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 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time. My name is Dan Riley, I’m joined by Tom McNamara and Joyce McQuiggin, and our celebrant is Father Carl Morello.

All glory, Lord and honor to you, redeemer king. To whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring. All glory, Lord and honor to you, redeemer king. To whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. The grace, the peace, the love of God be with each of you. And with your spirit. As we trust always in God’s mercy and love, we call to mind our sins. Lord Jesus, you came to call us sinners to your mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Christ Jesus, we trust your love to heal the wounds of our sin. Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. And Lord Jesus, out of love, you gather us around this table where you strengthen us in faith and hope. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. May Almighty God who loves us have mercy on us, forgive us any of our sins, and one day bring us to what the Eucharist points toward, the banquet of everlasting life. Amen.

[Piano music plays]

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.

Let us pray. O God, who manifests your almighty power above all by pardoning and showing mercy, bestow, we pray, your grace abundantly upon us and make those hastening to attain your promises heirs to the treasures of Heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

A reading from the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel. Thus says the Lord, “You say the Lord’s way is not fair. Hear now, house of Israel. Is it my way that is unfair? Or rather, are not your ways unfair? When someone virtuous turns away from virtue to commit iniquity and dies, it is because of the iniquity he committed that he must die. But if he turns from the wickedness he has committed, he does what is right and just, he shall preserve his life. Since he has turned away from all the sins that he has committed, he shall surely live. He shall not die.” The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

[Piano music plays]

Remember your mercies, O Lord. Remember your mercies, O Lord. O Lord, make me know your ways, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation. Remember your mercies, O Lord.

A reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Philippians. Brothers and sisters, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, complete my joy by being of the same mind with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing. Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vain glory. Rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also for those of others. Have in you the same attitude that is also in Christ Jesus. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

[Piano music plays]

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord. I know them and they follow me. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Brothers and sisters in faith, the Lord be with you. And with your spirit. Ours is a reading from the Holy Gospel now according to Matthew. Glory to you, O Lord. Jesus said to the chief priest and elders of the people, “What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ He said in reply, ‘I will not.’ But afterwards, he changed his mind and he went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir.’ But did not go. Which of the two did his father’s will?” They answered the first. Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the Kingdom of God before you. When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him. But tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.” The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Wow, this Word of God speaks so directly to us in our year of 2026, because it is a year when many still feel discouraged, divided, or simply tired of promises that never seem to turn into action. And so first, in the Book of Ezekiel, we hear the people say, “The Lord’s ways are not fair.” And God responds, “Is it my way that is not fair?” The Lord reminds them that a person who turns away from sin will live. In other words, your past does not have to define your future. You can turn, you can change, you can begin again. And then we come to the Gospel of Matthew. And Jesus tells this familiar parable of the two sons. A father asks both to work in the vineyard. One says, “I will not.” But later changes his mind. The other says, “Yes, sir.” But he never goes out. The question that Jesus asks is a piercing one today. He says, “Which of the sons did the father’s will?” And of course, it’s not the one with the right words. It’s the one who had the change of heart. And that’s what speaks, I think, so powerfully to us this year. Because in our year of 2026, there is no shortage of words or promises or statements or posts that do not trouble us at times. The Gospel, we’re reminded, isn’t about saying the right things. It’s about conversion, and then having that conversion show up in action.

Let me share a simple story that highlights this: there was a teacher who once had a student that was constantly disruptive. And one day, after another outburst by the student, he crossed his arms and he said, “I’m not going to do any work today.” And the teacher simply replied very calmly, “Okay, we’ll see.” Now, for most of the morning, the student refused. But just before lunch, that same student decided to pick up his pencil and he began one of the assignments. It wasn’t perfect work. It wasn’t dramatic. But it was real. And what the teacher said to the student at the end of the day is, “What mattered wasn’t what you said this morning. What matters is what you chose this afternoon.” That’s the Gospel.

