Holy Cross Centre, Woriur: Blessing

Opening Hymn
Cel: In the name.... All: Amen Cel: Glory and Praise to God in the Highest All: Amen Cel: Peace and good will to all on earth All: Amen
When Christ took flesh through the Blessed Virgin Mary, he made his home with us. Let us now pray that he will enter this home and bless it with his presence. May his presence be felt by the members of this community; may he nurture their love for each other, share in their joys, and comfort them in their sorrows. Inspired by his teachings and example, may they seek to make this home before all else a dwelling place of love, a place of welcome and a place of service. As we pray Gods blessings on this chapel and this home, we ask that the Lord grant his peace to all who come here in discord or struggle, his serenity to those disturbed by life and relationships, his light and direction to those confused and indecisive, and solace and solitude to those who come just to be with the Lord.

Cel: Lord God, who by the incarnation of your son reconciled our world with heaven and who by the death of your son on the cross redeemed your Church, bless us as we gather here to consecrate this chapel and this centre for your worship and your service. Allow us Lord the grace to offer you holy service with a heart, mind and body pure and worthy in your presence. We make this .

Psalm 15
R/- Lord, who will enter your Temple? Who will worship you in your sacred place? 1

1) The one who obeys God in everything and always does what is right, whose words are true and sincere, and who does not slander others. Our response: R/2) He who does no wrong to his friends nor spreads rumors about his neighbors. Our response: R/3) He who despises those whom God rejects, but honours those who obey the Lord. Our response: R/4) He who always does what he promises, no matter how much it may cost. Our response: R/5) He who makes loans without charging interest and bribed to testify against the innocent. Our response: R/cannot be

6) Whoever does these things will always be secure and enter into the presence of God. Our response: R/-

Reading
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke When the disciples drew near to the village to which they were going; Jesus made as if to go on; but they pressed him to stay with them saying; It is nearly evening, and the day is almost over. So he went in to stay with them. Now while he was with them at table, he took the bread and said the blessing; then he broke it and handed it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognised him; but he had vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, Did not our hearts burn within us as he talked to us on the road and explained the scriptures to us?' The Gospel of the Lord

Intercessions
Our response: Stay with us, Lord 1) The Son of God, Lord of heaven and earth, made his home among us. With thankfulness and gladness let us call upon him, saying: Stay, with us, Lord. 2) Lord Jesus Christ, by your life with Mary and Joseph you sanctified the life of the home; dwell with us in our home, so that we may have you as our guest, and honour you as our Head, we pray: Response 3) In you every dwelling grows into a holy temple; grant that those who live in this house may be built up together into the dwelling place of God in the Holy Spirit, we pray: Response 4) You taught your followers to build their houses on solid rock; grant that the members of this home may hold fast to your teachings and, free of all discord, serve you whole-heartedly, we pray: Response 5) You had no place to lay your head but in uncomplaining poverty you accepted the hospitality of your friends; may all those who come here experience welcome, acceptance, and service, we pray: Response 6) Martha through her warm and thoughtful hospitality and Mary through her silent presence and attentive listening and solitude made their home a place the Lord loved to frequent. May this community by their warmth and openness, their prayer and faith be a delight, a source of strength, solace and reconciliation to its neighbours, parishioners and all those who visit here, we pray: Response (You may now add our personal intentions) Cel: Lord, be close to your servants who will pray, worship and meditate here and ask for your blessing on their life and ministry. Be their shelter when they are at home; their companion when they are away, and their welcome guest when they return, and at last receive them into the 3

dwelling place you have prepared for them in your Father's house, where you live for ever and ever.

Hymn: Blessing
Heavenly Father, Lord of heaven and earth, we praise you and give you glory. Be with us as we pray, and bless + us in your love. May this be a place reserved for prayer. Listen to the praise and petitions of all who come here to pray, and be pleased with their worship. Send the Spirit of Jesus to guide them, and accept the praise of humble, contrite hearts. Lord, bless and consecrate this chapel + in the name of the Father, + through Jesus, our Lord and our brother, + in the love and unity of your Holy Spirit, + one God, for ever and ever. Amen!

Blessing of the CROSS OR CRUCIFIX

Cel: Heavenly Father, you sent your Son to us because you love us, and want to save us. By the power of his cross, free us from sin and let us live each day for you. Bless + this sign of glory, and let it remind us that Jesus died and rose for all. Help us to carry our cross with him every day, and to follow him in serving others. We ask this grace through Christ our Lord. Amen

Conclusion
May the God whom we glorify with one heart and voice enable us, through the Spirit, to live in harmony as followers of Christ Jesus, now and for ever. Amen. Concluding Hymn 4