∫ [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 16th sunday in ordinary time. 

My name is dan riley. 

I am joined by Tom McNamara and Brigid Gerace, 

And our celebrant is Father Greg Sakowicz. 

∫ Immortal, invisible, God only wise, ∫ 

∫ In light inaccessible hid from our eyes, ∫ 

∫ Most blessed, most glorious, the ancient of days ∫ 

∫ Almighty, victorious, your great name we praise. ∫ 

Good morning and welcome as we gather as a family of God, 

And we begin our prayers as we begin all things; 

In the name of the father and of the son 

And of the holy spirit. 

Amen. 

The lord be with all of you. 

-And with your spirit. 

Our God is loving, compassionate, and always forgiving. 

We are sinners, so 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. 

As God’s forgiven family, we sing praise to our God. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ Glory to God in the highest, ∫ 

∫ And on earth peace to people of good will. ∫ 

∫ Glory to God in the highest, ∫ 

∫ And on earth peace to people of good will. ∫ 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

And together let us pray for the grace 

To follow Christ more closely. 

Show favor, o lord, to your servants. 

Immersively increase the gifts of your grace, 

Made fervent in hope, faith, and charity 

Be ever watchful, 

And always keeping your commands 

Through Christ our lord. 

-Amen. 

A reading from the book of genesis. 

The lord appeared to Abraham by the Terribence of Mamre. 

As he sat at the entrance to his tent 

While the day was growing hot, looking up, 

Abraham saw three men standing nearby. 

When he saw them, 

He ran from the entrance of the tent to greet them. 

And bowing to the ground, 

He said, “sir, if I may ask you this favor, 

Please do not go past your servant. 

Let some water be brought that you may bathe your feet, 

And then rest yourselves under the tree. 

Now that you have come so close to your servant, 

Let me bring you a little food 

That you may refresh yourselves, 

And afterwards go on your way.” 

The men replied, “very well. Do as you have said.” 

Abraham hastened into the tent and told Sarah, 

“Quick, three measures of fine flour, 

Knead it, and make rolls.” 

He ran to the herd, picked out a tender choice steer, 

And gave it to a servant who quickly prepared it. 

Then Abraham got some curds and milk 

As well as a steer that had been prepared 

And set these before the three men, 

And he waited on them under the tree while they ate. 

They asked Abraham, “where is your wife, Sarah?” 

He replied, “there in the tent.” 

One of them said, “I will surely return to you 

About this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” 

The word of the lord. 

-Thanks be to God. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ The one who does justice ∫ 

∫ Will live in the presence of the lord. ∫ 

∫ The one who does justice ∫ 

∫ Will live in the presence of the lord. ∫ 

∫ Whoever walks without fault, ∫ 

∫ Who does what is just ∫ 

∫ And speaks the truth from his heart, ∫ 

∫ Such a one shall never be shaken. ∫ 

∫ The one who does justice ∫ 

∫ Will live in the presence of the lord. ∫ 

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

Brothers and sisters, 

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, 

And in my flesh I am filling up 

What is lacking in the afflictions of Christ 

On behalf of his body, 

Which is the church, of which I am a minister, 

In accordance with God’s stewardship given to me 

To bring to completion for you, the word of God. 

The mystery hidden from ages and from generations past, 

But now it has been manifested to his holy ones, 

To whom God chose to make known the riches of the glory 

Of this mystery among the gentiles. 

It is Christ in you, the hope for glory. 

It is he whom we proclaim, 

Admonishing everyone and teaching everyone 

With all wisdom that we may present 

Everyone perfect in Christ. 

The word of the lord. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. ∫ 

∫ Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. ∫ 

∫ Blessed are they who have kept ∫ 

∫ The word with a generous heart ∫ 

∫ And yield a harvest through perseverance. ∫ 

∫ Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. ∫ 

The lord be with you. 

– And with your spirit. 

A reading from the gospel according to Luke. 

-Glory to you, o lord. 

Jesus entered a village 

Where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. 

She also had a sister named Mary 

Who sat beside the lord at his feet, listening to him speak. 

Martha, burdened by much serving, 

Came to him and said, “lord, do you not care 

That my sister has left me by myself to do the serving. 

Tell her to help me.” 

Lord said to her in reply, “Martha, Martha, 

You are anxious and worried about so many things. 

There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part. 

It will not be taken from her.” 

The gospel of the lord. 

-Praise to you, lord Jesus Christ. 

 

 

This guy reports to work late on a morning 

And the boss says, “Charlie, where were you?” 

And Charlie says, “you’re not going to believe it. 

But late last night, 

My dog ate all the letters for a scrabble game.” 

And the boss concerned said, “well, how’s your dog doing?” 

And Charlie says, “no word yet.” 

