∫ [Music] ∫ 

The following presentation is made possible 

By the generosity of the viewers 

Of Sunday Mass at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls in Chicago. 

Good morning and welcome to Sunday Mass at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls. 

Today we celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent. 

My name is Dan Riley. 

I am joined by Tom McNamara and Brigid Gerace, 

And our celebrant is Father Greg Sakowicz. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ Savior of the nations come, ∫ 

∫ Virgin’s son make here your home. ∫ 

∫ Marvel now, o heaven and earth, ∫ 

∫ That the Lord chose such a birth. ∫ 

Good morning and welcome as we continue our Advent journey. 

We begin our prayers as we begin all things 

In the name of the father and of the son, and the Holy Spirit. 

Amen. 

The Lord be with you. 

-And with your spirit. 

Our God is loving, compassionate, and always forgiving. 

We are sinners. 

We take a moment of silence and ask forgiveness and the Lord’s mercy. 

Lord Jesus, you raise us to new life. 

Lord have mercy. 

-Lord have mercy. 

Christ Jesus, you forgive us our sins. 

Christ have mercy. 

-Christ have mercy. 

Lord Jesus, you nourish us with the gift of the holy eucharist. 

Lord have mercy. 

-Lord have mercy. 

May almighty God have mercy on us, 

Forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. 

Amen. 

And together let us pray for the grace to follow Christ more closely. 

Loving God, we see how your people faithfully await 

The feast of the Lord’s nativity. 

Enable us, we pray, to attain the joys 

Of so great a salvation and to celebrate them always 

With solemn worship and glad rejoicing, 

Always through Christ our Lord. 

Amen. 

A reading from the book of the prophet Zephaniah. 

Shout for joy, o daughter Zion. 

Sing joyfully, o Israel. 

Be glad and exult with all your heart, o daughter Jerusalem. 

The Lord has removed the judgment against you. 

He has turned away your enemies. 

The king of Israel, the Lord is in your midst. 

You have no further misfortune to fear. 

On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, “fear not, o Zion. 

Be not discouraged. 

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty savior. 

He will rejoice over you with gladness 

And renew you in his love. 

He will sing joyfully because of you 

As one sings at festivals. 

The word of the Lord. 

Thanks be to God. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ Cry out with joy and gladness, ∫ 

∫ For among you is the great and holy one of Israel. ∫ 

∫ Cry out with joy and gladness, ∫ 

∫ For among you is the great and holy one of Israel. ∫ 

∫ Truly God is my salvation. ∫ 

∫ I trust, I shall not fear. ∫ 

∫ For the Lord is my strength, my song. ∫ 

∫ He became my savior. ∫ 

∫ Cry out with joy and gladness, ∫ 

∫ For among you is the great and holy one of Israel. ∫ 

A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Philippians. 

Brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord always. 

I shall say it again. 

Rejoice. 

Your kindness should be known to all. 

The Lord is near. 

Have no anxiety at all, but in everything 

By prayer and petition with thanksgiving. 

Make your request known to God. 

Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding 

Will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 

The word of the Lord. 

-Thanks be to God. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. ∫ 

∫ Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. ∫ 

∫ The spirit of the Lord is upon me ∫ 

∫ Because he has anointed me ∫ 

∫ To bring glad tidings to the poor. ∫ 

∫ Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. ∫ 

The Lord be with you. 

-And with your spirit. 

A reading from the holy gospel according to Luke. 

-Glory to you, o Lord. 

The crowds asked John the Baptist, 

“What should we do?” 

He said in reply, “whoever has two cloaks 

Should share with the person who has none. 

Whoever has food should do likewise.” 

Even tax collectors came to be baptized. 

They said to him, “teacher, what should we do?” 

He answered them, “stop collecting more than what is prescribed.” 

Soldiers also asked him, “and what should we do?” 

He told them, “do not practice extortion. 

Do not falsely accuse anyone. 

And be satisfied with your wages.” 

Now, the people were filled with expectation. 

And all were asking in their hearts whether john might be the Christ. 

John answered them by saying, “i am baptizing you with water, 

But one mightier than I is coming, 

I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. 

He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” 

His winnowing fan is in his hand 

To clear his thrashing floor 

To gather wheat into the barn. 

But the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire, 

Exhorting them in many other ways. 

He preached good news to the people. 

The gospel of the Lord. 

-Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. 

A man is stumbling through the woods, totally drunk. 

And he comes upon a preacher baptizing people in the river. 

The drunk walks into the water and bumps into the preacher. 

The preacher turns around and is almost overcome 

By the smell of alcohol, whereupon he asks the drunk, 

“Are you ready to find Jesus?” 

“Yes, I am,” replies the drunk. 

So the preacher grabs him and dunks him in the river. 

He pulls him up out of the water and asks the drunk, 

“Brother, have you found Jesus?” 

The drunk replies, “no, I haven’t.” 

So the preacher dunks the drunk in the water again. 

This time holds him down for about 35 seconds. 

When the drunk begins kicking his arms and legs, 

The preacher pulls him out of the water. 

The preacher asks the drunk again, 

“For the love of God, have you found Jesus?” 

The drunk wipes his eyes, catches his breath, 

And says to the preacher, 

“Are you sure this is where he fell in?” 

[Laughter] 

That’s so funny. 

You know, in life, we sometimes miss the whole point. 

We see things not as they are, but as we are. 

This raises a question. 

Might there be an area in our life 

Where I’ve closed my eyes to life, 

Closed my life to the Lord Jesus? 

We listen in Paul’s letter to the Philippians, 

“Have no anxiety at all. 

Then God’s peace, which is beyond all understanding, 

Will stand guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

Think about this for a moment. 

If you can start the day without caffeine or pep pills, 

If you can be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains, 

If you can resist complaining 

And boring people with your troubles, 

If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it, 

If you can understand when loved ones 

Are too busy to give of their time, 

If you can overlook when people take things out on you 

When through no fault of your own, things go wrong, 

If you can take criticism and blame without resentment, 

If you can face the world without lies and deceit, 

If you can conquer tension without medical help, 

If you can relax without liquor, 

If you can sleep without the aids of drugs, 

You can give and forgive quickly. 

If you can do all these things, 

Then you are probably the family dog. 

[Laughter] 

You know, unfortunately, most of us worry way too much. 

We’re filled with way too much anxiety. 

Where too often we begin the day 

In a mood which is anything but pleasant. 

But it was the fox who taught the little prince, 

“It is only with a heart that one sees rightly. 

What is essential is invisible to the eye.” 

It was the fox who taught the little prince 

That it is only with a heart that one sees rightly. 

