LITURGY LESSON: GENERAL INTERCESSIONS

(Given: The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ June 6, 2010)

In these Liturgy Lessons we have talked about many aspects of the Mass that are different since the Second Vatican Council. Most of these were changes or modifications. However, an element of our celebration that is totally new to us since the Council is the General Intercessions. Yet these prayers are some of the most ancient in the Catholic liturgy. Found first in the Jewish Synagogue, they were part of the Christian liturgy by the Second Century. However, over the centuries, and especially when the Mass became an action only of the priest, these prayers disappeared.

The General Intercessions are very important. They are the “hinge of the liturgy.” They move us from the Liturgy of the Word to the Liturgy of the Eucharist. As The General Instructions of the Roman Missal (commonly known as GIRM) says:

In the general intercessions or prayer of the faithful, the people respond in some way to

the word of God which they have welcomed in faith and, exercising an office of their

Baptismal priesthood, offer prayers to God for the salvation of all.” (GIRM #69)

The opening is addressed to the assembly calling them to pray for the needs of all. Note that the petitions are not addressed to God but to the assembly. The concluding prayer is addressed to the Father through the Son.

The General Instruction of the Roman Missal calls for the sequence of the intercessions to be:

1. For the needs of the Church

2. For public authorities and the salvation of the whole world

3. For those burdened by any kind of difficulty

4. For the local community (GIRM # 70)

For particular celebrations such as Confirmation, marriage, or a funeral these petitions may be tailored to fit the occasion. Another exception might be during Lent when the RCIA candidates are present and the Scrutinies are celebrated.

The presiding minister speaks to the assembly from the chair. He begins with a brief introduction, by which he invites the faithful to pray. The intentions are announced

from the ambo or from another suitable place, by the deacon or by a cantor or a lector.

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The people stand and give expression to their prayer either by an invocation said together after each intention or by praying in silence. After a silent prayer the presider addresses the Father, summarizes the intentions and asks God to look favorably upon them and the Assembly in turn responds. “AMEN”

In addition, you may add your own intention by writing it in the Book of Intentions that is on the podium at the rear vestibule. We include this book as a part of every Sunday liturgy in the presentation of the gifts and the intention contained inside are a part of the prayers of the Mass.

May we always remember to pray for the needs of our world, our Church, our neighbor and ourselves.

Next week we will begin to address the Liturgy of the Eucharist.