[Laughter] 

And speaking of great words, 

Father Henry Nowan, who died some years ago, 

Was a very well-known priest and author 

Of many books on prayer and spirituality. 

Some years ago he was giving a retreat to a bunch of priests. 

And during the break, one of the priests 

Comes up to Father Nowan and says, 

“Henry, back in the parish, I can never get my work done 

Because I’m always being interrupted.” 

And Father Nowan said to the priest, 

“Did you realize that maybe your interruptions are your work?” 

The priest asks, “I can never get my work done 

Because I’m always being interrupted.” 

And what a response: did you ever realize, 

Maybe your interruptions are your work? 

Doing can sometimes get in the way of letting it flow. 

Martha and Mary have come to represent 

The poles of human experience and response. 

Action versus contemplation. 

Manual labor versus quiet reflection. 

Doing versus being. 

Workaholism versus a peaceful listening 

To God’s presence to life. 

I think many of us struggle with a balance 

Between doing and being. 

We get so involved with what we are doing, 

We sometimes forget why we’re doing it. 

We get so involved in living, 

We forget about the purpose of living. 

We get so involved in pursuing the things money can buy, 

We forget about the things money cannot buy. 

Some years ago, about 25 years ago, 

I was with my mother on mother’s day. 

And I said, “mom, what is your definition of motherhood?” 

And mom looked at me and said, “Greg, motherhood 

Is a willingness to be inconvenienced.” 

Motherhood is a willingness to be inconvenienced. 

We live in a very chaotic and fast-paced world. 

I discovered two zones of stability that focused 

My life and made me realize there’s more to life than doing. 

Realizing a sense of the presence of God in our midst. 

And everything only then comes together. 

The first zone of stability is prayer. 

Prayer is not so much my getting God’s attention. 

Prayer is God’s getting my attention. 

Prayer is listening, stepping back, trusting. 

Prayer is living the presence of God with our mind and heart. 

The second zone of stability is friendship. 

I’m not talking about acquaintances, 

But rather in life, close friends. 

People who allow me to be me. 

Real friendship is life-giving and nourishing. 

Knowing I’m loved and lovable 

Despite my frailties and my imperfections. 

Real friendships give life a deeper meaning and purpose. 

It makes God present because we are in his image and likeness. 

Balance, prayer, work, and friendship. 

If we see someone without a smile, give them yours. 

And remember this: 

I’ve been a priest for the gift of God for many years. 

I’ve never met anybody on their deathbed 

Who said, “I wish I had spent more time at the office.” 

Never. 

They have said to me, “I wish I had spent more time 

With my family, with friends, quiet time.” 

But no one’s ever said, 

“I wish I had spent more time at the office.” 

Keep life in perspective, always trusting 

In the presence of God, one day at a time. 

 

 

Together 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. 

For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven. 

And by the holy spirit was incarnate 

Of 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 from the father and the son, 

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, 

And the life of the world to come. 

Amen. 

In confidence, faith and joy, we bring the lord our needs, 

Our prayers, our very lives. 

Our response to each prayer will be, 

“Lord, hear our prayer.” 

For our church leaders, may the holy spirit bless them 

With courage and wisdom as they lead us into the future. 

We pray to the lord. 

-Lord, hear our prayer. 

For those who are suffering and their families, 

May they be blessed and feel 

The lord’s presence and healing love. 

We pray to the lord. 

-Lord, hear our prayer. 

For the youth and families who need a safe place 

To turn for help, may they find hope 

At Mercy Home for Boys and Girls. 

We pray to the lord. 

-Lord, hear our prayer. 

For all victims of war, hunger, poverty, and depression, 

That one day soon they will experience 

Peace, freedom, and the fullness of life. 

We pray to the lord. 

-Lord, hear our prayer. 

Loving God, we ask you to hear our prayers, 

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. 

O God, the one perfect sacrifice 

Brought to completion for offerings of the law. 

Accept, we pray, the sacrifice from your faithful servants 

And make it holy as you bless the gifts of Abel, 

So that each one here has offered 

That the honor of your majesty 

May benefit the salvation of all. 

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 everywhere to give you thanks, 

Lord, holy father, almighty and eternal God. 

For in you we live and move and have our being. 

And while in this body, not only experience 

The daily effects of your care, 

But even now possess the pledge of life eternal. 

So with 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. 

At the time when he was betrayed and entered into his passion, 

Jesus took bread and giving thanks, broke it, 

And gave it 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 it 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 all. 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, 

And resurrection, we offer you, lord, 

The bread of life and the chalice of salvation, 

Giving thanks that you hold us worthy to be in your presence 

And minister to you. Humbly we pray, 

That partaking of the body and blood of Christ 

We 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 Leo, our pope, Blasde, our bishop, 

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 of the deceased loved ones 

Who have gone home to God. 

Welcome them into light of your face. 

