OUR LADY OF FATIMA

OUR LADY OF FATIMA

Find out more about her message to the world

SEE

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bz1TSyxh5lTsSm9rUWlrMEwyUW8/view

120 COUNTRIES FOLLOW OUR BLOGS. IN YOUR COUNTRY, WILL YOU PRAY A ROSARY, MAKE A VISIT OR FAST FOR THE INTENTION OF THE CONTINUED PROTECTION OF THE UNBORN CHILD IN IRELAND?

IRELAND CONTINUES TO WITNESS TO THE SANCTITY OF THE LIFE OF THE UNBORN CHILD. AS THE PROLIFE MAJORITY PREPARE TO MEET IN DUBLIN ON 1st JULY 2017, WOULD YOU CONSIDER JOINING US IN PRAYER?

PLEASE OFFER ONE OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING TO OUR LORD, TO BEG FOR HIS GRACE TO FALL UPON IRELAND IN FAVOUR OF THE LIFE OF THE UNBORN CHILD

• Pray the Rosary
• Make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament
• Read from the Word of God
• Fast from an unkind word 
• Fast from an unneeded meal, if your health and situation permit
• Make a holy hour
• Attend Benediction
• Offer up a Mass for the intention of the unborn child
• Attend Mass with the intention of asking God's Grace for Ireland for the safety of the unborn child
• Pray
• Any other prayerful act of worship for this intention

IRELAND CONTINUES TO STAND FIRM IN WITNESS OF THE SANCTITY OF THE LIFE OF THE UNBORN CHILD. PLEASE HELP US WITH YOUR PRECIOUS GIFT OF PRAYER.

THANK YOU

GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH IS HOLDING ALL NIGHT PRAYER VIGIL. WHY NOT JOIN US?

GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH IS HOLDING ALL NIGHT PRAYER VIGIL. WHY NOT JOIN US?
WE PRAY

• THAT THE LORD OF THE HARVEST MAY SEND MANY LABOURERS INTO THE HARVEST
• FOR ALL STUDYING FOR THE PRIESTHOOD, THAT GOD MAY BLESS THEIR STUDIES AND LABOURS, AND THAT THEY BECOME GOOD AND HOLY PRIESTS
• FOR ALL UNBORN BABIES
• FOR ALL PARENTS WHO LOSE UNBORN CHILDREN
• FOR ALL PARENTS WHO HAVE SUFFERED THE LOSS OF A CHILD
• FOR ALL AFFECTED BY WAR
• FOR ALL WHO GRIEVE THE LOSS OF A LOVED ONE
• FOR ALL WHO ARE SO SAD THEY CONTEMPLATE SUICIDE
• FOR ALL WHO FEEL LONELY
• FOR ALL WHO FEEL ABANDONED
• FOR ALL WHO FEEL MISUNDERSTOOD
• FOR ALL WHO ARE IN THE BONDS OF AN ADDICTION
• WE PRAY FOR THOSE WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY TO CARE FOR YOUNG LIVES
• WE PRAY FOR THOSE WHO FEEL TROUBLED AND INSECURE
• WE PRAY FOR THOSE ANXIOUS FOR THE FUTURE
• WE PRAY FOR THOSE WHO STRUGGLE WITH LITTLE ENERGY
• FOR YOUR SPECIAL INTENTIONS

https://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/bible-videos/the-good-shepherd-and-other-sheep-i-have

With thanks to mormonchannel.org

GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH IS AT ALL NIGHT VIGIL. WHY NOT PRAY WITH US?

GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH IS AT ALL NIGHT VIGIL. WHY NOT JOIN US IN PRAYER?
WE PRAY FOR

• YOUR SPECIAL INTENTIONS
• THE INTENTIONS OF CHRIST THE LIGHT, FOR OUR WORLD
• FOR ALL AFFECTED BY WAR
• FOR THOSE IN AUTHORITY
• FOR THOSE IN PRISON
• FOR THOSE WHO ARE ILL
• FOR THOSE WHO ARE UNJUSTLY TREATED
• FOR SLAVES, THAT THE LORD MAY INTERCEDE IN THEIR LIVES
• FOR THE TRAFFICKED, THAT THE LORD MAY INTERCEDE IN THEIR SITUATIONS
• FOR POLICE AND THOSE SEEKING FOR JUSTICE AND PROTECTION OF SOCIETY
• FOR THOSE IN ESSENTIAL SERVICES
• FOR THOSE IN THE HEALING PROFESSIONS
• FOR ABORTED BABIES
• FOR ABORTIONISTS, THAT THE LORD MAY HELP THEM TO SEE THE TRUTH OF THE SACREDNESS OF EACH HUMAN LIFE
• FOR SATANISTS, THAT THEY MAY RECEIVE THE LIGHT OF CHRIST INTO THEIR LIVES
• FOR THE VULNERABLE AND THOSE MOST IN NEED OF MERCY AND COMPASSION
• IN REPARATION FOR SINS

JESUS CHRIST IS RISEN, HALLELUJAH! EASTER VIGIL SERVICE

JESUS CHRIST IS RISEN! HALLELUJAH! LET THE MOUNTAINS RING OUT WITH JOY. THE SON OF GOD HAS OVERCOME DEATH AND EMBRACED RISEN LIFE.
WE TOO SHALL RISE! HALLELUJAH!

If you are unable to attend Mass due to ill health, essential care services or other reasons, follow this Mass and receive our Risen Saviour spiritually in your heart.

Low in the grave He lay

1. Low in the grave He lay,
Jesus, my Savior!
Waiting the coming day,
Jesus, my Lord!

Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o'er His foes,
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!

2. Vainly they watched His bed -
Jesus, my Savior!
Vainly they seal the dead -
Jesus, my Lord!

Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o'er His foes,
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!

3. Death cannot keep his prey -
Jesus, my Savior!
He tore the bars away -
Jesus, my Lord!

Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o'er His foes,
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!


 


Remember that Jesus Christ is the Light of the world. Light a candle to remind yourself of this glorious fact. If you have no candle, or are unable to do so, why then, light the love of your heart for Him as your candle.

Priest; "The Easter Vigil begins in darkness. The darkness of the tomb is split open as the Light of the world resurrects and pours life-giving light to the whole world.
O God, grant that our hearts may be purified by your beloved Son Jesus Christ.
We offer You our love and praise in honour of so glorious a gift to our world,
Amen."

Let the light of your candle illumine the darkness of your room or house.
Think of all the wonderful things God had accomplished within your life. If you are depressed, ill, or in difficulty, ask God to help you open your heart to the healing that Jesus Christ brings.

THE LIGHT OF CHRIST
If you are in a family, let each family member light a candle from the first candle. In this way, we too are inspired by Jesus Christ, and pass His light and love on from one person to another. This is how we witness to His Light and love in dark situations in our world.

THE WORD OF OUR SALVATION HISTORY
God has pursued us, loved us, since the Fall. He never accepted humanity's rejection of Him and His Love. He continually tries to heal the breach between our human family and Himself.
Let us remember our spiritual history, and give thanks for His great mercy, love and deliverance.

EASTER VIGIL READINGS
THE CREATION
Genesis 1:1-2:2
Priest; "In the beginning God created the world and all in it. He first created man, and then created woman. Both were made equally in His Image and Likeness. Let us give praise for His great creation of ourselves as His human sons and daughters.
Congregation; "Amen."
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%201:1-2:2

THE TEST OF ABRAHAM
Genesis 22:1-18
Priest; "God asked his beloved human son Abraham to offer his only son, Isaac. This horrendous sacrifice was reluctantly agreed to by Abraham. 
This request seems harsh and difficult to understand. It is likely that God was using this request as an indication to us of the desperate situation of offering an only son as a sacrifice, in a way that humanity can understand.
In the Law of God, life is sacred. The Law of Moses orders  'Thou shalt not kill'. 
Yet how many of our sons and daughters are still offered up today on the altar of sacrifice of war. How many offered up in the pursuit of honour and justice, at the detriment of that most basic of all justice - the right to their own lives?
In the final event God caused Abraham's hand to be stayed.

