A hymn, psalm, or anthem may be sung.
If the Rite of Solemn profession is to be offered, this petition is said before Eucharist is started:
Dean of Profession: Abbot/Abbess N.____________, I present to you Brother(s)/Sister(s) N.__________________ who has/have been elected for Solemn Profession in the Companions of Saint Luke of the Order of Saint Benedict.
The Petition
Superior says to each candidate: My Brother/Sister, what do you ask of God and God's holy Church?
Each candidate answers: Called by the Spirit to follow Christ in the monastic life, I have learned in this Community how to seek God truly in fellowship with the Brothers and Sisters and in prayer. Today, after lengthy deliberation I desire to make my Solemn Profession of Stability, Obedience, and fidelity to monastic life in the Companions of Saint Luke, devoting myself for the rest of my life in this world to the service of God and the Church.
After all candidates have responded, the superior says:
Superior: May God bless you in this holy and sacrificial endeavor. Amen.
The Celebrant begins the Mass as all return to their seats.
The people standing, the Celebrant says
Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- People
And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever.
Amen.
The Celebrant may say
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known,
and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our
hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may
perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
When appointed, the following hymn is sung or said with all standing
Glory to God in the highest,
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 sin of the world:
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.
The Collect of the Day
The Celebrant says to the people
The Lord be with you.
- People
And also with you.
- Celebrant
Let us pray.
The Celebrant says the Collect from the service bulletin.
- People
Amen.
The Lessons
The people sit. The Lessons, as appointed in the service bulletin, are read, the Reader first saying
The first Reading (Lesson) from .
A citation giving chapter and verse may be added.
After each Reading, the Reader may say
The Word of the Lord.
- People
Thanks be to God.
Silence may follow
A Psalm listed in the service bulletin is recited or chanted following the Reading.
The Second Reading (Lesson) from_______________________________.
A citation giving chapter and verse may be added.
After each Reading, the Reader may say
The Word of the Lord.
- People
Thanks be to God.
Silence follows
Then, all standing, the Deacon or a Priest reads the Gospel, first saying
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ
according to_______________.
- People
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
After the Gospel, the Reader says
The Gospel of the Lord.
- People
Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon
If a profession rite is scheduled,
The Benedictine Rite of Profession
Select the Rite of Profession from the service bulletin.
Initial (or first) Annual Profession is made to Christ. Therefore, it is appropriate that the Bishop Visitor, who represent the greater church, serve as the Presider of this rite. If (s)he is not available to serve as Presider, the CSL Chaplin will Preside. The Rite of First Profession is offered during the Mass at convocation only. The ceremony shall begin after the homely. The Superior presents the Annually Professed to the Bishop Visitor:
Superior: Bishop N.____________, I present to you Brother(s)/Sister(s) N.__________________ who have/has completed his/her/their Novitiate and has petitioned the Community to be admitted to Annual Profession.
Examination of the Novices
- Bishop Visitor
My Brother(s), Sister(s), you have responded to God's call; what do you ask of God and God's holy Church?
- Each Novice
The merciful love of God and the grace to be received as a Professed member of this Community, serving God among you in the Companions of Saint Luke of the Order of Saint Benedict.
- Bishop Visitor
May God come to your assistance in this holy desire. Let us pray.
The Novice(s) kneel and a period of silent prayer follows. Then the Bishop says:
- Bishop Visitor
We pray you, Lord, to give your servants a mind always to please you, and grant that they may run towards you with an undivided heart. May they serve you with a willing spirit, trusting in your merciful help and living in constant gratitude for your manifold gifts, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
- Bishop Visitor
My dear Sisters (& Brothers), you have already been consecrated to God's service by water and the Holy Spirit in Baptism. Are you now resolved to unite yourself more closely to God by the new bond of monastic Profession?
- Each Novice
I am, God being my helper.
The Bishop, shows the Novices a copy of the Rule, and says:
- Bishop Visitor
Behold the law under which you wish to serve. You have read and studied it and you have experienced its demands during the time of your Novitiate. Are you resolved to commit yourself to Stability, Obedience, and Conversatio Morum Suorum according to the Rule of our holy father Benedict?
- Each Novice
I am, God being my helper.
