the Celtic
Christian Church
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Ordination to the Diaconate of Thomas Marble
Gather Together
Bishop: The grace of the great God be upon you. All: The grace of the Virgin Mary’s Son be upon you.
Invocation
Bishop: God is Love, and all who worship must worship in Spirit and Truth (+Crossing himself), in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. All: Amen.
The Asperges
(Bishop Joe sprinkles us with Holy Water from Knock. Knock in Ireland is known for its healing.) (Bishop makes the sign of the cross over himself with the holy water.) Bishop: May the Lord purify me that I may worthily perform His service. (Sprinkling the middle of altar and chancel to his left and right) Bishop: In the strength of the Lord do I repel all evil from His holy altar and sanctuary, (Then turning to sprinkle the community and the room continues) Bishop: And from this holy house here to serve His purposes, and wherein we worship Him. (Turning back to the altar and returning the sprig to the bowl of water) Bishop: And I pray our heavenly Father the He will send His holy angels to build for us a spiritual temple through which His strength and blessing may be poured forth upon His people; through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
Bishop: The Lord be with you. All: And also with you.
Bishop: Eternal Word, You are the Light of the World, shining beyond the heavens, radiant sun, illuminating all regions, above, below, across. True light, enlightening every person coming into the world, You dispel the darkness of our hearts, and enlighten us with the splendor of Your glory. We sense Your Presence in this very moment. Bless, we pray, this day, as we proclaim Your Presence and Your power.
All: Amen. (remain standing)
Prayer in the Spirit of St. Pádraig’s Breastplate.
Cait: (+) I bind unto myself today the strong Name of the Trinity, by invocation of the same, the Three in One and One in Three.
All: I bind this day to me forever, by power of faith, Christ’s Incarnation; His baptism in the Jordan River, His death on the cross for my salvation; His bursting from the spiced tomb; His riding up the heavenly way; His coming on the day of doom;
Cait: I bind unto myself today, the great love of the Cherubim; the sweet “Well done” in judgment hour; the service of the Seraphim, Confessors’ faith, Apostle’s word, the Patriarch’s prayers, the Prophet’s scrolls; all good deeds unto the Lord, and purity of virgin souls.
All: I bind unto myself today the virtues of the starlit heaven, the glorious sun’s life-giving ray, the whiteness of the mood at even, the flashing of the lightning free, the whirling wind’s tempestuous shocks, the stable earth, the deep salt sea, around the old eternal rocks.
Cait: I bind unto myself today the power of God to hold and lead, His eye to watch, His might to stay, His ear to hearken to my need. The wisdom of my god to teach, His hand to guide, His shield to ward; the Word of God to give me speech, His heavenly host to be my guard against the demons snares of sin, the natural lusts that war within,
All: the hostile ones that mar my course, few or many, far or nigh, in every place, and in all hours, against their fierce hostility, I bind to me these holy powers against all Satan’s spells and wiles, against false words of heresy, against the knowledge that defiles,
Cait: against the heart’s idolatry, against the wizard’s evil craft, against the death wound and the burning, the choking wave and poisoned shaft, protect me Christ till Your returning.
All: Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
Cait: I bind unto myself today, the strong Name of the Trinity
All: by invocation of the Same: the Three in One and One in Three, of Whom all nature has creation: Eternal Father, Word and Spirit! Praise to the Lord of my salvation! Salvation is of Christ the Lord! Amen.
PENITENTIAL RITE
Bishop: Let us pray. Bound in love to the Triune God, let us call upon the Lord of our salvation and recollect in silence those times when we have failed to live as beings created for Love, either because of that, which we have done, or for that which we have failed to do. (Silent pause for examination of conscience) Let us pray together then to the God of Mercies… All: I confess to Almighty god, and to you, my brothers and sister, that I have sinned through my own fault; in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do. And I ask blessed Mary, ever virgin, all the angels and saints, and you my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God. Amen. Bishop: Amen! Rejoice, you angels and saints in heaven, as Christ has taught us you would—even over one repentant sinner. And let us celebrate my sisters and brothers, together with our god Who rejoices with us like the woman whose coin had been lost and is found... Holy Triune God, You Who welcome us as we are, have mercy on us, forgive us our sins and be revealed to us in the celebration of this liturgy. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen. Bishop: Glory to God in the highest,
All:
And peace to His people on earth. Lord God, Heavenly King, Almighty God and
Father we worship You, we give You thanks, we praise You for Your glory!
