The Parish Churches of St James the Great Hanslope and Ss Simon & Jude, Castlethorpe

Mass on the Feast of St Joseph of Nazareth

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Hymn O Blessed Joseph, yours the praise The choirs of angels sing, The guardian of the Virgin blest, And of her Child and King.

The prophets told of God to come: The Son of God on earth; Yours was the glory then to be There at the Saviour’s birth.

To him, the Father’s only Son You served as father here; He was subjected to your will He, whom the heavens revere.

As once you sought and found again The Christ, the Lord of light; So may we walk with him, like you All humble in his sight.

O Father, Son and Holy Ghost, The God of truth and grace, By holy Joseph’s prayers grant That we may see your face.

Stanbrook Abbey Hymnal

Behold, a faithful and prudent steward, whom the Lord set over his household.

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

CONFESSION AND GOD’S ASSURANCE OF SINS FORGIVEN

Hear the words of the angel to Joseph: ‘You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ Therefore let us seek the forgiveness of God, through Jesus the Saviour of the world.

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Silence is kept for personal reflection.

Lord, you are gracious and compassionate: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. You are loving to all, and your mercy is over all your creation: Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Your faithful servants bless your name and speak of the glory of your kingdom: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

May Almighty God have mercy upon you, forgive you your sins, and bring you to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

GLORIA IN EXCELSIS

Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth. Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

The COLLECT (THE PRAYER FOR THE DAY) The Priest introduces a short period of silent prayer with the words:

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“Let us pray”

God our Father, who from the family of your servant David raised up Joseph the carpenter to be the guardian of your incarnate Son and husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary: give us grace to follow him in faithful obedience to your commands; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD

FIRST READING 2 Samuel 7:4-5,12-14,16 The word of the Lord came to Nathan: ‘Go and tell my servant David, Thus the Lord speaks: “When your days are ended and you are laid to rest with your ancestors, I will preserve the offspring of your body after you and make his sovereignty secure. (It is he who shall build a house for my name, and I will make his royal throne secure for ever.) I will be a father to him and he a son to me; if he does evil, I will punish him with the rod such as men use, with strokes such as mankind gives. Yet I will not withdraw my favour from him, as I withdrew it from your predecessor. Your House and your sovereignty will always stand secure before me and your throne be established for ever.”’

This is the Word of the Lord Thanks be to God

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 89:2-5,27,29

His dynasty shall last for ever.

I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord; through all ages my mouth will proclaim your truth.

Of this I am sure, that your love lasts for ever, that your truth is firmly established as the heavens.

His dynasty shall last for ever.

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‘I have made a covenant with my chosen one; I have sworn to David my servant:

I will establish your dynasty for ever and set up your throne through all ages.

His dynasty shall last for ever.

‘He will say to me: “You are my father, my God, the rock who saves me.”

I will keep my love for him always; with him my covenant shall last.’

His dynasty shall last for ever. SECOND READING Romans 4:13,16-18,22

The promise of inheriting the world was not made to Abraham and his descendants on account of any law but on account of the righteousness which consists in faith. That is why what fulfils the promise depends on faith, so that it may be a free gift and be available to all of Abraham’s descendants, not only those who belong to the Law but also those who belong to the faith of Abraham who is the father of all of us. As scripture says: I have made you the ancestor of many nations – Abraham is our father in the eyes of God, in whom he put his faith, and who brings the dead to life and calls into being what does not exist. Though it seemed Abraham’s hope could not be fulfilled, he hoped and he believed, and through doing so he did become the father of many nations exactly as he had been promised: Your descendants will be as many as the stars. This is the faith that was ‘considered as justifying him.’ This is the Word of the Lord Thanks be to God

GOSPEL Praise to you, O Christ, King of eternal glory. Blessed are they who dwell in your house; they will always be praising you. Praise to you, O Christ, King of eternal glory.

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The Lord be with you and also with you

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew Glory to you, O Lord.

