∫ [Piano music plays] ∫

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 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. My name is Dan Riley. I am joined by Tom McNamara and Joyce McQuiggin, and our celebrant is Father Carl Morello.

∫ [Piano music plays] ∫
∫ The King of love, my shepherd is, ∫
∫ whose goodness fails me never. ∫
∫ I’m nothing like if I am his and he is mine forever. ∫

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
—Amen.

May the grace, the peace, the love of God be with each of you.
—And with your spirit.

Trusting in that love of God, we call to mind our sins.

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

Christ Jesus, your love for us heals 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, hope and love. Lord, have mercy.
—Lord, have mercy.

And may almighty God, who loves us, have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins, and one day bring us what the Eucharist points us 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, by whom we are redeemed and receive adoption, look graciously upon your beloved sons and daughters, that those who believe in Christ may receive true freedom and an everlasting inheritance. 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, son of man, I have appointed watchmen for the house of Israel. When you hear me say anything, you shall warn them for me. If I tell the wicked, “O wicked one, you shall surely die,” and you do not speak out to dissuade the wicked from this way, the wicked shall die for his guilt, but I will hold you responsible for his death. But if you warn the wicked, trying to turn him from his way, and he refuses to turn from his way, he shall die for his guilt, but you shall save yourself.

The word of the Lord.
—Thanks be to God.

∫ [Piano music plays] ∫
∫ If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. ∫
∫ If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. ∫
∫ Come, let us ring out our joy to the Lord. ∫
∫ Hail the rock who saves us. ∫
∫ Let us come into his presence giving thanks. ∫
∫ Let us hail him with a song of praise. ∫
∫ If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. ∫

A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans.

Brothers and sisters, owe nothing to anyone except to love one another, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments: you shall not commit adultery, you shall not kill, you shall not steal, you shall not covet, and whatever other commandment there may be are summed up in this saying, namely, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no evil to the neighbor. Hence, love is the fulfillment of the law.

The word of the Lord.
—Thanks be to God.

∫ [Piano music plays] ∫
∫ Allelujah, allelujah, allelujah. ∫
∫ Allelujah, allelujah, allelujah. ∫
∫ God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ ∫
∫ and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. ∫
∫ Allelujah, allelujah, allelujah. ∫

Brothers and sisters in faith, the Lord be with you.
—And with your spirit.

This is a reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
—Glory to you, O Lord.

Jesus said to his disciples: If your brother or sister sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you so that every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell the Church. If he refuses to listen even to the Church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector.

Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in your midst.

The Gospel of the Lord.
—Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus gives us a promise in this Gospel that is both very simple and profound. Did you hear it? At the end of the Gospel, he says, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in your midst.”

Now notice he doesn’t say when thousands gather. He doesn’t say when the church is full or when the music is perfect. He says, “Two or three…” Small, ordinary, simple, and yet holy.

Let me share this little story that helps to highlight the point, I think, of the Gospel today.

It’s a story about two elderly sisters who had belonged to a parish for decades, and as their health declined, they could no longer attend Sunday Mass regularly. So, one Sunday afternoon, they decided to sit together at the kitchen table. They lit a small candle. They opened their worn Bibles. They read the Sunday scriptures aloud slowly. They shared what touched their hearts. They held hands. Then they prayed for their family, their parish, and the world.

Afterward, one of them simply said, “You know, he was here. He was here.” Not because there was a priest, not because there was a choir, but because they gathered in his name, and Jesus keeps his promises.

This Gospel reminds us that the presence of Christ is not limited to grand moments. It’s woven into the fabric of our shared lives. When two sisters forgive one another, when members of a community sit down to discern, when a small group prays together in a chapel before the day begins, when we come together now to listen, when we reconcile with others, when we seek true charity, Christ stands in the midst of the circle.

And so, this is both a consoling and a challenge. It’s consoling because even when our members are small, we’re not insignificant, because as Christ says, whenever we gather, he’s right there in the midst of us. But it’s a challenge because gathering in his name means more than simply being in the same room. It means looking out for the good of the other. His name means his spirit, his mercy, his truth, his love living in and through us.

