RITUAL FOR THE BURNING OF OLD PALM BRANCHES ON SHROVE TUESDAY

                                               

INTRODUCTION

1. The ritual does not replace the blessing of ashes on Ash Wednesday this is a preparatory rite to help the people enter into the Lenten season.

2. The rite of burning of old palm branches can take place outside the church, where a container is prepared to gather the old palms of the people and eventually to be burned.

3. If the rite of the burning of old palms is to be done within the mass, it replaces the penitential rite of the Mass.

PALMS TO ASHES

OPENING HYMN

Presider :

In the name of the Father + and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit

R. Amen

From one generation to the next Make us know the shortness of our life. That we may gain wisdom of heart.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

R. As it was, in the begining is now and will be forever. Amen.

OPENING PRAYER

Presider :

God of tender mercy, You fashioned us from the depths of the earth and bid us to follow your gospel call in the company of the church. Look on us with kindness as we prepare the ashes which will mark the beginning of our Lenten journey. Grant that we who make the dessert pilgrimage might come to the fount of rebirth with a renewed passion for justice. May our alms serve your people and bring us Peace, may the prayer sanctify all our deeds and may we come at last to the table you set in the place where you reign with Christ and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.

R. Amen.

The people places the old palms in the container where it will be burned while psalm 51 is read. The palms are then burned accompanied with an appropriate song. If the rite is celebrated within the mass, the priest and the people now go inside the church and coming to the chair, the priest immediately prays the opening prayer of the day. The mass proceeds as usual. If the rite is done outside the Mass then the presider continues with the prayer of petition.

PRAYER OF PETITION

Presider:

The Lord knows of what we are made' he remembers that we are dust. Let us ask him to forgive us and bind the wounds inflicted by our sin. Let our response be.

R. We pray you hear us.

1. Give us the grace of true repentance.(R')

2.Strengthen us with the power of your Holy Spirit.(R.)

3. Give us the courage to stand firm against all temptations. (R.)

4. Help us to be aware of our dignity as human beings (R')

5. Renew your Love in our hearts, and make us bear witness to You in our daily lives.(R')

Presider:

Lord God,You do not desire that sinners should die' but that they should repent.In pity, consider the weakness of our human condition.We know ourselves are dust, and we must return to dust because of our perversity : but have mercy on us, forgive us our sins grant us the rewards promised to those who repent through Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.

The ashes are kept for tomorrow's mass.

Presider:

The Lord be with You'

R. And also be with You.

May almighty God Bless you' the Father and the Son + and the

Holy  Spirit.

R. Amen.

Our celebration is ended go in peace.

R. Thanks be to God.