ENTRANCE RITE

Opening Antiphon:

Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, the King of Israel. Hosanna in the highest. (Matthew 21:9)

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

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.

Dear brothers and sisters, since the beginning of Lent until now we have prepared our hearts by penance and charitable works. Today we gather together to herald with the whole Church the beginning of the celebration of our Lord’s paschal mystery, that is to say, of his Passion and Resurrection. For it was to accomplish this mystery that he entered his own city of Jerusalem. Therefore, with all faith and devotion, let us commemorate the Lord’s entry into the city for our salvation, following in his footsteps, so that being made by his grace partakers of the Cross, we may have a share also in his resurrection and in his life.

PALM BLESSING

Almighty ever-living God,
sanctify † these branches with your blessing,
that we who follow Christ the King in exultation
may reach the eternal Jerusalem through him.
Who lives and reigns for ever and ever. 
Amen. 

Or: 

Increase the faith of those
who place their hope in you, O God,
and graciously hear the prayers of those who call on you:
bless † those who today hold high these branches
to hail Christ in his triumph,
that we may bear fruit by good works in him.
Who lives and reigns for ever and ever. 
Amen.

GOSPEL

Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord. ( 19:28-40 )

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke.

Glory to you, Lord.

Jesus proceeded on his journey up to Jerusalem.
As he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany
at the place called the Mount of Olives,
he sent two of his disciples.
He said, “Go into the village opposite you,
and as you enter it you will find a colt tethered
on which no one has ever sat.
Untie it and bring it here.
And if anyone should ask you,
‘Why are you untying it?’
you will answer,
‘The Master has need of it.’”
So those who had been sent went off
and found everything just as he had told them.
And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them,
“Why are you untying this colt?”
They answered,
“The Master has need of it.”
So they brought it to Jesus,
threw their cloaks over the colt,
and helped Jesus to mount.
As he rode along,
the people were spreading their cloaks on the road;
and now as he was approaching the slope of the Mount of Olives,
the whole multitude of his disciples
began to praise God aloud with joy
for all the mighty deeds they had seen.
They proclaimed:
            “Blessed is the king who comes
                        in the name of the Lord.
            Peace in heaven
                        and glory in the highest.”
Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him,
“Teacher, rebuke your disciples.”
He said in reply,
“I tell you, if they keep silent,
the stones will cry out!”

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

Dear brothers and sisters, like the crowds who acclaimed Jesus in Jerusalem, let us go forth in peace.OrLet us go forth in peace. In this latter case, all respond: In the name of Christ.
Amen.

Processional Antiphons

1. The children of the Hebrews, carrying olive branches,
   wnet to meet the Lord, crying out and saying:
   Hosanna in the highest.
   Verses of Psalm 24 can also be sung between repetitions of the antiphon.
   
   — or —
    
2. The children of Jerusalem welcomed Christ the King.
   The children of the Hebrews spread their garments on the road,
   crying out and saying: Hosanna to the Son of David;
   blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
   Verses of Psalm 47 can also be sung between repetitions of the antiphon.

Hymn to Christ the King:

Glory and honor and praise be to you, Christ, King and Redeemer,
to whom young children cried out loving Hosannas with joy. 

Responsory on Entry into Church:

R)  As the Lord entered the holy city, the children of the Hebrews proclaimed the resurrection of life. Waving their branches of palm, they cried: Hosanna in the highest.

V)  When the people heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, they went out to meet him. Waving their branches of palm, they cried: Hosanna in the highest.

Entrance Antiphon [Introit]

Six days before the Passover,
when the Lord came into the city of Jerusalem,
the children ran to meet him;
in their hands they carried palm branches
and with a loud voice cried out:
Hosanna in the highest!
Blessed are you, who have come in your abundant mercy!
O gates, lift high your heads;
grow higher, ancient doors.
Let him enter, the king of glory!
Who is this king of glory?
He, the Lord of hosts, he is the king of glory.
Hosanna in the highest!
Blessed are you, who have come in your abundant mercy!

When the Priest has arrived at the altar, he venerates it and, if appropriate, incenses it. Then he goes to the chair, where he puts aside the cope, if he has worn one, and puts on the chasuble. Omitting the other Introductory Rites of the Mass and, if appropriate, the Kyrie (Lord, have mercy), he says the Collect of the Mass, and then continues the Mass in the usual way.

OPENING PRAYER

Almighty everliving God
who as an example of humility for the human race to follow
caused our Savior to take flesh and submit to the Cross,
graciously grant that we may heed his lesson of patient suffering
and so merit a share in his Resurrection.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. 
Amen.

