Universal Prayers for The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, Cycle A

Sunday and Feast Day Universal Prayers 
  

Suggestions for Leading Worship

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SAMPLE UNIVERSAL PRAYERS

The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, Cycle A

January 1, 2026

Priest:  Through Christ we have received adoption as sons and daughters of God, and so we have confidence to call out to our Father in prayer:

Deacon (or other reader if there is no deacon):

·        For the Church, that we may follow the example of the shepherds, eagerly telling others about how Jesus has appeared in our lives, we pray to the Lord...

·        For our world, that those who live lives of comfort may bless those in need by sharing generously of their God-given resources, we pray to the Lord...

·        For our country, that this new year may see renewed efforts at reconciliation and unity between people with diverse viewpoints, we pray to the Lord...

·        For those suffering loss, despair, or illness, that the Lord may bless them with healing and wholeness, looking upon them kindly and giving them peace, we pray to the Lord…

·        For all who have died, especially [add deceased names or “parishioners of” (add name)], and the intentions of this mass [add mass intentions], may they dwell secure with the Lord forever, we pray to the Lord...

·        In silence, we pray for own needs and the special intentions of others, to the God who promises to return for those who live in his love… [pause; the presider alone concludes…]

Priest: Heavenly Father, you sent us your Son Jesus to bless our human condition by taking it on himself, becoming flesh in the womb of Mary.   Help us to grow ever closer to you and to all your beloved children as we journey in faith toward union with you.   Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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LITURGY NEWS AND NOTES:

The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, Cycle A

January 1, 2026

1.       A sample penitential act could be:

Lord Jesus, you are the Son Of God and the Son of Mary; Lord have mercy.  

Christ Jesus, you rescue us from our human failings and redeem our sins; Christ, have mercy.  

Lord Jesus, you bless us in your mercy and save us; Lord, have mercy.

2.     The prayer texts are found in the PT for January 1. 

3.     Although today is New Year’s Day, the solemnity may not be replaced with the Mass for Civil Needs: At the Beginning of the Civil Year.

4.    Since today honors motherhood (new Life), offer the sprinkling rite instead of the PA.

5.     Since today is the World Day of Prayer for Peace, conclude the UP with the collect from MPVNBO, For the Preservation of Peace and Justice. 

6.    Sing the Gloria.   The creed is prayed. 

7.     If the preface and introductory dialogue were chanted on Christmas and Holy Family, continue to do so today.  

8.    P-I of the Blessed Virgin Mary is used. 

9.    If EP-I is prayed, use the proper form of the Communicantes.  EP-III is a good option for today.

10.Conclude today’s liturgy with SB #2, #3, or #15.