- All
Thanks be to God.
Profession
The Novices rise and each reads the chart of Profession, below. The Novice takes it to the altar where (s)he signs it. The Superior also signs it, and it remains on the altar throughout the Mass.
- Each Novice says individually
I, Brother/Sister N._______________, here in the sight of the holy angels, the Blessed Virgin Mary, our holy Father Saint Benedict, our patron Saint Luke, all the company of heaven, and in the presence of those here gathered, do freely and voluntarily promise myself to the service of our Lord Jesus Christ in God’s one holy catholic and apostolic Church, by living into my Baptismal Vows as expressed by the Rule of St. Benedict. In doing, so I am professing today the threefold vows of Stability, Obedience, and Conversatio Morum Suorum to be renewed annually. I submit myself to the following of Christ under the teaching of the Gospels, The Rule of Saint Benedict as interpreted by this Community, and to Abbot/Abbess N and their legitimate successors as Superior and to my Brothers and Sisters in the Companions of Saint Luke. Lord, be my helper.
- Bishop Visitor after each profession
Confirm, O Lord, what you have wrought in us.
- All after all professions are made
From your Temple in Jerusalem, Alleluia.
- Bishop Visitor blesses the belts with Holy Water and says:
Bless, O Lord, these belts ╬ Let them be for our Brothers/Sisters a symbol of the tie that binds them to your Son who became obedient even to death on the Cross. Amen.
The newly Professed are girded with the long belt, and the short belt is laid aside. If a Sister who has chosen to wear the veil has been Professed, the veil is blessed as follows:
- Bishop Visitor
Bless, O Lord, this/these veil(s) ╬ which proclaim(s) our Sister(s) as belonging entirely to Christ our Lord, and to be dedicated to the service of the Church.
- Bishop Visitor
With gratitude to God, the giver of all good gifts, I accept your vows, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Superior then embraces the newly Professed.
- Bishop Visitor concludes
I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. - Ephesians 3:15-21
All return to their seats.
Addition to the Prayers of the People
The Eucharist continues with the Prayers of the People, into which is inserted a petition for the newly Professed. The following collect concludes the Prayers:
Lord, hear the prayers of your people. In your goodness you have called these servant(s) of yours, N.______________ to follow Christ. Pour forth your Holy Spirit upon them so that they may fulfill the promises they have made this day. Amen.
Initial profession has been made to Christ. Therefore, it is appropriate that the Bishop Visitor who represents the greater church, serve as Presider of this rite to reaffirm the annual Profession of the member(s). Renewal of annual profession may be done either during the Mass at convocation or during virtual Vespers. If the Bishop Visitor cannot attend the service, the CSL Chaplin shall lead the rite. The Renewal of Profession Rite shall begin after the homely during the Mass at convocation OR after the Magnificat during the virtual Vespers service.
The Superior presents the Annually Professed to the Bishop Visitor:
Superior: Bishop NN, I present Sister(s) NN , Brother(s) NN
Bishop Visitor: My Brothers and Sisters, what do you desire?
Each Individual: I desire to renew the Vow of my Profession in this Community for another year.
Bishop Visitor: Do you freely and voluntarily renew your vow to the service of our Lord Jesus Christ and to the one holy catholic and apostolic Church?
Each Individual: I do.
Bishop Visitor: Will you continue to live under your Baptismal vows as expressed by the Rule of St. Benedict, and the threefold Benedictine Vows of Stability, Obedience and Fidelity to Monastic Life?
Each Individual: I do.
Bishop Visitor: Will you continue to follow the teachings of the Gospels, and the constitution and Customary of the Companions of St. Luke?
Each Individual: I do.
Bishop Visitor: May Almighty God who gave you the grace and the will to renew your Profession, help you to remain true to your vow, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Bishop Visitor: The Almighty God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, bless you, perfect you in love and in holiness, and bring to fruition what has begun in you. Amen.
Bishop Visitor: Let us pray.I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:15-21
Bishop Visitor continues: May the blessing of Almighty God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, come down upon you and remain with you forever. Amen.
