to the joy of the Resurrection. Amen.
We seek refuge under your protection, O Holy Mother of God. Do not despise our pleas — we who are put to the test —and deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.
Invocation of Our Lady
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided.
Inspired with this confidence, I fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer me.
Prayer for the Household
Hear us, Lord, and send your angel from heaven to visit and protect, to comfort and defend all who live in this house. Amen.
The Word of God
The readings for the Mass of the Day can be found in a People’s Missal or online Universal is [https://universalis.com/mass.htm]. Either read all the texts or choose just to read the Gospel of the Day.
Psalm 85 (1-6, 11, 15-16)
Turn your ear, O Lord, and give answer for I am poor and needy. Preserve my life, for I am faithful: save the servant who trusts in you.
You are my God, have mercy on me, Lord, for I cry to you all the day long. Give joy to your servant, O Lord, for to you I lift up my soul.
O Lord, you are good and forgiving, full of love to all who call. Give heed, O Lord, to my prayer and attend to the sound of my voice.
Show me, Lord, your way so that I may walk in your truth. Guide my heart to fear your name.
You, God of mercy and compassion, slow to anger, O Lord, abounding in love and truth, turn and take pity on me.
Gospel Mark 4:35–41
On that day, when evening had come, Jesus said to them, ‘Let us go across to the other side.’ And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’ And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, ‘Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?’ And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?’
Silent reflection
Pause for a moment of silent reflection
Prayers
Intercessions
Pray for family and loved ones so that they may be held in God’s compassionate care. Pray for other countries who are struggling with the effects of the COVID 19 virus.
If the following intentions are said in a family or other group you may wish to conclude each one with the response:
Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer
For those in authority: may they offer advice with care and integrity, may they seek to protect the poor and vulnerable.
For all who work in healthcare: give strength to all who look after the sick so that they may bring comfort and relief to the suffering.
For the Church: may she offer prayers and consolation for all those affected.
For our local community and all for those in need: may those who are isolated know the support and service of their neighbours.
Lord’s Prayer
Our Father…
Spiritual Communion
Prayer of St Alphonsus
My Jesus, I believe that you are present in this Holy Sacrament of the altar. I love you above all things and I passionately desire to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come spiritually into my soul so that I may unite myself wholly to you now and forever. Amen.
Conclusion
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Prayers during a time of ‘flu and illness
Information about how the Church is responding practically to Coronavirus can be found here: www.cbcew.org.uk/coronavirus-guidelines. This information is kept up to date and should be checked regularly.
When Jesus entered Peter’s house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and began to serve him. That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. This was to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: ‘He took our illnesses and bore our diseases’. Matthew 8:14-17
General Prayer for Health
Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
Prayer for those in Authority
Loving God, in Christ Jesus, the servant of all, you call us to the service of others.
Grant to those who govern the community the skill to recognise its urgent needs and the strength to pursue the common good. Endow us all with patience and courage, that we may care for the suffering, feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and sustain the needy. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Invocation of Our Lady
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer me.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
Prayer of St Ignatius
Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will, All I have and call my own.
You have given all to me. To you, Lord, I return it. Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give me only your love and your grace that is enough for me.
Prayer for the Household
Hear us, Lord, and send your angel from heaven to visit and protect, to comfort and defend all who live in this house. Amen.
Prayer for Health Staff
Wondrous God, author of life, you fashioned us in your likeness and breathed into us the life which is your own.
Be with those whose special care is the health of mind and body. Fill their hearts with awe for the life which is your gift and sustain them daily in your service, that their hands may bring to others the comfort of your healing touch. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for those Affected
Merciful God, come to the help of your people. Be our shelter in this time of peril and strengthen the bonds of our community. Bring healing to all who suffer the ravages of disease and assist those who’s skill and art can put an end to this affliction. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God, our refuge and our shield, even when we walk in the shadow of death you are there at our side.
Be with your people in this time of danger: bring strength to the afflicted and protection to those untouched by disease.
Give us love and courage that we may trust in your power to save and reach out to all who need our care. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Spiritual Communion
There are times when people are unable to receive the Body and Blood of Christ, through illness or due to their personal disposition. Even though some may not receive ‘sacramental’ Communion, all are united in some way by the Holy Spirit. The traditional idea of ‘spiritual’ Communion is an important one to remember and reaffirm. A deep spiritual communion is possible even when we do not share together the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ. (cf. Celebrating the Mass 212)
My Jesus, I believe that you are present in this Holy Sacrament of the altar. I love you above all things and I passionately desire to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come spiritually into my soul so that I may unite myself wholly to you now and forever. Amen.
Based on a prayer of St Alphonsus Liguori
Self-Isolation
If there is a chance that a person has Coronavirus healthcare professionals may advise self-isolation for up to 14 days. Government advice should be followed.
Those who are self-isolated may wish to spend some of the time in prayer. Use might be made of websites such as Pray as you go [https://pray-as-you-go.org] or Universalis [www.universalis.com] — to follow the readings at Mass each day or to join in the Prayer of the Church. Parishes will find ways of supporting people through prayer, communication (phone or social media) and practical support (food etc.).