Have mercy on us all, we pray, 

The blessed virgin Mary, mother of God, 

Blessed Joseph her spouse, the blessed apostles, 

And all the saints who have pleased you throughout the ages. 

May we merit to be co-heirs 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 and joy, 

Together as God’s family with one voice 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, o lord, we pray, from every evil. 

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

We may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, 

As we await the blessed hope and 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’ve 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, 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. 

Let us, share the lord’s peace, with those around us. 

For those praying at home, 

A nursing home facility, a 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 that 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, 

“As the bread of life is broken.” 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ As the bread of life is broken, ∫ 

∫ The cup of love out poured. ∫ 

∫ We are one in Christ our savior, ∫ 

∫And sent to serve the lord. ∫ 

∫ We the many who are gathered, are united now as one. ∫ 

∫ In this joyful celebration, we recall what God has done. ∫ 

∫ As the bread of life is broken, ∫ 

∫ The cup of love out poured. ∫ 

∫ We are one in Christ our savior, ∫ 

∫ And sent to serve the lord. ∫ 

Together our prayer for 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, 

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 sacrifice. 

And together, let us pray. 

Be present to your people, we pray, o lord, 

And lead those who will be imbued with heavenly mysteries, 

To pass from former ways to newness of life, 

Always through Christ our lord. 

Amen. 

The lord be with you. 

-And with your spirit. 

And may the blessing of almighty God, 

The father, the son, and the holy spirit 

Descend upon all of us, forever and ever. 

Amen. 

Our celebration has ended. 

We go in peace. 

-Thanks be to God. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ Lord, you give the great commission: ∫ 

∫ Heal the sick and preach the word; ∫ 

∫ Lest the church neglect its mission ∫ 

∫ And the gospel go unheard, ∫ 

∫ Help us witness to your purpose ∫ 

∫ With renewed integrity; ∫ 

∫ With the Spirit’s gifts empower us ∫ 

∫ For the work… ∫ 

My friends, I just want to thank you 

For the ways in which you support the tv mass 

Here at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls. 

Let us continue to pray for one another. 

Please consider making an offering 

So that we can keep the tv mass on the air. 

And may God bless you, 

Your family members, and your friends. 

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] ∫ 

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 16th sunday in ordinary time. 

My name is dan riley. 

I am joined by Tom McNamara and Brigid Gerace, 

And our celebrant is Father Greg Sakowicz. 

∫ Immortal, invisible, God only wise, ∫ 

∫ In light inaccessible hid from our eyes, ∫ 

∫ Most blessed, most glorious, the ancient of days ∫ 

∫ Almighty, victorious, your great name we praise. ∫ 

Good morning and welcome as we gather as a family of God, 

And we begin our prayers as we begin all things; 

In the name of the father and of the son 

And of the holy spirit. 

Amen. 

The lord be with all of you. 

-And with your spirit. 

Our God is loving, compassionate, and always forgiving. 

We are sinners, so 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. 

As God’s forgiven family, we sing praise to our God. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ Glory to God in the highest, ∫ 

∫ And on earth peace to people of good will. ∫ 

∫ Glory to God in the highest, ∫ 

∫ And on earth peace to people of good will. ∫ 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

And together let us pray for the grace 

To follow Christ more closely. 

Show favor, o lord, to your servants. 

Immersively increase the gifts of your grace, 

Made fervent in hope, faith, and charity 

Be ever watchful, 

And always keeping your commands 

Through Christ our lord. 

-Amen. 

A reading from the book of genesis. 

The lord appeared to Abraham by the Terribence of Mamre. 

As he sat at the entrance to his tent 

While the day was growing hot, looking up, 

Abraham saw three men standing nearby. 

When he saw them, 

He ran from the entrance of the tent to greet them. 

And bowing to the ground, 

He said, “sir, if I may ask you this favor, 

Please do not go past your servant. 

Let some water be brought that you may bathe your feet, 

And then rest yourselves under the tree. 

Now that you have come so close to your servant, 

Let me bring you a little food 

That you may refresh yourselves, 

And afterwards go on your way.” 

The men replied, “very well. Do as you have said.” 

Abraham hastened into the tent and told Sarah, 

“Quick, three measures of fine flour, 

Knead it, and make rolls.” 

He ran to the herd, picked out a tender choice steer, 

And gave it to a servant who quickly prepared it. 

Then Abraham got some curds and milk 

As well as a steer that had been prepared 

And set these before the three men, 

And he waited on them under the tree while they ate. 

They asked Abraham, “where is your wife, Sarah?” 

He replied, “there in the tent.” 

One of them said, “I will surely return to you 

About this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” 

The word of the lord. 