Some of us may feel like the first son. Maybe we have resisted God. Maybe we have said no in a big or small way through resentment or indifference or some delay. The good news is this: it’s never too late to change our direction, to change our minds. Others of us may sound like the second son. We’re polite. We’re religious, saying the right prayers. But our lives are not fully aligned with what we profess. And this reading reminds us today that the Lord is interested not in our declarations, but he’s more interested in our direction. He’s more interested in our direction. So friends, the vineyard is still there. The invitation is still given, and the conversion is still possible. Jesus reminds us that what matters is doing the Father’s will, even if we start at it late. So wherever you find yourself today, this message is hopeful. Even if yesterday was a no, today can be a yes.

At this moment, we say yes to our faith in following Jesus as we profess in the Apostles’ Creed: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth. And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into Hell. On the third day, he rose again from the dead. He ascended into Heaven and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. From there, he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the Resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

And it is with faith, hope, and love that we bring our many needs and cares and we place them in the heart of God. Our response to each prayer will be, “Lord, hear our prayer.” For our Holy Father and clergy, as they spread the Gospel message, may the Lord guide them in their ministry. We pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer. For our loved ones who have been called home to God, may they find peace and rest in the Lord’s eternal Kingdom. We pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer. For the children of Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, may Christ’s love inspire them as they continue their healing path. We pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer. For the hearts of those who have turned away from their faith, may they once again be open to the comfort and peace of the Lord’s presence. We pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer. Creator God, we know your care and love for us. Hear the prayer spoken out loud and all that we still carry in our hearts as we lift them up and pray with confidence through Christ our Lord. Amen.

[Piano music plays]

Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through your goodness we have bread to offer, which earth is given, human hands have made. May it become for us the Bread of Life. Blessed be God forever.

[Piano music plays]

Through the mingling of water and wine, we share the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share our humanity. Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through your goodness we have wine to offer, fruit of the vine, work of human hands. May it become our spiritual drink. Blessed be God forever. Lord, wash away my iniquities. Cleanse me of all sin.

[Piano music plays]

Pray with me in faith that the gifts of bread and wine offered now be acceptable to our Almighty and loving God. May the Lord accept the sacrifice at our hands for the praise and glory of God’s name, for our good and the good of all God’s Holy Church. Grant us, O merciful God, that this our offering may find acceptance with you, and that through it the wellspring of all blessing may be laid open before us 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 right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Lord, Almighty and eternal God, through Christ our Lord. For out of compassion for the waywardness that is ours, he humbled himself and was born of the Virgin Mary. By the Passion of the Cross, he freed us from unending death, and by rising from the dead, he gave us life eternal. Now with all the Angels and Saints, we sing this hymn to your glory.

[Piano music plays]

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, so that they may become for us the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. At the time he was betrayed and entered willingly into his Passion, he took bread and, giving thanks, broke it. He gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take this, all of you eat of it. This is my Body given up for you.” In a similar way, when the supper was ended, he took the Chalice and once more giving thanks, gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take this, all of you drink from it, for this is the Chalice of my Blood, the Blood of the eternal covenant. It will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sin. Do this in memory of me.”

The mystery of our faith. When we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim your death, O Lord, until you come again.

As we celebrate now, the memorial of his death and Resurrection, we offer you, Lord, the Bread of Life and the Chalice of Salvation, giving thanks that you have held us worthy to be in your presence and minister to you. Humbly we pray that partaking of the Body and Blood of Christ, we may be gathered into one by the Holy Spirit. Remember, Lord, your Church spread throughout the world. Bring her to the fullness of charity, together with Leo our Pope, Blas… our Archbishop, and all who minister in your Church everywhere. We pray for all who have died in your mercy. Welcome them into the light of your face. Have mercy on us all, we pray, that with the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, with Joseph her spouse, with the blessed Apostles and all the Saints who have pleased you throughout the ages, we may merit to be co-heirs to eternal life, and one day there praise and glorify you through your Son, Jesus Christ. Through him, with him, and in him, O God Almighty Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor are yours forever and ever.

[Piano music plays]

Amen, amen, amen.

With confidence we pray as Jesus taught: 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. Graciously grant peace this day. In your mercy, keep us free from sin. Protect us from anxiety and despair as we await the blessed hope in the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the Kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your friends, I leave you peace, my peace I give you. Look not on our sins, but on the faith of your Church. And graciously grant her peace and unity in accordance with your will, who live and reigns forever and ever. Amen.