The Rite of Life Profession is offered during the Mass at convocation only. Life Profession is made to Christ. Therefore, it is appropriate that the Bishop Visitor, who represents the greater church, serve as the Presider of this rite. If (s)he is not available to serve as Presider, the CSL Chaplin will Preside. The rite shall begin after the homely.
Before the Mass begins, the Superior presents the candidates for life Profession to the Bishop Visitor.
Superior: Bishop N.____________, I present to you Brother(s)/Sister(s) N.______________ who has/have been elected for Solemn Profession in the Companions of Saint Luke of the Order of Saint Benedict.
The Petition
Bishop Visitor: My Brother(s)/Sister(s) OR, My Brother(s) and Sister(s), what do you ask of God and God's Holy Church?
Each answer individually: Called by the Spirit to follow Christ in the monastic life, I have learned in this Community how to seek God truly in fellowship with the Brothers and Sisters and in prayer. Today, after lengthy deliberation I desire to make my Solemn Profession of Stability, Obedience, and Conversatio Morum Suorum in the Companions of Saint Luke, devoting myself for the rest of my life in this world to the service of God and the Church.
Bishop Visitor: May God bless you in this holy and sacrificial endeavor. Amen.
The Mass begins, as all return to their seats.
After the homily, the whole community reaffirms their Baptismal Covenant
The Baptismal Covenant
- Celebrant
Do you believe in God the Father?
- People
I believe in God, the Father almighty,creator of heaven and earth.
- Celebrant
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
- People
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
- Celebrant
Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
- People
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
- Celebrant
Will you continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of the bread, and in the prayers?
- People
I will, with God's help.
- Celebrant
Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
- People
I will, with God's help.
- Celebrant
Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
- People
I will, with God's help.
- Celebrant
Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
- People
I will, with God's help.
- Celebrant
Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
- People
I will, with God's help.
Prayers for the Professed-Elect
The Celebrant then says to the congregation
Let us now pray for these persons who are about to make their Benedictine Life Profession.
A Person appointed leads the following petitions
- Leader
Deliver them, O Lord, from the way of sin and death.
- People
Lord, hear our prayer.
- Leader
Open their hearts to your grace and truth.
- People
Lord, hear our prayer.
- Leader
Fill the with your holy and life-giving Spirit.
- People
Lord, hear our prayer.
- Leader
Keep them in the faith and communion of your holy Church.
- People
Lord, hear our prayer.
- Leader
Teach them to love others in the power of the Spirit.
- People
Lord, hear our prayer.
- Leader
Send them into the world in witness to your love.
- People
Lord, hear our prayer.
- Leader
Bring them to the fullness of your peace and glory.
- People
Lord, hear our prayer.
The Celebrant says
Grant, O Lord, that all who are baptized into the death of Jesus Christ your Son may live in the power of his resurrection and look for him to come again in glory. Grant also O Lord that those taking vows of obedience, stability and conversatio morum suorum may continue to grow and live fully into these promises. All this we ask through your Son our Savior Jesus Christwho lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit now and forever. Amen.
After the reaffirmation of our Baptism Covenant, the professed-elect return to stand before the Bishop Visitor at the altar
- Bishop Vistor
My dear Sister(s)/Brother(s), you have already died to the world and been consecrated to God's service by water and the Holy Spirit in Baptism. Are you now resolved to unite yourself more closely to God by the bond of Solemn Monastic Profession?
- Each Professed-elect says individually
I am, God being my helper.
- All
Thanks be to God.
- Bishop Vistor
My Brother/Sister, you have come among us to seek God. Now, in the company of your Brothers and Sisters you stand in God's presence before this sacred altar. Are you resolved to bind yourself to stability in the Companions of Saint Luke of the Order of Saint Benedict?
- Each Professed-elect says individually
I am, God being my helper.
- Bishop Vistor
Are you resolved to follow the Gospel teaching closely and to promise fidelity to monastic life. according to the Rule of our holy father Benedict?
- Each Professed-elect says individually
I am, God being my helper.
- Bishop Vistor
Are you resolved to prefer nothing whatever to Christ and to obey in all things the commands of the Rule as interpreted by this Community and its Superior?
- Each Professed-elect says individually
I am, God being my helper.
- Bishop Vistor
May God bring to fulfillment what he has begun in you before the day of Christ Jesus our Lord.