Matthew 1:16,18-21,24 Jacob was the father of Joseph the husband of Mary; of her was born Jesus who is called Christ. This is how Jesus Christ came to be born. His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph; but before they came to live together she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph; being a man of honour and wanting to spare her publicity, decided to divorce her informally. He had made up his mind to do this when the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because she has conceived what is in her by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son and you must name him Jesus, because he is the one who is to save his people from their sins.’ When Joseph woke up he did what the angel of the Lord had told him to do.

At the end: This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

THE PRAYERS

Let us pray for the Church and God’s world and, inspired by the example of Joseph, for grace to grow in faith and holiness and to follow ever more closely in the way of Christ. Joseph was the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah: may we value our family life at home and in the wider family of the Church. Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us. Joseph was not afraid to take Mary as his wife when he learned that the child conceived in her was from the Holy Spirit: may we have no fear when we hear God’s call to his service. Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.

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Joseph was a righteous man and unwilling to expose Mary to public disgrace: may we lead lives of integrity and be concerned for the reputation of others. Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us. Joseph named the child Jesus, the One who will save his people from their sins: may we make known to others the salvation he came to bring. We pray for those who have not heard the gospel of Christ. Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us. Joseph protected the infant Jesus and his mother from the wrath of Herod: may we always seek to shield those who are weak and vulnerable. Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us. Joseph took his family and returned to his native land: we remember those who have died recently … May we, with them and all the faithful departed, be welcomed to the banquet of eternal life. Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.

The following may be added: We join our prayers with those of Our Lady, Consoler of the Afflicted, Mother of the resurrection Christ as we greet her and say: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

The Prayers end: Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

THE PEACE

Blessed are the peacemakers: they shall be called children of God. We meet in the name of Christ and share his peace.

The peace of the Lord be always with you and also with you.

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THE MINISTRY OF THE SACRAMENT

Joseph, be our guide and pattern, Faithful to your sacred trust, Strong protector of the Virgin And the infant, Jesus Christ, Joseph, firm and faithful, guide us, Joseph, walk the way with us.

Faithful to the guiding vision, List'ning to the angel's word; Shielding Mary from all slander, Guarding Christ, both Son and Lord, Joseph, true and trusting, guide us, Joseph, walk the way with us.

Leading them through many dangers To the home in Nazareth, Humbly for their needs providing In your wise and steadfast faith, Joseph, brave, obedient, guide us, Joseph, walk the way with us.

Workman skilled with saw and hammer, Strong to earn the daily bread, From the gifts of God's creating Useful things to meet man's need. Joseph strong and steadfast guide us, Joseph, walk the way with us.

Training Christ, the growing Master, In the skilful use of tools; Teaching him, the world's redeemer, Craftsman's love of wood and nails. Joseph humble, helpful, guide us, Joseph, walk the way with us.

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Joseph on this your great feast day In this our celebration Hear us as we sing your praises; Pray for us to God our Lord. Joseph, just and holy, guide us, Joseph, walk the way with us.

Words: Muriel Newton-White b1928

OFFERTORY PRAYERS

Pray my brothers and sisters that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God, the Almighty Father; May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of His Name, for our good, and the good of all His Church.

We pray, O Lord, that, just as Saint Joseph served with loving care your Only Begotten Son, born of the Virgin Mary, so we may be worthy to minister with a pure heart at your altar. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE EUCHARISTIC PRAYER

The Lord be with you and also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give Him thanks and praise.

All kneel

It is indeed right and good, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Today we honour Joseph, the just man whom you gave as husband to the Virgin Mother of your Son, the wise and faithful servant whom you placed over your household.

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With a father’s love he cared for Jesus, your only Son, conceived by the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit. Through Christ the choirs of angels and all the powers of heaven worship in awe before your presence. May our voices blend with theirs, as they sing with joy the hymn of your glory: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, 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.