-Thanks be to God. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ The one who does justice ∫ 

∫ Will live in the presence of the lord. ∫ 

∫ The one who does justice ∫ 

∫ Will live in the presence of the lord. ∫ 

∫ Whoever walks without fault, ∫ 

∫ Who does what is just ∫ 

∫ And speaks the truth from his heart, ∫ 

∫ Such a one shall never be shaken. ∫ 

∫ The one who does justice ∫ 

∫ Will live in the presence of the lord. ∫ 

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

Brothers and sisters, 

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, 

And in my flesh I am filling up 

What is lacking in the afflictions of Christ 

On behalf of his body, 

Which is the church, of which I am a minister, 

In accordance with God’s stewardship given to me 

To bring to completion for you, the word of God. 

The mystery hidden from ages and from generations past, 

But now it has been manifested to his holy ones, 

To whom God chose to make known the riches of the glory 

Of this mystery among the gentiles. 

It is Christ in you, the hope for glory. 

It is he whom we proclaim, 

Admonishing everyone and teaching everyone 

With all wisdom that we may present 

Everyone perfect in Christ. 

The word of the lord. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. ∫ 

∫ Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. ∫ 

∫ Blessed are they who have kept ∫ 

∫ The word with a generous heart ∫ 

∫ And yield a harvest through perseverance. ∫ 

∫ Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. ∫ 

The lord be with you. 

– And with your spirit. 

A reading from the gospel according to Luke. 

-Glory to you, o lord. 

Jesus entered a village 

Where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. 

She also had a sister named Mary 

Who sat beside the lord at his feet, listening to him speak. 

Martha, burdened by much serving, 

Came to him and said, “lord, do you not care 

That my sister has left me by myself to do the serving. 

Tell her to help me.” 

Lord said to her in reply, “Martha, Martha, 

You are anxious and worried about so many things. 

There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part. 

It will not be taken from her.” 

The gospel of the lord. 

-Praise to you, lord Jesus Christ. 

 

 

This guy reports to work late on a morning 

And the boss says, “Charlie, where were you?” 

And Charlie says, “you’re not going to believe it. 

But late last night, 

My dog ate all the letters for a scrabble game.” 

And the boss concerned said, “well, how’s your dog doing?” 

And Charlie says, “no word yet.” 

[Laughter] 

And speaking of great words, 

Father Henry Nowan, who died some years ago, 

Was a very well-known priest and author 

Of many books on prayer and spirituality. 

Some years ago he was giving a retreat to a bunch of priests. 

And during the break, one of the priests 

Comes up to Father Nowan and says, 

“Henry, back in the parish, I can never get my work done 

Because I’m always being interrupted.” 

And Father Nowan said to the priest, 

“Did you realize that maybe your interruptions are your work?” 

The priest asks, “I can never get my work done 

Because I’m always being interrupted.” 

And what a response: did you ever realize, 

Maybe your interruptions are your work? 

Doing can sometimes get in the way of letting it flow. 

Martha and Mary have come to represent 

The poles of human experience and response. 

Action versus contemplation. 

Manual labor versus quiet reflection. 

Doing versus being. 

Workaholism versus a peaceful listening 

To God’s presence to life. 

I think many of us struggle with a balance 

Between doing and being. 

We get so involved with what we are doing, 

We sometimes forget why we’re doing it. 

We get so involved in living, 

We forget about the purpose of living. 

We get so involved in pursuing the things money can buy, 

We forget about the things money cannot buy. 

Some years ago, about 25 years ago, 

I was with my mother on mother’s day. 

And I said, “mom, what is your definition of motherhood?” 

And mom looked at me and said, “Greg, motherhood 

Is a willingness to be inconvenienced.” 

Motherhood is a willingness to be inconvenienced. 

We live in a very chaotic and fast-paced world. 

I discovered two zones of stability that focused 

My life and made me realize there’s more to life than doing. 

Realizing a sense of the presence of God in our midst. 

And everything only then comes together. 

The first zone of stability is prayer. 

Prayer is not so much my getting God’s attention. 

Prayer is God’s getting my attention. 

Prayer is listening, stepping back, trusting. 

Prayer is living the presence of God with our mind and heart. 

The second zone of stability is friendship. 

I’m not talking about acquaintances, 

But rather in life, close friends. 

People who allow me to be me. 

Real friendship is life-giving and nourishing. 

Knowing I’m loved and lovable 

Despite my frailties and my imperfections. 

Real friendships give life a deeper meaning and purpose. 

It makes God present because we are in his image and likeness. 

Balance, prayer, work, and friendship. 

If we see someone without a smile, give them yours. 

And remember this: 

I’ve been a priest for the gift of God for many years. 

I’ve never met anybody on their deathbed 

Who said, “I wish I had spent more time at the office.” 

Never. 

They have said to me, “I wish I had spent more time 

With my family, with friends, quiet time.” 

But no one’s ever said, 

“I wish I had spent more time at the office.” 