What is essential is invisible to the eye. 

Don’t let the busyness of the season of Advent 

Get in the way of Advent’s real meaning. 

For Advent is about joy and forgiveness. 

And if we are open to really, really seeing, 

Advent can make Christmas awfully beautiful. 

And together as God’s family, 

We profess our profession of faith: 

I believe in one God, the father almighty, 

Maker of heaven and earth, 

Of all things visible and invisible. 

I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, 

The only begotten son of God, 

Born of the father before all ages, 

God from God, light from light, 

True God from true God, begotten, not made, 

Consubstantial with the father. 

Through him all things were made. 

Through us and through our salvation, 

He came down from Heaven. 

And by the Holy Spirit, 

Was incarnate of the virgin Mary and became man. 

For our sake, he was crucified under Pontius Pilate. 

He suffered death and was buried 

And rose again on the third day 

In accordance with the scriptures. 

He ascended into heaven 

And is seated at the right hand of the father. 

He will come again in glory 

To judge the living and the dead, 

And his kingdom will have no end. 

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, 

Who proceeds with the father and the son, 

Who with the father and the son is adored and glorified, 

Who has spoken through the prophets. 

I believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. 

I confess one baptism, for the forgiveness of sins, 

And look forward to the resurrection of the dead, 

The life of the world to come. 

Amen. 

With confidence, faith, and trust. 

We continue our Advent journey. 

We bring the Lord our needs, our prayers, our very lives. 

Our response to each prayer will be, 

“Lord, hear our prayers.” 

For all those abroad who are spreading the gospel 

During this holy season, may they be safe 

Throughout their travels as they share Christ’s message of love, peace, and joy. 

We pray to the Lord. 

-Lord, hear our prayer. 

For those who are alone, may others share 

The spirit of Christmas with them 

And fill their lives with joy. 

We pray to the Lord. 

-Lord, hear our prayer. 

For the children, coworkers, and benefactors of Mercy Home, 

May this Advent season bring light 

Into their hearts as they anticipate 

Christ’s coming into the world. 

We pray to the Lord. 

-Lord, hear our prayer. 

For those who live in poverty around the whole world, 

May the compassion and generosity of others 

Give them opportunity for an improved life. 

We pray to the Lord. 

-Lord, hear our prayer. 

Loving God, we ask you to hear our prayers, 

Those voiced, and all our needs and prayers 

Known to you, found deep within our hearts, 

Always made known through Christ our Lord. 

Amen. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ [Music continues] ∫ 

And pray my sisters and brothers 

That our sacrifice may be acceptable to God, 

The father, the almighty. 

May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands. 

For the praise and glory of his name, 

For our good and the good of all, his holy church. 

Amen. 

May the sacrifice of our worship, o Lord, we pray, 

Be offered to unceasingly to complete what was begun 

In sacred mystery and powerfully accomplished for us 

Your saving work always through Christ our Lord. 

Amen. 

The Lord be with you. 

-And with your spirit. 

Lift up your hearts. 

-We lift them up to the Lord. 

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. 

It is right and just. 

-It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, 

Always and everwhere to give you thanks, 

Lord, holy father, almighty and eternal God. 

For all the oracles the prophets foretold him, 

The virgin mother longed for him with love beyond all telling. 

John the Baptist sang of his coming 

And proclaimed his presence when he came. 

So, all the choirs of angels in heaven, we proclaim 

Your glory as we then together sing. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of hosts, ∫ 

∫ Heaven and earth ∫ 

∫ Are full of your glory. ∫ 

∫ Hosanna in the highest. ∫ 

∫ Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. ∫ 

∫ Hosanna in the highest. ∫ 

You are indeed holy, o Lord, the fount of all holiness. 

Make holy therefore these gifts we pray 

By sending down your spirit upon them like the dewfall 

That they may become for us the body and blood of your son, 

Our Lord Jesus Christ. 

When the time was betrayed and entered into his passion, 

Jesus took bread and giving thanks, broke it 

And gave to the disciples saying, 

“Take this, all of you, and eat of it, 

For this is my body 

Which will be given up for you.” 

When supper was ended, he took the chalice 

And once more giving thanks, 

Gave to the disciples saying, 

“Take this, all of you, and drink from it, 

For this is the chalice of my blood, 

The blood of the new and eternal covenant 

Which will be poured out for you and for many, 

For the forgiveness of sins. 

Do this in memory of me.” 

The mystery of faith. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ When we eat this bread and drink this cup, ∫ 

∫ We proclaim your death, o Lord, ∫ 

∫ Until you come again. ∫ 

Therefore, as we celebrate the memorial of his life, 

Death, resurrection, we offer you Lord, 

The bread of life and the chalice of salvation, 

Giving thanks that you’ve held us worthy 

To be in your presence and minister to you. 

Humbly we pray, that partaking of the body and blood of Christ 

Be gathered into one by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Remember, Lord, your church spread throughout the world 

And bring her to the fullness of charity 

Together with Francis, our Pope, Blase, our Bishop, 

With the bishops, clergy, 

Religious brothers and sisters, 

And all who serve in your faith communities. 

Remember also our brothers and sisters 

Who have fallen asleep in the hope of the resurrection 

And all who have died in your mercy. 

Remember, in a very special way, all deceased loved ones 

Who have gone home to God. 

Welcome them into the light of your face. 

Have mercy on us all, we pray, 

With the blessed Virgin Mary, mother of God, 

Blessed joseph, her spouse, 

With the blessed apostles and all the saints 

Who have pleased you throughout the ages, 

We may be coheirs to eternal life, 

And may praise and glorify you 

Through your son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. 

Through him, with him, and in him, 

O God, almighty father, 

In the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours forever and ever. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ Amen, amen, amen ∫ 

With confidence, faith, peace, and joy, 

As we continue our Advent journey together as God’s family, we pray. 

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 trespasses, 

As we forgive those who trespass against us, 

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 

Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil. 

Grant peace in our days, that by the help of your mercy, 

We are always free from sin and safe from all distress, 

As we await in blessed hope for the coming of our savior, 

Jesus Christ, 

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, 

Now and forever. 

And Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles, 

“Peace I leave you, my peace I give you.” 

Look not upon our sins, but on the faith of your church, 

And grant us peace and unity in accordance with your will, 

Who lives and reigns forever and ever. 

Amen. 

May the peace of the Lord be with all of you. 

-And with your spirit. 

For those that are praying, maybe at home, 

Nursing facility, hospital, from all of us here 

At Mercy Home for Boys and Girls. 