LITURGY OF THE WORD

FIRST READING

A reading from the Book of the prophet Isaiah

I gave My back to those who strike Me. ( 50:4-7 )

The Lord GOD has given me
    a well-trained tongue,
that I might know how to speak to the weary
    a word that will rouse them.
Morning after morning
    he opens my ear that I may hear;
and I have not rebelled,
    have not turned back.
I gave my back to those who beat me,
    my cheeks to those who plucked my beard;
my face I did not shield
    from buffets and spitting.
The Lord GOD is my help,
    therefore I am not disgraced;
I have set my face like flint,
    knowing that I shall not be put to shame.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

(Ps 21)

Response: My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?

All who see me scoff at me;
    they mock me with parted lips, they wag their heads:
“He relied on the LORD; let him deliver him,
    let him rescue him, if he loves him.”
R. My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?

Indeed, many dogs surround me,
    a pack of evildoers closes in upon me;
They have pierced my hands and my feet;
    I can count all my bones.
R. My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?

They divide my garments among them,
    and for my vesture they cast lots.
But you, O LORD, be not far from me;
    O my help, hasten to aid me.
R. My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?

I will proclaim your name to my brethren;
    in the midst of the assembly I will praise you:
“You who fear the LORD, praise him;
    all you descendants of Jacob, give glory to him;
    revere him, all you descendants of Israel!”
R. My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?

SECOND READING

A reading from the Letter of Paul to the Philippians

He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. ( 2:6-11 )

Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God,
    did not regard equality with God
    something to be grasped.
Rather, he emptied himself,
    taking the form of a slave,
    coming in human likeness;
    and found human in appearance,
    he humbled himself,
    becoming obedient to the point of death,
    even death on a cross.
Because of this, God greatly exalted him
    and bestowed on him the name
    which is above every name,
    that at the name of Jesus
    every knee should bend,
    of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth,    
    and every tongue confess that
    Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

VERSE BEFORE THE GOSPEL

Christ became obedient to the point of death,
even death on a cross.
Because of this, God greatly exalted him
and bestowed on him the name which is above every name. ( Phil 2:8-9 )

GOSPEL

The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 22:14 – 23:56)

The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.

Narrator: When the hour came, Jesus took his place at table with the apostles. He said to them,

Jesus: “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, for, I tell you, I shall not eat it again until there is fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”

Narrator: Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and said,

Jesus: “Take this and share it among yourselves; for I tell you that from this time on I shall not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”

Narrator: Then he took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying,

Jesus: “This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me.”

Narrator: And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying,

Jesus: “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you.
And yet behold, the hand of the one who is to betray me is with me on the table; for the Son of Man indeed goes as it has been determined; but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed.”

Narrator: And they began to debate among themselves who among them would do such a deed. Then an argument broke out among them about which of them should be regarded as the greatest. He said to them,

Jesus: “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them and those in authority over them are addressed as ‘Benefactors’; but among you it shall not be so.
Rather, let the greatest among you be as the youngest, and the leader as the servant. For who is greater: the one seated at table or the one who serves?
Is it not the one seated at table? I am among you as the one who serves. It is you who have stood by me in my trials; and I confer a kingdom on you, just as my Father has conferred one on me, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom; and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Simon, Simon, behold Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed that your own faith may not fail; and once you have turned back, you must strengthen your brothers.”

Narrator: He said to him,

Voice: “Lord, I am prepared to go to prison and to die with you.”

Narrator: But he replied,

Jesus: “I tell you, Peter, before the cock crows this day, you will deny three times that you know me.”

Narrator: He said to them,

Jesus: “When I sent you forth without a money bag or a sack or sandals, were you in need of anything?”

Crowd: “No, nothing, “

Narrator: they replied. He said to them,

Jesus: “But now one who has a money bag should take it, and likewise a sack, and one who does not have a sword should sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me, namely, He was counted among the wicked; and indeed what is written about me is coming to fulfillment.”

Narrator: Then they said,

Crowd: “Lord, look, there are two swords here.”

Narrator: But he replied,

Jesus: “It is enough!”

Narrator: Then going out, he went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. When he arrived at the place he said to them,

Jesus: “Pray that you may not undergo the test.”

Narrator: After withdrawing about a stone’s throw from them and kneeling, he prayed, saying,

Jesus: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done.”

Narrator: And to strengthen him an angel from heaven appeared to him. He was in such agony and he prayed so fervently that his sweat became like drops of blood falling on the ground. When he rose from prayer and returned to his disciples, he found them sleeping from grief. He said to them,

Jesus: “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not undergo the test.”