Keep life in perspective, always trusting 

In the presence of God, one day at a time. 

 

 

Together 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. 

For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven. 

And by the holy spirit was incarnate 

Of 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 from the father and the son, 

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, 

And the life of the world to come. 

Amen. 

In confidence, faith and joy, we bring the lord our needs, 

Our prayers, our very lives. 

Our response to each prayer will be, 

“Lord, hear our prayer.” 

For our church leaders, may the holy spirit bless them 

With courage and wisdom as they lead us into the future. 

We pray to the lord. 

-Lord, hear our prayer. 

For those who are suffering and their families, 

May they be blessed and feel 

The lord’s presence and healing love. 

We pray to the lord. 

-Lord, hear our prayer. 

For the youth and families who need a safe place 

To turn for help, may they find hope 

At Mercy Home for Boys and Girls. 

We pray to the lord. 

-Lord, hear our prayer. 

For all victims of war, hunger, poverty, and depression, 

That one day soon they will experience 

Peace, freedom, and the fullness of life. 

We pray to the lord. 

-Lord, hear our prayer. 

Loving God, we ask you to hear our prayers, 

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. 

O God, the one perfect sacrifice 

Brought to completion for offerings of the law. 

Accept, we pray, the sacrifice from your faithful servants 

And make it holy as you bless the gifts of Abel, 

So that each one here has offered 

That the honor of your majesty 

May benefit the salvation of all. 

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 everywhere to give you thanks, 

Lord, holy father, almighty and eternal God. 

For in you we live and move and have our being. 

And while in this body, not only experience 

The daily effects of your care, 

But even now possess the pledge of life eternal. 

So with 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. 

At the time when he was betrayed and entered into his passion, 

Jesus took bread and giving thanks, broke it, 

And gave it 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 it 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 all. 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, 

And resurrection, we offer you, lord, 

The bread of life and the chalice of salvation, 

Giving thanks that you hold us worthy to be in your presence 

And minister to you. Humbly we pray, 

That partaking of the body and blood of Christ 

We 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 Leo, our pope, Blasde, our bishop, 

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 of the deceased loved ones 

Who have gone home to God. 

Welcome them into light of your face. 

Have mercy on us all, we pray, 

The blessed virgin Mary, mother of God, 

Blessed Joseph her spouse, the blessed apostles, 

And all the saints who have pleased you throughout the ages. 

May we merit to be co-heirs 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 and joy, 

Together as God’s family with one voice 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, o lord, we pray, from every evil. 

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

We may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, 

As we await the blessed hope and 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’ve 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, 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. 

Let us, share the lord’s peace, with those around us. 

For those praying at home, 

A nursing home facility, a 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 that 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, 

“As the bread of life is broken.” 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ As the bread of life is broken, ∫ 

∫ The cup of love out poured. ∫ 

∫ We are one in Christ our savior, ∫ 

∫And sent to serve the lord. ∫ 

∫ We the many who are gathered, are united now as one. ∫ 

∫ In this joyful celebration, we recall what God has done. ∫ 

∫ As the bread of life is broken, ∫ 

∫ The cup of love out poured. ∫ 

∫ We are one in Christ our savior, ∫ 

∫ And sent to serve the lord. ∫ 

Together our prayer for 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, 

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 sacrifice. 

And together, let us pray. 

Be present to your people, we pray, o lord, 

And lead those who will be imbued with heavenly mysteries, 

To pass from former ways to newness of life, 

Always through Christ our lord. 

Amen. 

The lord be with you. 

-And with your spirit. 

And may the blessing of almighty God, 

The father, the son, and the holy spirit 

Descend upon all of us, forever and ever. 

Amen. 

Our celebration has ended. 

We go in peace. 

-Thanks be to God. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ Lord, you give the great commission: ∫ 

∫ Heal the sick and preach the word; ∫ 

∫ Lest the church neglect its mission ∫ 

∫ And the gospel go unheard, ∫ 

∫ Help us witness to your purpose ∫ 

∫ With renewed integrity; ∫ 

∫ With the Spirit’s gifts empower us ∫ 

∫ For the work… ∫ 

My friends, I just want to thank you 

For the ways in which you support the tv mass 

Here at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls. 

Let us continue to pray for one another. 

Please consider making an offering 

So that we can keep the tv mass on the air. 

And may God bless you, 

Your family members, and your friends. 

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] ∫ 

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 16th sunday in ordinary time. 

My name is dan riley. 

I am joined by Tom McNamara and Brigid Gerace, 

And our celebrant is Father Greg Sakowicz. 

∫ Immortal, invisible, God only wise, ∫ 

∫ In light inaccessible hid from our eyes, ∫ 

∫ Most blessed, most glorious, the ancient of days ∫ 

∫ Almighty, victorious, your great name we praise. ∫ 

Good morning and welcome as we gather as a family of God, 

And we begin our prayers as we begin all things; 

In the name of the father and of the son 

And of the holy spirit. 