To each and every one of you, God’s blessings, peace, and the Lord’s joy. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ Lamb of God ∫ 

∫ You take away the sins of the world ∫ 

∫ Have mercy on us ∫ 

∫ Lamb of God ∫ 

∫ You take away the sins of the world ∫ 

∫ Have mercy on us ∫ 

∫ Lamb of God ∫ 

∫ You take away the sins of the world ∫ 

∫ Grant us peace ∫ 

Behold the lamb of God. 

Behold him who takes away the sins of the world. 

Blessed are those called to supper of the lamb. 

Lord, I am not worthy you should enter under my roof, 

But only say the word and my soul shall be healed. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

For those of you at home, 

Please turn to page six in your tv mass guide 

And join in singing our communion song, 

“Where the promise shines.” 

∫ When a star is shining over eastern hills ∫ 

∫ When the air is silent and the clamor stills ∫ 

∫ When the night is waiting and the old hopes rise ∫ 

∫ Then the time has ripened and the heart grows wise ∫ 

∫ Lead us on ∫ 

∫ Lead us on ∫ 

∫ To a morning where the promise shines ∫ 

∫ Lead us on ∫ 

∫ Lead us on ∫ 

∫ To a morning where the promise shines ∫ 

∫ Where the world is waiting for an unknown day ∫ 

∫ Where a voice forgotten cries prepare the way ∫ 

∫ Where an earthly power makes the heart turn cold ∫ 

∫ There the gifts are offered incense, myrrh and gold ∫ 

∫ Lead us on ∫ 

∫ Lead us on ∫ 

∫ To a morning where the promise shines ∫ 

∫ Lead us on ∫ 

∫ Lead us on ∫ 

∫ To a morning where the promise shines. ∫ 

And together we pray the prayer of the children of Mercy Home. 

Our lady of mercy, we pray that you will guide, protect, 

And bless all Boys and Girls. 

Who this day have a home called mercy. 

May they find the father’s mercy 

As we offer them our hearts 

In the name of your son, Jesus Christ. 

May they see God’s mercy in action 

Through our love, prayers, and sacrifices. 

And together let us pray. 

We implore your mercy, o Lord, 

With his divine sustenance 

May cleanse us of our faults,  

And prepare us for the coming feasts.  

Always through Christ our Lord. 

Amen. 

The Lord be with you. 

-And with your spirit. 

Let us bow our heads and pray for God’s many blessings. 

May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, 

Keep our hearts and minds and the knowledge and love of God, 

And of his son, our Lord Jesus Christ, amen. 

And may the blessing of almighty God, 

The father, the son, and the Holy Spirit 

Decend upon all of us forever and ever. 

Amen. 

Our celebration has ended. 

Our Advent journey continues. 

We go in peace. 

-Thanks be to God. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ People look east ∫ 

∫ The time is near ∫ 

∫ Of the crowning of the year.. .∫ 

Hello, my friends. 

As you know, as I know, 

This tv ministry at Mercy Home is so important. 

It allows us to gather wherever you may be 

To participate in the prayer of the church. 

It allows us to pray for one another 

And how important it is. 

It allows you and me to pray for the children here 

At Mercy Home for Boys and Girls. 

We’re nourished by our presence together 

And by the celebration of the eucharist. 

I just want to take this opportunity 

To thank you so very much 

For the ways in which you support this mass 

Here at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls. 

Please consider doing that going forward as well. 

May God bless you and your family and your friends 

For all you do for the tv mass at Mercy Home and for our children. 

The music for the broadcast of ‘Sunday Mass at Mercy Home’ 

Is generously provided by G-I-A Publications Incorporated 

And its World Library Publications Division. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

The following presentation is made possible 

By the generosity of the viewers 

Of Sunday Mass at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls in Chicago. 

Good morning and welcome to Sunday Mass at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls. 

Today we celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent. 

My name is Dan Riley. 

I am joined by Tom McNamara and Brigid Gerace, 

And our celebrant is Father Greg Sakowicz. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ Savior of the nations come, ∫ 

∫ Virgin’s son make here your home. ∫ 

∫ Marvel now, o heaven and earth, ∫ 

∫ That the Lord chose such a birth. ∫ 

Good morning and welcome as we continue our Advent journey. 

We begin our prayers as we begin all things 

In the name of the father and of the son, and the Holy Spirit. 

Amen. 

The Lord be with you. 

-And with your spirit. 

Our God is loving, compassionate, and always forgiving. 

We are sinners. 

We take a moment of silence and ask forgiveness and the Lord’s mercy. 

Lord Jesus, you raise us to new life. 

Lord have mercy. 

-Lord have mercy. 

Christ Jesus, you forgive us our sins. 

Christ have mercy. 

-Christ have mercy. 

Lord Jesus, you nourish us with the gift of the holy eucharist. 

Lord have mercy. 

-Lord have mercy. 

May almighty God have mercy on us, 

Forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. 

Amen. 

And together let us pray for the grace to follow Christ more closely. 

Loving God, we see how your people faithfully await 

The feast of the Lord’s nativity. 

Enable us, we pray, to attain the joys 

Of so great a salvation and to celebrate them always 

With solemn worship and glad rejoicing, 

Always through Christ our Lord. 

Amen. 

A reading from the book of the prophet Zephaniah. 

Shout for joy, o daughter Zion. 

Sing joyfully, o Israel. 

Be glad and exult with all your heart, o daughter Jerusalem. 

The Lord has removed the judgment against you. 

He has turned away your enemies. 

The king of Israel, the Lord is in your midst. 

You have no further misfortune to fear. 

On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, “fear not, o Zion. 

Be not discouraged. 

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty savior. 

He will rejoice over you with gladness 

And renew you in his love. 

He will sing joyfully because of you 

As one sings at festivals. 

The word of the Lord. 

Thanks be to God. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ Cry out with joy and gladness, ∫ 

∫ For among you is the great and holy one of Israel. ∫ 

∫ Cry out with joy and gladness, ∫ 

∫ For among you is the great and holy one of Israel. ∫ 

∫ Truly God is my salvation. ∫ 

∫ I trust, I shall not fear. ∫ 

∫ For the Lord is my strength, my song. ∫ 

∫ He became my savior. ∫ 

∫ Cry out with joy and gladness, ∫ 

∫ For among you is the great and holy one of Israel. ∫ 

A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Philippians. 

Brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord always. 

I shall say it again. 

Rejoice. 

Your kindness should be known to all. 

The Lord is near. 

Have no anxiety at all, but in everything 

By prayer and petition with thanksgiving. 

Make your request known to God. 

Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding 

Will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 

The word of the Lord. 

