The Celtic Christian Church
# 1.
Original Eucharist of the CCC
This is the original Eucharist of the Celtic Christian Church and was celebrated by both
Bishop Joseph Grenier of the CCC and Bishop Thomas Faulkenbury of the Anamchara Celtic Fellowship.
It is based upon the Stowe Missal.
Although we encourage other Celtic liturgies as our communities create them,
this Eucharist is celebrated by the bishop for all CCC occasions
where our clergy and communities are gathered together.
Specific Scriptural Readings for the Liturgy can be found at:
DAILY READINGS FOR THE DAY
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KEY:
P= Priest
C= Congregation
D=Deacon
A=All
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A Contemporary Celtic Mass
Order of Service for Holy Eucharist
Prayer Before Mass
"CELTIC OFFERTORY"
Bring your gifts to the Lord and His altar of stone
As He opens His arms and welcomes His Own.
God's strength like an oak now shared with each one
through Christ we become a daughter or son
No blood sacrifice required today
No cruel appeasement for Love is the Way
We bring bread and wine symbolic of life
that is shared out of Love the new sacrifice.
And we offer to You, O God of our clan
each thought word and deed of each woman or man.
And with all creation we raise up our prayers
O Christ our salvation take our joys and cares.
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And the fire that lights the altar we dress
both warms us and guides us as we praise and bless.
And the blessed holy water that mingles with wine
a symbol of life that brings life divine.
And once we have eaten this meal that we share
Christ be thou our vision we see everywhere
Christ be in our neighbor, Christ be in our heart.
Christ be in our loved ones both near and apart.
Christ be our intention as we kiss in peace
Christ be in our wills, let all warring cease.
Christ be on this altar now in bread and wine
as we share together in this sacred sign.
(c.1995 c finnegan)
The Liturgy of the Word
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Prelude and Lighting of Altar Candles (Sit)
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Processional Hymn (Stand)
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Greeting (Sit)
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P: The grace of the great God be upon you.
C: The grace of the Virgin Mary's Son be upon you.
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Announcements (Sit)
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Invocation (Sit or Kneel)
P: God of the universe, listen to our prayers. Bend your ear to us. Let our supplications and prayers ascend to you. In the name of the one eternal God; Father, Son (+), and Holy Spirit.
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C: Amen.
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The Asperges (Sit or Kneel)
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Receiving the aspergill, the Priest makes the sign of the Cross over himself with it, saying:
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P: May the Lord purify me that I may worthily perform His service.
Sprinkling the altar in the middle, then the chancel to his left and to his right, he continues:
P: In the strength of the Lord do I repel all evil from this His holy altar and sanctuary,
Turning to the people and sprinkling them with the same motion:
P: And from this house wherein we worship him;
Turning back to the altar and resigning the aspergill:
P: And I pray our heavenly Father that He will send His holy angel to build for us a spiritual temple through which His strength and blessing may be poured forth upon His people; through Christ our Lord.
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C: Amen.
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Lorica Sancti Patritii (Stand)
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D: I bind unto myself today the strong name of the Trinity,
C: By invocation of the same, the Three in One, and One in Three.
D: I bind this day to me forever, by power of faith, Christ's Incarnation;
C: His baptism in the River Jordan;
D: His death on the Cross for my salvation;
C: His bursting from the spiced tomb;
D: His riding up the heavenly way;
C: His coming at the day of doom.
D: I bind unto myself the power of the great love of the Cherubim;
C: The sweet "Well done" in judgment hour;
D: The service of the Seraphim;
C: Confessor's faith, Apostles' word;
D: The Patriarchs' prayers, the Prophets' scrolls;
C: All good deeds done unto the Lord.
D: I bind unto myself today the virtues of the starlit heaven;
C: The glorious sun's life-giving ray;
D: The whiteness of the moon at even;
C: The flashing of the lightening free;
D: The whirling wind's tempetuous shocks;
C: The stable earth; the deep salt sea.
D: I bind unto myself today the power of God to hold and lead;
C: His eye to watch, His might to stay;
D: The wisdom of my God to teach;
C: His hand to guide, His shield to ward;
D: The Word of God to give me speech;
C: His heavenly host to be my guard:
D: Against the demon snares of sin;
C: The natural lusts that war within;
D: The hostile men than mar my course;
C: Few or many, far or nigh;
D: In every place and in all hours;
C: Against their fierce hostility.