The peace of the Lord be with you always. And with your spirit. And let us offer each other some gesture of Christ’s peace. And friends, from all of us here at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, to all of you folks at home, we offer Christ’s peace.

[Piano music plays]

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.

We behold in faith Jesus, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. Strengthened are we sharing the 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. May the Body of Christ, may the Blood of Christ, keep us safe for everlasting life. Amen.

[Piano music plays]

For those of you at home, please turn to page six in your TV Mass guide and join in singing our Communion song, “Lord, When You Came.”

Lord, when you came to the seashore, you weren’t seeking the wise or the wealthy, but only asking that I might follow. O Lord, in my eyes you were gazing, kindly smiling, my name you were saying; all I treasured I have left on the sand there; close to you, I will find other seas.

Let us pray. May this heavenly mystery, O Lord, restore us in mind and body that we may be co-heirs in glory with Christ, to whose suffering we are united whenever we proclaim his death, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.

And as always, we have the beautiful prayer for the children of Mercy Home, which I invite you to join me in at this time. 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, prayer, and sacrifices.

Something that we might think about as we go into the week ahead, which of the sons in the Gospel today would we identify with? God isn’t interested just in our words, but most of all in our actions. Let’s remember, whatever we may have said no to today, tomorrow, we can say yes to, as God calls us into a deeper, deeper relationship with his Son, Christ, and following his examples of love and care for each other.

The Lord be with you. And with your spirit. Let’s bow our heads and ask God’s blessing. Creator God, we thank you for the gift of bringing us together in prayer this day. Strengthen us as we follow your Son. Give us the virtues of faith, hope, and love, not only in our hearts, but that we can turn into action, bringing that into the world. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. We go in peace to love and serve God by our continued care for one another. Thanks be to God.

[Piano music plays]

Christ is the king, O friends, rejoice, brothers and sisters with one voice, let the world know he is your choice. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

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.

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 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time. My name is Dan Riley, I’m joined by Tom McNamara and Joyce McQuiggin, and our celebrant is Father Carl Morello.

All glory, Lord and honor to you, redeemer king. To whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring. All glory, Lord and honor to you, redeemer king. To whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. The grace, the peace, the love of God be with each of you. And with your spirit. As we trust always in God’s mercy and love, we call to mind our sins. Lord Jesus, you came to call us sinners to your mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Christ Jesus, we trust your love to heal the wounds of our sin. Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. And Lord Jesus, out of love, you gather us around this table where you strengthen us in faith and hope. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. May Almighty God who loves us have mercy on us, forgive us any of our sins, and one day bring us to what the Eucharist points toward, the banquet of everlasting life. Amen.

[Piano music plays]

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.

Let us pray. O God, who manifests your almighty power above all by pardoning and showing mercy, bestow, we pray, your grace abundantly upon us and make those hastening to attain your promises heirs to the treasures of Heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

A reading from the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel. Thus says the Lord, “You say the Lord’s way is not fair. Hear now, house of Israel. Is it my way that is unfair? Or rather, are not your ways unfair? When someone virtuous turns away from virtue to commit iniquity and dies, it is because of the iniquity he committed that he must die. But if he turns from the wickedness he has committed, he does what is right and just, he shall preserve his life. Since he has turned away from all the sins that he has committed, he shall surely live. He shall not die.” The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

[Piano music plays]

Remember your mercies, O Lord. Remember your mercies, O Lord. O Lord, make me know your ways, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation. Remember your mercies, O Lord.

A reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Philippians. Brothers and sisters, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, complete my joy by being of the same mind with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing. Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vain glory. Rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also for those of others. Have in you the same attitude that is also in Christ Jesus. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

[Piano music plays]

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord. I know them and they follow me. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Brothers and sisters in faith, the Lord be with you. And with your spirit. Ours is a reading from the Holy Gospel now according to Matthew. Glory to you, O Lord. Jesus said to the chief priest and elders of the people, “What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ He said in reply, ‘I will not.’ But afterwards, he changed his mind and he went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir.’ But did not go. Which of the two did his father’s will?” They answered the first. Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the Kingdom of God before you. When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him. But tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.” The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Wow, this Word of God speaks so directly to us in our year of 2026, because it is a year when many still feel discouraged, divided, or simply tired of promises that never seem to turn into action. And so first, in the Book of Ezekiel, we hear the people say, “The Lord’s ways are not fair.” And God responds, “Is it my way that is not fair?” The Lord reminds them that a person who turns away from sin will live. In other words, your past does not have to define your future. You can turn, you can change, you can begin again. And then we come to the Gospel of Matthew. And Jesus tells this familiar parable of the two sons. A father asks both to work in the vineyard. One says, “I will not.” But later changes his mind. The other says, “Yes, sir.” But he never goes out. The question that Jesus asks is a piercing one today. He says, “Which of the sons did the father’s will?” And of course, it’s not the one with the right words. It’s the one who had the change of heart. And that’s what speaks, I think, so powerfully to us this year. Because in our year of 2026, there is no shortage of words or promises or statements or posts that do not trouble us at times. The Gospel, we’re reminded, isn’t about saying the right things. It’s about conversion, and then having that conversion show up in action.

Let me share a simple story that highlights this: there was a teacher who once had a student that was constantly disruptive. And one day, after another outburst by the student, he crossed his arms and he said, “I’m not going to do any work today.” And the teacher simply replied very calmly, “Okay, we’ll see.” Now, for most of the morning, the student refused. But just before lunch, that same student decided to pick up his pencil and he began one of the assignments. It wasn’t perfect work. It wasn’t dramatic. But it was real. And what the teacher said to the student at the end of the day is, “What mattered wasn’t what you said this morning. What matters is what you chose this afternoon.” That’s the Gospel.

Some of us may feel like the first son. Maybe we have resisted God. Maybe we have said no in a big or small way through resentment or indifference or some delay. The good news is this: it’s never too late to change our direction, to change our minds. Others of us may sound like the second son. We’re polite. We’re religious, saying the right prayers. But our lives are not fully aligned with what we profess. And this reading reminds us today that the Lord is interested not in our declarations, but he’s more interested in our direction. He’s more interested in our direction. So friends, the vineyard is still there. The invitation is still given, and the conversion is still possible. Jesus reminds us that what matters is doing the Father’s will, even if we start at it late. So wherever you find yourself today, this message is hopeful. Even if yesterday was a no, today can be a yes.

At this moment, we say yes to our faith in following Jesus as we profess in the Apostles’ Creed: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth. And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into Hell. On the third day, he rose again from the dead. He ascended into Heaven and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. From there, he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the Resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

And it is with faith, hope, and love that we bring our many needs and cares and we place them in the heart of God. Our response to each prayer will be, “Lord, hear our prayer.” For our Holy Father and clergy, as they spread the Gospel message, may the Lord guide them in their ministry. We pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer. For our loved ones who have been called home to God, may they find peace and rest in the Lord’s eternal Kingdom. We pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer. For the children of Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, may Christ’s love inspire them as they continue their healing path. We pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer. For the hearts of those who have turned away from their faith, may they once again be open to the comfort and peace of the Lord’s presence. We pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer. Creator God, we know your care and love for us. Hear the prayer spoken out loud and all that we still carry in our hearts as we lift them up and pray with confidence through Christ our Lord. Amen.

[Piano music plays]

Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through your goodness we have bread to offer, which earth is given, human hands have made. May it become for us the Bread of Life. Blessed be God forever.

[Piano music plays]

Through the mingling of water and wine, we share the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share our humanity. Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through your goodness we have wine to offer, fruit of the vine, work of human hands. May it become our spiritual drink. Blessed be God forever. Lord, wash away my iniquities. Cleanse me of all sin.

[Piano music plays]

Pray with me in faith that the gifts of bread and wine offered now be acceptable to our Almighty and loving God. May the Lord accept the sacrifice at our hands for the praise and glory of God’s name, for our good and the good of all God’s Holy Church. Grant us, O merciful God, that this our offering may find acceptance with you, and that through it the wellspring of all blessing may be laid open before us 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 right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Lord, Almighty and eternal God, through Christ our Lord. For out of compassion for the waywardness that is ours, he humbled himself and was born of the Virgin Mary. By the Passion of the Cross, he freed us from unending death, and by rising from the dead, he gave us life eternal. Now with all the Angels and Saints, we sing this hymn to your glory.