Yet God Himself has let us see in this event the horror of the request of what He Himself was prepared to do - many years later - in offering up His own Son to save us. 
There was no one to stop the slaying hand as humanity leaned heavily upon the Christ. The innocent one was killed and we have been redeemed by His Blood. Let us give thanks for so great our God."
Congregation; "Amen."
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2022:1-18

THE ISRAELITES CROSS THE RED SEA
Exodus 14:15-15:1
Priest; "God saved his chosen people the Israelites from bondage in slavery. 
He caused a great miracle, a reversal of the laws of nature, in order to allow downtrodden families to escape from servitude into freedom. 
How many times has God saved us from the chains of our own sins? 
How many times have we pleaded with God to save us in difficult situations, and been helped by seemingly inexplicable circumstances? 
Every day is a miracle. Every night is a blessing. Every breath we take a marvel of flesh and blood and sinew and circulation and creation. 
Let us thank the Lord our God for saving our forefathers from slavery. 
Let us thank Him for the Jewish people who have given us Jesus our Messiah, Mary His beloved mother, Joseph His beloved foster father, the holy saints and disciples of our spiritual history."
Congregation; "Amen."
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%2014:15-15:1

GOD HAS FORGIVEN US: HE HAS TAKEN US BACK
Isaiah 54:5-14
Priest; "The holy prophet Isaiah foresaw great mysteries, and was close to the heart of God. 
The pure spirit of this man was swirled in visions and portents, graciously shared with us.
Isaiah told us how the Lord our God saw humanity, crying and brokenhearted as the result of our own foolish actions. 
We were as defenceless and forlorn as a young wife, brokenhearted and crying, because her beloved husband had divorced her. 
Yet God has taken us back! What joy is ours.
Our Saviour Jesus Christ gave His own life as  payment of the irredeemable debt we owed our Creator for the great sin of our forefathers. Let us rejoice this night, for indeed, it is holy!"
Congregation; "Amen."
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+54:5-14

THE LORD'S INVITATION
Isaiah 55:1-11
Priest; "If you are thirsty, come and drink the water of divine life from Jesus Christ. 
Partake freely from the table of communion of the Lord. 
You do not need to pay anything to inherit divine life, eternity. 
Just draw near to the God Whose thoughts are not our thoughts, Whose ways are not our ways. 
'Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, my thoughts and my ways are higher than yours,' says the Lord. 
His purpose of our redemption will not be thwarted, even by our ancient enemy satan. 
'Rain and snow fall from the sky, but they don't return without watering the earth that produces seeds to plant and grain to it.' 
That is how it is with the words of God. 
His words produce effects; they produce fruit. 
The word of God will produce eternal life in us.'
Congregation; "Amen."
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2055:1-11

LET US COMMIT TO FOLLOWING GOD'S LAW
Baruch 3:9-15, 32-4:4
Priest; "Let us listen to the wisdom of the Lord our God, and follow His commandments. 
Wisdom is found in the book of God's law and His teachings, and they will last forever. 
Let us turn towards the wisdom of God and follow in His paths."
Congregation; "Amen."
http://bible.oremus.org/?passage=Baruch+3:9-15,3:32-4:4

LET US HONOUR THE LORD OUR GOD
Ezekiel 36:16-28
Priest; "Humanity has disgraced God's Holy Name among the holy nations in so many ways. Murder, infidelity, forms of horrific violence, wars, injustice, uncleanliness in thought and word and deed in so many ways. 
Let us turn to the Lord our God, and submit our lives to Him. 
Let us honour Him. Let us bow our stubborn hearts, bow our proud spirits, use our free will to allow God access into our lives in order to do His gracious work. 
He has told us clearly, 'You have disgraced My Holy Name among the nations where you now live. So you don't deserve what I'm going to do for you. .. I will gather you from foreign nations and bring you home. I will sprinkle clean water over you and you will be clean and acceptable to Me. I will take away your stubborn heart and give you a new heart. . . You will once again live in the land I gave your ancestors; you will be my people, and I will be your God.' "
Congregation; "Amen."
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel+36%3A16-28&version=ESV

LET US GLORIFY OUR GOD!
Romans 6:3-11
Priest; "All of us who share through baptism in the life of Jesus, also share His death. 
When we were baptized, we died to the sin that was like an eviscerating bacteria within our spirits, and rose to a new and pure life. 
None of this is easy. Nothing worthwhile ever is.
Let us turn to Jesus Christ, and ask Him to help us with this task, to lead us on the path to everlasting life. 
Hail our Victorious Prince! Hail the King of Kings! Hail our Lord and Saviour! Hail our innocent Lamb of God!"
Congregation; "Hail!"
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%206:3-11