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father!
Lord God, Lamb of God! You take away the sins of the world, Lord, have mercy on
us.
OPENING PRAYER
Bishop: O God of unchangeable power and eternal light, look favorably upon Your whole church, that wonderful and sacred mystery. By the effectual working of Your Providence, carry out in tranquility the plan of salvation ; let the whole world see and know that things which were being cas down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection by Him through Whom all things were made—Your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, Who lives and reighns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God of Love, forever and ever.
All: Amen
The Liturgy of the Word (Sit)
First Reading: 1 Kings 19:4a, 8b-13 Reader: The Word of the Lord All: Thanks be to God
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 27
Second Reading: Philippians 2:5-11 Reader: The Word of the Lord All: Thanks be to God
The Gradual Bishop: He that loves wisdom, loves life. All: And they that seek her early shall be filled with joy. Bishop: Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes. All: And I shall keep it until the end.
Bishop: I weave a silence into my mind. I weave a silence onto my lips. I weave a silence within my heart. I close my ears to confusion. I close my eyes to enticements. I close my heart to temptations. Calm me, my Savior, as you stilled the storm. Comfort me, my Redeemer, keep me from all destruction. Let all turmoil within me cease. Enfold me, Lord Christ, with Your peace.
Priest: Cleanse my heart and my lips, O God, Who by the hand of Your angel cleansed the lips of the prophet Isaiah with a burning coal from Your altar; and in Your loving kindness so purify me that I may worthily proclaim Your Holy Gospel, through Christ Our Lord.
All: Amen.
Priest: May the Lord be in my heart (+) and on my lips (+) that through my heart the love of god may shine forth and through my lips His power be made manifest.
ALL STAND Celtic Alleluia -Sung
Gospel: John 12:1-15
Priest: The Lord be with you. All: And also with you. Priest: A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John All: Glory to You O Lord
Priest: The Gospel of the Lord All: Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.
Homily
Priest: Let us pray for the Church and for the world. Grant, Almighty god that all who confess Your Name may be united in Your truth, live together in Your love, and reveal Your glory in the world. In Your Mercy, All: Hear our prayer. P: Guide the people of our land, and all the nations in the ways of justice and peace that we may honor one another and serve the common good. In Your mercy All: Hear our prayer. P: Give us all a reverence for the earth as Your own creation, that we may use its resources rightly in the service of others and to Your honor and glory, In Your mercy All: Hear our prayer. P: Bless all whose lives are closely linked with ours (especially…here mention those for whom we pray) and grant that we may serve Christ in them, and love one another as He loved us. In Your mercy, All: Hear our prayer. P: Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind or spirit (especially…mention those for whom we pray); give them courage and hope in their troubles, and bring them the joy of Your salvation. In Your mercy, All: Hear our prayer. P: We commend to your mercy all who have died (especially…mention those for whom we pray), that Your will for them may be fulfilled; and we pray that we may share with all the saints in Your eternal kingdom. In Your mercy, All: Hear our prayer. P: We pray that there may be peace in the Holy Land and in the Holy Isles, that our division may cease, that we may be delivered from hardness of heart, and that ll amy be one in Christ, In Your mercy All: Hear our prayer. P: Holy Triune god, hear the prayers we make to You. Touch and bless all those we have prayed for and all those who are in our minds and hearts, and lead us all unfailingly to You. We ask it through Christ our Savior: All: Amen.