-Thanks be to God. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. ∫ 

∫ Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. ∫ 

∫ The spirit of the Lord is upon me ∫ 

∫ Because he has anointed me ∫ 

∫ To bring glad tidings to the poor. ∫ 

∫ Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. ∫ 

The Lord be with you. 

-And with your spirit. 

A reading from the holy gospel according to Luke. 

-Glory to you, o Lord. 

The crowds asked John the Baptist, 

“What should we do?” 

He said in reply, “whoever has two cloaks 

Should share with the person who has none. 

Whoever has food should do likewise.” 

Even tax collectors came to be baptized. 

They said to him, “teacher, what should we do?” 

He answered them, “stop collecting more than what is prescribed.” 

Soldiers also asked him, “and what should we do?” 

He told them, “do not practice extortion. 

Do not falsely accuse anyone. 

And be satisfied with your wages.” 

Now, the people were filled with expectation. 

And all were asking in their hearts whether john might be the Christ. 

John answered them by saying, “i am baptizing you with water, 

But one mightier than I is coming, 

I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. 

He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” 

His winnowing fan is in his hand 

To clear his thrashing floor 

To gather wheat into the barn. 

But the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire, 

Exhorting them in many other ways. 

He preached good news to the people. 

The gospel of the Lord. 

-Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. 

A man is stumbling through the woods, totally drunk. 

And he comes upon a preacher baptizing people in the river. 

The drunk walks into the water and bumps into the preacher. 

The preacher turns around and is almost overcome 

By the smell of alcohol, whereupon he asks the drunk, 

“Are you ready to find Jesus?” 

“Yes, I am,” replies the drunk. 

So the preacher grabs him and dunks him in the river. 

He pulls him up out of the water and asks the drunk, 

“Brother, have you found Jesus?” 

The drunk replies, “no, I haven’t.” 

So the preacher dunks the drunk in the water again. 

This time holds him down for about 35 seconds. 

When the drunk begins kicking his arms and legs, 

The preacher pulls him out of the water. 

The preacher asks the drunk again, 

“For the love of God, have you found Jesus?” 

The drunk wipes his eyes, catches his breath, 

And says to the preacher, 

“Are you sure this is where he fell in?” 

[Laughter] 

That’s so funny. 

You know, in life, we sometimes miss the whole point. 

We see things not as they are, but as we are. 

This raises a question. 

Might there be an area in our life 

Where I’ve closed my eyes to life, 

Closed my life to the Lord Jesus? 

We listen in Paul’s letter to the Philippians, 

“Have no anxiety at all. 

Then God’s peace, which is beyond all understanding, 

Will stand guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

Think about this for a moment. 

If you can start the day without caffeine or pep pills, 

If you can be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains, 

If you can resist complaining 

And boring people with your troubles, 

If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it, 

If you can understand when loved ones 

Are too busy to give of their time, 

If you can overlook when people take things out on you 

When through no fault of your own, things go wrong, 

If you can take criticism and blame without resentment, 

If you can face the world without lies and deceit, 

If you can conquer tension without medical help, 

If you can relax without liquor, 

If you can sleep without the aids of drugs, 

You can give and forgive quickly. 

If you can do all these things, 

Then you are probably the family dog. 

[Laughter] 

You know, unfortunately, most of us worry way too much. 

We’re filled with way too much anxiety. 

Where too often we begin the day 

In a mood which is anything but pleasant. 

But it was the fox who taught the little prince, 

“It is only with a heart that one sees rightly. 

What is essential is invisible to the eye.” 

It was the fox who taught the little prince 

That it is only with a heart that one sees rightly. 

What is essential is invisible to the eye. 

Don’t let the busyness of the season of Advent 

Get in the way of Advent’s real meaning. 

For Advent is about joy and forgiveness. 

And if we are open to really, really seeing, 

Advent can make Christmas awfully beautiful. 

And together as God’s family, 

We profess our profession of faith: 

I believe in one God, the father almighty, 

Maker of heaven and earth, 

Of all things visible and invisible. 

I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, 

The only begotten son of God, 

Born of the father before all ages, 

God from God, light from light, 

True God from true God, begotten, not made, 

Consubstantial with the father. 

Through him all things were made. 

Through us and through our salvation, 

He came down from Heaven. 

And by the Holy Spirit, 

Was incarnate of the virgin Mary and became man. 

For our sake, he was crucified under Pontius Pilate. 

He suffered death and was buried 

And rose again on the third day 

In accordance with the scriptures. 

He ascended into heaven 

And is seated at the right hand of the father. 

He will come again in glory 

To judge the living and the dead, 

And his kingdom will have no end. 

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, 

Who proceeds with the father and the son, 

Who with the father and the son is adored and glorified, 

Who has spoken through the prophets. 

I believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. 

I confess one baptism, for the forgiveness of sins, 

And look forward to the resurrection of the dead, 

The life of the world to come. 

Amen. 

With confidence, faith, and trust. 

We continue our Advent journey. 

We bring the Lord our needs, our prayers, our very lives. 

Our response to each prayer will be, 

“Lord, hear our prayers.” 

For all those abroad who are spreading the gospel 

During this holy season, may they be safe 

Throughout their travels as they share Christ’s message of love, peace, and joy. 

We pray to the Lord. 

-Lord, hear our prayer. 

For those who are alone, may others share 

The spirit of Christmas with them 

And fill their lives with joy. 

We pray to the Lord. 

-Lord, hear our prayer. 

For the children, coworkers, and benefactors of Mercy Home, 

May this Advent season bring light 

Into their hearts as they anticipate 

Christ’s coming into the world. 

We pray to the Lord. 

-Lord, hear our prayer. 

For those who live in poverty around the whole world, 

May the compassion and generosity of others 

Give them opportunity for an improved life. 

We pray to the Lord. 

-Lord, hear our prayer. 

Loving God, we ask you to hear our prayers, 

Those voiced, and all our needs and prayers 

Known to you, found deep within our hearts, 

Always made known through Christ our Lord. 

Amen. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ [Music continues] ∫ 

And pray my sisters and brothers 

That our sacrifice may be acceptable to God, 

The father, the almighty. 

May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands. 

For the praise and glory of his name, 

For our good and the good of all, his holy church. 

Amen. 

May the sacrifice of our worship, o Lord, we pray, 

Be offered to unceasingly to complete what was begun 

In sacred mystery and powerfully accomplished for us 

Your saving work always through Christ our Lord. 

Amen. 

The Lord be with you. 

-And with your spirit. 

Lift up your hearts. 

-We lift them up to the Lord. 

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. 

It is right and just. 