BAPTISM
If you have been baptized, here quietly renew your promises to Jesus to continue practising holiness in your life, and to be faithful to Him. 
If you have been baptized, and fallen away from your faith, why then, just renew your baptismal promises and start all over again.
If you have never been baptized, why not accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour? 
He truly is the Son of God, and is waiting for you. Invite joy into your life and accept Him. Seek baptism.
Here is a chapel for accepting Jesus Christ into your life:
http://churchinterfaith.blogspot.ie/2016/06/how-to-receive-jesus-christ-as-your.html

LITANY OF SAINTS
Priest; "Let us thank God for the holy men and women who have gone before us, showing that it is possible to reach the holiness God desires for us. Let us remember our holy ones."
Congregation; "We remember you, our holy family in heaven."
http://churchinterfaith.blogspot.ie/2016/10/litany-of-saints.html

BLESSING OF THE WATER
[If you are not near a church, place some water into a bowl. Sprinkle a little salt in it, if you have - and ask the Lord God to bless the water and make it holy. Now you have your own holy water! 
It is helpful to keep a small bottle of holy water in your own home, procured from church, a holy place of pilgrimage or holy well. 
Holy water is used to bless ourselves and others, and to sanctify our home to God.]

The priest blesses the water, and sprinkles the congregation with it.
We remember that Jesus is the Water of Life and brings us to holiness through baptism.

WE NOW REJECT OUR ANCIENT ENEMY SATAN
Priest; "Do you reject sin, so as to live in the freedom of God's children?'
Congregation; "I do."

Priest; "Do you reject the glamour of evil, and refuse to be mastered by sin?"
Congregation; "I do."

Priest; "Do you reject satan, father of sin and prince of darkness?"
Congregation; "I do."

WORDS OF COMFORT
"In Italy there is a small chapel called the Longinus Chapel. 
Here we remember the the soldier, in whose heart compassion was stirred as he looked upon the sufferings of the man he was called upon through the office of his career to kill. 
Jesus had called down forgiveness and blessing upon those executing Him. Such forgiveness had powerful impact on Longinus.

As Jesus hung dying on the cross, the soldier tried to bring relief to his suffering by offering him relief from pain. 
Longinus mixed the unsweet wine of the soldier with myrrh, a known pain reliever of severe joint and muscle pain, and offered it on the point of a spear to the suffering Jesus. 


This soldier was, unknown to his employers, suffering from extremely poor eyesight. In fact, he was going blind.
Longinus began having doubts as to the wisdom of the execution as he witnessed the heaving of the ground in earthquake as Jesus was dying.
In a further mark of mercy, instead of breaking Jesus legs to hasten death, Longinus pierced the side of the Messiah to ensure He was dead.

Immediately, blood and gathered pleural fluid [which looks like water] rained down into the upraised face of Longinus.
According to long held tradition in the city which holds Longinus Chapel, the nearly blind soldier had his eyesight miraculously restored, and shouted out, 'This man truly was the Son of God'.

Longinus lost his job after the resurrection, because he witnessed to the resurrection of Jesus. He became a priest, and spent his life preaching the good news. 
It is believed that Longinus was eventually martyred for his ministry.

Where does that leave us? This Easter let us realize that we, too, often suffer from spiritual blindness. We too need healing. We too need the forgiveness of Christ. 
Let us turn to Jesus, our newly risen Lord and Master, and ask Him to heal us as generously as He healed Longinus.

Early on Saturday morning, a huge rock creaked open and a clinically dead man walked through. This is impossible in human terms. 
In cosmic reality, the true resurrection of Jesus Christ is evidence of His claim to be the true Son of God.
 Let us thank God for giving us His Son, and move forward in the true hope of the resurrection."

THE EUCHARIST
Priest; "As they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed and broke it.
He gave it to His disciples, saying; "Take all you, and eat. This is My Body, which is broken for you."
Congregation; "Lord Jesus, You are the Bread of Life."