D: I bind to me these holy powers against all Satan's spells and wiles;
C: Against false words of heresy;
D: Against the knowledge that defiles;
C: Against the heart's idolatry;
D: Against the wizard's evil craft;
C: Against the death-wound and the burning;
D: The choking wave and poisoned shaft;
C: Protect me, Christ, til thy returning.
D: Christ be with me, Christ within me;
C: Christ behind me, Christ before me;
D: Christ beside me, Christ to win me;
C: Christ to comfort and restore me;
D: Christ beneath me, Christ above me;
C: Christ in quiet, Christ in danger;
D: Christ in hearts of all that love me;
C: Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
D: I bind unto myself the strong name of the Trinity;
C: By invocation of the same; the Three in One, and One in Three;
D: Of whom all nature hath creation;.
C: Eternal Father, Word (+), and Spirit.
D: Praise to the Lord of my salvation.
C: Salvation is of Christ the Lord.
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Collect of Purity (Sit or Kneel)
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P: Enkindle, we beseech You, O Lord, the light of our understanding, and pour love into our hearts, that we may be able to worthily love and worship You.
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C: Amen.
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Call to Repentance (Sit or Kneel)
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P: As we draw near to the peace of atonement, may we see the wonder of God's presence, may we see the wasting of God's people, and may we see the wounding of God's Son.
C: Amen.
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Kyrie (Sit or Kneel)
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General Confession (Sit or Kneel)
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P: Heavenly Father; we are the race that helped make the cross on which Your Son was crucified. We are the race that helped make the nails which pierced His body. We are the race that continues to betray Him. Lord, have mercy and hear us when we pray.
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ALL: I confess to almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned through my own most grievous fault, in my thought, word and deeds, by what I have done and by what I have left undone. I have not loved God with all my heart and I have not loved my neighbor as myself. In that I have broken one of the least of the Commandments I have broken the entire Law. For all my sins I am truly sorry and I humbly repent. Lord, have mercy on me and forgive me my sins for the sake of Your beloved Son Jesus Christ. Amen.
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P: As a called and ordained priest of Christ's Church and on His authority I declare unto you the entire forgiveness of all your sins, through His atoning death and glorious resurrection; in the Name of the Father, and of the Son (+), and of the Holy Spirit.
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C: Amen.
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Collect of the Day (Sit or Kneel)
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Priest: Good Shepherd, we come together before You, a broken and scattered remnant. Gather us and lead us to verdent pastures that we may always hear Your voice and follow You.
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All: Amen.
Prophetic Lesson (Sit) See: DAILY READINGS OF THE DAY
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L: A reading from the
THE WORD OF GOD...
C: Thanks be to the Lord of the Elements, God of all nations.
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The Psalm (Stand)
(The appointed Psalm is said or sung responsively.)
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Apostolic Lesson (Sit)
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THE WORD OF GOD!
ALL: THANKS BE TO GOD!
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The Gradual (Stand)
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P: He that loves wisdom, loves life.
C: And they that seek her early shall be filled with joy.
P: Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes.
C: And I shall keep it unto the end.
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Munda Cor Meum (Stand)
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The Priest stands before the altar and says:
P: 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 destruction. Let all turmoil within me cease. Enfold me, Lord Christ, with your peace.
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The Priest then kneels before the altar and says the following prayer:
P: 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.
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C: Amen.
P: 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.
C: Amen.
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P or D: Alleluia! Alleluia!
ALL: R. Alleluia! Alleluia!
P/D: Verse
ALL: R. Alleluia! Alleluia!
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The Holy Gospel (Stand)
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P: A reading from the Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to...
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C: Glory be to You, O Lord!
P/D:
P/D: The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
C: Praise be to You, O Christ.
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Sermon (Sit)
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The Prayers of the People (Sit)
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D: 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. Lord, in your mercy,
C: Hear our prayer.
D: Guide the people of this land, and of all the nations, in the ways of justice and peace; that we may honor one another and serve the common good. Lord, in your mercy,
C: Hear our prayer.
D: 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. Lord, in your mercy,
C: Hear our prayer.
D: Bless all whose lives are closely linked with ours (especially, ...) and grant that we may serve Christ in them, and love one another as He loved us. Lord, in your mercy,
C: Hear our prayer.
D: Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit (especially, ...); give them courage and hope in their troubles, and bring them the joy of your salvation. Lord, in your mercy,
C: Hear our prayer.
D: We commend to your mercy all who have died (especially, ...), that your will for them may be fulfilled; and we pray that we may share with all the saints in your eternal kingdom. Lord, in your mercy,
C: Hear our prayer.
