The Celtic Christian Church
# 2. St Ciaran's Foundation House Table Liturgy
This liturgy is one used by our foundation community
and is celebrated around a table.
It can easily be used by larger communities within church buildings.
Table can be set partially or completely at the beginning,
or at the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
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Note: Scripture Readings change daily and can be found at:
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Begin with a moment of prayerful silence, then...
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Bishop: The grace of the great God be upon you.
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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.
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All: Amen.
The Asperges
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(Bishop sprinkles us with Holy Water)
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(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.
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(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,
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(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.
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(Turning attention 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.
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All: Amen.
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Bishop: The Lord be with you.
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All: And also with you.
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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.
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All: Amen.
(remain standing)
Prayer in the Spirit of St. Pádraig’s Breastplate.
Priest/Deacon: (+) I bind unto myself today the strong Name of the Trinity, by invocation of the same, the Three in One and One in Three.
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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;
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Priest/Deacon 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.
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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.
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Priest/Deacon 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,
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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,
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Priest/Deacon 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.
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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.
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Priest/Deacon I bind unto myself today, the strong Name of the Trinity
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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.
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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.
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…
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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.
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Priest: All:
Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy. Christ have mercy.
Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy.
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Bishop: Amen! Rejoice, you angels and saints in heaven, as Christ has taught us you would—even over one repentant sinner. And so, 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.
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All: 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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All: Amen.
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​Gloria
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Bishop: Glory to God in the highest,
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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.
You are seated at the right hand of the Father, receive our prayer--for You alone are The Holy One, You alone are the Lord, You alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen
OPENING PRAYER
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Bishop: O loving God of infinite mercy Who offers us eternity with You, send Your Spirit of Wisdom to us that we might recognize the gift of Life that You offer all creation, and recognize the way to this life is in humble loving service to one another. Help us to get our of our own way so that we boldly and with joy can follow Jesus' example of fidelity to the mission of announcing Your Love to all creatures. We ask this in Jesus' Name, as He assured us we could.
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All: Amen
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THE LITURGY OF THE WORD (Sit)
(Note: Scripture Readings change daily and can be found at: DAILY READINGS)
First Reading:
Reader: The Word of the Lord
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All: Thanks be to God
Responsorial Psalm:
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Second Reading:
Reader: The Word of the Lord
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All: Thanks be to God
The Gradual
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Bishop: He that loves wisdom, loves life.
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All: And they that seek her early shall be filled with joy.
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Bishop: Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes.
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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.
Bishop/Priest/Deacon 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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All: Amen.
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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
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(ALL STAND if in community gathering)
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Priest: Alleluia! alleluia!
R. Alleluia! alleluia!
VERSE...
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
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or Celtic Alleluia -Sung
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Gospel
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B/P/D: The Lord be with you.
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All: And also with you.
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B/P/D: A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mark, Chapter 10:35-45
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All: Glory to You O Lord
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P/D:
B/P/D: The Gospel of the Lord
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All: Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.
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Homily (This may be given by officiant or guest homilist, and may be opened up as a shared homily by those participating in the liturgy.)
Prayers of the People (May be adapted to current events and needs of those participating.)
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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.
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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
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All: Hear our prayer.
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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
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All: Hear our prayer.
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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,
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All: Hear our prayer.
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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,
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All: Hear our prayer.
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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,
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All: Hear our prayer.
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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
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All: Hear our prayer.
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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:
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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 and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and His kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father, with the Father and the Son, He is worshipped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. AMEN.
THE OFFERING OF PEACE
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Deacon: Blessed be Almighty God--Father, Son and Holy Spirit!
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All: And blessed be God’s Kingdom, now and forever. Amen.
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Deacon: My brothers and sisters, the peace of Christ be with you.
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All: And also with you.
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Deacon: Let us offer one another the embrace of Peace.
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THE LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST
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(The table/altar is prepared by deacon as the Offertory hymn is played. Once the bord is prepared, the gifts are brought to the deacon.)
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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.
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Doxology
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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 Spirit. Amen.
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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.
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Deacon (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.
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All: Amen.
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(IF incense is used, the deacon or server brings Bishop 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
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(Bishop gives the incense to deacon or server who incenses bishop.)
Deacon 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.
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All: Amen.
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Deacon/server assists Bishop in washing his hands. While Bishop 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
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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.
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All: AMEN.
Bishop: The Lord be with you.
All: And also with you.
Bishop: Lift up your hearts.
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.
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All: You are the fullness of our being! You are the Mystery of our salvation! You are the All of our existence!
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Bishop: Therefore, with all creation that is around us, and all that is within us, our love, our hopes and our tears…
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All: We sing to You.
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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
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All: We sing to You.
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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:
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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!
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PRAYER OF CONSECRATION
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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,
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“Take and eat of this all of you, for
This is My Body which is given for you.
Do this in remembrance of Me.”
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In like manner He took the cup. And after he had given thanks, He blessed it and gave it to His disciples, saying,
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“Take and drink of this all of you,
for This is My Blood,
the Blood of the new covenant which is shed for all
for the remission of sins.
As often as you do this, do it in remembrance of Me.”
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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.
Bishop extends hands over the elements saying: 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.
GREAT AMEN All: AMEN. If sung ---------------------------------------------->
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Bishop: Now let us pray the prayer that Jesus taught us.
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Our Father… if sung ---------------------------------------->
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Fracture and Lamb of God
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(Deacon and Bishop break the Bread into pieces)
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Bishop: The Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the world.
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All: Have mercy on us.
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Bishop: You, that take away the sins of the world,
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All: Receive our prayer.
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Bishop: You that sit at the right hand of God the Father,
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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.
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Communion Prayer
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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.
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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.
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All: Amen.
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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.
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Bishop: Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us!
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All: Therefore let us keep the feast.
Communion
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After receiving Communion
take silent time for personal thanksgiving after all receive Communion;
we're in no rush! Or choose a meditation hymn to slow down.
Post-Communion Prayer
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IF SUNG:
Priest sings: Salvation is of the Lord!
All repeat: Salvation is of the Lord!
Priest and all sing: Salva-tion is of the Christ!
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OR SPOKEN:
Priest: Salvation is of the Lord!
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All: Salvation is of the Lord!
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Priest and community: Salvation is of the Christ!
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Bishop: Heaven is intertwined with earth.
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All: We have taken the Divine Life into ourselves.
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Bishop: And so each may say:
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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.
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Bishop: By the task that we have done we bind our souls to You, our Triune God.
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Bishop and All: Father, Son (+), and Holy Spirit. Amen.
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Benediction
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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
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Deacon: Go in peace and in the strength of Christ. Our Offering is complete.
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All: Buíochas le Dia! Alleluia! / Thanks be to God! Alleluia!
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DANCE!
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