St.

Joseph’s Academy
HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
March 24, 2010
BACCALAUREATE MASS
You are enlightened by THE WORD.
Soar high, Josephian!

INTRODUCTORY RITE

Introduction
Commentator: As we reached out for our diplomas today, we had reached the end
of one chapter of our lives. As we stepped out the gates of our Alma Mater, Sa
int Joseph’s Academy, we carry on our dreams and goals as we fulfill each one of
them, soaring high as we face a new world. The values and skills that we had a
cquired in this institution will forever mold us to become better Christians liv
ed up by the Word of God as we fully become simple and Jesus-centered achiever w
ho is always available to serve. Now, with deep gratitude to the Lord, who best
owed us all these blessings that we obtain today, let us honor Him as we rise an
d sing together our hymn of praise.
Entrance Hymn “We are Yours”

In the darkness that turned to day,

Lord, you made us from breath and clay.
With thanksgiving and praise we say: “We are yours!”
From our bondage,
you set us free to discover our dignity,
made us your own for the world to see that we are yours!
Bridge 1:
Though our journey’s uncertain, be our life and our way.
Be our truth now, and show us who we are. Lord, we pray –
Refrain:
Gather us into your love, O Lord. Make us your people!
Take us, and hold us, break us and mold us in your love,
in your love! Send us your Spirit, O Lord our God.
Make us your own! Seek out and find us,
in your love bind us, for we are yours! We are yours
For the triumph of love and grace,
you redeemed us from sin’s embrace.
To you, Lord Jesus, we lift our praise, for we are yours.
With your Spirit that brings new birth,
you enkindle our lives’ true worth,
renewing our hearts and all the earth. We are Yours!
(bridge 1 & refrain)
Bridge 2:
When the world lays its claim on our hearts and souls,
remind us of all that is true: that our hearts are yearning
and restless till our hearts rest in you! (ref 2x)
Coda:
We are Yours! We are Yours!
We are Your, O Lord.
GREETING
Celebrant: In the name of the Father, and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit
All: Amen.
Celebrant: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with yo
u all.
All: And also with you.
PENITENTIAL RITE
Presider : As we prepare to celebrate the mystery of Christ’s love.
Let us acknowledge our failures and ask the Lord
for pardon and strength.
Student: (Background Music)
There are times in our lives that we experience slavery,
things that enslave us from the love of God.
Every time we do wrong in our lives, fail to respond to
what is right,
true and just.
There are times when we miss the mark,
failed to do good, did not follow His commands
and hurt others like our classmates, friends and even members of
our family.
These remind us to rid ourselves of the things that enslave us.

Now it’s time to take this journey towards freedom and love,
to free ourselves from our attachments and experience
through God’s compassion and mercy, and the joy in His inexhaus
tible love.
KYRIE : (Song)
As we prepare for the coming of the Lord,
we recall our faults and beg His mercy…
Lord, have mercy (3x)
Christ, have mercy (3x)
Lord, have mercy (3x)
Presider: May almighty God have mercy on us,
forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.
All: Amen
OPENING PRAYER

Celebrant: Let us pray

 Father of mercy,
Hear the prayers of your repentant children
Who call on you in love.
Enlighten our minds and sanctify our hearts.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit
One God, forever and ever.
All: Amen

LITURGY OF THE WORD

Comm: The Word of God is truly alive and powerful, it penetrates even dividing
soul and spirit and judges the thoughts and purposes of the heart. With heartfe
lt reverence let us now turn our attention to the Word of God as it is being bro
ught in procession to the altar.

BIBLE ENTHRONEMENT “Hoooo… Adoramus te O Christe”

Introduction to the Word of God (Daniel 3: 14 – 20, 91,95)

Comm: Nebuchadnezzar is amazed that the three men have survived being thrown i
nto the fire. We think, we would have been amazed, too! One of the things we ca
n learn from this story is that if we place our trust in God we will be vindicat
ed. Sometimes, just to prove His power and to assure us that He is aware of our
situation; God chooses to intervene in the affairs of the world and demonstrate
His care and love. Let us now listen to the Word of God.