-It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, 

Always and everwhere to give you thanks, 

Lord, holy father, almighty and eternal God. 

For all the oracles the prophets foretold him, 

The virgin mother longed for him with love beyond all telling. 

John the Baptist sang of his coming 

And proclaimed his presence when he came. 

So, all the choirs of angels in heaven, we proclaim 

Your glory as we then together sing. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of hosts, ∫ 

∫ Heaven and earth ∫ 

∫ Are full of your glory. ∫ 

∫ Hosanna in the highest. ∫ 

∫ Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. ∫ 

∫ Hosanna in the highest. ∫ 

You are indeed holy, o Lord, the fount of all holiness. 

Make holy therefore these gifts we pray 

By sending down your spirit upon them like the dewfall 

That they may become for us the body and blood of your son, 

Our Lord Jesus Christ. 

When the time was betrayed and entered into his passion, 

Jesus took bread and giving thanks, broke it 

And gave to the disciples saying, 

“Take this, all of you, and eat of it, 

For this is my body 

Which will be given up for you.” 

When supper was ended, he took the chalice 

And once more giving thanks, 

Gave to the disciples saying, 

“Take this, all of you, and drink from it, 

For this is the chalice of my blood, 

The blood of the new and eternal covenant 

Which will be poured out for you and for many, 

For the forgiveness of sins. 

Do this in memory of me.” 

The mystery of faith. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ When we eat this bread and drink this cup, ∫ 

∫ We proclaim your death, o Lord, ∫ 

∫ Until you come again. ∫ 

Therefore, as we celebrate the memorial of his life, 

Death, resurrection, we offer you Lord, 

The bread of life and the chalice of salvation, 

Giving thanks that you’ve held us worthy 

To be in your presence and minister to you. 

Humbly we pray, that partaking of the body and blood of Christ 

Be gathered into one by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Remember, Lord, your church spread throughout the world 

And bring her to the fullness of charity 

Together with Francis, our Pope, Blase, our Bishop, 

With the bishops, clergy, 

Religious brothers and sisters, 

And all who serve in your faith communities. 

Remember also our brothers and sisters 

Who have fallen asleep in the hope of the resurrection 

And all who have died in your mercy. 

Remember, in a very special way, all deceased loved ones 

Who have gone home to God. 

Welcome them into the light of your face. 

Have mercy on us all, we pray, 

With the blessed Virgin Mary, mother of God, 

Blessed joseph, her spouse, 

With the blessed apostles and all the saints 

Who have pleased you throughout the ages, 

We may be coheirs to eternal life, 

And may praise and glorify you 

Through your son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. 

Through him, with him, and in him, 

O God, almighty father, 

In the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours forever and ever. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ Amen, amen, amen ∫ 

With confidence, faith, peace, and joy, 

As we continue our Advent journey together as God’s family, we pray. 

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 trespasses, 

As we forgive those who trespass against us, 

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 

Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil. 

Grant peace in our days, that by the help of your mercy, 

We are always free from sin and safe from all distress, 

As we await in blessed hope for the coming of our savior, 

Jesus Christ, 

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, 

Now and forever. 

And Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles, 

“Peace I leave you, my peace I give you.” 

Look not upon our sins, but on the faith of your church, 

And grant us peace and unity in accordance with your will, 

Who lives and reigns forever and ever. 

Amen. 

May the peace of the Lord be with all of you. 

-And with your spirit. 

For those that are praying, maybe at home, 

Nursing facility, hospital, from all of us here 

At Mercy Home for Boys and Girls. 

To each and every one of you, God’s blessings, peace, and the Lord’s joy. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ Lamb of God ∫ 

∫ You take away the sins of the world ∫ 

∫ Have mercy on us ∫ 

∫ Lamb of God ∫ 

∫ You take away the sins of the world ∫ 

∫ Have mercy on us ∫ 

∫ Lamb of God ∫ 

∫ You take away the sins of the world ∫ 

∫ Grant us peace ∫ 

Behold the lamb of God. 

Behold him who takes away the sins of the world. 

Blessed are those called to supper of the lamb. 

Lord, I am not worthy you should enter under my roof, 

But only say the word and my soul shall be healed. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

For those of you at home, 

Please turn to page six in your tv mass guide 

And join in singing our communion song, 

“Where the promise shines.” 

∫ When a star is shining over eastern hills ∫ 

∫ When the air is silent and the clamor stills ∫ 

∫ When the night is waiting and the old hopes rise ∫ 

∫ Then the time has ripened and the heart grows wise ∫ 

∫ Lead us on ∫ 

∫ Lead us on ∫ 

∫ To a morning where the promise shines ∫ 

∫ Lead us on ∫ 

∫ Lead us on ∫ 

∫ To a morning where the promise shines ∫ 

∫ Where the world is waiting for an unknown day ∫ 

∫ Where a voice forgotten cries prepare the way ∫ 

∫ Where an earthly power makes the heart turn cold ∫ 

∫ There the gifts are offered incense, myrrh and gold ∫ 

∫ Lead us on ∫ 

∫ Lead us on ∫ 

∫ To a morning where the promise shines ∫ 

∫ Lead us on ∫ 

∫ Lead us on ∫ 

∫ To a morning where the promise shines. ∫ 

And together we pray the prayer of the children of Mercy Home. 

Our lady of mercy, we pray that you will guide, protect, 

And bless all Boys and Girls. 

Who this day have a home called mercy. 

May they find the father’s mercy 

As we offer them our hearts 

In the name of your son, Jesus Christ. 

May they see God’s mercy in action 

Through our love, prayers, and sacrifices. 

And together let us pray. 

We implore your mercy, o Lord, 

With his divine sustenance 

May cleanse us of our faults,  

And prepare us for the coming feasts.  

Always through Christ our Lord. 

Amen. 

The Lord be with you. 

-And with your spirit. 

Let us bow our heads and pray for God’s many blessings. 

May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, 

Keep our hearts and minds and the knowledge and love of God, 

And of his son, our Lord Jesus Christ, amen. 

And may the blessing of almighty God, 

The father, the son, and the Holy Spirit 

Decend upon all of us forever and ever. 

Amen. 

Our celebration has ended. 

Our Advent journey continues. 

We go in peace. 

-Thanks be to God. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ People look east ∫ 

∫ The time is near ∫ 

∫ Of the crowning of the year.. .∫ 

Hello, my friends. 

As you know, as I know, 

This tv ministry at Mercy Home is so important. 

It allows us to gather wherever you may be 

To participate in the prayer of the church. 

It allows us to pray for one another 

And how important it is. 