[Piano music plays]

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, so that they may become for us the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. At the time he was betrayed and entered willingly into his Passion, he took bread and, giving thanks, broke it. He gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take this, all of you eat of it. This is my Body given up for you.” In a similar way, when the supper was ended, he took the Chalice and once more giving thanks, gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take this, all of you drink from it, for this is the Chalice of my Blood, the Blood of the eternal covenant. It will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sin. Do this in memory of me.”

The mystery of our faith. When we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim your death, O Lord, until you come again.

As we celebrate now, the memorial of his death and Resurrection, we offer you, Lord, the Bread of Life and the Chalice of Salvation, giving thanks that you have held us worthy to be in your presence and minister to you. Humbly we pray that partaking of the Body and Blood of Christ, we may be gathered into one by the Holy Spirit. Remember, Lord, your Church spread throughout the world. Bring her to the fullness of charity, together with Leo our Pope, Blas… our Archbishop, and all who minister in your Church everywhere. We pray for all who have died in your mercy. Welcome them into the light of your face. Have mercy on us all, we pray, that with the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, with Joseph her spouse, with the blessed Apostles and all the Saints who have pleased you throughout the ages, we may merit to be co-heirs to eternal life, and one day there praise and glorify you through your Son, Jesus Christ. Through him, with him, and in him, O God Almighty Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor are yours forever and ever.

[Piano music plays]

Amen, amen, amen.

With confidence we pray as Jesus taught: 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. Graciously grant peace this day. In your mercy, keep us free from sin. Protect us from anxiety and despair as we await the blessed hope in the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the Kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your friends, I leave you peace, my peace I give you. Look not on our sins, but on the faith of your Church. And graciously grant her peace and unity in accordance with your will, who live and reigns forever and ever. Amen.

The peace of the Lord be with you always. And with your spirit. And let us offer each other some gesture of Christ’s peace. And friends, from all of us here at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, to all of you folks at home, we offer Christ’s peace.

[Piano music plays]

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.

We behold in faith Jesus, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. Strengthened are we sharing the 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. May the Body of Christ, may the Blood of Christ, keep us safe for everlasting life. Amen.

[Piano music plays]

For those of you at home, please turn to page six in your TV Mass guide and join in singing our Communion song, “Lord, When You Came.”

Lord, when you came to the seashore, you weren’t seeking the wise or the wealthy, but only asking that I might follow. O Lord, in my eyes you were gazing, kindly smiling, my name you were saying; all I treasured I have left on the sand there; close to you, I will find other seas.

Let us pray. May this heavenly mystery, O Lord, restore us in mind and body that we may be co-heirs in glory with Christ, to whose suffering we are united whenever we proclaim his death, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.

And as always, we have the beautiful prayer for the children of Mercy Home, which I invite you to join me in at this time. 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, prayer, and sacrifices.

Something that we might think about as we go into the week ahead, which of the sons in the Gospel today would we identify with? God isn’t interested just in our words, but most of all in our actions. Let’s remember, whatever we may have said no to today, tomorrow, we can say yes to, as God calls us into a deeper, deeper relationship with his Son, Christ, and following his examples of love and care for each other.

The Lord be with you. And with your spirit. Let’s bow our heads and ask God’s blessing. Creator God, we thank you for the gift of bringing us together in prayer this day. Strengthen us as we follow your Son. Give us the virtues of faith, hope, and love, not only in our hearts, but that we can turn into action, bringing that into the world. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. We go in peace to love and serve God by our continued care for one another. Thanks be to God.

[Piano music plays]

Christ is the king, O friends, rejoice, brothers and sisters with one voice, let the world know he is your choice. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

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.

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 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time. My name is Dan Riley, I’m joined by Tom McNamara and Joyce McQuiggin, and our celebrant is Father Carl Morello.

