THE SEASON OF LENT is a time for the preparation for the celebration of Easter. The liturgy prepares the catechumens for the celebration of the Paschal mystery by the various stages of Christian initiation; it also prepares the faithful, who recall their baptism and do penance in preparation for Easter (LYGN27).

The beginning of Lent is marked with the blessing and imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday or, for pastoral reasons, on the First Sunday of Lent. The act of putting on ashes symbolizes our fragility and mortality as well as our need to be redeemed by the mercy of God.

DURING LENT, ONE OF THE FOLLOWING ACCLAMATIONS IS USED INSTEAD OF ALLELUIA AS A RESPONSE TO THE VERSE BEFORE THE GOSPEL
Glory and praise to you, O Christ.
Glory to you, O Christ, Wisdom of God the Father.
Glory to you, O Christ, Word of God.
Glory to you, O Christ, Son of the living God.
Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus.
Praise to you, O Christ, King of eternal glory.
Great and wonderful are your works, O Lord.
Salvation, glory, and power belong to the Lord Jesus Christ.

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Wisdom 11:24.25.27
You are merciful to all, O Lord, and despise nothing that you have made. You overlook the sins of man, to bring him to repentance, for you are the Lord our God.

The Penitential Act is omitted, and the Distribution of Ashes takes its place.

FIRST READING
“Tear your hearts and not your garments.”
A reading from the Book of the Prophet Joel 2:12-18

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps 51:3-4.5-6ab.12- 13.14 and 17 (R. cf. 3a)
R/. Have mercy, O Lord, for we have sinned.

Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your merciful love;
according to your great compassion,
blot out my transgressions.
Wash me completely from my iniquity,
And cleanse me from my sin. R/.
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My transgressions, truly I know them;
my sin is always before me.
Against you, you alone, have I sinned;
what is evil in your sight I have done. R/.

R/. Have mercy, O Lord, for we have sinned.

Create a pure heart for me, O God;
Renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from your presence;
take not your holy spirit from me. R/.

Restore in me the joy of your salvation;
Sustain in me a willing spirit.
O Lord, open my lips
And my mouth shall proclaim your praise. R/.

SECOND READING
“Be reconciled to God. Behold, now is the acceptable time. ”
A reading from the second Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians, (2 Corinthians 5:20, 6:2)

Glory and praise to you, O Christ.
Today, harden not your hearts, but listen to the voice of the Lord.
Glory and praise to you, O Christ.

GOSPEL
“Your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 6: 1-6, 16- 18)

ENTRANCE

1. Attende Domine (CHB 321)
2. Yes I shall arise (CHB 316)
3. Hear o thou bounteous maker (CHB 12)
4. I come to thee (CHB 346)
5. All the way to Calvary

OFFERTORY

1. God of mercy (CHB 194)
2. Jesus my Lord (CHB 196)
3. My God accept my heart (CHB 251)
4. Pay back time
5. Take my life
6. Lord accept the gifts (CHB 56)
7. Take our bread (CHB 60)

COMMUNION

1. Hear us O Lord (CHB 13)
2. God our Father (CHB 195)
3. Just as I am (CHB 90C)
4. Rock of ages (CHB 106)
5. As I look unto the cross
6. Close to the Cross
7. Lord Jesus think on me

DISMISSAL(6-7)/DISTRIBUTION OF ASHES(1-5)

1. Ashes
2. Nearer God (CHB 199)
3. Forty days and Forty nights
4. Throughout these Forty days O Lord
5. Ashes of Repentance
6. Ave Regina Coelorum (CHB 323)
7. Sweet Saviour bless us (CHB 150)

Courtesy……..Songs Selection Committee of LAMCOM (Lagos Archdiocesan Music Commission)

THEME: GODS JUDGEMENT

FIRST READING

The wrath and compassion of God are shown in the exile and liberation of his people.
A reading from the second Book of Chronicles (2 Chronicles 36:14-16.1923)

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

R/. O let my tongue cleave to my palate if I remember you not.

SECOND READING

When we were dead through our trespasses, we were saved by grace.”
A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians (Ephesians 2:4-10)

VERSE BEFORE THE GOSPEL

John 3: 16
Glory and praise to you, O Christ. God do loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should have eternal life. Glory and praise to you, O Christ.

GOSPEL

God sent the Son that the World might be saved through him”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 3:14-21)

ENTRANCE HYMNS

1. Praise my soul, the king of heaven (CHB27)
2. (CHB 191) All you who seek a comfort sure
3. Stand up, Stand up for Jesus (CHB 35)
4 Christ be our light.
5 O God thy people gather (CHB 24)

OFFERTORY

1. God Almighty (CHB 51)
2. Its Pay back time
3. Gbe’bo wa
4. (CHB 67) What have we to offer him.
5. Surrender your heart
6. What can we bring to offer

COMMUNION

1. Jesus my Lord, behold at length the day (CHB 196)
2. Mee ranyi ebere
3. Christ be our light.
4. God gives his people strength ( CHB 77)
5. Pass me not o gentle Saviour ( CHB103)
6. E was gba Ara Oluwa.
7. Be still, my soul..
8. O Listen to a wondrous story.

DISMISSAL

1. When I survey (CHB202)
2. Keep step with the master (CHB 241)
3. Forty days and Forty nights
4. My faith looks up to thee
5. Jesus loves me.
6. Glory be to Jesus( CHB193)
7. Holy Queen , we bend before thee. (CHB298)

Approved by Director, LAMCOM Lagos Arch Diocese. Lagos State