D: We pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for the peace of the Holy Isles; that our divisions may cease, that we may be delivered from hardness of heart, and that all may be one through Jesus Christ our Lord.
C: Amen.
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OPEN TO SPONTANEOUS PRAYER
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Hymn (Stand)
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Nicene Creed (Stand)
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ALL: I believe in one God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in all things visible and invisible; and in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary, and was made man, and crucified for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered, died, and was buried, the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father; he shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end. And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father, who with the Father and Son is worshiped and glorified; who spoke by the Prophets. And I believe in one holy, catholic, and apostolic church; I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins, and I look for the resurrection of the dead (+), and the life of the world to come. Amen.
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Gloria Patri (Stand)
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P: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son (+), and to the Holy Spirit.
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C: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
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The Litany of Victory (Stand)
(OPTIONAL ON SOME OCCASIONS)
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D: May the saints be with you.
C: And also with you.
D: With St. John the Evangelist who soars like an eagle,
C: We claim the victory of the Lord.
D: With St. Andrew, Apostle, martyr, and Patron of Scotland,
C: We claim the victory of the Lord.
D: With the Fathers of the Desert who were weaned from selfishness,
C: We claim the victory of the Lord.
D: With St. Ninian of the shining household of faith,
C: We claim the victory of the Lord.
D: With St. Brendan the navigator of spiritual pilgrimage,
C: We claim the victory of the Lord.
D: With St. David, flame and faith-builder of Wales,
C: We claim the victory of the Lord.
D: With St. Patrick, slave of Christ and Apostle of the Irish,
C: We claim the victory of the Lord.
D: With St. Brigid, mid-wife of faith to the people,
C: We claim the victory of the Lord.
D: With St. Kentigern, faithful pilgrim and founder of communities,
C: We claim the victory of the Lord.
D: With St. Columcille, Christ's giant of the Holy Isles,
C: We claim the victory of the Lord.
D: With St. Aidan, gentle shepherd and apostle of England,
C: We claim the victory of the Lord.
D: With St. Ita, foster-mother of all the Celtic saints,
C: We claim the victory of the Lord.
D: With St. Morgan, father of Celtic theology and martyr of the intellect,
C: We claim the victory of the Lord.
D: With St. Columbanus, preacher, teacher and example of piety,
C: We claim the victory of the Lord.
D: With St. Ciaran, friend of God's creatures,
C: We claim the victory of the Lord.
D: With St. Declan, prince and healer of disease,
C: We claim the victory of the Lord.
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All: With St. Colman, defender of the Faith,
All: We claim the victory of the Lord; which is ours through Christ the Triumphant King.
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The Peace (Stand)
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P: Jesus Christ, the King of Tenderness, binds us with a bond of love that cannot be broken. My brothers and sisters, the peace of Christ be with you.
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All: And also with you.
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Liturgy of Eucharist
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The Offertory (Sit)
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P: From the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same the Lord's name shall be magnified; and in every place incense shall be offered unto His name and a 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.
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The Doxology (Stand)
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All A: Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
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P: We adore thee, 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.
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He pours wine and a little water into the chalice saying:
P: According to immemorial custom, we now mix water with this wine, praying, O Lord, that we may evermore abide in Christ and He in us.
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He offers the chalice saying:
P: We offer unto you, O Lord, this chalice with joy and gladness; may the worship we offer ascend before your divine majesty as a sacrifice, pure and acceptable in your sight; through Christ our Lord.
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All: Amen.
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The Censing of the Altar (Sit)
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A priest censes the altar, saying:
P: As this incense rises before you, O Lord, 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.
He then censes the assisting ministers and the people, saying:
P: May the Lord enkindle within us the fire of His love and the flame of everlasting charity.
All: Amen.
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Lavabo (Sit)
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P: I will wash my hands in innocency, O Lord: and so will I go to your altar. That I may show the voice of thanksgiving; and tell of all your wondrous works. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son (+), and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and forever shall be; world without end.
All: Amen.
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Priest: Lord, be with me in the breaking of the bread and in the offering of wine. Bless my body and soul for they are yours.
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All: Amen.
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Orate Fratres (Sit)
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P: Brethren, pray that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God the Father Almighty.
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C: May the Lord receive the sacrifice at your hands and sanctify our lives in His service.
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P: We lay before you, O Lord, these your creatures of bread and wine, in token of our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving; for here we offer and present unto you ourselves, our souls and bodies, to be a holy and continual sacrifice unto you, that we, who are 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 ofthe Holy Spirit, ever one God throughout all ages of ages.