Lord, you are holy indeed, the source of all holiness; grant that by the power of your Holy Spirit, and according to your holy will, these gifts of bread and wine may become the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ; who in the same night that he was betrayed, took bread and gave you thanks;

he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying:

TAKE, EAT; THIS IS MY BODY WHICH IS GIVEN FOR YOU; DO THIS IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME.

In the same way, after supper he took the cup and gave you thanks; he gave it to them, saying:

DRINK THIS, ALL OF YOU; THIS IS MY BLOOD OF THE NEW COVENANT, WHICH IS SHED FOR YOU AND FOR MANY FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS. DO THIS, AS OFTEN AS YOU DRINK IT, IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME.

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Great is the mystery of Faith: All say Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again

And so, Father, calling to mind his death on the cross, his perfect sacrifice made once for the sins of the whole world; rejoicing in his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension, and looking for his coming in glory, we celebrate this memorial of our redemption.

As we bring before you this bread and this cup, we offer you this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving and we thank you for counting us worthy to stand in your presence and serve you.

Lord, may this sacrifice, which has made our peace with you, advance the peace and salvation of all the world. Strengthen in faith your pilgrim Church on earth; your servant n our bishop, and all the bishops.

Welcome into your kingdom our departed brothers and sisters, and all who have left this world in your friendship.

Send the Holy Spirit on your people and gather into one in your kingdom all who share this one bread and one cup, so that we, in the company of Mary, the virgin Mother of God, of James, Simon & Jude, Patrick and all the saints, may praise and glorify you for ever,

through Jesus Christ our Lord; by whom, and with whom, and in whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory be yours, almighty Father, for ever and ever. Amen.

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All say 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. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

BREAKING OF THE BREAD

We break this bread to share in the body of Christ. Though we are many, we are one body, because we all share in one bread.

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, grant us peace.

THE INVITATION Behold the Lamb of God, behold Him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those who are called to his supper. Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed.

Well done, good and faithful servant. Come, share your master’s joy.

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AN ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION FOR THOSE AT HOME

Spiritual Communion is a Christian practice of desiring union with Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. It is used as a preparation for Mass and by individuals who cannot receive Holy Communion.

Say the following prayerfully and quietly before saying the Prayer for Spiritual Communion:

Jesus my Lord, I thee adore, O make me love thee more and more.

Come to my heart Lord Jesus, there is room in my heart for thee. A deep silence is kept

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COMMUNION HYMN

Joseph, pure spouse of that immortal Bride; Who shines in ever-virgin glory bright, Through all the Christian climes thy praise be sung, Through all the realms of light.

Thee, when amazed concern for thy betrothed Had filled thy righteous spirit with dismay. An angel visited and with blest words Scattered thy fears away.

Thine arms embraced thy Maker newly born: With Him to Egypt's desert didst thou flee: Him in Jerusalem didst seek and find; O grief, O joy for thee.

Not until after death their blissful crown Other obtain, but unto thee was given, In thine own lifetime to enjoy thy God As do the blest in Heaven.

Grant us great Trinity, for Joseph's sake Unto the starry mansions to attain; There, with glad tongues, thy praise to celebrate In one eternal strain.

Clement X (1670-1676) tr Edward Caswall (1814-1878).

A POST-COMMUNION PRAYER Defend with unfailing protection, O Lord, we pray, the family you have nourished with food from this altar, as they rejoice at the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, and graciously keep safe your gifts among them. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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THE BLESSING AND DISMISSAL

The Lord be with you and also with you

May the love of the Holy Family surround you. May the joy that was Mary’s refresh you. May the faithfulness that was Joseph’s encourage you. May the peace of the Christ-child fill your lives. And the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.

Go in the peace of Christ. Thanks be to God.

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Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England (2000) (including the Psalter as published with Common Worship); The Christian Year: Calendar, Lectionary and Collects (1997, 1998, 1999); material from which is included in this service, are copyright © The Archbishops’ Council. The text of the copyright hymns in this Mass are reproduced under CCLI licence number 1072483