UPCOMING LITURGICAL DATES See this resource for upcoming liturgical dates would be appropriate for celebrating the lives of those that were during the pandemic: June 11, June 27, July 28.

Description: The following Sundays, Solemnity and Memorial provide appropriate days for the celebration of the lives that were lost during the pandemic. Parishes can also have this celebration of lives on important days within the life of the parish (Feast of Parish Patron, yearly celebration of parish life, Feast of a Saint that has some meaning in the life of the parish, etc.).

What is given here are samples that can be adapted to each parish’s needs and also used either as a Mass or as a Liturgy of the Word. Parishes may also consider doing this celebration several times during the upcoming months as the capacity for Mass increases.

Friday, June 11—The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Introduction Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus—‘Heart of Jesus meek and mild, hear us as we pray’. As we gather ‘reunited in Christ’ on this most glorious day, we do so with hearts heavy as we remember all who have died during this pandemic, especially our parishioners, other family members, friends and all people throughout the world. Let us today lift up these lives to the Sacred Heart and in our celebration of the Eucharist proclaim the love of Christ who died on the cross for us and gave all people the promise of life everlasting.

Prayers from the Mass for the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (Friday after the Second Sunday after Pentecost)

Readings Lectionary #171

Hosea 11: 1, 3-4, 8c-9 When Israel was a child I loved him, out of Egypt I called by son.

Responsorial Psalm: Isaiah 12: 2-3, 4, 5-6 You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.

Ephesians 3: 8-12, 14-19 That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.

John 19: 31-37 One soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water flowed out.

Universal Prayers

For all who have suffered during this pandemic, may the gentle love of the Sacred Heart bring them continuing comfort and peace.

That all people throughout the world will always look to the loving Heart of Jesus for strength to be people of genuine love and respect for all life.

For all who have died during this pandemic, we pause to remember them by name in our hearts and minds (pause) may they now be rejoicing in the presence of the Sacred Heart of Jesus as they live in the blessedness of life eternal.

Possible Hymns (to be used during any of these Masses along with the hymns that are already known to the parishioners, especially those you may use yearly on All Souls Day) There are many more hymns, this is just a sampling.

‘Lift High the Cross’ ‘At the Cross her Station Keeping’ ‘Easter Alleluia’ ‘Hail Our Savior’s Glorious Body/Pange Lingua’ ‘Jesus Christ Is Risen Today’ ‘Jesus, Remember Me’ ‘I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say’ ‘O Sacred Head Surrounded’ ‘Himnos sobre el Sagrado Corazon de Jesus’ ‘El amor del Salvador’ ‘Yo se que vive me Senor’ ‘Cristo ha resucitado’

There are many ways that parishes remember those who have been buried from the parish during the past year on All Souls Day---use that ceremony during this Mass or use a different ceremony for this Mass (for example, reading the names of the deceased and lighting a candle which the family can bring home after the Mass, singing the names of the deceased in a Litany form, asking the families to bring a picture of the deceased to be placed in the church during this Mass, have a ‘Dia de los Muertos altar’ somewhere in the church during this Mass and even leaving it up for a period of time).

Sunday, June 27—Thirteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Introduction As we gather this Sunday we do so to remember and celebrate the lives of all who have died during the time of this pandemic. Our hearts are heavy as we come before our God remembering the lives of our parishioners, family members, friends and people throughout the world who are now rejoicing with God in the blessedness of life eternal. Let us together lift up all who have died during these past months to the loving embrace of our compassionate and comforting God.

Prayers from the Mass of the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings Lectionary #98

Wisdom 1: 13-15; 2:23-24 God did not make death, he fashioned all things that they might have being.

Responsorial Psalm 30 I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.

2 Corinthians 8: 7, 9, 13-15 For you know the gracious act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, for your sake he became poor.

Mark 5: 21-43 He took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum”, which means “Little girl, I say to you, arise!”

Universal Prayers

For the peoples of the world who are suffering from this pandemic, may they soon know the gentle healing power of our compassionate and loving God.

That those who work tirelessly to bring about to this pandemic, may they be blessed for their work and given the strength and courage to continue to make life better for all peoples.

That all those who have died during these months from this pandemic, let us pause to name and reflect upon their lives (pause), may they and all the faithful departed now be enjoying the rewards of eternal life.

Sunday, July 11—Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Introduction In today’s Readings we hear about how people were chosen by God to go and do good things for others, to bring them words of truth and salvation. We gather today to remember those in our personal lives, in our parish, and throughout the world who have been chosen by God to bring ‘good news’ to others. We remember all who during this pandemic have died and have left a mark in our lives reflective of who they are as a child of God. Let us pray with up lifted hearts, minds and voices that we will continue to live our lives of faith as they lived theirs.

Readings Lectionary #104

Amos 7: 12-15 The Lord took me from following the flock, and said to me, go, prophesy to my people Israel.

Responsorial Psalm 85 Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.

Ephesians 1: 3-14 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens.

Mark 6: 7-13 Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two, so they went off and preached repentance.

Universal Prayers

That all of us, chosen by God to bring ‘good news’ to all people, may we reflect in our lives of faith the courage and strength of those who have suffered during this pandemic.

For all peoples, may those who govern them be given the strength to continue the process to rid the world of the COVID 19 virus.

For all who have died during these day of the pandemic and especially those who we remember in the depths of our hearts, (pause) may they live in the blessedness of life eternal.

Wednesday, July 28—Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus

Introduction Today we celebrate the Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. As we reflect upon the rising of Lazarus from the dead and the faithful witness of Martha and Mary, we gather to remember those whose lives have supported our own faithful witnessing as missionary disciples. Today we celebrate the lives of parishioners, family members, friends and all people who have died during this pandemic. As we reflect on their lives, let us pray with thanksgiving and gratitude for their presence in this world in so many wonderful ways.

Prayers New Collect will be sent to all priests during July

Readings Lectionary 404/607

Exodus 40: 16-21, 34-38 The glory of the Lord filled the Dwelling.

Responsorial Psalm 84 How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord, mighty God!

John 11: 19-27 I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and anyone who lives and believes in me will never die.

Universal Prayers

That all those who have died during this pandemic will be raised to eternal life to rejoice in the blessedness of heaven.

For those who we remember in the depths of our hearts who have died during this pandemic as we say they names (pause), may they know the rewards promised to those who believe in Jesus’ words “I am the resurrection and the life”.

For all those who need our prayers this day, especially those still suffering from the pandemic, may they know the gentle healing power of God.

Other Masses that can be used during weekdays of Ordinary Time

Votive Mass of the Mystery of the Holy Cross Lectionary Volume 4 #969-975

Votive Mass of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Lectionary Volume 4 #995-1000

Masses for the Dead Lectionary Volume 4 #1011-1016

Order of Christian Funerals

The Order of Christian Funerals has many useful resources that could be used for a Mass or Liturgy of the Word in Remembrance of the Deceased.

Part III: Texts of Sacred Scripture (all centering on the deceased)

Part V: Additional Texts Prayers and Texts in Particular Circumstances Prayers for the Dead Prayers for the Mourners General Intercessions and Litanies

Should you want or need more examples and directions to other liturgical books, please contact the Office of Divine Worship and the Catechumenate [email protected] and we will assist you in your needs.