All: Amen.
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Sursum Corda and Sanctus (Stand)
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P: The Lord be with you.
All: And with your spirit.
P: Lift up your hearts.
All: We lift them up unto the Lord.
P: Let us give thanks unto the Lord our God.
All: It is proper and right so to do.
Priest: It is very proper, right, and our bounden duty that we should at all times and in all places give thanks unto you, O Lord, Holy Father, almighty, everlasting God; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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Proper Preface is said followed by:
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P: Therefore, with angels and archangels, with the Holy Apostles, the Blessed Saints, and all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify your glorious name, evermore praising you and saying,
All: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts; heaven and earth are full of your glory. Glory be to you, O Lord most high. Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest!
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The Stowe Preface
Father, all powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give You thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord.
You, O Father, with Your only-begotten Son and the Holy Spirit are God.
You are God, One immortal;
You are God, incorruptible and unmoving;
You are God, invisible and faithful;
You are God, wonderful and worthy of praise;
You are God, strong and worthy of honor;
You are God, most high and magnificent;
You are God, living and true;
You are God, wise and powerful;
You are God, holy and splendid;
You are God, great and good;
You are God, awesome and peace-loving;
You are God, beautiful and righteous;
You are God, pure and kind;
You are God, blessed and just;
You are God, tender and holy;
You are God, not in the singularity of one person,
But in the Trinity of substance.
We believe You;
We bless You:
We adore You;
And praise Your Name for evermore.
We praise You through Christ Who is the salvation of the universe;
Through Christ Who is the life of human beings;
Through Christ Who is the resurrection of the dead.
Through Him the angels praise Your majesty;
The dominations adore;
The powers of the heaven of heavens tremble;
The virtues and the blessed seraphim concelebrate in exultation;
So grant, we pray You, that our voices may be admitted to that of the chorus, in humble declaration of Your glory, as we say/sing:
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A: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts; heaven and earth are full of your glory. Glory be to you, O Lord most high. Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest!
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Prayer of Consecration (Sit or Kneel)
(Based on Celtic folk-prayers.)
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P: 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 into His holy and venerable hands. And after He had given thanks, He blessed it 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 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.
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A: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
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P: Therefore, Heavenly Father, 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.
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C: Amen.
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The Lord's Prayer (Sit or Kneel)
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P: And now we pray as our Savior taught us.
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The Priest elevates the host.
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C: Our Father, in heaven; holy be Your name. Your reign come; Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Do not put us to the test, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the reign, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
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Fracture and Agnus Dei (Sit or Kneel)
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The Priest breaks the host while it is elevated.
P: O Lamb of God, that takes away the sins of the world;
C: Have mercy on us.
P: You that take away the sins of the world;
C: Receive our prayer.
P: You that sit on the right hand of God the Father;
A: Grant us your peace. For you only are holy; you only are the Lord. You only, O Christ, with the Holy Spirit, are most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
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Communion Prayer (Sit or Kneel)
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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 is present in the bread and wine, bless the path on which we tread and guide us in the way to your Kingdom. Amen.
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P: Lord 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.
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C: Amen.
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Holy Communion (Sit or Kneel)
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P: 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.
P: (The celebrant communes.) Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.
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C: Therefore, let us keep the feast.
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The Invitation (Sit or Kneel)
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P: Draw near with faith, and receive this Blessed Sacrament for your spiritual health and comfort.
C: Amen.
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QUIET TIME FOR PERSONAL THANKSGIVING
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Post-Communion (Sit or Kneel)
Sung out when possible:
P: Salvation is of the Lord!
C: Salvation is of the Lord!
P: Salvation is of the Christ!
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P: Heaven is intertwined with earth.
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C: We have taken the divine life into ourselves.
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P: And so each may say,
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A: 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.
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P: By the task that we have done we bind our souls to you;
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A: Father, Son (+), and Holy Spirit. Amen.
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Benediction (Sit or Kneel)
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P: May the Lord bless you and keep you. May he make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. May he lift up his countenance on you and give you peace. In the name of the Father, and of the Son (+), and of the Holy Spirit.
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C: Amen.
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Recessional Hymn (Stand)
Extinguishing of Candles & Postlude (Sit)
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Dismissal (Sit)
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D: Go in peace and in the strength of Christ. Our Offering is complete! Buíochas le Dia!
C: Thanks be to God! Amen!
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