Amen. 

The lord be with all of you. 

-And with your spirit. 

Our God is loving, compassionate, and always forgiving. 

We are sinners, so 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. 

As God’s forgiven family, we sing praise to our God. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ Glory to God in the highest, ∫ 

∫ And on earth peace to people of good will. ∫ 

∫ Glory to God in the highest, ∫ 

∫ And on earth peace to people of good will. ∫ 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

And together let us pray for the grace 

To follow Christ more closely. 

Show favor, o lord, to your servants. 

Immersively increase the gifts of your grace, 

Made fervent in hope, faith, and charity 

Be ever watchful, 

And always keeping your commands 

Through Christ our lord. 

-Amen. 

A reading from the book of genesis. 

The lord appeared to Abraham by the Terribence of Mamre. 

As he sat at the entrance to his tent 

While the day was growing hot, looking up, 

Abraham saw three men standing nearby. 

When he saw them, 

He ran from the entrance of the tent to greet them. 

And bowing to the ground, 

He said, “sir, if I may ask you this favor, 

Please do not go past your servant. 

Let some water be brought that you may bathe your feet, 

And then rest yourselves under the tree. 

Now that you have come so close to your servant, 

Let me bring you a little food 

That you may refresh yourselves, 

And afterwards go on your way.” 

The men replied, “very well. Do as you have said.” 

Abraham hastened into the tent and told Sarah, 

“Quick, three measures of fine flour, 

Knead it, and make rolls.” 

He ran to the herd, picked out a tender choice steer, 

And gave it to a servant who quickly prepared it. 

Then Abraham got some curds and milk 

As well as a steer that had been prepared 

And set these before the three men, 

And he waited on them under the tree while they ate. 

They asked Abraham, “where is your wife, Sarah?” 

He replied, “there in the tent.” 

One of them said, “I will surely return to you 

About this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” 

The word of the lord. 

-Thanks be to God. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ The one who does justice ∫ 

∫ Will live in the presence of the lord. ∫ 

∫ The one who does justice ∫ 

∫ Will live in the presence of the lord. ∫ 

∫ Whoever walks without fault, ∫ 

∫ Who does what is just ∫ 

∫ And speaks the truth from his heart, ∫ 

∫ Such a one shall never be shaken. ∫ 

∫ The one who does justice ∫ 

∫ Will live in the presence of the lord. ∫ 

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

Brothers and sisters, 

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, 

And in my flesh I am filling up 

What is lacking in the afflictions of Christ 

On behalf of his body, 

Which is the church, of which I am a minister, 

In accordance with God’s stewardship given to me 

To bring to completion for you, the word of God. 

The mystery hidden from ages and from generations past, 

But now it has been manifested to his holy ones, 

To whom God chose to make known the riches of the glory 

Of this mystery among the gentiles. 

It is Christ in you, the hope for glory. 

It is he whom we proclaim, 

Admonishing everyone and teaching everyone 

With all wisdom that we may present 

Everyone perfect in Christ. 

The word of the lord. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. ∫ 

∫ Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. ∫ 

∫ Blessed are they who have kept ∫ 

∫ The word with a generous heart ∫ 

∫ And yield a harvest through perseverance. ∫ 

∫ Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. ∫ 

The lord be with you. 

– And with your spirit. 

A reading from the gospel according to Luke. 

-Glory to you, o lord. 

Jesus entered a village 

Where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. 

She also had a sister named Mary 

Who sat beside the lord at his feet, listening to him speak. 

Martha, burdened by much serving, 

Came to him and said, “lord, do you not care 

That my sister has left me by myself to do the serving. 

Tell her to help me.” 

Lord said to her in reply, “Martha, Martha, 

You are anxious and worried about so many things. 

There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part. 

It will not be taken from her.” 

The gospel of the lord. 

-Praise to you, lord Jesus Christ. 

 

 

This guy reports to work late on a morning 

And the boss says, “Charlie, where were you?” 

And Charlie says, “you’re not going to believe it. 

But late last night, 

My dog ate all the letters for a scrabble game.” 

And the boss concerned said, “well, how’s your dog doing?” 

And Charlie says, “no word yet.” 

[Laughter] 

And speaking of great words, 

Father Henry Nowan, who died some years ago, 

Was a very well-known priest and author 

Of many books on prayer and spirituality. 

Some years ago he was giving a retreat to a bunch of priests. 

And during the break, one of the priests 

Comes up to Father Nowan and says, 

“Henry, back in the parish, I can never get my work done 

Because I’m always being interrupted.” 

And Father Nowan said to the priest, 

“Did you realize that maybe your interruptions are your work?” 

The priest asks, “I can never get my work done 

Because I’m always being interrupted.” 