Priest; "At the end of supper, Jesus took the cup. He gave thanks, and gave it to His disciples, saying, "Take, all of you, and drink; this is My Blood of the new covenant, Which is shed for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in memory of Me." '

Congregation; "Lord Jesus, You are the cup of life, the wine blessed for our salvation."

[Receive communion. If you are unable to attend Holy Mass, receive Jesus spiritually within your heart and soul now. Spend some time in prayer].

LORD'S PRAYER
Priest; "Let us now pray the Lord's prayer in the words Jesus gave us."

Priest and Congregation;
'Our Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come
Thy Will be done
One earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day
Our daily bread,
And forgive us our sins,
As we forgive those who sin against us,
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory,
For ever and ever. Amen."

PRAYER AND BLESSING
Priest; "Heavenly Father, we praise and thank You for sending us Your only Son, Jesus Christ.
We rejoice in His Resurrection. This night the tomb is robbed of death, and is empty!
There is Light in the midst of our darkness!

We have been fed by the Word and given new life in the waters of baptism.
We have been given renewed life in the Eucharist, and receive life from Jesus our Lord.
We ask for Your blessing as we go forth to witness to the world the truth that JESUS CHRIST IS THE RISEN SON OF GOD!"
Congregation; "Amen. ALLELUIA!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzy7jFNUc3w

HYMN
Christ the Lord is Risen today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting! Alleluia!
Dying once, our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!

Love's redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids Him rise, Alleluia!
Christ has opened Paradise, Alleluia!

Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies. Alleluia!

With thanks to biblegateway.com, bible.oremus.org, biblestudytools.com, biblia.com and youtube

WAY OF THE CROSS FOR VICTIMS OF ABORTION

WAY OF THE CROSS FOR VICTIMS OF ABORTION

During Lent Christians celebrate the Stations of the Cross in devout commemoration of the death of the Lord Jesus Christ on the first Good Friday.  

Today we pray the Way of the Cross for Victims of Abortion.

PRAYERS;

On the day Jesus was crucified, let us remember all innocent victims, especially the smallest.

Jesus united Himself with all the victims of suffering. None suffer more innocently than the victims of abortion.

On Good Friday Jesus died on Golgotha. His Image is destroyed many times in modern Golgothas.

To the melody of the ancient Stabat Mater hymn, let us pray or sing:

First Station: Jesus is condemned to death

Though he knew that Christ was blameless

Pilate in a deed most shameless

To the cross him did condemn

Second Station: Jesus takes up his cross

With contempt the rabble varmints

Robed the King in royal garments

To deride his royalty

Third Station: Jesus falls the first time

Weakened by the brutal flaying

Yet the wicked rule obeying

Jesus fell beneath the cross

Fourth station: Jesus meets his mother, Mary

When he met his holy Mother

Who had served him as no other

Eyes at eyes in silence gazed

Fifth Station: Simon helps Jesus carry the cross

Seeing Jesus in his meekness

Tremble from exhausted weakness

Simon helped him bear his cross

Sixth Station: Veronica wipes the face of Jesus

The image of his holy face

Never after was erased

From Veronica’s soothing cloth

Seventh Station: Jesus falls the second time

For the second time he stumbled

Flattened by the cross he crumbled

Yet he rose despite the pain

Eighth Station: Jesus speaks to the women of Jerusalem

Mothers of Jerusalem

Wept until he counselled them:

Save your weeping for your own

Ninth Station: Jesus falls the third time

Once again he tripped and fell

Still amid the taunts of hell

Rose and bore the cross again

Tenth Station: Jesus is stripped of his garments

Lily of all purity

How they shamed thy dignity

When they tore thy garments off

Eleventh Station: Jesus is nailed to the cross

Hideous nails through hands and feet

Still the Lamb refused to bleat

As his mother‘s heart was pierced

Twelfth Station: Jesus dies on the cross

When she stayed close by his side

For the time until he died

She sustained him by her love

Thirteenth Station: Jesus is taken down from the cross

When they took him down they laid him

In her arms a cradle made him

For her Son, the King of kings

Fourteenth Station: Jesus is laid in the sepulchre

Joseph’s sepulchre received him

He was dead – yet she believed him

Three days on he rose from death

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBX2nPLVnXw

With thanks to Youtube

HOLY THURSDAY SERVICE OF WORSHIP AND PRAYER VIGIL

HOLY THURSDAY SERVICE
Priest; "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you."
Congregation; "And also with you."

