Readings for the Feast of
Saint Catherine of Alexandria
Virgin and Martyr November 25
MASS
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON
Here is a wise and faithful virgin who went with lighted lamp to meet her Lord.
OPENING PRAYER
Almighty ever-living God,
who gave Saint Catherine of Alexandria to your people
as a Virgin and an invincible Martyr,
grant that through her intercession
we may be strengthened in faith and constancy
and spend ourselves without reserve
for the unity of the Church.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
FIRST READING
A reading from the book of Revelation21:5-7
And He who sat upon the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." Also He said, "Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true." And He said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the fountain of the water of life without payment. He who conquers shall have this heritage, and I will be his God and he shall be my son.
RESPONSORIAL PSALMPsalm 31:3cd-4, 6 and 8ab, 16bc and 17
R. (6) Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Be my rock of refuge,
a stronghold to give me safety.
You are my rock and my fortress;
for your name's sake you will lead and guide me. R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Into your hands I commend my spirit;
you will redeem me, O LORD, O faithful God.
I will rejoice and be glad because of your mercy. R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Rescue me from the clutches of my enemies and my persecutors,
Let your face shine upon your servant;
save me in your kindness. R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
ALLELUIAJames 1:12
Blessed is the one who perseveres in temptation
for when she has been proved she will receive the crown of life.
GOSPEL
A reading from the Gospel of Matthew 10:28-33
Jesus said to his disciples: "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If any one serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there shall my servant be also; if any one serves me, the Father will honor him. "
PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Lord, we see the wonder of your love
in the life of the virgin, Catherine of Alexandria
and her witness to Christ.
Accept our gifts of praise
and make our offering pleasing to you.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
COMMUNION ANTIPHON
The bridgroom is here; let us go out to meet Christ the Lord.
- Mt 25:6
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Lord God,
may this Eucharist renew our courage and strength.
May we remain close to you, like Catherine of Alexandria,
by accepting in our lives
a share in the suffering of Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you for ever and ever.
PRAYER
Almighty ever-living God,
who gave Saint Catherine of Alexandria to your people
as a Virgin and an invincible Martyr,
grant that through her intercession
we may be strengthened in faith and constancy
and spend ourselves without reserve
for the unity of the Church.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.