Profession
Each Professed-elect reads his/her chart of Profession one-at-a-time, then takes it to the altar where (s)he signs it. It is signed by the Superior and the newly-professed shows it to those assembled before returning it to the altar.
I, Brother/Sister N._______________, here in the sight of the holy angels, the Blessed Virgin Mary, our holy Father Saint Benedict, our patron Saint Luke, all the company of heaven, and in the presence of those here gathered, do freely and voluntarily promise myself to the service of our Lord Jesus Christ in God’s one holy catholic and apostolic Church, professing today the threefold vows of Stability, Obedience, and Conversatio Morum Suorum for the rest of my life in this world. I reaffirm my Baptismal Vows as expressed in the Rule of St. Benedict and I submit myself to the following of Christ under the teaching of the Gospels, The Rule of Saint Benedict as interpreted by this Community, and to Abbot/Abbess NN and their legitimate successors as Superior and to my Brothers and Sisters in the Companions of Saint Luke. Lord, be my helper.
If physically able, the newly professed prostrates and is covered with the pall as a token of death to this world expressed in the Vows. If the newly professed is unable to prostrate and be covered by the pall, (s)he is to sit in a chair, wearing a Cuccula and the hood pulled over the head and face, and lean forward facing the floor. The Litany of Saints (q.v.) is sung, and the name of the patron saint of the Professed may be added if not already included.
The Litany of the Saints
(For the Professed)
Lord have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord have mercy.
Holy Mary, Mother of God
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Michael
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Raphael
Pray for him/her/them
All you holy Angels of God
Pray for him/her/them
Holy John the Baptist
Pray for him/her/them
All you holy Patriarchs and Prophets
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Luke
Pray for him/her/them
Holy John
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Andrew
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Peter and Paul
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Mary Magdalene
Pray for him/her/them
All you holy Apostles and Evangelists
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Stephen
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Dunstan and Oswald
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Frideswide
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Gregory
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Antony of Egypt
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Gertrude
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Mechtild
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Francis and Clare
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Dominic
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Gilbert of Sempringham
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Robert of Molesmes and Stephen Harding
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Bernard
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Aelred
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Thomas Merton
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Hilda
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Aidan
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Cyril and Methodius
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Sergius of Radonezh
Pray for him/her/them
Holy N._______________ (insert name of patron saint of person prayed for)
Pray for him/her/them
All you holy men and women, Saints of God
Pray for him/her/them
O Christ hear us.
O Christ, graciously hear us.
Holy Ignatius of Antioch
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Perpetua and Felicity
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Elizabeth of Russia
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Edith Stein
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Janani Luwum
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Oscar Romero
Pray for him/her/them
All you holy Martyrs old and new
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Father Benedict
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Mother Scholastica
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Augustine of Hippo
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Monica
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Maurus and Placid
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Augustine of Canterbury
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Boniface
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Walburga and Lioba
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Columba
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Brigid
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Bede
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Helena
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Teresa of Avila
Pray for him/her/them
Holy John of the Cross
Pray for him/her/them
Holy Julian of Norwich
Pray for him/her/them
- Bishop Vistor
Almighty and Ever living God, strengthen and sustain your servant(s) that (s)he may be [a] faithful follower(s) of Christ, and may his/her offering be brought to its fulfillment as may be most pleasing to you, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
- Bishop Vistor
Lord, hear the prayers of your people, and grant your grace to your servant; May the fire of the Spirit purify every fault and set him/her ablaze with an ardent love. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The professed -elect chants the Suscipe three times, After the third time, chants the Gloria Patri
Or
The Suscipe is read as follows:
Read three times
Lord, establish me according to thy word, that I may live, and do not disappoint me in my hope.
Then:
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; As it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.
- Bishop Vistor
Fulfill your work in us, O Lord; look down from your holy place and grant our prayer.
The Blessing of the Ring(s), (if any)
The ring(s) is/are blessed with holy water and incense, as follows:
- Bishop Vistor
May this ring be blessed ╬ in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and may (s)he who wears it be ever faithful to the vows (s)he has made this day. Amen.