Priest; "Let us remember the sufferings of our Saviour this night."
Congregation; "Let us never forget the price He had paid for our deliverance."

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

ENTRANCE HYMN
Here at Your table

You who are humble, You who are gentle,
breath taking beauty, life giving touch.
We who are empty, we who are hungry,
frail and unworthy, needing so much.
But you've called us worthy and able
to meet with You here at Your table.

Here where You serve us, 
and here where You feed us,
It's here that our time with You is the sweetest.
Towel in hand, God serving man,
here at Your table.

You who are humble, You who are gentle,
breath taking beauty, life giving touch.
We who are empty, we who are hungry,
frail and unworthy, needing so much.
But you've called us worthy and able
to meet with You here at Your table.

Here where You serve us, 
and here where You feed us,
It's here that our time with You is the sweetest.
But you've called us worthy and able
to meet with You here at Your table.

Here where You serve us, 
and here where You feed us,
It's here that our time with You is the sweetest.
Towel in hand, God serving man,
here at Your table.

Holy is He, and great is His glory,
Holy is He, and worthy of our praise.
I stand in His presence amazed,
And crown Him with worship and praise!
Holy is He, Holy is He,
Holy is He.

Towel in hand, God serving man,
here at Your table.

CONFESSION AND PARDON
Priest; "My brothers and sister, Christ shows us His love by becoming a humble servant.
Let us draw near to God and confess our sin in the truth of God's Spirit."

Congregation; "Most merciful God, 
we confess that often our spirit has not been that of Christ.
Where we have failed to love one another as He loves us,
where we have pledged loyalty to Him with our lips
and then betrayed, deserted or denied Him.
Forgive us, we pray;
and by Your Spirit make us faithful in every time of trial;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

SCRIPTURE LESSON

Matthew Chapter 26, verses 17 to 75

The Last Supper

17 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”

18 He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’” 19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.

20 When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve.21 And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.”

22 They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?”

23 Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him.But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”

25 Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?”

Jesus answered, “You have said so.”

26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”

27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial

31 Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written:

“‘I will strike the shepherd,
    and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’

32 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

33 Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”

34 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”

35 But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.

Gethsemane

36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

42 He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”

43 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44 So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.

45 Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”

Jesus Arrested

47 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” 49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.

50 Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.”

Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. 51 With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.

52 “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. 53 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”

55 In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. 56 But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.”Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.

Jesus Before the Sanhedrin

57 Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. 58 But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest.He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome.

59 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. 60 But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward.

Finally two came forward 61 and declared, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”

62 Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” 63 But Jesus remained silent.

The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God:Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.”

64 “You have said so,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty Oneand coming on the clouds of heaven.”

65 Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. 66 What do you think?”

“He is worthy of death,” they answered.

67 Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him 68 and said, “Prophesy to us, Messiah. Who hit you?”

Peter Disowns Jesus

69 Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said.

70 But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said.

71 Then he went out to the gateway, where another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.”

72 He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!”

73 After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away.”

74 Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!”

Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.

Words of comfort; "On this holy night, we walk alongside Jesus as we remember the unbelievable victory He won over satan in securing our freedom from the tyranny of sin.
The events of this Holy Week Thursday continue to reverberate over the world.

Let us confess our shortcomings to the Lord, and ask pardon for our sins. We remember how Jesus accepted the cup of suffering in reparation for the sins of the world. 
  Only in the world to come will we truly realize the awesome scale of spiritual victory our Heavenly Warrior Prince won for us.

We remember how Jesus humbly prayed before the Father, sweating in fear of the impending events to the point of hematidrosis. 
  Jesus was in so much terror and distress that capillary sweat gland blood vessels ruptured, exuding  blood. 
  Yet He accepted the cup of suffering that He so feared. 
  Jesus overcame His fear for sheer love of us, and pity of our fate if He did not confront satan's plans through the events of Holy Week.