Profession of Faith: The Nicene Creed
We believe
in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is,
seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from
true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through Him all
things were made. For us and for our salvation He came down from heaven: by the
power of the Holy Spirit He became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made
man. For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate; He suffered death and
was buried. On the third day He rose again in accordance with the Scriptures;
He ascended into heaven
RITE OF ORDINATION “Here I Am Lord” Sung by all Presentation of the Candidate Bishop Joe: Let him whom the Lord now calls to be ordained deacon stand as his name is called, and answer: "Tá mé seo, a Thiarna" I am here, Lord. THOMAS MARBLE! (Thomas stands before the bishop and bows to him, then responds:) Thomas: "Tá mé seo, a Thiarna" I am here, Lord. Jane: Most Reverend Father, our holy Mother the Church-catholic prays that you will ordain this man, our brother, for service as deacon. Bishop: Do you believe that the manner of his life and his dedication to Christ and His Body, the Church, make him suitable to the exercise of this ministry? Jane: I do so believe him to be qualified for this Holy Order. Bishop: (to Thomas) Thomas, will you be faithful to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of Christ as these have been received by the Celtic Christian church? Thomas: I will. Bishop: Do you solemnly believe in the Holy Scriptures as the living Word of God, the Nicene Creed as an accurate summation of the faith delivered by Christ to the Apostles, and that the Seven Ecumenical Councils of the undivided Church were guided by the Holy spirit; and that these three—the Holy Scriptures, the Nicene Creed, and the Sacred Councils—reveal all things necessary to salvation? Thomas: I do so solemnly believe. Bishop: And will you promise respect and obedience to me, your bishop, and other ministers who may have legitimate authority over you and your ministry? Thomas: I do solemnly vow respect and obedience to you and other ministers who will have legitimate authority over me and my ministry. Bishop (to the CCC members present): Dear sisters and brothers in Christ, you know the importance of this ministry. You also know well our brother Thomas. Tell me, do you believe he is willing and able to serve those in need as a minister of the Word, of the altar, and of Charity? All: We do. Bishop: Do you believe that he bases his life on the Holy Scriptures? All: We do. Bishop: Do you believe that he is willing and able to manifest Christ’s love to others through his ministry and example? All: We do. All STAND Bishop (to all): If any of you know of any impediment or crime because of which we should not proceed come forward and make it known (pause) Is it your will that this Aspirant be ordained Deacon? All: It is. Bishop: Will you uphold him in his ministry? All: We will. (All SIT) Bishop (to Thomas): My brother, every Christian is called to follow Jesus Christ, serving God the Father, through the power of the Holy Spirit. God now calls you to a special ministry of servanthood directly under your Bishop. In the Name of Jesus Christ you are to serve all people, especially the poor, the sick, the weak and the lonely. As a Deacon in the Church, you are to study the Holy Scriptures, to seek nourishment from them, and to model your life upon them. You are to make Christ and His redemptive Love known by your work and example, to those among whom you live, work, and worship. You are to interpret to the Church the needs, concerns and hopes of the world. You are to assist the Bishop and Priests in public worship and in the ministration of God’s Word and Sacraments, and to carry out other duties as they may be assigned to you. At all times, your life and teaching are to show Christ’s people that in serving the helpless they are serving Christ Himself. My brother, do you believe that you are truly called by God and his Church to the life and work of a Deacon? Thomas: I believe I am so called. Bishop: Do you now in the presence of the Church commit yourself to this trust and responsibility? Thomas: I do. Bishop: Will you be guided by the pastoral direction and leadership of your bishop who is first and foremost an Anamchara to you? Thomas: I will. Bishop: Will you be faithful in prayer, and in the reading and study of the Holy Scriptures? Thomas: I will. Bishop: Will you look for Christ in all others, being ready to help and serve those in need as a friend of the soul? Thomas: I will. Bishop: Will you do your best to pattern your own personal life, your family life with your wife and extended family, and the larger community in accordance with the teachings of Christ, so that you may be a wholesome example to all people? Thomas: I will. Bishop: Will you in all things seek not your own glory but the glory of Jesus, the Christ? Thomas: I will. (Music for litany begins softly. Thomas prostrates himself before the Bishop. The Bishop prays. All others remain seated.) Bishop: Let us pray, dear friends, that almighty God may pour out the gifts of the Spirit upon this servant, whom the Lord receives in to the Holy Order of Deacons. Litany is prayed/sung. Cantor: All: Michael and all angels Pray for us… Abraham and Sarah Jacob and Isaac Elijah and Moses Ruth and Samuel David & Solomon Isaiah, Jeremiah. All you holy men and