And what a response: did you ever realize, 

Maybe your interruptions are your work? 

Doing can sometimes get in the way of letting it flow. 

Martha and Mary have come to represent 

The poles of human experience and response. 

Action versus contemplation. 

Manual labor versus quiet reflection. 

Doing versus being. 

Workaholism versus a peaceful listening 

To God’s presence to life. 

I think many of us struggle with a balance 

Between doing and being. 

We get so involved with what we are doing, 

We sometimes forget why we’re doing it. 

We get so involved in living, 

We forget about the purpose of living. 

We get so involved in pursuing the things money can buy, 

We forget about the things money cannot buy. 

Some years ago, about 25 years ago, 

I was with my mother on mother’s day. 

And I said, “mom, what is your definition of motherhood?” 

And mom looked at me and said, “Greg, motherhood 

Is a willingness to be inconvenienced.” 

Motherhood is a willingness to be inconvenienced. 

We live in a very chaotic and fast-paced world. 

I discovered two zones of stability that focused 

My life and made me realize there’s more to life than doing. 

Realizing a sense of the presence of God in our midst. 

And everything only then comes together. 

The first zone of stability is prayer. 

Prayer is not so much my getting God’s attention. 

Prayer is God’s getting my attention. 

Prayer is listening, stepping back, trusting. 

Prayer is living the presence of God with our mind and heart. 

The second zone of stability is friendship. 

I’m not talking about acquaintances, 

But rather in life, close friends. 

People who allow me to be me. 

Real friendship is life-giving and nourishing. 

Knowing I’m loved and lovable 

Despite my frailties and my imperfections. 

Real friendships give life a deeper meaning and purpose. 

It makes God present because we are in his image and likeness. 

Balance, prayer, work, and friendship. 

If we see someone without a smile, give them yours. 

And remember this: 

I’ve been a priest for the gift of God for many years. 

I’ve never met anybody on their deathbed 

Who said, “I wish I had spent more time at the office.” 

Never. 

They have said to me, “I wish I had spent more time 

With my family, with friends, quiet time.” 

But no one’s ever said, 

“I wish I had spent more time at the office.” 

Keep life in perspective, always trusting 

In the presence of God, one day at a time. 

 

 

Together 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. 

For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven. 

And by the holy spirit was incarnate 

Of 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 from the father and the son, 

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, 

And the life of the world to come. 

Amen. 

In confidence, faith and joy, we bring the lord our needs, 

Our prayers, our very lives. 

Our response to each prayer will be, 

“Lord, hear our prayer.” 

For our church leaders, may the holy spirit bless them 

With courage and wisdom as they lead us into the future. 

We pray to the lord. 

-Lord, hear our prayer. 

For those who are suffering and their families, 

May they be blessed and feel 

The lord’s presence and healing love. 

We pray to the lord. 

-Lord, hear our prayer. 

For the youth and families who need a safe place 

To turn for help, may they find hope 

At Mercy Home for Boys and Girls. 

We pray to the lord. 

-Lord, hear our prayer. 

For all victims of war, hunger, poverty, and depression, 

That one day soon they will experience 

Peace, freedom, and the fullness of life. 

We pray to the lord. 

-Lord, hear our prayer. 

Loving God, we ask you to hear our prayers, 

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. 

O God, the one perfect sacrifice 

Brought to completion for offerings of the law. 

Accept, we pray, the sacrifice from your faithful servants 

And make it holy as you bless the gifts of Abel, 

So that each one here has offered 

That the honor of your majesty 

May benefit the salvation of all. 

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 everywhere to give you thanks, 

Lord, holy father, almighty and eternal God. 

For in you we live and move and have our being. 

And while in this body, not only experience 

The daily effects of your care, 

But even now possess the pledge of life eternal. 

So with 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. 

At the time when he was betrayed and entered into his passion, 

Jesus took bread and giving thanks, broke it, 

And gave it 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 it 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 all. 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, 

And resurrection, we offer you, lord, 

The bread of life and the chalice of salvation, 

Giving thanks that you hold us worthy to be in your presence 

And minister to you. Humbly we pray, 

That partaking of the body and blood of Christ 

We 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 Leo, our pope, Blasde, our bishop, 

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 of the deceased loved ones 

Who have gone home to God. 

Welcome them into light of your face. 

Have mercy on us all, we pray, 

The blessed virgin Mary, mother of God, 

Blessed Joseph her spouse, the blessed apostles, 

And all the saints who have pleased you throughout the ages. 

May we merit to be co-heirs 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 and joy, 

Together as God’s family with one voice 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, o lord, we pray, from every evil. 

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

We may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, 

As we await the blessed hope and 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’ve 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, 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. 

Let us, share the lord’s peace, with those around us. 