All glory, Lord and honor to you, redeemer king. To whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring. All glory, Lord and honor to you, redeemer king. To whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. The grace, the peace, the love of God be with each of you. And with your spirit. As we trust always in God’s mercy and love, we call to mind our sins. Lord Jesus, you came to call us sinners to your mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Christ Jesus, we trust your love to heal the wounds of our sin. Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. And Lord Jesus, out of love, you gather us around this table where you strengthen us in faith and hope. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. May Almighty God who loves us have mercy on us, forgive us any of our sins, and one day bring us to what the Eucharist points toward, the banquet of everlasting life. Amen.

[Piano music plays]

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.

Let us pray. O God, who manifests your almighty power above all by pardoning and showing mercy, bestow, we pray, your grace abundantly upon us and make those hastening to attain your promises heirs to the treasures of Heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

A reading from the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel. Thus says the Lord, “You say the Lord’s way is not fair. Hear now, house of Israel. Is it my way that is unfair? Or rather, are not your ways unfair? When someone virtuous turns away from virtue to commit iniquity and dies, it is because of the iniquity he committed that he must die. But if he turns from the wickedness he has committed, he does what is right and just, he shall preserve his life. Since he has turned away from all the sins that he has committed, he shall surely live. He shall not die.” The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

[Piano music plays]

Remember your mercies, O Lord. Remember your mercies, O Lord. O Lord, make me know your ways, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation. Remember your mercies, O Lord.

A reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Philippians. Brothers and sisters, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, complete my joy by being of the same mind with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing. Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vain glory. Rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also for those of others. Have in you the same attitude that is also in Christ Jesus. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

[Piano music plays]

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord. I know them and they follow me. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Brothers and sisters in faith, the Lord be with you. And with your spirit. Ours is a reading from the Holy Gospel now according to Matthew. Glory to you, O Lord. Jesus said to the chief priest and elders of the people, “What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ He said in reply, ‘I will not.’ But afterwards, he changed his mind and he went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir.’ But did not go. Which of the two did his father’s will?” They answered the first. Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the Kingdom of God before you. When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him. But tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.” The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Wow, this Word of God speaks so directly to us in our year of 2026, because it is a year when many still feel discouraged, divided, or simply tired of promises that never seem to turn into action. And so first, in the Book of Ezekiel, we hear the people say, “The Lord’s ways are not fair.” And God responds, “Is it my way that is not fair?” The Lord reminds them that a person who turns away from sin will live. In other words, your past does not have to define your future. You can turn, you can change, you can begin again. And then we come to the Gospel of Matthew. And Jesus tells this familiar parable of the two sons. A father asks both to work in the vineyard. One says, “I will not.” But later changes his mind. The other says, “Yes, sir.” But he never goes out. The question that Jesus asks is a piercing one today. He says, “Which of the sons did the father’s will?” And of course, it’s not the one with the right words. It’s the one who had the change of heart. And that’s what speaks, I think, so powerfully to us this year. Because in our year of 2026, there is no shortage of words or promises or statements or posts that do not trouble us at times. The Gospel, we’re reminded, isn’t about saying the right things. It’s about conversion, and then having that conversion show up in action.

Let me share a simple story that highlights this: there was a teacher who once had a student that was constantly disruptive. And one day, after another outburst by the student, he crossed his arms and he said, “I’m not going to do any work today.” And the teacher simply replied very calmly, “Okay, we’ll see.” Now, for most of the morning, the student refused. But just before lunch, that same student decided to pick up his pencil and he began one of the assignments. It wasn’t perfect work. It wasn’t dramatic. But it was real. And what the teacher said to the student at the end of the day is, “What mattered wasn’t what you said this morning. What matters is what you chose this afternoon.” That’s the Gospel.

Some of us may feel like the first son. Maybe we have resisted God. Maybe we have said no in a big or small way through resentment or indifference or some delay. The good news is this: it’s never too late to change our direction, to change our minds. Others of us may sound like the second son. We’re polite. We’re religious, saying the right prayers. But our lives are not fully aligned with what we profess. And this reading reminds us today that the Lord is interested not in our declarations, but he’s more interested in our direction. He’s more interested in our direction. So friends, the vineyard is still there. The invitation is still given, and the conversion is still possible. Jesus reminds us that what matters is doing the Father’s will, even if we start at it late. So wherever you find yourself today, this message is hopeful. Even if yesterday was a no, today can be a yes.