Narrator: While he was still speaking, a crowd approached and in front was one of the Twelve, a man named Judas. He went up to Jesus to kiss him. Jesus said to him,

Jesus: “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”

Narrator: His disciples realized what was about to happen, and they asked,

Crowd: “Lord, shall we strike with a sword?”

Narrator: And one of them struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said in reply,

Jesus: “Stop, no more of this!”

Narrator: Then he touched the servant’s ear and healed him. And Jesus said to the chief priests and temple guards and elders who had come for him,

Jesus: “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? Day after day I was with you in the temple area, and you did not seize me; but this is your hour, the time for the power of darkness.”

Narrator: After arresting him they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest; Peter was following at a distance. They lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat around it, and Peter sat down with them. When a maid saw him seated in the light, she looked intently at him and said,

Voice: “This man too was with him.”

Narrator: But he denied it saying,

Voice: “Woman, I do not know him.”

Narrator: A short while later someone else saw him and said,

Voice: “You too are one of them”;

Narrator: but Peter answered,

Voice: “My friend, I am not.”

Narrator: About an hour later, still another insisted,

Voice: “Assuredly, this man too was with him, for he also is a Galilean.”

Narrator: But Peter said,

Voice: “My friend, I do not know what you are talking about.”

Narrator: Just as he was saying this, the cock crowed, and the Lord turned and looked at Peter; and Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.” He went out and began to weep bitterly. The men who held Jesus in ustody were ridiculing and beating him. They blindfolded him and questioned him, saying,

Crowd: “Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?”

Narrator: And they reviled him in saying many other things against him. When day came the council of elders of the people met, both chief priests and scribes, and they brought him before their Sanhedrin. They said,

Crowd: “If you are the Christ, tell us, “

Narrator: but he replied to them,

Jesus: “If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I question, you will not respond. But from this time on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.”

Narrator: They all asked,

Crowd: “Are you then the Son of God?”

Narrator: He replied to them,

Jesus: “You say that I am.”

Narrator: Then they said,

Crowd: “What further need have we for testimony? We have heard it from his own mouth.”

Narrator: Then the whole assembly of them arose and brought him before Pilate. They brought charges against him, saying,

Crowd: “We found this man misleading our people; he opposes the payment of taxes to Caesar and maintains that he is the Christ, a king.”

Narrator: Pilate asked him,

Voice: “Are you the king of the Jews?”

Narrator: He said to him in reply,

Jesus: “You say so.”

Narrator: Pilate then addressed the chief priests and the crowds,

Voice: “I find this man not guilty.”

Narrator: But they were adamant and said,

Crowd: “He is inciting the people with his teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee where he began even to here.”

Narrator: On hearing this Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean;and upon learning that he was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod who was in Jerusalem at that time. Herod was very glad to see Jesus; he had been wanting to see him for a long time, for he had heard about him and had been hoping to see him perform some sign. He questioned him at length, but he gave him no answer. The chief priests and scribes, meanwhile, stood by accusing him harshly. Herod and his soldiers treated him contemptuously and mocked him, and after clothing him in resplendent garb, he sent him back to Pilate. Herod and Pilate became friends that very day, even though they had been enemies formerly. Pilate then summoned the chief priests, the rulers, and the people and said to them,

Voice: “You brought this man to me and accused him of inciting the people to revolt. I have conducted my investigation in your presence and have not found this man guilty of the charges you have brought against him, nor did Herod, for he sent him back to us. So no capital crime has been committed by him. Therefore I shall have him flogged and then release him.”

Narrator: But all together they shouted out,

Crowd: “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us.”

Narrator: Now Barabbas had been imprisoned for a rebellion that had taken place in the city and for murder. Again Pilate addressed them, still wishing to release Jesus, but they continued their shouting,

Crowd: “Crucify him! Crucify him!”

Narrator: Pilate addressed them a third time,

Voice: “What evil has this man done? I found him guilty of no capital crime. Therefore I shall have him flogged and then release him.”

Narrator: With loud shouts, however, they persisted in calling for his crucifixion, and their voices prevailed. The verdict of Pilate was that their demand should be granted. So he released the man who had been imprisoned for rebellion and murder, for whom they asked, and he handed Jesus over to them to deal with as they wished.
As they led him away they took hold of a certain Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country; and after laying the cross on him, they made him carry it behind Jesus. A large crowd of people followed Jesus, including many women who mourned and lamented him. Jesus turned to them and said,

Jesus: “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children for indeed, the days are coming when people will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.’ At that time people will say to the mountains, ‘Fall upon us!’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’ for if these things are done when the wood is green what will happen when it is dry?”