It allows you and me to pray for the children here 

At Mercy Home for Boys and Girls. 

We’re nourished by our presence together 

And by the celebration of the eucharist. 

I just want to take this opportunity 

To thank you so very much 

For the ways in which you support this mass 

Here at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls. 

Please consider doing that going forward as well. 

May God bless you and your family and your friends 

For all you do for the tv mass at Mercy Home and for our children. 

The music for the broadcast of ‘Sunday Mass at Mercy Home’ 

Is generously provided by G-I-A Publications Incorporated 

And its World Library Publications Division. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

The following presentation is made possible 

By the generosity of the viewers 

Of Sunday Mass at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls in Chicago. 

Good morning and welcome to Sunday Mass at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls. 

Today we celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent. 

My name is Dan Riley. 

I am joined by Tom McNamara and Brigid Gerace, 

And our celebrant is Father Greg Sakowicz. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ Savior of the nations come, ∫ 

∫ Virgin’s son make here your home. ∫ 

∫ Marvel now, o heaven and earth, ∫ 

∫ That the Lord chose such a birth. ∫ 

Good morning and welcome as we continue our Advent journey. 

We begin our prayers as we begin all things 

In the name of the father and of the son, and the Holy Spirit. 

Amen. 

The Lord be with you. 

-And with your spirit. 

Our God is loving, compassionate, and always forgiving. 

We are sinners. 

We take a moment of silence and ask forgiveness and the Lord’s mercy. 

Lord Jesus, you raise us to new life. 

Lord have mercy. 

-Lord have mercy. 

Christ Jesus, you forgive us our sins. 

Christ have mercy. 

-Christ have mercy. 

Lord Jesus, you nourish us with the gift of the holy eucharist. 

Lord have mercy. 

-Lord have mercy. 

May almighty God have mercy on us, 

Forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. 

Amen. 

And together let us pray for the grace to follow Christ more closely. 

Loving God, we see how your people faithfully await 

The feast of the Lord’s nativity. 

Enable us, we pray, to attain the joys 

Of so great a salvation and to celebrate them always 

With solemn worship and glad rejoicing, 

Always through Christ our Lord. 

Amen. 

A reading from the book of the prophet Zephaniah. 

Shout for joy, o daughter Zion. 

Sing joyfully, o Israel. 

Be glad and exult with all your heart, o daughter Jerusalem. 

The Lord has removed the judgment against you. 

He has turned away your enemies. 

The king of Israel, the Lord is in your midst. 

You have no further misfortune to fear. 

On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, “fear not, o Zion. 

Be not discouraged. 

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty savior. 

He will rejoice over you with gladness 

And renew you in his love. 

He will sing joyfully because of you 

As one sings at festivals. 

The word of the Lord. 

Thanks be to God. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ Cry out with joy and gladness, ∫ 

∫ For among you is the great and holy one of Israel. ∫ 

∫ Cry out with joy and gladness, ∫ 

∫ For among you is the great and holy one of Israel. ∫ 

∫ Truly God is my salvation. ∫ 

∫ I trust, I shall not fear. ∫ 

∫ For the Lord is my strength, my song. ∫ 

∫ He became my savior. ∫ 

∫ Cry out with joy and gladness, ∫ 

∫ For among you is the great and holy one of Israel. ∫ 

A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Philippians. 

Brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord always. 

I shall say it again. 

Rejoice. 

Your kindness should be known to all. 

The Lord is near. 

Have no anxiety at all, but in everything 

By prayer and petition with thanksgiving. 

Make your request known to God. 

Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding 

Will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 

The word of the Lord. 

-Thanks be to God. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. ∫ 

∫ Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. ∫ 

∫ The spirit of the Lord is upon me ∫ 

∫ Because he has anointed me ∫ 

∫ To bring glad tidings to the poor. ∫ 

∫ Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. ∫ 

The Lord be with you. 

-And with your spirit. 

A reading from the holy gospel according to Luke. 

-Glory to you, o Lord. 

The crowds asked John the Baptist, 

“What should we do?” 

He said in reply, “whoever has two cloaks 

Should share with the person who has none. 

Whoever has food should do likewise.” 

Even tax collectors came to be baptized. 

They said to him, “teacher, what should we do?” 

He answered them, “stop collecting more than what is prescribed.” 

Soldiers also asked him, “and what should we do?” 

He told them, “do not practice extortion. 

Do not falsely accuse anyone. 

And be satisfied with your wages.” 

Now, the people were filled with expectation. 

And all were asking in their hearts whether john might be the Christ. 

John answered them by saying, “i am baptizing you with water, 

But one mightier than I is coming, 

I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. 

He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” 

His winnowing fan is in his hand 

To clear his thrashing floor 

To gather wheat into the barn. 

But the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire, 

Exhorting them in many other ways. 

He preached good news to the people. 

The gospel of the Lord. 

-Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. 

A man is stumbling through the woods, totally drunk. 

And he comes upon a preacher baptizing people in the river. 

The drunk walks into the water and bumps into the preacher. 

The preacher turns around and is almost overcome 

By the smell of alcohol, whereupon he asks the drunk, 

“Are you ready to find Jesus?” 

“Yes, I am,” replies the drunk. 

So the preacher grabs him and dunks him in the river. 

He pulls him up out of the water and asks the drunk, 

“Brother, have you found Jesus?” 

The drunk replies, “no, I haven’t.” 

So the preacher dunks the drunk in the water again. 

This time holds him down for about 35 seconds. 

When the drunk begins kicking his arms and legs, 

The preacher pulls him out of the water. 

The preacher asks the drunk again, 

“For the love of God, have you found Jesus?” 

The drunk wipes his eyes, catches his breath, 

And says to the preacher, 

“Are you sure this is where he fell in?” 

[Laughter] 

That’s so funny. 

You know, in life, we sometimes miss the whole point. 

We see things not as they are, but as we are. 

This raises a question. 

Might there be an area in our life 

Where I’ve closed my eyes to life, 

Closed my life to the Lord Jesus? 

We listen in Paul’s letter to the Philippians, 

“Have no anxiety at all. 

Then God’s peace, which is beyond all understanding, 

Will stand guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

Think about this for a moment. 

If you can start the day without caffeine or pep pills, 

If you can be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains, 

If you can resist complaining 

And boring people with your troubles, 

If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it, 

If you can understand when loved ones 

Are too busy to give of their time, 

If you can overlook when people take things out on you 

When through no fault of your own, things go wrong, 

If you can take criticism and blame without resentment, 

If you can face the world without lies and deceit, 

If you can conquer tension without medical help, 

If you can relax without liquor, 

If you can sleep without the aids of drugs, 

You can give and forgive quickly. 