The ring is bestowed with the words:
- Bishop Vistor
Receive this ring as the symbol of your vows.Keep faith with Christ, to whom you have given yourself this day, that you may enter into the joy of your Lord.
The Respond 'Earthly Kingdoms' is sung by a schola or the whole community
An Exhortation and the Solemn Monastic Blessing
A reading from from Paul's letter to the Ephesians 3:15-21:
I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
- Bishop Vistor
The Lord be with you.
- All
And also with you.
- Bishop Vistor
Let us pray. Holy and gracious Father we ask that you bless ╬ and sanctify the whole manner of life, both of soul and body, of your servant who in earnest love and devotion offers himself/herself/themselves to you. Give him/her/them, through your Spirit, prudence and modesty, wisdom and kindness, gravity and gentleness, openness and freedom of heart. May (s)he/they be fervent in charity and love nothing apart from you. May (s)he/they live worthy of praise without seeking praise. May (s)he/they glorify you in holiness of body and purity of heart. May (s)he/they serve you in love and holy awe.Be his/her/their honor, Lord, his/her/their joy and his/her/their whole desire, his/her/their comfort in trouble, his/her/their counsel in doubt, his/her/their defense in injury, his/her/their patience in adversity, his/her/their abundance in poverty, his/her/their food in fasting, his/her/their medicine in sickness. May (s)he/they find all in you, whom (s)he/they seeks to love above all. May (s)he/they hold fast to what (s)he has professed, and at the end be counted among those faithful ones who await the coming of their Savior and enter into the eternal joy of his heavenly banquet. Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.Lord God, look with love and mercy upon your servant(s) N.__________. In your providence you have called him/her/them to follow Christ under the guidance of Saint Benedict. Pour upon him/her/them the fullness of your life-giving Spirit, help him/her/them to fulfill in faith what you have enabled him/her/them to vow in joy, that he/she/they may persevere until life's end. May he/she/they be rooted in humility; may he/she/they be filled with joy in Christ and your Gospel, and be enflamed with love for his/her/their Brothers and Sisters, and for your whole creation. May (he/she/they) build up your Church by the holiness of his/her/their life, advance the salvation of the world, and be a sign of your kingdom to come. May he/she/ they receive in this life you promised hundredfold blessing, that at the judgment seat of Christ (s)he/they may find the joy of vows fulfilled and, made perfect in your love, rejoice to praise you in the Communion of Saints unto ages of ages. Amen. May the blessing of Almighty God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, come down upon you and remain with you forever. Amen.
The Superior then presents the newly Professed to the Community, and the Mass continues.
After the Gospel at Mass, the Jubilarian comes forward to stand before the Superior before the altar.
Superior: My Brother/Sister, what do you ask?
Jubilarian: The mercy of God and the grace of the Jubilee.
The Superior then says a few words as a charge to the Jubilarian(s) and (s)he replies:
I have full confidence in the Lord.
Superior: If you persevere to the end, you will assuredly be saved.
The Superior stands to one side and the Jubilarian (or each in turn if there are more than one) places his/her hand upon the altar renewing his/her Profession, saying:
Ten or more years ago, I, Brother/Sister N.______________, promised my
stability, fidelity tomonastiv life, and my obedience in accordance with the Rule
of Saint Benedict and the Constitution and Customary of the Companions of
Saint Luke, in the presence of Abbot/Abbess N.___________________ who
was then Superior. Today I renew and confirm this, my Profession, grateful and
rejoicing for the past, humbly confident for the future, and relying on the mercy
of God and the prayers of my Brothers and Sisters.
Superior: May God grant you eternal life.
OR all standing
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 and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshiped 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 Prayers of the People
The Intercession Prayer form to be offered is listed in the service bulletin.
Select the prayer form from the list below:
Deacon or other leader
With all our heart and with all our mind, let us pray to the Lord, saying "Lord, have mercy."