So the question today is simple. When we gather, can others sense that Christ is truly in our midst? Never underestimate the sacred power of small, faithful gatherings.

And may we trust as we share in this Mass, whenever we come together in his name, Christ is already there, holding us, guiding us in the midst of us.

And trusting how God is with us, let us profess together 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 now with faith and hope and love in our hearts, we bring our many needs and cares before God. Our response to each prayer will be, “Lord, hear our prayer.”

For our Holy Father and those who spread the Gospel message, may they inspire people to have the courage to forgive those who hurt them. We pray to the Lord.
—Lord, hear our prayer.

For world leaders, may the Holy Spirit guide them to promote peace and reconciliation over violence. We pray to the Lord.
—Lord, hear our prayer.

For the youth of Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, may they experience God’s continual love and compassion in their lives. We pray to the Lord.
—Lord, hear our prayer.

For this Labor Day weekend, let us pray for all who work or are searching for employment. May the Lord give them strength each day and rest when they are weary. We pray to the Lord.
—Lord, hear our prayer.

Loving God, hear the prayers we speak out loud and all that we carry deep in our hearts, as we lift them up and pray with confidence through Christ our Lord.
—Amen.

∫ [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, for through your goodness we have bread to offer, which earth has given and human hands have made. May it become for us the bread of life.
—Blessed be God forever.

And blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation, for 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 iniquity. Cleanse me of all sin.

∫ [Piano music plays] ∫

We pray together now in faith that the gifts of bread and wine offered 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.

O God, who give us the gift of true prayer and of peace, graciously grant that through this offering we may do fitting homage to your divine majesty, and by partaking of this sacred mystery, we may be faithfully united in mind and heart 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.

And 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, 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 join in 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 font 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, gave it to the disciples saying, “Take this, all of you, and eat of it. This is my body, given up for you.”

In a similar way, when the supper 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. It will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sin. Do this in memory of me.”

The mystery of faith.

∫ [Piano music plays] ∫
∫ When we eat this bread and drink this cup, ∫
∫ we proclaim your death, O Lord, until you come again. ∫

As we celebrate 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 churches 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. ∫

We pray now with confidence in the words that Jesus himself 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 trespassed against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, and graciously grant us peace this day. In your mercy, keep us free from sin and protect us from anxiety and despair, 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.

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 reign forever and ever.
—Amen.

The peace of the Lord be with you always.
—And with your spirit.

Let us share with each other some gesture of peace. And friends, from all of us here at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, to all of you folks at home, we extend God’s love and 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. ∫

In faith we behold the Prince of Peace, Jesus, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. Strengthened, we’re now sharing in this 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.”

∫ [Piano music plays] ∫
∫ Lord, when you came to the seashore, ∫
∫ you weren’t seeking the wise or the wealthy, ∫
∫ but only asking that I might follow. ∫
∫ 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. ∫

We pray: Grant that your faithful, O Lord, whom you nourish and endow with life through the food of your word and heavenly sacrament, may so benefit from your beloved Son’s great gifts, that we may merit an eternal share one day in his life, who live and reign forever and ever.
—Amen.

Today, once again, we invite you to join us in this beautiful prayer for the children of Mercy Home.

We pray: Our Lady of Mercy, we pray that you will guide, protect and bless all boys and girls who this day have a home called Mercy. May they find the Father’s mercy as we offer them our hearts in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. May they see God’s mercy in action through our love, prayers and sacrifices.

Let us remember, as we go forward, the beautiful promise of Jesus in the Gospel today. Wherever two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in your midst. Pay attention how in those little gatherings, those small, simple gatherings, he is there in the midst of all.

The Lord be with you.
—And with your spirit.

We bow our heads and ask God’s blessing.

Lord Jesus, we trust you are with us always. Strengthen us as we go forward to be your presence of love and care and compassion for one another in our daily lives and in the world. Bless us in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
—Amen.

We go now in peace to love and serve God by our continued prayers and care for one another.
—Thanks be to God.

