Liturgical Information
The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Themes & Motives: cross, Christ's mission, dignity of Christ, God's love

Introit:
We should glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, for he is our salvation, our life and our resurrection; through him we are saved and made free. [See Gal 6:14]
   See We Should Glory: Roman Processional CNP Catalog #3077

Opening Prayer:
God our Father,
in obedience to you
your only Son accepted death on the cross
for the salvation of mankind.
We acknowledge the mystery of the cross on earth.
May we receive the gift of redemption in heaven.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

• Numbers 21:4b-9 [If that serpent bit any man, when he looked to the bronze serpent he lived. /v.9]
• Psalm 78:1-2 / 34-35 / 36-37 / 38 [R. Do not forget the works of the Lord. /v.7b]
• Philippians 2:6-11 [He emptied Himself; therefore also God highly exalted Him. /v.7,9]
• Gospel Verse: [We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your Cross you have redeemed the world.]
• John 3:13-17 [Even so must the Son of Man be lifted up. /v.14]

Prayer over the Gifts:
Lord,
may this sacrifice once offered on the cross
to take away the sins of the world
now free us from our sins.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Preface of the Triumph of the Cross: [The Triumph of the Glorious Cross]
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God,
we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks.

You decreed that man should be saved through the wood of the cross.
The tree of man's defeat became his tree of victory;
where life was lost, there life has been restored
through Christ our Lord.

Through him the choirs of angels
and all the powers of heaven
praise and worship your glory.
May our voices blend with theirs
as we join in their unending hymn:

  Holy, holy, holy Lord...

Communion Antiphon:
When I am lifted from the earth, I will draw all men to myself, says the Lord. (John 12:32)

Prayer after Communion:
Lord Jesus Christ,
You are the holy bread of life.
Bring to the glory of the resurrection
the people you have redeemed by the wood of the cross.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Solemn Blessing:
May almighty God keep you from all harm
and bless you with every good gift. Amen.

May he set his Word in your heart
and fill you with lasting joy. Amen.

May you walk in his ways,
always knowing what is right and good,
until you enter your heavenly inheritance. Amen.