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace of the world, for the welfare of the Holy Church of God, and for the unity of all peoples, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace of the world, for the welfare of the Holy Church of God, and for the unity of all peoples, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For our Bishop, and for all the clergy and people, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For our President, for the leaders of the nations, and for all in authority, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this city (town, village,____________________), for every city and community, and for those who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For seasonable weather, and for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the good earth which God has given us, and for the wisdom and will to conserve it, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For those who travel on land, on water, or in the air [or through outer space], let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the aged and infirm, for the widowed and orphans, and for the sick and the suffering, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For_________________________, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the poor and the oppressed, for the unemployed and the destitute, for prisoners and captives, and for all who remember and care for them, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For all who have died in the hope of the resurrection, and for all the departed, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For deliverance from all danger, violence, oppression, and degradation, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the absolution and remission of our sins and offenses, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
That we may end our lives in faith and hope, without suffering and without reproach, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Defend us, deliver us, and in thy compassion protect us, OLord, by thy grace.
Lord, have mercy.
In the communion of [_________________________and of all the] saints, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and all our life, to Christ our God.
To thee, O Lord our God.
Silence.
The Celebrant adds a concluding Collect.
In the course of the silence after each bidding, the People offer their own prayers, either silently or aloud.
I ask your prayers for God's people throughout the world; for our Bishop(s)_____________________; for this gathering; and for all ministers and people. Pray for the Church.
Silence
I ask your prayers for peace; for goodwill among nations; and for the well-being of all people. Pray for justice and peace.
Silence
I ask your prayers for the poor, the sick, the hungry, the oppressed, and those in prison. Pray for those in any need or trouble.
Silence
I ask your prayers for all who seek God, or a deeper knowledge of him. Pray that they may find and be found by him.
Silence
I ask your prayers for the departed [especially__________________________________]. Pray for those who have died.
Silence
Members of the congregation may ask the prayers or the thanksgivings of those present
I ask your prayers for____________________________.
I ask your thanksgiving for_______________________________.
Silence
Praise God for those in every generation in whom Christ has been honored [especially______________________whom we remember today]. Pray that we may have grace to glorify Christ in our own day.
Silence
The Celebrant adds a concluding Collect.
The Leader and People pray responsively
Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church;
That we all may be one.
Grant that every member of the Church may truly and humbly serve you;
That your Name may be glorified by all people.
We pray for all bishops, priests, and deacons;
That they may be faithful ministers of your Word and Sacraments.
We pray for all who govern and hold authority in the nations of the world;
That there may be justice and peace on the earth.
Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake;
That our works may find favor in your sight.
Have compassion on those who suffer from any grief or trouble;
That they may be delivered from their distress.
Give to the departed eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.
We praise you for your saints who have entered into joy;
May we also come to share in your heavenly kingdom.
Let us pray for our own needs and those of others.
Silence
The People may add their own petitions.
The Celebrant adds a concluding Collect.
Deacon or other leader
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.
Silence
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer.
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.
Silence
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer.
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.
Silence
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer.
Bless all whose lives are closely linked with ours, and grant that we may serve Christ in them, and love one another as he loves us.
Silence
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer.
Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit; give them courage and hope in their troubles, and bring them the joy of your salvation.
Silence
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer.
We commend to your mercy all who have died, that your will for them may be fulfilled; and we pray that we may share with all your saints in your eternal kingdom.
Silence
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer.
The Celebrant adds a concluding Collect
Deacon or other leader
In peace, let us pray to the Lord, saying, "Lord, have mercy" (or "Kyrie eleison"). For the holy Church of God, that it may be filled with truth and love, and be found without fault at the day of your coming, we pray to you, O Lord.
Here and after every petition the People respond Kyrie eleison.or Lord, have mercy.
For N. our Presiding Bishop, for N. (N.) our own Bishop(s), for all bishops and other ministers, and for all the holy people of God, we pray to you, O Lord.
Kyrie eleison. or Lord, have mercy.
For all who fear God and believe in you, Lord Christ, that our divisions may cease, and that all may be one as you and the Father are one, we pray to you, O Lord.
Kyrie eleison. or Lord, have mercy.
For the mission of the Church, that in faithful witness it may preach the Gospel to the ends of the earth, we pray to you, O Lord.
Kyrie eleison. or Lord, have mercy.
For those who do not yet believe, and for those who have lost their faith, that they may receive the light of the Gospel, we pray to you, O Lord.
Kyrie eleison. or Lord, have mercy.
For the peace of the world, that a spirit of respect and forbearance may grow among nations and peoples, we pray to you, O Lord.