The disciples, exhausted from the labor of walking from town to town and ministry, slept the sleep of the overextended. 
   They did not realize the enormity of events which were moving forward and would soon embroil them in grief, remorse and sorrow. 
  The aftermath of the heat of the day, together with recent stress, worry and the supper wine combined and they slept. 
  Leaving the Son of God to sweat His fear out all alone.

Until the Father sent a special friend, one of the Angels in Heaven Who had always known how to speak to Jesus to bring comfort, wisdom and counsel. 
  We do not know the name of the Angel - not on this side of eternity, at any rate - but we have cause to be deeply thankful to this holy being. 
  He brought great comfort to a grown man who was so distraught that He wept.

At the Supper Jesus had instituted the Eucharist, the holy sacrament which infuses God's Divine Life into our human beings. 
  Do we realize what an incredible gift this is? And freely given! 
  Tonight, let us thank the Saviour for the supreme gift of His entire being, love and purification of our inner selves which the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ effects in us at communion. 

Jesus washed the feet of the disciples, humbly serving them. 
  Let us always remember that the Lord and Master of the Universe, the most keen Intellect that has ever been, with a Mensa scale that is unmeasurable, is not arrogant and proud. 
  He is so humble that He wiped the sweat and dust from calloused feet. 
  Let us likewise love to serve and assist all we meet, in the same humble spirit.

Tonight is the night we REMEMBER. We thank, praise, honor and worship the Lord our God Who brought us out of the Egypt of our banishment, and brought us back to the road which leads to Him.

What  a great destiny is ours! All we need do is accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, repent our sins, and try to lead good lives. 
  The sacraments help to nourish and comfort us on our journey as we each carry our own personal cross on life's road, ready to lay it down when the time comes and we joyfully enter heaven."

HOLY EUCHARIST
Priest; "As they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed and broke it. He gave it to His disciples, saying; "Take all of you, and eat. This is My Body, which is broken for you."
Congregation; "Lord Jesus, You are the Bread of Life."

Priest; 'At the end of supper, Jesus took the cup. He gave thanks, and gave it to His disciples, saying, "Take, all of you, and drink; this is My Blood of the new covenant, Which is shed for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in memory of Me." '
Congregation; 'Lord Jesus, You are the cup of life, the wine blessed for our salvation.'

[Receive communion. If you are unable to attend Holy Mass, receive Jesus spiritually within your heart and soul now. Spend some time in prayer]. 

LORD'S PRAYER
Priest; 'Let us now pray the Lord's prayer in the words Jesus gave us.'
Priest and Congregation;
'Our Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name
Thy Kingdom come,
Thy Will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day
Our daily bread,
And forgive us our sins,
As we forgive those who sin against us,
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory,
For ever and ever, Amen.'

PRAYER
Priest; 'Heavenly Father, we praise and thank You for sending us Your only Son, Jesus Christ. We stay at Your Son's side tonight, as we ponder the mysteries of redemption. Our songs, prayer and thanks, the bowing down of our hearts before You are the ways we can show our gratitude for the immeasurable gift You gave us in Your Son.'
Congregation; 'Amen.'

Priest; 'And may the blessing of Almighty God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be with you now and forever,'
Congregation; 'Amen'.

NOW WE SPEND TIME IN PRAYER AS 

WE REMEMBER THE SUFFERINGS OF JESUS ON THIS HOLY NIGHT

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

HYMN
Stay with me
Stay with Me,
Remain here with Me,
Watch and pray,
Watch and pray. . . 2x

Stay here, and keep watch with Me,
Watch and pray,
Watch and pray.

Stay with Me,
Remain here with Me,
Watch and pray,
Watch and pray. . . 6 x

Stay with Me,
Remain here with Me,
Watch and pray,
Not to give in to temptation.

The spirit is eager,
but the flesh is weak. . . 

Stay with Me,
Remain here with Me,
Watch and pray,
Watch and pray. . .

My heart is nearly broken
with sorrow,
Remain here with Me,
Stay awake and pray. . .

Father, if it is possible,
let this Cup pass Me by. . .
Father, if it can not pass Me by
Without I drinking it. . .
Thy Will be done.

Stay with Me,
Remain here with Me,
Watch and pray,
Watch and pray. . . Repeat

With thanks to Youtube