Liturgical Information
The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul [Mass during the Day]

Themes & Motives: Peter, Paul, faith, evangelization, Church

Introit:
These men, conquering all human frailty, shed their blood and helped the Church to grow. By sharing the cup of the Lord's suffering, they became the friends of God.

Opening Prayer:
God our Father,
today you give us the joy
of celebrating the feast of the apostles Peter and Paul.
Through them your Church first received the faith.
Keep us true to their teaching.
Grant 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.

• Acts of the Apostles 12:1-11 [Now I know it is indeed true: the Lord has saved me from the power of Herod. /v.11]
• Psalm 34:2-3 / 4-5 / 6-7 / 8-9 [R. The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him. /v.8]
• II Timothy 4:6-8,17-18 [All that remains now is the crown of righteousness. /v.8]
• Gospel Verse: Mt 16:18 [You are Peter, the rock on which I will build my Church; the gates of hell will not hold out against it.]
• Matthew 16:13-19 [You are Peter; and I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of heaven. /v.18]

Prayer over the Gifts:
Lord,
may your apostles join their prayers to our offering
and help us to celebrate this sacrifice in love and unity.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Preface of Peter and Paul, Apostles: [The Twofold Mission of Peter and Paul in the Church]
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God,
we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks.

You fill our hearts with joy
as we honor your great apostles:
Peter, our leader in the faith,
and Paul, its fearless preacher.

Peter raised up the Church
from the faithful flock of Israel.
Paul brought your call to the nations,
and became the teacher of the world.
Each in his chosen way gathered into unity
the one family of Christ.
Both shared a martyr's death
and are praised throughout the world.

Now, with the apostles and all the angels and saints,
we praise you for ever:

  Holy, holy, holy Lord...

Communion Antiphon:
Peter said: You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus answered: You are Peter, the rock on which I will build my Church. (Matthew 16:16,18)

Prayer after Communion:
Lord,
renew the life of your Church
with the power of this sacrament.
May the breaking of bread
and the teaching of the apostles
keep us united in your love.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen.

Solemn Blessing:
The Lord has set you firm within his Church,
which he built upon the rock of Peter's faith.
May he bless you with a faith that never wavers. Amen.

The Lord has given you knowledge of the faith
through the labors and preaching of Saint Paul.
May his example inspire you to lead others to Christ
by the manner of your life. Amen.

May the keys of Peter, and the words of Paul,
their undying witness and their prayers,
lead you to the joy of that eternal home
which Peter gained by his cross, and Paul by the sword. Amen.