∫ [Piano music plays] ∫
∫ God is here! ∫
∫ As we his people meet to offer praise and prayer. ∫
∫ May we find in fuller measure what it is in Christ we share. ∫
∫ Here as in the world around us, ∫
∫ all our varied skills and arts, ∫
∫ wait the coming of the Spirit into open minds and hearts. ∫
∫ Lord of all of church and kingdom, ∫
∫ in an age of change and doubt. ∫
∫ Keep us faithful to the Gospel. ∫
∫ Help us work your purpose out. ∫
∫ Here in this day’s dedication, ∫
∫ all we have to give, receive… ∫

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 GIA Publications, Incorporated, and its World Library Publications division.

∫ [Piano music plays] ∫

∫ [Piano music plays] ∫

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 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. My name is Dan Riley. I am joined by Tom McNamara and Joyce McQuiggin, and our celebrant is Father Carl Morello.

∫ [Piano music plays] ∫
∫ The King of love, my shepherd is, ∫
∫ whose goodness fails me never. ∫
∫ I’m nothing like if I am his and he is mine forever. ∫

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
—Amen.

May the grace, the peace, the love of God be with each of you.
—And with your spirit.

Trusting in that love of God, we call to mind our sins.

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

Christ Jesus, your love for us heals 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, hope and love. Lord, have mercy.
—Lord, have mercy.

And may almighty God, who loves us, have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins, and one day bring us what the Eucharist points us 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, by whom we are redeemed and receive adoption, look graciously upon your beloved sons and daughters, that those who believe in Christ may receive true freedom and an everlasting inheritance. 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, son of man, I have appointed watchmen for the house of Israel. When you hear me say anything, you shall warn them for me. If I tell the wicked, “O wicked one, you shall surely die,” and you do not speak out to dissuade the wicked from this way, the wicked shall die for his guilt, but I will hold you responsible for his death. But if you warn the wicked, trying to turn him from his way, and he refuses to turn from his way, he shall die for his guilt, but you shall save yourself.

The word of the Lord.
—Thanks be to God.

∫ [Piano music plays] ∫
∫ If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. ∫
∫ If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. ∫
∫ Come, let us ring out our joy to the Lord. ∫
∫ Hail the rock who saves us. ∫
∫ Let us come into his presence giving thanks. ∫
∫ Let us hail him with a song of praise. ∫
∫ If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. ∫

A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans.

Brothers and sisters, owe nothing to anyone except to love one another, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments: you shall not commit adultery, you shall not kill, you shall not steal, you shall not covet, and whatever other commandment there may be are summed up in this saying, namely, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no evil to the neighbor. Hence, love is the fulfillment of the law.

The word of the Lord.
—Thanks be to God.

∫ [Piano music plays] ∫
∫ Allelujah, allelujah, allelujah. ∫
∫ Allelujah, allelujah, allelujah. ∫
∫ God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ ∫
∫ and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. ∫
∫ Allelujah, allelujah, allelujah. ∫

Brothers and sisters in faith, the Lord be with you.
—And with your spirit.

This is a reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
—Glory to you, O Lord.

Jesus said to his disciples: If your brother or sister sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you so that every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell the Church. If he refuses to listen even to the Church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector.

Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in your midst.

The Gospel of the Lord.
—Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus gives us a promise in this Gospel that is both very simple and profound. Did you hear it? At the end of the Gospel, he says, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in your midst.”

Now notice he doesn’t say when thousands gather. He doesn’t say when the church is full or when the music is perfect. He says, “Two or three…” Small, ordinary, simple, and yet holy.

Let me share this little story that helps to highlight the point, I think, of the Gospel today.

It’s a story about two elderly sisters who had belonged to a parish for decades, and as their health declined, they could no longer attend Sunday Mass regularly. So, one Sunday afternoon, they decided to sit together at the kitchen table. They lit a small candle. They opened their worn Bibles. They read the Sunday scriptures aloud slowly. They shared what touched their hearts. They held hands. Then they prayed for their family, their parish, and the world.