Kyrie eleison. or Lord, have mercy.
For those in positions of public trust [especially_____________________], that they may serve justice, and promote the dignity and freedom of every person, we pray to you, O Lord.
Kyrie eleison. or Lord, have mercy.
For all who live and work in this community [especially_______________], we pray to you, O Lord.]] For a blessing upon all human labor, and for the right use of the riches of creation, that the world may be freed from poverty, famine, and disaster, we pray to you, O Lord.
Kyrie eleison. or Lord, have mercy.
For the poor, the persecuted, the sick, and all who suffer; for refugees, prisoners, and all who are in danger; that they may be relieved and protected, we pray to you, O Lord.
Kyrie eleison. or Lord, have mercy.
For this congregation [for those who are present, and for those who are absent], that we may be delivered from hardness of heart, and show forth your glory in all that we do, we pray to you, O Lord.
Kyrie eleison. or Lord, have mercy.
For our enemies and those who wish us harm, and for all whom we have injured or offended, we pray to you, O Lord. For ourselves; for the forgiveness of our sins, and for the grace of the Holy Spirit to amend our lives, we pray to you, O Lord.
Kyrie eleison. or Lord, have mercy.
For all who have commended themselves to our prayers; for our families, friends, and neighbors; that being freed from anxiety, they may live in joy, peace, and health, we pray to you, O Lord.
Kyrie eleison. or Lord, have mercy.
For__________________________________, we pray to you, O Lord.
Kyrie eleison. or Lord, have mercy.
For all who have died in the communion of your Church, and those whose faith is known to you alone, that, with all the saints, they may have rest in that place where there is no pain or grief, but life eternal, we pray to you, O Lord.
Kyrie eleison. or Lord, have mercy.
Rejoicing in the fellowship of [the ever-blessed Virgin Mary, (blessed N.) and] all the saints, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and all our life to Christ our God.
To you, O Lord our God.
Silence
The Celebrant adds a concluding Collect, or the following Doxology
For yours is the majesty, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, now and for ever. Amen.
The Leader and People pray responsively
In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.
Silence
For all people in their daily life and work;
For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.
For this community, the nation, and the world;
For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.
For the just and proper use of your creation;
For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.
For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;
For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.
For the peace and unity of the Church of God;
For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.
For [N. our Presiding Bishop, and N. (N.) our Bishop(s); and for] all bishops and other ministers;
For all who serve God in his Church.
For the special needs and concerns of this congregation.
Silence
The People may add their own petitions
Hear us, Lord;
For your mercy is great.
We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life.
Silence
The People may add their own thanksgivings
We will exalt you, O God our King;
And praise your Name for ever and ever.
We pray for all who have died, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom.
Silence
The People may add their own petitions
Lord, let your loving-kindness be upon them;
Who put their trust in you.
We pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins.
Silence may be kept.
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
The Celebrant adds a concluding Collect
Confession of Sin
A Confession of Sin is said here. On occasion, the Confession may be omitted.
The Deacon or Celebrant says
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Silence may be kept.
Minister and People
Most merciful God,
we confess that we have sinned against you
in thought, word, and deed,
by what we have done,
and by what we have left undone.
We have not loved you with our whole heart;
we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.
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 delight in your will,
and walk in your ways,
to the glory of your Name. Amen.
The Bishop, when present, or the Priest, stands and says
Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins
through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all
goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in
eternal life. Amen.
The Peace
All stand. The Celebrant says to the people
The peace of the Lord be always with you. And also with you.
- People
And also with you.
Then the Ministers and People may greet one another in the name of the Lord.
Eucharistic Prayer C
The Celebrant may begin with an Offertory sentences.
During the Offertory, a hymn, psalm, or anthem may be sung.
The Great Thanksgiving
The people remain standing. The Celebrant, whether bishop or priest, faces them and sings or says
The Lord be with you.
- People
And also with you.
- Celebrant
Lift up your hearts.
- People
We lift them to the Lord.
- Celebrant
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
- People
It is right to give him thanks and praise.
Then, facing the Holy Table, the Celebrant proceeds
God of all power, Ruler of the Universe, you are worthy of
glory and praise.
- People
Glory to you for ever and ever.
