The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
31st May 2026
Holy Communion
Preparation for Communion
Jesus says: Come to me all that labour and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you. (Matthew 11: 28)
God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that all who believe in him should not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3: 16)
I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me shall never be hungry and whoever believes in me shall never be thirsty. (John 6: 35)
Thanksgiving
Thank God for all the many blessings you have received, and for all that is at present being done for you; for all doctors and nurses; (for this hospital and all who work here).
Repentance
Ask God’s forgiveness for the ways in which you have failed him and others.
Intercession and petition
Pray for all those you love: (for the other patients in your ward;) (for all who will be receiving communion with you;) for all who look after you; for all in need; for yourself, that you may come closer to God and his healing power.
All Lord Jesus Christ, you came to the poor and powerless and gave them hope. Come to me in this wonderful sacrament and raise me up in love to you, for I am helpless without you.
Be calm in the knowledge that you are under the protection of Almighty God.
The following prayer may be used in place of the Collect for Purity:
God of peace, you teach us that in returning to you we shall be saved:
By the power of your Spirit lift us to your presence,
where quietness and confidence shall be our strength;
and where we may be still and know that you are God;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The Collect of the Day
Mighty God,
by whose grace Elizabeth rejoiced with Mary
and greeted her as the mother of the Lord:
Look with favour on your lowly servants
that, with Mary, we may magnify your holy name
and rejoice to acclaim her Son our Saviour,
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
The Ministry of the Word
One or two readings
a gospel reading should normally be included.
Suggested Hymns
An asterisk (*) before the hymn number indicates that the hymn has been recorded for use in public worship by the Recorded Church Music Committee.
The priest says
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1: 8)
Let us confess our sins.
A short pause for self-examination.
All Almighty God, our heavenly Father, we have sinned in thought and word and deed, and in what we have left undone. We are truly sorry, and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us, that we may walk in newness of life to the glory of your name. Amen.
The priest says
Almighty God,
who forgives all who truly repent,
have mercy on you,
pardon and deliver you from all your sins,
confirm and strengthen you in all goodness,
and keep you in eternal life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Prayer
Those present may mention personal needs and thanksgivings. The laying on of hands and/or anointing with oil may take place here or after receiving Holy Communion
The Great Thanksgiving
The priest takes the bread and wine.
The Lord is here.
All His Spirit is with us.
Lift up your hearts.
All We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
All It is right to give our thanks and praise.
We give you thanks, our God and Father, for you have created us and you sustain us. Through your only Son Jesus Christ you have revealed your love and your care for all your people; you are ready to forgive and to save in time of need; so we proclaim your glory, saying
All Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest.
Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night that he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take, eat, this is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.
In the same way, after supper he took the cup; and when he had given thanks to you, he gave it to them, saying: Drink this, all of you, for this is my blood of the new covenant which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.
Therefore, Father, with this bread and this cup we do as Christ your Son commanded:
All we remember his passion and death, we celebrate his resurrection and ascension, and we look for the coming of his kingdom.
Accept through him our great high priest this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving; and, as we eat and drink these holy gifts, grant by the power of the life-giving Spirit, that we may be made one in your holy Church and partakers of the body and blood of your Son, that he may dwell in us and we in him:
Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, by whom, and with whom, and in whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
All all honour and glory are yours, Almighty Father, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen.
The priest breaks the bread, saying
The bread which we break is a sharing in the body of Christ.
All We, being many, are one body for we all share in the one bread.
Communion
After all have received, silence is kept for a space and the priest says
Let us pray.
Post Communion Prayer
Gracious God,
who gave joy to Elizabeth and Mary
as they recognised the signs of redemption at work within them:
Help us, who have shared in the joy of this eucharist,
to know the Lord deep within us
and his love shining out in our lives,
that the world may rejoice in your salvation;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
All Almighty God, we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food of the body and blood of your Son Jesus Christ. Through him we offer you our souls and bodies to be a living sacrifice. Strengthen us by the power of your Spirit to live and work to your praise and glory. Amen.
The Blessing
The peace of God, which passes all understanding,
keep your heart and mind
in the knowledge and love of God,
and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord;
and the blessing of God Almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be with you and remain with you always.
Amen.