Afterward, one of them simply said, “You know, he was here. He was here.” Not because there was a priest, not because there was a choir, but because they gathered in his name, and Jesus keeps his promises.

This Gospel reminds us that the presence of Christ is not limited to grand moments. It’s woven into the fabric of our shared lives. When two sisters forgive one another, when members of a community sit down to discern, when a small group prays together in a chapel before the day begins, when we come together now to listen, when we reconcile with others, when we seek true charity, Christ stands in the midst of the circle.

And so, this is both a consoling and a challenge. It’s consoling because even when our members are small, we’re not insignificant, because as Christ says, whenever we gather, he’s right there in the midst of us. But it’s a challenge because gathering in his name means more than simply being in the same room. It means looking out for the good of the other. His name means his spirit, his mercy, his truth, his love living in and through us.

So the question today is simple. When we gather, can others sense that Christ is truly in our midst? Never underestimate the sacred power of small, faithful gatherings.

And may we trust as we share in this Mass, whenever we come together in his name, Christ is already there, holding us, guiding us in the midst of us.

And trusting how God is with us, let us profess together 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 now with faith and hope and love in our hearts, we bring our many needs and cares before God. Our response to each prayer will be, “Lord, hear our prayer.”

For our Holy Father and those who spread the Gospel message, may they inspire people to have the courage to forgive those who hurt them. We pray to the Lord.
—Lord, hear our prayer.

For world leaders, may the Holy Spirit guide them to promote peace and reconciliation over violence. We pray to the Lord.
—Lord, hear our prayer.

For the youth of Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, may they experience God’s continual love and compassion in their lives. We pray to the Lord.
—Lord, hear our prayer.

For this Labor Day weekend, let us pray for all who work or are searching for employment. May the Lord give them strength each day and rest when they are weary. We pray to the Lord.
—Lord, hear our prayer.

Loving God, hear the prayers we speak out loud and all that we carry deep in our hearts, as we lift them up and pray with confidence through Christ our Lord.
—Amen.

∫ [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, for through your goodness we have bread to offer, which earth has given and human hands have made. May it become for us the bread of life.
—Blessed be God forever.

And blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation, for 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 iniquity. Cleanse me of all sin.

∫ [Piano music plays] ∫

We pray together now in faith that the gifts of bread and wine offered 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.

O God, who give us the gift of true prayer and of peace, graciously grant that through this offering we may do fitting homage to your divine majesty, and by partaking of this sacred mystery, we may be faithfully united in mind and heart 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.

And 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, 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 join in 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 font 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, gave it to the disciples saying, “Take this, all of you, and eat of it. This is my body, given up for you.”

In a similar way, when the supper 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. It will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sin. Do this in memory of me.”

The mystery of faith.

∫ [Piano music plays] ∫
∫ When we eat this bread and drink this cup, ∫
∫ we proclaim your death, O Lord, until you come again. ∫

As we celebrate 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 churches 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. ∫

We pray now with confidence in the words that Jesus himself 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 trespassed against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, and graciously grant us peace this day. In your mercy, keep us free from sin and protect us from anxiety and despair, 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.

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 reign forever and ever.
—Amen.

The peace of the Lord be with you always.
—And with your spirit.

Let us share with each other some gesture of peace. And friends, from all of us here at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, to all of you folks at home, we extend God’s love and 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. ∫

In faith we behold the Prince of Peace, Jesus, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. Strengthened, we’re now sharing in this 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.”

∫ [Piano music plays] ∫
∫ Lord, when you came to the seashore, ∫
∫ you weren’t seeking the wise or the wealthy, ∫
∫ but only asking that I might follow. ∫
∫ 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. ∫

We pray: Grant that your faithful, O Lord, whom you nourish and endow with life through the food of your word and heavenly sacrament, may so benefit from your beloved Son’s great gifts, that we may merit an eternal share one day in his life, who live and reign forever and ever.
—Amen.

Today, once again, we invite you to join us in this beautiful prayer for the children of Mercy Home.