women pray for us. Anna, & Joachim, Pray for us… Mary and Joseph Elizabeth, John the Baptist Peter, Paul and Andrew James, John and all Apostles Mary Magdalene, Barsabas Matthias, Barnabus Stephen, Philip & Cornelius All you holy men and women pray for us. Lawrence and Chrysogonus Pray for us… Innocent and Boniface Hippolytus and Origen Athanasius and Basil -Felicity, Perpetua Cosmos and Damian John Crysostom and John Casian Lucy, Agatha and Agnes All you holy men and women pray for us. Eusebius and Justin Pray for us… Ambrose, Irenaeus Jerome and Augustine Pelagius and Julian -Palladius and Pádraig Brigid Ita, Brendan Columba, Kevin, David Fiacre, and Donald All you holy men and women pray for us. John Scotus Eriugena Ciaran, Colman, Declan Hilda, Mel, and Dwynwen Abelard and Eloise -Francis, Clare and Anthony Dominic and Catherine Jeanne d'Arc, Rita, Roc, Thomas Aquinas -Oliver Plunkett Catherine McAuley Matthew Talbot Padre Pio All you holy men and women pray for us. Lord be merciful Save your people… From all evil From every sin From everlasting death By Your incarnation By Your death and resurrection By Your gift of the Spirit Have mercy on us sinners Christ hear us, Lord Jesus hear our prayer. Lord give new life Hear our prayer… To Your chosen By the grace of ordination O Jesus, Son of God Send Your Spirit In Her fullness On Your servant Thomas Who believes, and professes You. Christ hear us, Lord Jesus hear our prayer. Bishop: (STANDING) Lord God, hear our petitions and grant Your assistance to this act of our ministry. We judge this man worthy to serve as deacon and we ask You to bless him and make him holy. Grant this through Christ our Lord. All: AMEN
LAYING ON OF HANDS BY THE COMMUNITY +Joe announces that members of the community may come forward at this time to offer brief prayer for Thomas. +Joe is then SEATED. Thomas rises from the floor, and kneels on a pillow. Members lay hands and pray. Chanting: Come Holy Spirit PRAYER OF ORDINATION (Art brings Joe his miter, Thomas remains kneeling, Community takes a few moments of silence. Joe puts on his mitre and stands.) (Bishop standing with hands extended, flanked by Art and Jane. Art holds bishop’s book, and Jane holds his crozier): Bishop: O God, most merciful Father, be present with us in Your love. We praise You for sending your Son Jesus Christ, Who took upon himself the form of a servant, and humbled Himself, becoming obedient even to death on the Cross. We praise You that You have highly exalted Him, and make Him Lord of all; and that through Him, we know that whoever would be great must be servant of all. We praise you, for the many ministries in Your Church, and for calling this man, Your servant, to the Order of Deacons. (Here +Joe lays hands on Thomas’ head, pausing for a few moments in silent prayer. Then with hands still imposed, he prays aloud: Therefore, Father, through Jesus Christ Your Son, give Your Holy Spirit to Thomas Marble; fill him with grace and power and make him a Deacon in Your Church. (The Bishop then takes his crosier from Jane and touches the crosier to Thomas’ shoulders and prays: Make him, O Lord, modest and humble, strong and constant, to observe the discipline of Christ. Let his life and teaching so reflect Your commandments, that through them he may come to know You and love You. As Your Son came not to be served but to serve, may this Deacon share in Christ’s service, and come to the unending glory of him who, with You and the Holy spirit, lives and reigns, One God, now and forever. All: AMEN! THE VESTING OF THE NEW DEACON (Maura holds the Deacon’s stole while Bishop blesses it) Bishop: God bless this garment and make it a sign of Thomas’ humble service to You and to his neighbors. The new Deacon is now vested. Jane vests the Deacon with a stole which is placed over the left shoulder and fastened under the right arm. The Bishop makes a Sign of the Cross over the heart of the new Deacon as he prays: Bishop: Thomas, (+) take this stole for a symbol of your office remembering that it symbolizes Christ’s life, death and resurrection for the forgiveness of your sins and the power of the Holy Spirit to guide you in your Christian ministry. In the Name of the Father (+), and of the Son (+), and of the Holy Spirit (+) Thomas: AMEN. THE PRESENTATION OF THE GOSPELS (Michael brings the Holy Bible to Bishop Joe. Bishop Joe hands the Book to Thomas while saying this prayer: Bishop: Thomas, take the authority to read and proclaim the Gospel in the Church of God and to assist in the celebration of the Sacred Mysteries, (+) in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. All: AMEN THE BLESSING Bishop Joe blesses Thomas with these words: O Christ, Our Lord of Love, Who by the heavenly and earthly service of Angels which You order, shed over all Your creation the efficacy of Your Will; pour out on Thomas, Your servant the fullness of Your blessing (+) that, in the fellowship of the angels and the communion of saints, he may minister worthily at Your holy altar, boldly and truthfully proclaim Your Holy Gospel, and be endowed with heavenly virtue and grace, in the (+) Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. All: AMEN. THE OFFERING OF PEACE Bishop: Blessed be Almighty God--Father, Son and Holy Spirit! All: And blessed be God’s Kingdom, now and forever. Amen. Deacon Thomas: My brothers and sisters, the peace of Christ be with you. All: And also with you. Deacon Thomas: Let us offer one