FIRST READING
Daniel 3: 14 – 20, 91,95
King Nebuchadnezzar said:
“Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego,
that you will not serve my god,
or worship the golden statue that I set up?
Be ready now to fall down and worship the statue I had made,
whenever you hear the sound of the trumpet,
flute, lyre, harp, psaltery, bagpipe,
and all the other musical instruments;
otherwise, you shall be instantly cast into the white-hot furnace;
and who is the God who can deliver you out of my hands?”
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar,
“There is no need for us to defend ourselves before you
in this matter.
If our God, whom we serve,
can save us from the white-hot furnace
and from your hands, O king, may he save us!
But even if he will not, know, O king,
that we will not serve your god
or worship the golden statue that you set up.”
King Nebuchadnezzar’s face became livid with utter rage
against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
He ordered the furnace to be heated seven times more than usual
and had some of the strongest men in his army
bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
and cast them into the white-hot furnace.
Nebuchadnezzar rose in haste and asked his nobles,
“Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?”
“Assuredly, O king,” they answered.
“But,” he replied, “I see four men unfettered and unhurt,
walking in the fire, and the fourth looks like a son of God.”
Nebuchadnezzar exclaimed,
“Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego,
who sent his angel to deliver the servants who trusted in him;
they disobeyed the royal command and yielded their bodies
rather than serve or worship any god
except their own God.”

Reader: The Word of the Lord

All: Thanks be to God.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM “I Love the Lord”
I Love the Lord, He is full of compassion.
He turned to me on the day that I called.
From the snares of the dark,
O Lord, save my life, be my strength

Comm: Let us all rise to glorify and honor the Gospel.

Song “Thy Word is the lamp unto my feet and the light unto my path”
GOSPEL READING
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
All: And also with you.
Celebrant: A reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. John
All: Glory to You, O Lord.

Jesus said to those Jews who believed in him,

“If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples,
and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham
and have never been enslaved to anyone.
How can you say, ‘You will become free’?”
Jesus answered them, “Amen, amen, I say to you,
everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin.
A slave does not remain in a household forever,
but a son always remains.
So if the Son frees you, then you will truly be free.
I know that you are descendants of Abraham.
But you are trying to kill me,
because my word has no room among you.
I tell you what I have seen in the Father’s presence;
then do what you have heard from the Father.”
They answered and said to him, “Our father is Abraham.”
Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children,
you would be doing the works of Abraham.
But now you are trying to kill me,
a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God;
Abraham did not do this.
You are doing the works of your father!”
So they said to him, “We were not born of fornication.
We have one Father, God.”
Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me,
for I came from God and am here;
I did not come on my own, but he sent me.”
Celebrant: This is the gospel of the Lord.
All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
HOMILY
GRADUATION COVENANT
Comm: All graduating students please rise for the Graduation Covenant.
Celebrant: Beloved students of Saint Joseph’s Academy,
the time of your Graduation has come.
This is the next step towards a new chapter of your life.
Let us look back at your unforgettable experiences
in this Alma mater and thank God
for all the good things He has done for you.
We thank our parents for their unending love,
support and sacrifices in order for you to achieve this goal
of finishing your high school education.
As you look ahead for a promising future that await you.
Let us ask God for his continuous guidance in your journey.
On this day, before your parents, teachers and friends,
let us make our covenant to the Lord as a response
to all His blessings and love
that He has showered to us all these years.
Celebrant: Dear graduates, do you promise to dedicate your life to
Christ through good deed and service to others?
Students: I do promise.
Celebrant: Do you promise to keep the Catholic faith in your
heart and in your day to day life?
Students: I do promise.
Celebrant: Do you promise to keep your Christian faith alive
by constant prayer, living the Word of God,
receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation
and the Holy Eucharist in your life?
Students: I do promise.
Celebrant: Do you promise to proclaim the Josephian spirit
not only in this community but to the whole world?
Students: I do promise.
CELEBRANT AND GRADUATES
LOVING GOD AND FATHER / IN YOUR GOODNESS / YOU HAVE BROUGHT US TO
THIS SPECIAL DAY / WE PRAY THAT YOU REMAIN WITH US / IN OUR DAY TO DAY WORK
/ AND THAT WE BECOME FAITHFUL TO YOUR TEACHING. / GUIDE US IN THE PATH TH
AT WE WILL TAKE / GIVE US THE STRENGTH TO TRUST IN YOU / SO THAT WE CAN L
IVE AS FAITHFUL WITNESSES OF YOUR SON JESUS.
Celebrant: May the Lord God,
bless you and help you to fulfill your promise
and grant all your prayers.
All: Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL

Celebrant: As we journey through life, let us pray for the courage to speak
His word
and work for the truth. Let us ask God to lead us and all the g
raduates
to the fulfillment He intends for us. With love and faith we of
fer our prayer
to Him:
LET YOUR WORD ENLIGHTEN US, O LORD
That the Church throughout the world may always be faithful in His Word and
become
instrument of God’s love in promoting justice, peace and reconciliati
on in our country.
LET US PRAY TO THE LORD.
That our Pope, Benedict XVI, Jesse Mercado our Bishop, Msgr. Albert Venus, o
ur school
Director and parish priest, and all the priests may be always be enlight
ened by the Holy Spirit
in rendering their unfailing service and sharing His Word to the vineya
rd of the Lord.
LET US PRAY TO THE LORD.
That government leader may witness love, honesty, true- service and faithfu
lness in fulfilling
Their oaths and performing duties for our country. LET US PRAY
TO THE LORD.
That the parents of our students in Saint Joseph’s Academy and all the pare
nts of the world
may always serve as an inspiration and model to their children in follow
ing His Word and
become true followers of Christ. LET US PRAY TO THE LORD.
That all administrators, teachers and staff of Saint Joseph’s Academy may
unconditionally
 share their times and talents to inculcate the Vision – Mission of the s
chool in accordance to the
teachings and ways of Jesus and values of Saint Joseph. LET US P
RAY TO THE LORD.
That all graduating students of Saint Joseph’s Academy may truly see in th
eir lives of being
true Josephian cannot only be seen in words but also in deeds. May the
y soar high in the
world with faith and confidence that His Word is truly felt and lived.
LET US PRAY TO THE LORD.
That all of us gathered here, that Christ may always enlighten us by His W
ord and witness in
our lives the passion, death and resurrection of our Lord. LET
US PRAY TO THE LORD.
Celebrant: Heavenly Father, we know that anything we ask for in Your name w
ill be granted. May our ears be always open to your Words. Guide our steps in t
he way if justice and peace. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST

Comm: We now offer to the altar of the Lord all our gifts as our gratitude fo
r all the good things
He has bestowed on us.

Offertory Song “Take and Receive”

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS

Celebrant : Pray, brothers and sisters,

that our sacrifice may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father
.
All: May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the
praise and glory of his name, for our good, and the good of all
his of all his Church.

Celebrant: Lord,
You have given us these gifts to honor your name.
Bless them, and let them become a source of health and s
trength. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
All: And also with you.
Celebrant: Lift up your hearts
All: We lift them up to the Lord.
Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God
All: It is right to give Him thanks and praise.

Celebrant:
FATHER, ALL POWERFUL AND EVER LIVING GOD
WE PRAISE AND THANK YOU THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD
FOR YOUR PRESENCE AND ACTION IN THE WORLD.
IN THE MIDST OF CONFLICT AND DIVISION,
WE KNOW IT IS YOU WHO TURN OUR MINDS
TO THOUGHTS AND PEACE. YOUR SPIRIT CHANGES OUR HEARTS:
ENEMIES BEGIN TO SPEAK TO ONE ANOTHER,
THOSE WHO WERE ESTRANGED JOIN HANDS IN FRIENDSHIP,
AND NATIONS SEEK THE WAY OF PEACE TOGETHER.
YOUR SPIRIT IS AT WORK
WHEN UNDERSTANDING PUTS AN END TO STRIFE,
WHEN HATRED IS QUENCHED BY MERCY,
AND VENGEANCE GIVES WAY TO FORGIVENESS.
FOR THIS WE SHOULD NEVER CEASE
TO THANK YOU AND PRAISE.
WE JOIN WITH ALL THE CHOIRS OF HEAVEN
AS THEY SING FOR EVER TO YOUR GLORY.
HOLY
Holy, holy, holy Lord
God of power and might,
heaven and earth are filled with your glory.
Hosanna on high (2x) Hosanna (3x)
Hosanna on high, Hosanna (3x)
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna on high (2x) Hosanna (3x)
Hosanna on high, Hosanna (3x)
Celebrant: GOD OF POWER AND MIGHT,
WE PRAISE YOU THROUGH YOUR SON, JESUS CHRIST
WHO COMES YOUR NAME.
HE IS THE WORD THAT BRINGS SALVATION
HE IS THE HAND YOU STRETCH OUT TO SINNERS.
HE IS THE WAY THAT LEADS TO YOUR PEACE.
GOD OUR FATHER,
WE HAD WANDERED FAR FROM YOU,
BUT THROUGH YOUR SON YOU HAVE BROUGHT US BACK.
YOU GAVE HIM UP TO DEATH
SO THAT WE MIGHT TURN AGAIN TO YOU
AND FIND OUR WAY TO ONE ANOTHER.
THEREFORE WE CELEBRATE THE RECONCILIATION
CHRIST HAS GAINED FOR US.
(He joins his hands and holding them outstretched over the offerings, says)
WE ASK YOU TO SANCTIFY THESE GIFTS
BY THE POWER OF YOUR SPIRIT,
AS WE NOW FULFILL YOUR SON’S COMMAND.
WHILE HE WAS AT SUPPER
ON THE NIGHT BEFORE HE DIED FOR US,
HE TOOK BREAD IN HIS HANDS
AND GAVE YOU THANKS AND PRAISE.
HE BROKE THE BREAD, GAVE IT TO HIS DISCIPLES, AND SAID
TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND EAT IT:
THIS IS MY BODY WHICH WILL BE GIVEN
UP FOR YOU.
AT THE END OF THE MEAL HE TOOK THE CUP.
AGAIN HE PRAISED YOU FOR YOUR GOODNESS,
GAVE THE CUP TO HIS DISCIPLES, AND SAID:

TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU AND DRINK FROM IT: THIS IS THE CUP OF MY BLOOD,
THE BLOOD OF THE NEW AND EVERLASTING
COVENANT. IT WILL BE SHED FOR YOU
AND FOR ALL PEOPLE.
DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME.
LET US PROCLAIM THE MYSTERY OF OUR FAITH.
MEMORIAL ACCLAMATION
Lord you laid down your life for sinners
as ransom for all men.
Rising, Lord, you restored our freedom,
brought darkness to an end.
Through your love we have been saved;
in your love we now remain.
So with joy in our hearts we proclaim
your love in our lives ‘til you come again.

Celebrant:
LORD OUR GOD,
YOUR SON HAS ENTRUSTED TO US THIS PLEDGE OF HIS LOVE.
WE CELEBRATE THE MEMORY OF THIS DEATH AND RESURRECTION
AND BRING YOU THE GIFT YOU HAVE GIVEN US, THE SACRIFICE OF RECONCILIATION. THERE
FORE, WE ASK YOU, FATHER,
TO ACCEPT US, TOGETHER WITH YOUR SON.
FILL US WITH HIS SPIRIT
THROUGH OUR SHARING IN THIS MEAL.
MAY HE TAKE AWAY ALL THAT DIVIDES US.
MAY THIS SPIRIT KEEP US ALWAYS IN COMMUNION
WITH BENEDICT, OUR POPE, JESSE MERCADO OUR BISHOP,
WITH ALL THE BISHOPS AND ALL YOUR PEOPLE.
FATHER, MAKE YOUR CHURCH THROUGHOUT THE WORLD
A SIGN OF UNITY AND AN INSTRUMENT OF YOUR PEACE.
YOU HAVE GATHERED US HERE AROUND THE TABLE OF YOUR SON,
IN FELLOWSHIP WITH THE VIRGIN MARY, MOTHER OF GOD, AND ALL THE SAINTS. IN THAT
NEW WORLD WHERE THE FULLNESS OF YOUR PEACE WILL BE REVEALED, GATHER PEOPLE OF EV
ERY RACE, LANGUAGE AND WAY OF LIFE TO SHARE IN THE ONE ETERNAL BANQUET
WITH JESUS CHRIST THE LORD.

DOXOLOGY
Celebrant:
Through him,
with him, and In Him
in the unity of the Holy Spirit all glory and honor is yours,
almighty father Forever and ever.
GREAT AMEN
All glory and honor is yours, O Father;
For ever and ever. Amen… (4x)
Celebrant: Let us pray with confidence to the Father
in the words our savior gave us.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, holy be your name.
Your kingdom come your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us!
Do not bring us to the test
but deliver us from evil, our Father,
Amen, amen.
Celebrant:
Deliver us, Lord from every evil,
and grant us Peace in our day.
In your mercy keep us free from sin
and protect us from all anxiety
as we wait in joyful hope for the coming
of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

DOXOLOGY TO THE LORD’S PRAYER

For the kingdom and the power
and the glory are yours.
Forever and ever,
forever our Father.
Amen (3x)

SIGN OF PEACE

Celebrant: Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles:

I leave you peace, my peace I give you.
Look not on our sins, but on the faith of your Church,
 and grant us the peace and unity of your kingdom
where you live for ever and ever.
All: Amen.

Celebrant: The peace of the Lord be with you always.