If you can do all these things, 

Then you are probably the family dog. 

[Laughter] 

You know, unfortunately, most of us worry way too much. 

We’re filled with way too much anxiety. 

Where too often we begin the day 

In a mood which is anything but pleasant. 

But it was the fox who taught the little prince, 

“It is only with a heart that one sees rightly. 

What is essential is invisible to the eye.” 

It was the fox who taught the little prince 

That it is only with a heart that one sees rightly. 

What is essential is invisible to the eye. 

Don’t let the busyness of the season of Advent 

Get in the way of Advent’s real meaning. 

For Advent is about joy and forgiveness. 

And if we are open to really, really seeing, 

Advent can make Christmas awfully beautiful. 

And together as God’s family, 

We profess our profession of faith: 

I believe in one God, the father almighty, 

Maker of heaven and earth, 

Of all things visible and invisible. 

I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, 

The only begotten son of God, 

Born of the father before all ages, 

God from God, light from light, 

True God from true God, begotten, not made, 

Consubstantial with the father. 

Through him all things were made. 

Through us and through our salvation, 

He came down from Heaven. 

And by the Holy Spirit, 

Was incarnate of the virgin Mary and became man. 

For our sake, he was crucified under Pontius Pilate. 

He suffered death and was buried 

And rose again on the third day 

In accordance with the scriptures. 

He ascended into heaven 

And is seated at the right hand of the father. 

He will come again in glory 

To judge the living and the dead, 

And his kingdom will have no end. 

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, 

Who proceeds with the father and the son, 

Who with the father and the son is adored and glorified, 

Who has spoken through the prophets. 

I believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. 

I confess one baptism, for the forgiveness of sins, 

And look forward to the resurrection of the dead, 

The life of the world to come. 

Amen. 

With confidence, faith, and trust. 

We continue our Advent journey. 

We bring the Lord our needs, our prayers, our very lives. 

Our response to each prayer will be, 

“Lord, hear our prayers.” 

For all those abroad who are spreading the gospel 

During this holy season, may they be safe 

Throughout their travels as they share Christ’s message of love, peace, and joy. 

We pray to the Lord. 

-Lord, hear our prayer. 

For those who are alone, may others share 

The spirit of Christmas with them 

And fill their lives with joy. 

We pray to the Lord. 

-Lord, hear our prayer. 

For the children, coworkers, and benefactors of Mercy Home, 

May this Advent season bring light 

Into their hearts as they anticipate 

Christ’s coming into the world. 

We pray to the Lord. 

-Lord, hear our prayer. 

For those who live in poverty around the whole world, 

May the compassion and generosity of others 

Give them opportunity for an improved life. 

We pray to the Lord. 

-Lord, hear our prayer. 

Loving God, we ask you to hear our prayers, 

Those voiced, and all our needs and prayers 

Known to you, found deep within our hearts, 

Always made known through Christ our Lord. 

Amen. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ [Music continues] ∫ 

And pray my sisters and brothers 

That our sacrifice may be acceptable to God, 

The father, the almighty. 

May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands. 

For the praise and glory of his name, 

For our good and the good of all, his holy church. 

Amen. 

May the sacrifice of our worship, o Lord, we pray, 

Be offered to unceasingly to complete what was begun 

In sacred mystery and powerfully accomplished for us 

Your saving work always through Christ our Lord. 

Amen. 

The Lord be with you. 

-And with your spirit. 

Lift up your hearts. 

-We lift them up to the Lord. 

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. 

It is right and just. 

-It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, 

Always and everwhere to give you thanks, 

Lord, holy father, almighty and eternal God. 

For all the oracles the prophets foretold him, 

The virgin mother longed for him with love beyond all telling. 

John the Baptist sang of his coming 

And proclaimed his presence when he came. 

So, all the choirs of angels in heaven, we proclaim 

Your glory as we then together sing. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of hosts, ∫ 

∫ Heaven and earth ∫ 

∫ Are full of your glory. ∫ 

∫ Hosanna in the highest. ∫ 

∫ Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. ∫ 

∫ Hosanna in the highest. ∫ 

You are indeed holy, o Lord, the fount of all holiness. 

Make holy therefore these gifts we pray 

By sending down your spirit upon them like the dewfall 

That they may become for us the body and blood of your son, 

Our Lord Jesus Christ. 

When the time was betrayed and entered into his passion, 

Jesus took bread and giving thanks, broke it 

And gave to the disciples saying, 

“Take this, all of you, and eat of it, 

For this is my body 

Which will be given up for you.” 

When supper was ended, he took the chalice 

And once more giving thanks, 

Gave to the disciples saying, 

“Take this, all of you, and drink from it, 

For this is the chalice of my blood, 

The blood of the new and eternal covenant 

Which will be poured out for you and for many, 

For the forgiveness of sins. 

Do this in memory of me.” 

The mystery of faith. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ When we eat this bread and drink this cup, ∫ 

∫ We proclaim your death, o Lord, ∫ 

∫ Until you come again. ∫ 

Therefore, as we celebrate the memorial of his life, 

Death, resurrection, we offer you Lord, 

The bread of life and the chalice of salvation, 

Giving thanks that you’ve held us worthy 

To be in your presence and minister to you. 

Humbly we pray, that partaking of the body and blood of Christ 

Be gathered into one by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Remember, Lord, your church spread throughout the world 

And bring her to the fullness of charity 

Together with Francis, our Pope, Blase, our Bishop, 

With the bishops, clergy, 

Religious brothers and sisters, 

And all who serve in your faith communities. 

Remember also our brothers and sisters 

Who have fallen asleep in the hope of the resurrection 

And all who have died in your mercy. 

Remember, in a very special way, all deceased loved ones 

Who have gone home to God. 

Welcome them into the light of your face. 

Have mercy on us all, we pray, 

With the blessed Virgin Mary, mother of God, 

Blessed joseph, her spouse, 

With the blessed apostles and all the saints 

Who have pleased you throughout the ages, 

We may be coheirs to eternal life, 

And may praise and glorify you 

Through your son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. 

Through him, with him, and in him, 

O God, almighty father, 

In the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours forever and ever. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ Amen, amen, amen ∫ 

With confidence, faith, peace, and joy, 

As we continue our Advent journey together as God’s family, we pray. 

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 trespasses, 

As we forgive those who trespass against us, 

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 

Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil. 

Grant peace in our days, that by the help of your mercy, 

We are always free from sin and safe from all distress, 

As we await in blessed hope for the coming of our savior, 

Jesus Christ, 

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, 

Now and forever. 

And Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles, 

“Peace I leave you, my peace I give you.” 

Look not upon our sins, but on the faith of your church, 

And grant us peace and unity in accordance with your will, 

Who lives and reigns forever and ever. 

Amen. 

May the peace of the Lord be with all of you. 

-And with your spirit. 

For those that are praying, maybe at home, 

Nursing facility, hospital, from all of us here 

At Mercy Home for Boys and Girls. 

To each and every one of you, God’s blessings, peace, and the Lord’s joy. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ Lamb of God ∫ 

∫ You take away the sins of the world ∫ 

∫ Have mercy on us ∫ 

∫ Lamb of God ∫ 

∫ You take away the sins of the world ∫ 

∫ Have mercy on us ∫ 

∫ Lamb of God ∫ 

∫ You take away the sins of the world ∫ 

∫ Grant us peace ∫ 

Behold the lamb of God. 

Behold him who takes away the sins of the world. 

Blessed are those called to supper of the lamb. 

Lord, I am not worthy you should enter under my roof, 

But only say the word and my soul shall be healed. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

For those of you at home, 

Please turn to page six in your tv mass guide 

And join in singing our communion song, 

“Where the promise shines.” 

∫ When a star is shining over eastern hills ∫ 

∫ When the air is silent and the clamor stills ∫ 

∫ When the night is waiting and the old hopes rise ∫ 

∫ Then the time has ripened and the heart grows wise ∫ 

∫ Lead us on ∫ 

∫ Lead us on ∫ 

∫ To a morning where the promise shines ∫ 

∫ Lead us on ∫ 

∫ Lead us on ∫ 

∫ To a morning where the promise shines ∫ 

∫ Where the world is waiting for an unknown day ∫ 

∫ Where a voice forgotten cries prepare the way ∫ 

∫ Where an earthly power makes the heart turn cold ∫ 

∫ There the gifts are offered incense, myrrh and gold ∫ 

∫ Lead us on ∫ 

∫ Lead us on ∫ 

∫ To a morning where the promise shines ∫ 

∫ Lead us on ∫ 

∫ Lead us on ∫ 

∫ To a morning where the promise shines. ∫ 

And together we pray the prayer of the children of Mercy Home. 

Our lady of mercy, we pray that you will guide, protect, 

And bless all Boys and Girls. 

Who this day have a home called mercy. 

May they find the father’s mercy 

As we offer them our hearts 

In the name of your son, Jesus Christ. 

May they see God’s mercy in action 

Through our love, prayers, and sacrifices. 

And together let us pray. 

We implore your mercy, o Lord, 

With his divine sustenance 

May cleanse us of our faults,  

And prepare us for the coming feasts.  

Always through Christ our Lord. 

Amen. 

The Lord be with you. 

-And with your spirit. 

Let us bow our heads and pray for God’s many blessings. 

May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, 

Keep our hearts and minds and the knowledge and love of God, 

And of his son, our Lord Jesus Christ, amen. 

And may the blessing of almighty God, 

The father, the son, and the Holy Spirit 

Decend upon all of us forever and ever. 

Amen. 

Our celebration has ended. 

Our Advent journey continues. 

We go in peace. 

-Thanks be to God. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ People look east ∫ 

∫ The time is near ∫ 

∫ Of the crowning of the year.. .∫ 

Hello, my friends. 

As you know, as I know, 

This tv ministry at Mercy Home is so important. 

It allows us to gather wherever you may be 

To participate in the prayer of the church. 

It allows us to pray for one another 

And how important it is. 

It allows you and me to pray for the children here 

At Mercy Home for Boys and Girls. 

We’re nourished by our presence together 

And by the celebration of the eucharist. 

I just want to take this opportunity 

To thank you so very much 

For the ways in which you support this mass 

Here at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls. 

Please consider doing that going forward as well. 

May God bless you and your family and your friends 

For all you do for the tv mass at Mercy Home and for our children. 

The music for the broadcast of ‘Sunday Mass at Mercy Home’ 

Is generously provided by G-I-A Publications Incorporated 

And its World Library Publications Division. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

A man is stumbling through the woods, totally drunk. 

And he comes upon a preacher baptizing people in the river. 

The drunk walks into the water and bumps into the preacher. 

The preacher turns around and is almost overcome 

By the smell of alcohol, whereupon he asks the drunk, 

“Are you ready to find Jesus?” 

“Yes, I am,” replies the drunk. 

So the preacher grabs him and dunks him in the river. 

He pulls him up out of the water and asks the drunk, 

“Brother, have you found Jesus?” 

The drunk replies, “no, I haven’t.” 

So the preacher dunks the drunk in the water again. 

This time holds him down for about 35 seconds. 

When the drunk begins kicking his arms and legs, 

The preacher pulls him out of the water. 

The preacher asks the drunk again, 

“For the love of God, have you found Jesus?” 

The drunk wipes his eyes, catches his breath, 

And says to the preacher, 

“Are you sure this is where he fell in?” 

[Laughter] 

That’s so funny. 

You know, in life, we sometimes miss the whole point. 

We see things not as they are, but as we are. 

This raises a question. 

Might there be an area in our life 

Where I’ve closed my eyes to life, 

Closed my life to the Lord Jesus? 

We listen in Paul’s letter to the Philippians, 

“Have no anxiety at all. 

Then God’s peace, which is beyond all understanding, 

Will stand guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

Think about this for a moment. 

If you can start the day without caffeine or pep pills, 

If you can be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains, 

If you can resist complaining 

And boring people with your troubles, 

If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it, 

If you can understand when loved ones 

Are too busy to give of their time, 

If you can overlook when people take things out on you 

When through no fault of your own, things go wrong, 

If you can take criticism and blame without resentment, 

If you can face the world without lies and deceit, 

If you can conquer tension without medical help, 

If you can relax without liquor, 

If you can sleep without the aids of drugs, 

You can give and forgive quickly. 

If you can do all these things, 

Then you are probably the family dog. 

[Laughter] 

You know, unfortunately, most of us worry way too much. 

We’re filled with way too much anxiety. 

Where too often we begin the day 

In a mood which is anything but pleasant. 

But it was the fox who taught the little prince, 

“It is only with a heart that one sees rightly. 

What is essential is invisible to the eye.” 

It was the fox who taught the little prince 

That it is only with a heart that one sees rightly. 

What is essential is invisible to the eye. 

Don’t let the busyness of the season of Advent 

Get in the way of Advent’s real meaning. 

For Advent is about joy and forgiveness. 

And if we are open to really, really seeing, 

Advent can make Christmas awfully beautiful.