At this moment, we say yes to our faith in following Jesus as we profess in the Apostles’ Creed: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth. And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into Hell. On the third day, he rose again from the dead. He ascended into Heaven and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. From there, he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the Resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

And it is with faith, hope, and love that we bring our many needs and cares and we place them in the heart of God. Our response to each prayer will be, “Lord, hear our prayer.” For our Holy Father and clergy, as they spread the Gospel message, may the Lord guide them in their ministry. We pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer. For our loved ones who have been called home to God, may they find peace and rest in the Lord’s eternal Kingdom. We pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer. For the children of Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, may Christ’s love inspire them as they continue their healing path. We pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer. For the hearts of those who have turned away from their faith, may they once again be open to the comfort and peace of the Lord’s presence. We pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer. Creator God, we know your care and love for us. Hear the prayer spoken out loud and all that we still carry in our hearts as we lift them up and pray with confidence through Christ our Lord. Amen.

[Piano music plays]

Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through your goodness we have bread to offer, which earth is given, human hands have made. May it become for us the Bread of Life. Blessed be God forever.

[Piano music plays]

Through the mingling of water and wine, we share the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share our humanity. Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through your goodness we have wine to offer, fruit of the vine, work of human hands. May it become our spiritual drink. Blessed be God forever. Lord, wash away my iniquities. Cleanse me of all sin.

[Piano music plays]

Pray with me in faith that the gifts of bread and wine offered now be acceptable to our Almighty and loving God. May the Lord accept the sacrifice at our hands for the praise and glory of God’s name, for our good and the good of all God’s Holy Church. Grant us, O merciful God, that this our offering may find acceptance with you, and that through it the wellspring of all blessing may be laid open before us 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 right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Lord, Almighty and eternal God, through Christ our Lord. For out of compassion for the waywardness that is ours, he humbled himself and was born of the Virgin Mary. By the Passion of the Cross, he freed us from unending death, and by rising from the dead, he gave us life eternal. Now with all the Angels and Saints, we sing this hymn to your glory.

[Piano music plays]

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, so that they may become for us the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. At the time he was betrayed and entered willingly into his Passion, he took bread and, giving thanks, broke it. He gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take this, all of you eat of it. This is my Body given up for you.” In a similar way, when the supper was ended, he took the Chalice and once more giving thanks, gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take this, all of you drink from it, for this is the Chalice of my Blood, the Blood of the eternal covenant. It will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sin. Do this in memory of me.”

The mystery of our faith. When we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim your death, O Lord, until you come again.

As we celebrate now, the memorial of his death and Resurrection, we offer you, Lord, the Bread of Life and the Chalice of Salvation, giving thanks that you have held us worthy to be in your presence and minister to you. Humbly we pray that partaking of the Body and Blood of Christ, we may be gathered into one by the Holy Spirit. Remember, Lord, your Church spread throughout the world. Bring her to the fullness of charity, together with Leo our Pope, Blas… our Archbishop, and all who minister in your Church everywhere. We pray for all who have died in your mercy. Welcome them into the light of your face. Have mercy on us all, we pray, that with the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, with Joseph her spouse, with the blessed Apostles and all the Saints who have pleased you throughout the ages, we may merit to be co-heirs to eternal life, and one day there praise and glorify you through your Son, Jesus Christ. Through him, with him, and in him, O God Almighty Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor are yours forever and ever.

[Piano music plays]

Amen, amen, amen.

With confidence we pray as Jesus taught: 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. Graciously grant peace this day. In your mercy, keep us free from sin. Protect us from anxiety and despair as we await the blessed hope in the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the Kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your friends, I leave you peace, my peace I give you. Look not on our sins, but on the faith of your Church. And graciously grant her peace and unity in accordance with your will, who live and reigns forever and ever. Amen.