All: And also with you.
Valedictorian: Fellow graduating students, though our high school days are now
about to end, let
our fellowship last through the years. As we offer each other the sign of peace,
Let us
always be united in the love of Christ.

Celebrant: Let us offer each other the sign of peace.

BREAKING OF THE BREAD

LAMB OF GOD
Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world (2x)
Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world
O grants us, O grant us your peace.
Celebrant: This is the Lamb of God
who takes away the sins of the world.
Happy are those who are called to His supper.
Comm: Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the w
ord and I Shall
be healed.
COMMUNION SONG
ON EAGLE’S WINGS
You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord,
who abide in his shadow for life, say to the Lord:
“My refuge, my rock in whom I trust”.
Refrain:
And he will raise you up on eagle’s wings,
bear you on the breath of dawn,make you to shine like the sun,
and hold you in the palm of his hand.
The snare of the fowler will never capture you,
and famine will bring you no fear;
Under his wings your refuge, his faithfulness your shield.
TO YOU
Here I stand, forever in your mighty hand
Living in your promise, written in my heart
I am yours, surrendered wholly to you
To set me in your fam’ly, calling me your own
Chorus
Now I, I belong to you
All I need, your Spirit, Your Word, Your truth
Hear my cry, my deep desire
To know you more
In your name, I will lift my hands to the King
This anthem of praise I bring
Heaven knows, I long to love you
With all I am, I belong to you
WITH ALL I AM
Into your hand I commit again With all I am for you Lord
You hold my world in the palm of your hand
And I am yours forever
Chorus:
Jesus I believe in you, Jesus I belong to you
You’re the reason that I live, the reason that I sing
With all I am
I ll walk with you, wherever you go
Through tears and joy I’ll trust in you
And I will live in all of your ways
Your promises forever
Chorus:
Jesus I believe in you, Jesus I belong to you
You’re the reason that I live, the reason that I sing (2x)
(Instrumental)
I Will Worship
I Will Worship You
(Repeat)
POST COMMUNION PRAYER

THANKSGIVING PRAYER
Comm: Let us thank and glorify God trough our Thanksgiving prayer.
All graduating students please rise!
Michael:
God our father,
We are gathered her today as one family to praise Your greatness, to glorify You
r name
And to thank You for everything, great and small, that You have given us.
We thank You for this wonderful life that we will forever cherish. The experien
ces we have make us real persons and Your unending love makes our life meaningfu
l and complete so that we may become instruments of peace, love and hope to our
classmates, friends and people who affected and influenced our lives.
Lord, this also be an opportunity to us to thank You for giving us our beloved t
eachers who selflessly crossed the borders of their destined task as mentors, ad
visers, fathers and mothers for our sake. Through Your guidance, they honed our
talents and developed our skills in every step of the way. They paved the way
to the development of our total being.
We thank You for our classmates and friends who are our companions in our life’s
journey, our supports in our struggles , our aides when we needed help, our com
rades through thick and thin.
Lord, we are not what we are today if not for our parents. We thank You for our
wonderful parents for their overflowing love, care, understanding and unending
support in our venture to reach our goals and fulfill our cherished dreams.
Lastly, we thank You for our Alma Mater, Saint Joseph’s Academy, our second home
. We thank You for SJA; for molding us as the real Josephians, rich in values a
nd nourished by Your Word.
Bless them Lord and keep them safe in Your hands.
These we ask and pray in Jesus name. Amen.
PRAYER CONSECRATION TO SAINT JOSEPH
Kristel: As a sign of our homage to our patron Saint Joseph, our model of
righteousness, obedience and justice, we offer to him our prayer of Consecratio
n
St. Joseph, spouse of our dear beloved Mother, the Virgin Mary, and the foster f
ather of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we give honor and reverence to you by followi
ng your virtues and trust, hope, love and faithfulness to God. Help us to incul
cate these virtues in our lives that we may be able to proclaim the message of y
our Son to the world, this we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.
All together let us pray the Josephian prayer!
PRAYER TO SAINT JOSEPH
God, our loving Father,
you gave us St. Joseph as our personal friend.
He was a good citizen of the land
and devoted father and husband.
May he be my father and protector
and my guide in following the will of God.
Like him may I hear your voice
in times of trouble and confusion.
Obtain for me through St. Joseph a sincere and pure heart,
a fervent love for prayer and goodness
and the grace to do all my actions for your kingdom
and your greater glory.
I dedicate myself to follow his example of righteousness
and loyalty to Mary and Jesus
now and at the hour of our death.
AMEN
SONG TO ST. JOSEPH
SAN JOSE TANOD
San Jose tanod ni Maria’t ni Hesus,
kami rin ay tulungan mo.
Hinangaan mong hiwagang dulot ng Diyos,
mag-inang binigay sa’yo.
At tahimik mo ngang binantayan si Hesus at kanyang ina.
San Jose tulungan mo kaming maging tapat sa kanila.
At gunitain ng aming puso ‘tong nangyaring himala.
(INCENSING OF ST. JOSEPH’S IMAGE)
POST COMMUNION SONG
Comm: How majestic our God is for He has chosen us to be His children
because we are precious and special in His eyes. Let us offer Him our H
earts thanksgiving as sign of our deep gratitude to our teachers, parents, class
mates and friends;
“My Hearts Thanksgiving” ( to be sung..)