For those praying at home, 

A nursing home facility, a 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 that 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, 

“As the bread of life is broken.” 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ As the bread of life is broken, ∫ 

∫ The cup of love out poured. ∫ 

∫ We are one in Christ our savior, ∫ 

∫And sent to serve the lord. ∫ 

∫ We the many who are gathered, are united now as one. ∫ 

∫ In this joyful celebration, we recall what God has done. ∫ 

∫ As the bread of life is broken, ∫ 

∫ The cup of love out poured. ∫ 

∫ We are one in Christ our savior, ∫ 

∫ And sent to serve the lord. ∫ 

Together our prayer for 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, 

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 sacrifice. 

And together, let us pray. 

Be present to your people, we pray, o lord, 

And lead those who will be imbued with heavenly mysteries, 

To pass from former ways to newness of life, 

Always through Christ our lord. 

Amen. 

The lord be with you. 

-And with your spirit. 

And may the blessing of almighty God, 

The father, the son, and the holy spirit 

Descend upon all of us, forever and ever. 

Amen. 

Our celebration has ended. 

We go in peace. 

-Thanks be to God. 

∫ [Music] ∫ 

∫ Lord, you give the great commission: ∫ 

∫ Heal the sick and preach the word; ∫ 

∫ Lest the church neglect its mission ∫ 

∫ And the gospel go unheard, ∫ 

∫ Help us witness to your purpose ∫ 

∫ With renewed integrity; ∫ 

∫ With the Spirit’s gifts empower us ∫ 

∫ For the work… ∫ 

My friends, I just want to thank you 

For the ways in which you support the tv mass 

Here at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls. 

Let us continue to pray for one another. 

Please consider making an offering 

So that we can keep the tv mass on the air. 

And may God bless you, 

Your family members, and your friends. 

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. 

This guy reports to work late on a morning 

And the boss says, “Charlie, where were you?” 

And Charlie says, “you’re not going to believe it. 

But late last night, 

My dog ate all the letters for a scrabble game.” 

And the boss concerned said, “well, how’s your dog doing?” 

And Charlie says, “no word yet.” 

[Laughter] 

And speaking of great words, 

Father Henry Nowan, who died some years ago, 

Was a very well-known priest and author 

Of many books on prayer and spirituality. 

Some years ago he was giving a retreat to a bunch of priests. 

And during the break, one of the priests 

Comes up to Father Nowan and says, 

“Henry, back in the parish, I can never get my work done 

Because I’m always being interrupted.” 

And Father Nowan said to the priest, 

“Did you realize that maybe your interruptions are your work?” 

The priest asks, “I can never get my work done 

Because I’m always being interrupted.” 

And what a response: did you ever realize, 

Maybe your interruptions are your work? 

Doing can sometimes get in the way of letting it flow. 

Martha and Mary have come to represent 

The poles of human experience and response. 

Action versus contemplation. 

Manual labor versus quiet reflection. 

Doing versus being. 

Workaholism versus a peaceful listening 

To God’s presence to life. 

I think many of us struggle with a balance 

Between doing and being. 

We get so involved with what we are doing, 

We sometimes forget why we’re doing it. 

We get so involved in living, 

We forget about the purpose of living. 

We get so involved in pursuing the things money can buy, 

We forget about the things money cannot buy. 

Some years ago, about 25 years ago, 

I was with my mother on mother’s day. 

And I said, “mom, what is your definition of motherhood?” 

And mom looked at me and said, “Greg, motherhood 

Is a willingness to be inconvenienced.” 

Motherhood is a willingness to be inconvenienced. 

We live in a very chaotic and fast-paced world. 

I discovered two zones of stability that focused 

My life and made me realize there’s more to life than doing. 

Realizing a sense of the presence of God in our midst. 

And everything only then comes together. 

The first zone of stability is prayer. 

Prayer is not so much my getting God’s attention. 

Prayer is God’s getting my attention. 

Prayer is listening, stepping back, trusting. 

Prayer is living the presence of God with our mind and heart. 

The second zone of stability is friendship. 

I’m not talking about acquaintances, 

But rather in life, close friends. 

People who allow me to be me. 

Real friendship is life-giving and nourishing. 

Knowing I’m loved and lovable 

Despite my frailties and my imperfections. 

Real friendships give life a deeper meaning and purpose. 

It makes God present because we are in his image and likeness. 

Balance, prayer, work, and friendship. 

If we see someone without a smile, give them yours. 

And remember this: 

I’ve been a priest for the gift of God for many years. 

I’ve never met anybody on their deathbed 

Who said, “I wish I had spent more time at the office.” 

Never. 

They have said to me, “I wish I had spent more time 

With my family, with friends, quiet time.” 

But no one’s ever said, 

“I wish I had spent more time at the office.” 

Keep life in perspective, always trusting 

In the presence of God, one day at a time.