another the embrace of Peace. THE LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST (The altar is prepared by Thomas as the Offertory hymn is played. Once the altar is prepared, the gifts are brought forward by Melissa and given to Thomas.) Bishop: From the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same, God’s Name shall be magnified, and in every place incense shall be offered unto that holy Name and pure offering. There shall be heard in this place the voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving into the house of the Lord. Doxology Bishop and ALL: Praise God from who all blessing flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above you heavenly hosts. Praise Father Son and Holy Ghost. Amen. Bishop offers bread praying: We adore You, O god, Who are the Source of all life and goodness and with true and thankful hearts we offer unto You this sign of Your Own life-giving gifts bestowed upon us, You Who are the Giver of all. Thomas A(mixes water with wine praying quietly): according to immemorial custom, we now mix water with this wine, praying dear God that we may evermore abide in Christ and He in us. Bishop (offers the wine): We offer unto You, O God, this chalice with joy and gladness: may the worship we offer ascend before Your divine majesty as a sacrifice, pure and acceptable to Your sight, through Christ our Lord. All: Amen. (Jane brings Bishop Joe the thurible with the lit incense.) ( Bishop incenses the altar praying: As this incense rises before You, O God, so let our prayer be set forth in Your sight. Let Your holy angels encompass Your people and breathe forth upon them the Spirit of your Blessing (Bishop gives the incense to Thomas who incenses +Joe.) (Thomas returns the incense to Bishop who then incenses the community, bowing before and after each incensing and praying: May God enkindle us with the fire of Divine Love and the flame of everlasting Charity. All: Amen. Thomas returns to serve from Bishop Joe’s right side.) Art (serving from Bishop Joe’s left) then hands Thomas bowl and pitcher and lavabo towel. Thomas assists Bishop Joe in washing his hands. While Bishop Joe washes, he prays quietly: Bishop: I will wash my hands in innocence O God, and so will I go to Your altar, that I may show the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all Your wondrous works.
Orate Fratres Bishop: My sisters and brothers, pray that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to Almighty God. All: May God receive the sacrifice at your hands and sanctify our lives in holy service. Bishop We lay before You, dear God, these Your creatures of bread and wine, in token of our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, for here we offer and present to You ourselves, our souls and bodies, to be a holy and continual sacrifice unto You , that we, who are the very members incorporate in the mystical body of Your Son, which is the blessed company of all faithful people, may hear His most joyful voice: “Come unto Me, O you that are blessed of my Father and possess the kingdom which is prepared for you from the beginning of the world,” through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God throughout all ages of ages.
All: AMEN. Bishop: The Lord be with you. All: And also with you. Bishop: All: We lift them up to the Lord. Bishop: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. All: It is right to give God thanks and praise. Bishop: Living God, Giver of all holiness, Source of all Love, Foundation of all Wisdom, You take the dry bread of the earth and transform it into the Banquet of Heaven. You take the good wine of creation and enliven us with the new life of Your spirit. Indeed, we offer thanks and praise to You, living God, with hearts lifted high in the communion of Your Love, You draw us unto Yourself and toward one another, in Christ. Who in the fullness of time You sent among us as Redeemer, Lord, and Anamchara. He was moved with compassion for the poor and the powerless, for the sick and the sinner. He befriended the oppressed. By His words and actions He proclaimed to the world Your Love for all humankind, like a Mother’s love for her children. And so, Lord, You wipe away every tear from our eyes and turn our suffering into joy. You enter the empty places of our hearts, and bring Your holy light into our darkness. You take the broken pieces of our lives and restore us to a new creation. You bring order out of chaos, saving us in Your Love—the Love of Christ crucified, the love which abides with us now, the love which carries us through death to resurrection. All: You are the fullness of our being. You are the Mystery of our salvation. You are the All of our existence. Bishop: Therefore, with all creation that is around us, and all that is within us, our love, our hopes and our tears… All: We sing to You. Bishop: With the holy angels of light who watch over us, and with the whole company of heaven; with Your blessed ones, the saints, who have gone before us, and those who shall come after All: We sing to You. Bishop: With our brothers and sisters, from east and west, and with our loved ones separate from us now, who yet in this mystery remain ever with us, we join with all creation and the choirs of angels in the song of Your unending greatness:
All: Holy, Holy Holy Lord God of Power and Might Heaven and earth are full of Your glory Hosanna in the highest Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest!