Narrator: Now two others, both criminals, were led away with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. Then Jesus said,

Jesus: “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” They divided his garments by casting lots. The people stood by and watched; the rulers, meanwhile, sneered at him and said,

Crowd: “He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God.”

Narrator: Even the soldiers jeered at him. As they approached to offer him wine they called out,

Crowd: “If you are King of the Jews, save yourself.”

Narrator: Above him there was an inscription that read, “This is the King of the Jews.”
Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying,

Voice: “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us.”

Narrator: The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply,

Voice: “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.”

Narrator: Then he said,

Voice: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Narrator: He replied to him,

Jesus: “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

Narrator: It was now about noon and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon because of an eclipse of the sun. Then the veil of the temple was torn down the middle. Jesus cried out in a loud voice,

Jesus: “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit”;

Narrator: and when he had said this he breathed his last.

        Here all kneel and pause for a short time.

Narrator: The centurion who witnessed what had happened glorified God and said,

Voice: “This man was innocent beyond doubt.”

Narrator: When all the people who had gathered for this spectacle saw what had happened, they returned home beating their breasts; but all his acquaintances stood at a distance, including the women who had followed him from Galilee and saw these events.
Now there was a virtuous and righteous man named Joseph who, though he was a member of the council, had not consented to their plan of action. He came from the Jewish town of Arimathea and was awaiting the kingdom of God. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. After he had taken the body down, he wrapped it in a linen cloth and laid him in a rock-hewn tomb in which no one had yet been buried.
It was the day of preparation, and the sabbath was about to begin. The women who had come from Galilee with him followed behind, and when they had seen the tomb and the way in which his body was laid in it, they returned and prepared spices and perfumed oils. Then they rested on the sabbath according to the commandment.

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

PROFESSION OF FAITH

I believe in one God,
the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the Only Begotten Son of God,
born of the Father before all ages.
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
(at the words that follow up to and including and became man, all bow)
and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary,
and became man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate,
he suffered death and was buried,
and rose again on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead
and his kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son
is adored and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.
I confess one Baptism
for the forgiveness of sins
and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead
and the life of the world to come.
Amen.

Instead of the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed, especially during Lent and Easter Time, the baptismal Symbol of the Roman Church, known as the Apostles’ Creed, may be used.

I believe in God,
the Father almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
(At the words that follow, up to and including the Virgin Mary, all bow.)
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.

PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL

Our response is: Hear us now we pray.

For the Church – that all who take up the cross and follow Christ will seek justice for the oppressed, freedom for the innocent and consolation for the downhearted. In your mercy Lord. Hear us now we pray.

For the police, the army and all who maintain good order in society – that those trusted with maintaining good order in society act for the good of all, and will remain unbiased in their judgements and act with mercy and restraint. In your mercy Lord. Hear us now we pray.

For all people of faith – that we will be steadfast in prayer, praying always for what is right, just and compassionate. In your mercy Lord. Hear us now we pray.

For friendship – that each of us builds rich friendships which overcome barriers of discrimination and draws us to work together on projects that benefit people and communities. In your mercy Lord. Hear us now we pray.

For people who have been tortured or unjustly condemned – that oppression, violence and torment of one people against another, will end. In your mercy Lord. Hear us now we pray.

THE LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST

Offertory Song

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS

Through the Passion of your Only Begotten Son, O Lord,
may our reconciliation with you be near at hand,
so that, though we do not merit it by our own deeds
yet by this sacrifice made once for all,
we may feel already the effects of your mercy.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

PREFACE and EUCHARISTIC PRAYER

Preface for Palm Sunday: 
[The Passion of the Lord]

It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God,
through Christ our Lord.
For, though innocent, he suffered willingly for sinners
and accepted unjust condemnation to save the guilty.
His Death has washed away our sins,
and his Resurrection has purchased our justification.
And so, with all the Angels,
we praise you, as in joyful celebration we acclaim:

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts…

COMMUNION RITE

Communion Antiphon

Father, if this chalice cannot pass without my drinking it,
your will be done. (Matthew 26:42)

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Nourished with these sacred gifts
we humbly beseech you, O Lord,
that, just as through the death of your Son
you have brought us to hope for what we believe,
so by his Resurrection
you may lead us to where you call.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

PRAYER OVER THE PEOPLE

Look, we pray, O Lord, on this your family,
for whom our Lord Jesus Christ
did not hesitate to be delivered into the hands of the wicked
and submit to the agony of the Cross.
Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Amen.

Final Song