We pray: Our Lady of Mercy, we pray that you will guide, protect and bless all boys and girls who this day have a home called Mercy. May they find the Father’s mercy as we offer them our hearts in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. May they see God’s mercy in action through our love, prayers and sacrifices.

Let us remember, as we go forward, the beautiful promise of Jesus in the Gospel today. Wherever two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in your midst. Pay attention how in those little gatherings, those small, simple gatherings, he is there in the midst of all.

The Lord be with you.
—And with your spirit.

We bow our heads and ask God’s blessing.

Lord Jesus, we trust you are with us always. Strengthen us as we go forward to be your presence of love and care and compassion for one another in our daily lives and in the world. Bless us in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
—Amen.

We go now in peace to love and serve God by our continued prayers and care for one another.
—Thanks be to God.

∫ [Piano music plays] ∫
∫ God is here! ∫
∫ As we his people meet to offer praise and prayer. ∫
∫ May we find in fuller measure what it is in Christ we share. ∫
∫ Here as in the world around us, ∫
∫ all our varied skills and arts, ∫
∫ wait the coming of the Spirit into open minds and hearts. ∫
∫ Lord of all of church and kingdom, ∫
∫ in an age of change and doubt. ∫
∫ Keep us faithful to the Gospel. ∫
∫ Help us work your purpose out. ∫
∫ Here in this day’s dedication, ∫
∫ all we have to give, receive… ∫

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 GIA Publications, Incorporated, and its World Library Publications division.

∫ [Piano music plays] ∫

∫ [Piano music plays] ∫

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 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. My name is Dan Riley. I am joined by Tom McNamara and Joyce McQuiggin, and our celebrant is Father Carl Morello.

∫ [Piano music plays] ∫
∫ The King of love, my shepherd is, ∫
∫ whose goodness fails me never. ∫
∫ I’m nothing like if I am his and he is mine forever. ∫

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
—Amen.

May the grace, the peace, the love of God be with each of you.
—And with your spirit.

Trusting in that love of God, we call to mind our sins.

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

Christ Jesus, your love for us heals 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, hope and love. Lord, have mercy.
—Lord, have mercy.

And may almighty God, who loves us, have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins, and one day bring us what the Eucharist points us 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, by whom we are redeemed and receive adoption, look graciously upon your beloved sons and daughters, that those who believe in Christ may receive true freedom and an everlasting inheritance. 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, son of man, I have appointed watchmen for the house of Israel. When you hear me say anything, you shall warn them for me. If I tell the wicked, “O wicked one, you shall surely die,” and you do not speak out to dissuade the wicked from this way, the wicked shall die for his guilt, but I will hold you responsible for his death. But if you warn the wicked, trying to turn him from his way, and he refuses to turn from his way, he shall die for his guilt, but you shall save yourself.

The word of the Lord.
—Thanks be to God.

∫ [Piano music plays] ∫
∫ If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. ∫
∫ If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. ∫
∫ Come, let us ring out our joy to the Lord. ∫
∫ Hail the rock who saves us. ∫
∫ Let us come into his presence giving thanks. ∫
∫ Let us hail him with a song of praise. ∫
∫ If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. ∫

A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans.

Brothers and sisters, owe nothing to anyone except to love one another, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments: you shall not commit adultery, you shall not kill, you shall not steal, you shall not covet, and whatever other commandment there may be are summed up in this saying, namely, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no evil to the neighbor. Hence, love is the fulfillment of the law.

The word of the Lord.
—Thanks be to God.

∫ [Piano music plays] ∫
∫ Allelujah, allelujah, allelujah. ∫
∫ Allelujah, allelujah, allelujah. ∫
∫ God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ ∫
∫ and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. ∫
∫ Allelujah, allelujah, allelujah. ∫

Brothers and sisters in faith, the Lord be with you.
—And with your spirit.

This is a reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
—Glory to you, O Lord.

Jesus said to his disciples: If your brother or sister sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you so that every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell the Church. If he refuses to listen even to the Church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector.

Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in your midst.

