JAN 12, 2025
Liturgy Planning
Liturgy Planning
- PLANNING GUIDE
- Liturgical Environment
- MUSIC
SOURCE: Basilica of the The National Shrine. Crypt Church (TV Mass)
January 9, 2022
Celebrant & Homilist: Magr. Raymond East
Choir: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Cantor & Organist, Washington, D.C.
The Sunday Mass – The Baptism of the Lord – January 9, 2022 CC
Christ's baptism signifies His divine mission and calls believers to embrace their faith through repentance, transformation, and active participation in the sacraments, ultimately fostering a community rooted in justice, hope, and love.
- 00:00 Christ's baptism at the River Jordan reveals His divine identity and calls believers to honor their baptismal promises.
- The hymn celebrates the manifestation of Jesus as divine through key events, emphasizing His roles as prophet, priest, and king.
- Christ's baptism at the River Jordan reveals his identity as the beloved Son of God, calling believers to remember their own baptismal promises and live in grace.
- 03:57 FIRST READING - God promises justice, hope, and peace, renewing us through the Holy Spirit as heirs of eternal life.
- God calls for justice and offers hope and light to the nations, promising peace to His people.
- The Lord's voice is powerful and brings peace, and through God's grace and mercy, we are saved and renewed by the Holy Spirit, becoming heirs of eternal life.
- 05:12 RESPONSORIAL PSALM (Psalm 29)
- 06:56 SECOND READING
- 09:14 GOSPEL — Jesus' baptism marks the beginning of his mission as God's justice and covenant for the nations, calling us to manifest him as missionary disciples.
- 14:36 PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL
- 15:36 Through Christ's baptism, we are called to repentance and transformation as God's children, highlighting His divine mission and the celebration of heavenly worship.
- Through baptism, we are adopted as God's children, called to repentance and transformation in Christ.
- The baptism of Christ in the Jordan reveals His divine anointing and mission to bring good news to the Earth, celebrated with heavenly worship.
⬇️ Planning Notes
Baptism of the Lord - YEAR C
Fr. Lawrence Mick
EXCERPT: As with the feast of the Holy Family, today’s celebration offers options for the first two readings and the psalm. You can use the readings from Cycle A or those from Cycle C. In either case, the Gospel comes from Cycle C, the passage from Luke.
If you use the first reading from Isaiah 40 (Cycle C), parishioners may think for a moment that we are back in Advent when they hear: “A voice of one crying out in the desert: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord” (Luke 3:4). That could be an easy hook for the presider to remind people that this feast is still part of the Advent-Christmas season. The Baptism of the Lord was once part of the celebration of Epiphany, since both events are seen as manifestations of Christ to the world. As the Isaiah reading puts it, “Here is your God! Here comes with power the Lord God.”
Baptism is the major theme of the day, of course, so think about how you can highlight it. If you have infants ready for baptism, this would be a great day to celebrate that sacrament within the Mass or Masses of the feast. If you don’t, you might begin the Mass with a sprinkling rite instead of the penitential rite as a way of reminding the assembly of their own baptisms. — READ MORE
SOURCE: CELEBRATION
⬇️ Greeting
Baptism of the Lord - YEAR C
⬇️ Kyrie
Baptism of the Lord - YEAR C
- Lord Jesus, you were baptized by John and empowered by the Holy Spirit: Lord, have mercy.
- Christ Jesus, you were called by God to bring forth justice and peace: Christ, have mercy.
- Lord Jesus, you likewise call and empower us through our own baptism: Lord, have mercy.
SOURCE: CELEBRATION
⬇️ Collect
Baptism of the Lord - YEAR C
SOURCE: Julie Storr
⬇️ Lectionary Readings
Baptism of the Lord - YEAR C
COMMENTARY | BIBLE STUDY | HOLY SEE
03:57 FIRST READING
05:12 RESPONSORIAL PSALM (Psalm 29)
06:56 SECOND READING
09:14 GOSPEL — Jesus’ baptism marks the beginning of his mission as God’s justice and covenant for the nations, calling us to manifest him as missionary disciples.
⬇️ Homily
Baptism of the Lord - YEAR C
POPE FRANCIS | POPE BENEDICT XVI
Homily Idea 1: The Power of Expectation
In today’s Gospel, the people were filled with expectation, wondering if John the Baptist was the Christ. This sense of anticipation reminds us that even in our modern world, we too can nurture a longing for God’s presence and action in our lives. As we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord, let us cultivate an attitude of openness and expectancy, knowing that God is at work in ways we may not always understand.
Homily Idea 2: The Descent of the Holy Spirit
After Jesus’ baptism, the Holy Spirit descended upon him in the form of a dove. This powerful image reminds us that the same Spirit is present in our own lives, offering guidance, strength, and comfort. As we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord, let us remember that we too have been anointed and sealed with the Holy Spirit, and let us seek to live in accordance with the Spirit’s promptings.
Homily Idea 3: The Father’s Affirmation
A voice from heaven declared, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” This affirmation from the Father serves as a reminder that we are all beloved children of God. As we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord, let us embrace our identity as God’s beloved, and let us strive to live in a way that is pleasing to our heavenly Father.
⬇️ Prayers of the Faithful
Baptism of the Lord - YEAR C
Discover a vast collection of over 100 petitions that are thoughtfully updated each week, ensuring a strong connection to the Sunday Readings. These petitions, designed for the Prayers of the Faithful during Mass, provide a relevant and meaningful way for your parish community to unite in prayer and intercession.