THANKSGIVING SONG
My Hearts Thanksgiving
Refrain:
As I sing my hearts thanksgiving,
and my eyes look heavenward.
How the stars you flung like jewels,
bid your welcome, shine your light.
As I marvel at your moonrise, I’m in awe, yet I ask,
“What am I that you should love me,
and hold me as your dearest love of all.”
You crown me with honor and glory,
and you set all things under my feet.
You have made me a little less than angels,
even if I fly often away.
In my anxious and brow beaten moments,
you comfort me, fill me with peace.
When my foes threaten, dare, and surround me.
You’re my strength, you’re my light and my shield.
How exalted your name is, oh Yahweh,
and how lofty the work of your hands!
Yet how closely, how dearly you draw me,
to your love, your divine majesty.

BLESSING OF DIPLOMAS, MEDALS AND CERTIFICATES

Salutatorian: Reverend Father,

We, the graduating students, present with joy
These diplomas, medals, and other school awards
For which we worked during our high school years.
We ask you to pray
That they will always remind us of our duty
To serve God and country with zeal and loyalty.
Celebrant: God our Father,
You are the fountain of knowledge and virtue.
Grant that these your sons and daughters
Whom you filled with divine and human gifts
May dedicate themselves to you and the people
With unfailing generosity and love.
Lord, we ask you to bless these diplomas,
medals, and certificates, fruits of the many years of labor.
Bless also the Graduates who will receive and wear them.
Grant them with unbroken loyalty to Your Son Jesus Christ
whom St. Joseph’s Academy taught them to love and serve.
Continue to bless them so that your teachings
and everything that they have learned
may be used for your greater glory by being servants to others.
Grant this through Christ, Our Lord.
Students: Amen

(SPRINKLING OF HOLY WATER ON GRADUATING STUDENTS,

BLESSING OF DIPLOMAS AND MEDALS)

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

Celebrant: Let us pray.
Lord,
May the mysteries we receive heal us,
Remove sin from our hearts,
And make us grow strong
Under your constant protection.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen

CONCLUDING RITE

Principal: Reverend Father,

As these students begin a new stage in life,
We ask you to invoke God’s blessing upon them
And upon their parents, guardians and teachers.

Celebrant: The Lord be with you

All: And also with you.
Celebrant: Bow your heads and ask God’s grace that
In able us to carry his mission in our daily lif
e.

FINAL BLESSING

Celebrant: The Father of mercies has given us

an example of unselfish love in the sufferings of his only Son.
Through service of God and neighbor
may you receive his countless blessings.
All: Amen.
Celebrant: You believe that by his dying
Christ destroyed death forever.
May he give you everlasting life.
All: Amen.
Celebrant: He humbled himself for our sakes.
May you follow His examples and
Share in his resurrection.
All: Amen.
Celebrant: May Almighty God Bless You the FATHER,
AND THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT.
All: Amen.

Celebrant: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord!

All: Thanks Be to God!

RECESSIONAL SONG
“At Home in Our Hearts”
You who welcomed Christ into your home
You who must have washed the Savior s feet
Are truly blest, you who fed the Lord when weary and forlorn
Blest are you who served the Lord s needs
You with whom He shared His wondrous deeds
You to whom He bared His broken dreams
Are truly blest, you whom Jesus sought
before His lonely end
Blest are you whom Jesus called His friend
REFRAIN:
And so we pray, now and always
That we might serve the Lord as selflessly
By feeding those in need, their woes making our own
In our hearts may Jesus find a home
You who begged the Lord to raise His friend
You who knew our death He would amend
Are truly blest, You whom Jesus heard say,
"You are the Messiah
The Son of God who comes into the world!" (REFRAIN)