The Gospel of the Lord.
—Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus gives us a promise in this Gospel that is both very simple and profound. Did you hear it? At the end of the Gospel, he says, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in your midst.”

Now notice he doesn’t say when thousands gather. He doesn’t say when the church is full or when the music is perfect. He says, “Two or three…” Small, ordinary, simple, and yet holy.

Let me share this little story that helps to highlight the point, I think, of the Gospel today.

It’s a story about two elderly sisters who had belonged to a parish for decades, and as their health declined, they could no longer attend Sunday Mass regularly. So, one Sunday afternoon, they decided to sit together at the kitchen table. They lit a small candle. They opened their worn Bibles. They read the Sunday scriptures aloud slowly. They shared what touched their hearts. They held hands. Then they prayed for their family, their parish, and the world.

Afterward, one of them simply said, “You know, he was here. He was here.” Not because there was a priest, not because there was a choir, but because they gathered in his name, and Jesus keeps his promises.

This Gospel reminds us that the presence of Christ is not limited to grand moments. It’s woven into the fabric of our shared lives. When two sisters forgive one another, when members of a community sit down to discern, when a small group prays together in a chapel before the day begins, when we come together now to listen, when we reconcile with others, when we seek true charity, Christ stands in the midst of the circle.

And so, this is both a consoling and a challenge. It’s consoling because even when our members are small, we’re not insignificant, because as Christ says, whenever we gather, he’s right there in the midst of us. But it’s a challenge because gathering in his name means more than simply being in the same room. It means looking out for the good of the other. His name means his spirit, his mercy, his truth, his love living in and through us.

So the question today is simple. When we gather, can others sense that Christ is truly in our midst? Never underestimate the sacred power of small, faithful gatherings.

And may we trust as we share in this Mass, whenever we come together in his name, Christ is already there, holding us, guiding us in the midst of us.

And trusting how God is with us, let us profess together 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 now with faith and hope and love in our hearts, we bring our many needs and cares before God. Our response to each prayer will be, “Lord, hear our prayer.”

For our Holy Father and those who spread the Gospel message, may they inspire people to have the courage to forgive those who hurt them. We pray to the Lord.
—Lord, hear our prayer.

For world leaders, may the Holy Spirit guide them to promote peace and reconciliation over violence. We pray to the Lord.
—Lord, hear our prayer.

For the youth of Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, may they experience God’s continual love and compassion in their lives. We pray to the Lord.
—Lord, hear our prayer.

For this Labor Day weekend, let us pray for all who work or are searching for employment. May the Lord give them strength each day and rest when they are weary. We pray to the Lord.
—Lord, hear our prayer.

Loving God, hear the prayers we speak out loud and all that we carry deep in our hearts, as we lift them up and pray with confidence through Christ our Lord.
—Amen.

∫ [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, for through your goodness we have bread to offer, which earth has given and human hands have made. May it become for us the bread of life.
—Blessed be God forever.

And blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation, for 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 iniquity. Cleanse me of all sin.

∫ [Piano music plays] ∫

We pray together now in faith that the gifts of bread and wine offered 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.

O God, who give us the gift of true prayer and of peace, graciously grant that through this offering we may do fitting homage to your divine majesty, and by partaking of this sacred mystery, we may be faithfully united in mind and heart 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.

And 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, 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 join in 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 font 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, gave it to the disciples saying, “Take this, all of you, and eat of it. This is my body, given up for you.”

In a similar way, when the supper 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. It will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sin. Do this in memory of me.”

The mystery of faith.

∫ [Piano music plays] ∫
∫ When we eat this bread and drink this cup, ∫
∫ we proclaim your death, O Lord, until you come again. ∫

As we celebrate 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 churches 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. ∫

We pray now with confidence in the words that Jesus himself 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 trespassed against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, and graciously grant us peace this day. In your mercy, keep us free from sin and protect us from anxiety and despair, 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.

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 reign forever and ever.
—Amen.

The peace of the Lord be with you always.
—And with your spirit.