CHURCH | WORLD | SPECIAL NEEDS | COMMUNITY
Presider We pray now for all families and for all who attempt to live Presider Let us pray now about the work we are called to do and the concerns of the world.
Minister For the church: that it may vigorously embrace and celebrate all cultures and people across the earth, we pray:
- For those still longing for justice and peace in violence-ridden neighborhoods, substandard housing, refugee camps or at our nation’s borders, we pray:
- For a peaceful and just resolution to the struggle between Israel and Palestine and within conflict-torn nations in Latin America and the Middle East; and for those who strive for diplomatic solutions, we pray:
- For those whose lives have been adversely affected by those who call themselves Christians but do not act as followers of Christ and for those who struggle to understand the interface between the Gospel and complex social issues or politics, we pray:
- For those who use religion especially Christianity as a weapon for persecuting others, especially people of other faiths or those who interpret the Gospel differently, we pray:
- For a commitment to creatively share our faith with family members and friends, co-workers and neighbors through our words, actions and parish ministries, we pray:
Presider Gracious God, at his baptism, you called Jesus, to be a new, living sign of your justice and peace. Give us the courage to live our own baptismal call and to evangelize others to join us. We ask this in the name of Jesus, your beloved Son. Amen.
SOURCE: CELEBRATION
⬇️ Preface
Baptism of the Lord - YEAR C
It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God.
For in the waters of the Jordan
you revealed with signs and wonders a new Baptism,
so that through the voice that came down from heaven
we might come to believe in your Word dwelling among us,
and by the Spirit’s descending in the likeness of a dove
we might know that Christ your Servant
has been anointed with the oil of gladness
and sent to bring the good news to the poor.
And so, with the Powers of heaven,
we worship you constantly on earth,
and before your majesty
without end we acclaim:
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts . . .
SOURCE: LITURGIES.NET
⬇️ Prayer After Communion
Baptism of the Lord - YEAR C
SOURCE: Julie Storr
RESOURCES
General Instruction of the Roman Missal
How to Create the Liturgical Environment for Advent and Christmas – by Rev. Philip Horrigan
A Simple Guide to Liturgical Enviornment (DIocese of New Ulm PDF)
Common Questions on Liturgical Norms – by Father Edward McNamara, rofessor of liturgy at the Regina Apostolorum Pontifical Athenaeum
DIRECTORY OF
POPULAR PIETY
AND THE LITURGY
Directory (Vatican)
Advent (PDF)
Christmastide (PDF)
Lent (PDF)
Holy Week (PDF)
Eastertide (PDF)
GUIDELINES AND RESOURCES
Using Rite of Sprinkling for the Baptism of the Lord
It’s NOT only for Easter
The Rite of Sprinkling is a liturgical ceremony in which the priest blesses water and sprinkles it upon the congregation as a reminder of their baptism. It is used to be called the Asperges, which comes from the Latin word for “sprinkling.”
The rite usually takes place at the beginning of Mass, after the entrance hymn and before the Gloria, and is often accompanied by a hymn or antiphon. The priest may use a branch of hyssop or a special sprinkler called an aspergillum to sprinkle the water.
The ceremony is intended to remind the faithful of their baptismal promises and of the forgiveness of sins that comes through baptism. It is often used during the Easter season, as well as on other occasions when the theme of baptism is emphasized, such as the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.
Other Liturgical Environment Considerations
- Colors: Incorporate white and blue colors into the liturgical environment, as these represent purity, innocence, and water. You might use white altar cloths and vestments, and incorporate blue accents through flowers, banners, or projected images.
- Font and Water: Highlight the baptismal font. If possible, fill it with water and decorate the surrounding area with white flowers or candles to signify the sanctity of baptism. You may also consider displaying a large bowl of holy water at the entrance of the church, allowing parishioners to bless themselves as they enter.
- Symbolic Representations: Display images or artwork depicting Jesus’ baptism by John in the Jordan River or the descent of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove. These visual reminders can help the congregation connect with the scripture readings and themes of the day.
Celebrating the Sacrament of Baptism
For parishes with infants ready for baptism, this feast day provides an excellent opportunity to celebrate the sacrament within the Mass. This allows the entire congregation to witness and participate in the sacred rite, strengthening the bonds of the church community.
Christmas Decorations
The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord marks the end of the Christmas season, and is observed on the Sunday following the Epiphany, or on January 6th if the Epiphany falls on a Sunday.
Christmas decorations can be kept up until this feast day, but should be taken down AFTER the Masses of the weekend. Monday marks the beginning of Ordinary Time in the liturgical calendar.
Jubilee Holy Year 2025
The Jubilee Year begins on Christmas Eve in Rome. Be sure to download Fr. Horning’s 16 page e-book with Resources to help you understand and celebrate the Jubilee and Holy Year of 2025!
Baptism of the Lord - YEAR C
SOURCE: OCP Liturgy Podcasts
“I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming… He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
The Baptism of Jesus is a celebration of our own baptism.
⬇️ Entrance
Baptism of the Lord - YEAR C
⬇️ Responsorial
O Bless the Lord, My Soul
Rick Modlin
Baptism of the Lord - YEAR C
⬇️ Presentation
Of the Father’s Love Begotten
Traditional; arr. by Curtis Stephen
Baptism of the Lord - YEAR C
⬇️ Communion
Put On Christ
Bob Hurd
Baptism of the Lord - YEAR C
⬇️ Sending Forth
Baptism of the Lord - YEAR C
Highlight text or double-click a paragraph anywhere on the site to ADD TO NOTES. You can also click ASK AI to copy your selection to the clipboard with a command prompt, ready for you to paste manually into the chat above.