PRAYER OF CONSECRATION Bishop: High King of the universe, Who sustains the worlds, Who brought forth the earth; You breathe wisdom into all Your creatures, until we reflect Your love. In our pain and sorrow we cry to Your tender Lamb, slain before the foundation of the world, perfect sacrifice for our sins. Who in the night in which He was betrayed took bread and broke it and gave it to His disciples, saying, “Take and eat of this all of you, for This is My Body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.” In like manner He took the cup. And after he had given thanks, He blessed it and gave it to His disciples, saying, “Take and drink of this all of you, for This is My Blood, the Blood of the new covenant which is shed for many for all for the remission of sins. As often as you do this, do it in remembrance of Me.” For as often as we eat of this Bread and drink of this Cup we proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes. Therefore, Heavenly God, with this bread and wine we remember the life our Lord offered for us. And we pray that You will send Your Holy Spirit, the spirit of our Lord and of His resurrection, that these elements may become for us the Body(+) and Blood (+) of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In the Name of the Father, and of the (+) Son and of the Holy Spirit.
All: AMEN.
Bishop: Now let us pray the prayer that Jesus taught us. Our Father… Fracture and Lamb of God (Deacon Thomas and Bishop break the Bread into pieces) Bishop: The Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the world. All: Have mercy on us. Bishop: You, that take away the sins of the world, All: Receive our prayer. Bishop: You that sit at the right hand of God the Father, All: Grant us peace, for You alone are holy, You alone are Lord, You alone O Christ with the Holy Spirit are the most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen. Communion Prayer Bishop and All: Lord, grant me, I pray You in the Name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, my God, through the receiving of this Blessed Sacrament, that love which knows no fall, so that my lamp may feel His kindling touch and know no quenching, may burn for me, and may give light for others. O Lord Christ, Who are present in the bread and wine, bless the path on which we tread and guide us in the way to Your Kingdom. Amen. Bishop: O Christ, Our Savior most sweet, deign to kindle our lamps through communion with You that they may shine continually in Your temple, and receive perpetual light from You, the Eternal Light, so that our darkness may be driven from us. May we become broken bread and poured out wine, abiding in You, and You in us. All: Amen. Bishop: Risen Christ, we welcome You! You are the flowering bough of creation. From You cascades music like a million stars, truth to cleanse a myriad of souls. From You flee demons, omens and all ill will. Around You rejoice the angels of light. Father, send us the tender Spirit of the Lamb; feed us with the Bread of Heaven; refresh us with the cup of salvation. Bishop: Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us! All: Therefore let us keep the feast. Communion. Post-Communion Prayer Priest: Salvation is of the Lord! All: Salvation is of the Lord! Priest: Salvation is of the Christ! All: Salvation is of the Christ! Bishop: Heaven is intertwined with earth. All: We have taken the Divine Life into ourselves. Bishop: And so each may say: B & ALL: I rise up clothed in the strength of Christ. I am no longer imprisoned by sin. I shall not be harmed by evil. I go clothed in Christ’s pure garments. Bishop: By the task that we have done we bind our souls to You, our Triune God. Bishop and All: Father, Son (+), and Holy Spirit. Amen. Priest sings: Salvation is of the Lord! All repeat: Salvation is of the Lord! Priest: Salvation is of the Christ! All: Salvation is of the Christ! Benediction Bishop: May god bless you and keep you. May God’s face shine upon you and be gracious to you, May God countenance be upon you and give you peace. In the Name of the Father, the Son (+), and of the Holy Spirit. All: Amen Deacon Thomas: Go in peace and in the strength of Christ. The Offering is complete. All: Thanks be to God, Alleluia! |
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