The peace of the Lord be with you always. And with your spirit. And let us offer each other some gesture of Christ’s peace. And friends, from all of us here at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, to all of you folks at home, we offer Christ’s peace.

[Piano music plays]

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.

We behold in faith Jesus, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. Strengthened are we sharing the 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. May the Body of Christ, may the Blood of Christ, keep us safe for everlasting life. Amen.

[Piano music plays]

For those of you at home, please turn to page six in your TV Mass guide and join in singing our Communion song, “Lord, When You Came.”

Lord, when you came to the seashore, you weren’t seeking the wise or the wealthy, but only asking that I might follow. O Lord, in my eyes you were gazing, kindly smiling, my name you were saying; all I treasured I have left on the sand there; close to you, I will find other seas.

Let us pray. May this heavenly mystery, O Lord, restore us in mind and body that we may be co-heirs in glory with Christ, to whose suffering we are united whenever we proclaim his death, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.

And as always, we have the beautiful prayer for the children of Mercy Home, which I invite you to join me in at this time. 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, prayer, and sacrifices.

Something that we might think about as we go into the week ahead, which of the sons in the Gospel today would we identify with? God isn’t interested just in our words, but most of all in our actions. Let’s remember, whatever we may have said no to today, tomorrow, we can say yes to, as God calls us into a deeper, deeper relationship with his Son, Christ, and following his examples of love and care for each other.

The Lord be with you. And with your spirit. Let’s bow our heads and ask God’s blessing. Creator God, we thank you for the gift of bringing us together in prayer this day. Strengthen us as we follow your Son. Give us the virtues of faith, hope, and love, not only in our hearts, but that we can turn into action, bringing that into the world. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. We go in peace to love and serve God by our continued care for one another. Thanks be to God.

[Piano music plays]

Christ is the king, O friends, rejoice, brothers and sisters with one voice, let the world know he is your choice. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

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.

Wow, this Word of God speaks so directly to us in our year of 2026, because it is a year when many still feel discouraged, divided, or simply tired of promises that never seem to turn into action. And so first, in the Book of Ezekiel, we hear the people say, “The Lord’s ways are not fair.” And God responds, “Is it my way that is not fair?” The Lord reminds them that a person who turns away from sin will live. In other words, your past does not have to define your future. You can turn, you can change, you can begin again. And then we come to the Gospel of Matthew. And Jesus tells this familiar parable of the two sons. A father asks both to work in the vineyard. One says, “I will not.” But later changes his mind. The other says, “Yes, sir.” But he never goes out. The question that Jesus asks is a piercing one today. He says, “Which of the sons did the father’s will?” And of course, it’s not the one with the right words. It’s the one who had the change of heart. And that’s what speaks, I think, so powerfully to us this year. Because in our year of 2026, there is no shortage of words or promises or statements or posts that do not trouble us at times. The Gospel, we’re reminded, isn’t about saying the right things. It’s about conversion, and then having that conversion show up in action.

Let me share a simple story that highlights this: there was a teacher who once had a student that was constantly disruptive. And one day, after another outburst by the student, he crossed his arms and he said, “I’m not going to do any work today.” And the teacher simply replied very calmly, “Okay, we’ll see.” Now, for most of the morning, the student refused. But just before lunch, that same student decided to pick up his pencil and he began one of the assignments. It wasn’t perfect work. It wasn’t dramatic. But it was real. And what the teacher said to the student at the end of the day is, “What mattered wasn’t what you said this morning. What matters is what you chose this afternoon.” That’s the Gospel.

Some of us may feel like the first son. Maybe we have resisted God. Maybe we have said no in a big or small way through resentment or indifference or some delay. The good news is this: it’s never too late to change our direction, to change our minds. Others of us may sound like the second son. We’re polite. We’re religious, saying the right prayers. But our lives are not fully aligned with what we profess. And this reading reminds us today that the Lord is interested not in our declarations, but he’s more interested in our direction. He’s more interested in our direction. So friends, the vineyard is still there. The invitation is still given, and the conversion is still possible. Jesus reminds us that what matters is doing the Father’s will, even if we start at it late. So wherever you find yourself today, this message is hopeful. Even if yesterday was a no, today can be a yes.