Let us share with each other some gesture of peace. And friends, from all of us here at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, to all of you folks at home, we extend God’s love and 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. ∫

In faith we behold the Prince of Peace, Jesus, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. Strengthened, we’re now sharing in this 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.”

∫ [Piano music plays] ∫
∫ Lord, when you came to the seashore, ∫
∫ you weren’t seeking the wise or the wealthy, ∫
∫ but only asking that I might follow. ∫
∫ 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. ∫

We pray: Grant that your faithful, O Lord, whom you nourish and endow with life through the food of your word and heavenly sacrament, may so benefit from your beloved Son’s great gifts, that we may merit an eternal share one day in his life, who live and reign forever and ever.
—Amen.

Today, once again, we invite you to join us in this beautiful prayer for the children of Mercy Home.

We pray: Our Lady of Mercy, we pray that you will guide, protect and bless all boys and girls who this day have a home called Mercy. May they find the Father’s mercy as we offer them our hearts in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. May they see God’s mercy in action through our love, prayers and sacrifices.

Let us remember, as we go forward, the beautiful promise of Jesus in the Gospel today. Wherever two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in your midst. Pay attention how in those little gatherings, those small, simple gatherings, he is there in the midst of all.

The Lord be with you.
—And with your spirit.

We bow our heads and ask God’s blessing.

Lord Jesus, we trust you are with us always. Strengthen us as we go forward to be your presence of love and care and compassion for one another in our daily lives and in the world. Bless us in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
—Amen.

We go now in peace to love and serve God by our continued prayers and care for one another.
—Thanks be to God.

∫ [Piano music plays] ∫
∫ God is here! ∫
∫ As we his people meet to offer praise and prayer. ∫
∫ May we find in fuller measure what it is in Christ we share. ∫
∫ Here as in the world around us, ∫
∫ all our varied skills and arts, ∫
∫ wait the coming of the Spirit into open minds and hearts. ∫
∫ Lord of all of church and kingdom, ∫
∫ in an age of change and doubt. ∫
∫ Keep us faithful to the Gospel. ∫
∫ Help us work your purpose out. ∫
∫ Here in this day’s dedication, ∫
∫ all we have to give, receive… ∫

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 GIA Publications, Incorporated, and its World Library Publications division.

∫ [Piano music plays] ∫

Jesus gives us a promise in this Gospel that is both very simple and profound. Did you hear it? At the end of the Gospel, he says, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in your midst.”

Now notice he doesn’t say when thousands gather. He doesn’t say when the church is full or when the music is perfect. He says, “Two or three…” Small, ordinary, simple, and yet holy.

Let me share this little story that helps to highlight the point, I think, of the Gospel today.

It’s a story about two elderly sisters who had belonged to a parish for decades, and as their health declined, they could no longer attend Sunday Mass regularly. So, one Sunday afternoon, they decided to sit together at the kitchen table. They lit a small candle. They opened their worn Bibles. They read the Sunday scriptures aloud slowly. They shared what touched their hearts. They held hands. Then they prayed for their family, their parish, and the world.

Afterward, one of them simply said, “You know, he was here. He was here.” Not because there was a priest, not because there was a choir, but because they gathered in his name, and Jesus keeps his promises.

This Gospel reminds us that the presence of Christ is not limited to grand moments. It’s woven into the fabric of our shared lives. When two sisters forgive one another, when members of a community sit down to discern, when a small group prays together in a chapel before the day begins, when we come together now to listen, when we reconcile with others, when we seek true charity, Christ stands in the midst of the circle.

And so, this is both a consoling and a challenge. It’s consoling because even when our members are small, we’re not insignificant, because as Christ says, whenever we gather, he’s right there in the midst of us. But it’s a challenge because gathering in his name means more than simply being in the same room. It means looking out for the good of the other. His name means his spirit, his mercy, his truth, his love living in and through us.

So the question today is simple. When we gather, can others sense that Christ is truly in our midst? Never underestimate the sacred power of small, faithful gatherings.

And may we trust as we share in this Mass, whenever we come together in his name, Christ is already there, holding us, guiding us in the midst of us.