At your command all things came to be: the vast expanse of
interstellar space, galaxies, suns, the planets in their courses,
and this fragile earth, our island home.
- People
By your will they were created and have their being.
From the primal elements you brought forth the human race,
and blessed us with memory, reason, and skill. You made us
the rulers of creation. But we turned against you, and betrayed
your trust; and we turned against one another.
- People
Have mercy, Lord, for we are sinners in your sight.
Again and again, you called us to return. Through prophets
and sages you revealed your righteous Law. And in the
fullness of time you sent your only Son, born of a woman, to
fulfill your Law, to open for us the way of freedom and peace.
- People
By his blood, he reconciled us.
By his wounds, we are healed.
And therefore we praise you, joining with the heavenly
chorus, with prophets, apostles, and martyrs, and with all
those in every generation who have looked to you in hope, to
proclaim with them your glory, in their unending hymn:
Celebrant and People say
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.
Celebrant Continues
And so, Father, we who have been redeemed by him, and
made a new people by water and the Spirit, now bring before
you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be the
Body and Blood of Jesus Christ our Lord.
At the following words concerning the bread, the Celebrant is to hold it, or lay a hand upon it, and at the words concerning the cup, to hold or place a hand upon the cup and any other vessel containing wine to be consecrated.
On the night he was betrayed he took bread, said the
blessing, broke the bread, and gave it to his friends, and
said, "Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do
this for the remembrance of me."
After supper, he took the cup of wine, gave thanks, and
said, "Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new
Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the
forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the
remembrance of me."
Remembering now his work of redemption, and offering to you this
sacrifice of thanksgiving,
We celebrate his death and resurrection,
as we await the day of his coming.
Lord God of our Fathers and Mothers: God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob;
Sarah, Hagar, and Rebekah. God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Open our eyes to see your hand at work in the world about us. Deliver
us from the presumption of coming to this Table for solace
only, and not for strength; for pardon only, and not for
renewal. Let the grace of this Holy Communion make us one
body, one spirit in Christ, that we may worthily serve the
world in his name.
Risen Lord, be known to us in the breaking of the Bread.
Accept these prayers and praises, Father, through Jesus
Christ our great High Priest, to whom, with you and the
Holy Spirit, your Church gives honor, glory, and worship,
from generation to generation. AMEN.
As our Savior Christ has taught us, we now pray,
People and Celebrant
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. Save us from the
time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the
kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now
and for ever. Amen.
The Breaking of the Bread
The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread.
A period of silence is kept. Then may be sung or said
[Alleluia.] Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
- People
Therefore let us keep the feast. [Alleluia.]
The following is to be said or sung:
The Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
The Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
The Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world, grant us your peace.
Facing the people, the Celebrant says the following Invitation
The Gifts of God for the People of God.
Take them in remembrance that Christ died for
you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith,
with thanksgiving.
The ministers receive the Sacrament in both kinds, and then immediately deliver it to the people.
The Bread and the Cup are given to the communicants with these words
The Body of Christ, the bread of heaven. [Amen.]
The Blood of Christ, the cup of salvation. [Amen.]
During the ministration of Communion, hymns, psalms, or anthems may
be sung.
After Communion, the Celebrant says
Let us pray.
Celebrant and People
In deep gratitude for this moment, this meal, and for each other,
we give ourselves to you most holy God.
Take us out into the world to live as changed people
because we have shared the Living Bread
and cannot remain the same.
Ask much of us,
Expect much of us,
Enable much by us,
Encourage many through us.
May we dedicate our lives to your glory. Amen
A prayer from the Benedictine monastery on Iona
The Bishop, when present, or the Priest, may bless the people.
The Deacon, or the Celebrant, dismisses them with these words
Let us go forth in the name of Christ.
- People
Thanks be to God.
or this
- Deacon
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
- People
Thanks be to God.
or this
- Deacon
Let us go forth into the world,
rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.
- People
Thanks be to God.
or this
- Deacon
Let us bless the Lord.
- People
Thanks be to God.
From the Easter Vigil through the Day of Pentecost"Alleluia, alleluia" may be added to any of the dismissals.
- The People Respond
Thanks be to God. Alleluia, Alleluia.