Sean Swayne - Pocket Book of Blessings: Best-Selling Practical Handbook (Columba Classics)

POCKET BOOK OF BLESSINGS POCKET BOOK
OF BLESSINGS for use of priest or deacon Published with the authority of THE IRISH EPISCOPAL COMMISSION FOR
LITURGY for interim use First published in 1991 by

55A Spruce Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublin
Second edition 1993
Reprinted 2012 Designed by Bill Bolger
Origination by The Columba Press
Printed by Colorman Limited, Ireland ISBN: 978 1 85607 783 5 Acknowledgements: Excerpts from the English translation of Pastoral Care of the Sick: Rites of Anointing and Viaticum 1982, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. (ICEL); excerpts from the English translation of Order of Christian Funerals 1985, ICEL; excerpts from the English translation of Book of Blessings 1988, ICEL. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible , 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. Psalms are from the Grail translation and are used by permission of A P Watt Ltd on behalf of The Grail, England.

Copyright 1991, The Irish Episcopal Conference Contents Introduction The large Book of Blessings contains the full ritual and texts for the celebration of the Church's blessings. This present Pocket Book of Blessings is intended for use in those situations, which can arise frequently, when a priest or deacon is called upon at short notice to give a blessing or lead people in prayer. For occasions not envisaged in this book, the minister is referred to the full collection in the Book of Blessings . Likewise, in cases other than those envisaged above, particularly where the minister has more time to prepare, and a large number of the faithful participate, the fuller texts and rites provided in the Book of Blessings are to be used. The Book of Blessings also gives indications for the celebration of blessings by lay people. The two principal elements in the celebration of the Church's blessings are (i) the proclamation of God's word, and(ii) the prayer of blessing itself, which is basically a prayer of praise and petition.

To ensure active particip ation in the celebration, and to guard against any danger of superstition, it is ordinarily not permissible to impart the blessing of any article or place merely through a sign of blessing, and without either the word of God or any sort of prayer being spoken. Blessing of animals

Minister:	In the name of the Father, and of
the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
People:	Amen.
M	May God who is wonderful in all
his works be with you all.
P	And also with you.

One of those present or the minister: Let us listen to these words from the book of Genesis: And God said: 'Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind: cattle and creeping things and wild animals of the earth of every kind. And it was so. God made the wild animals of the earth of every kind, and the cattle of every kind, and everything that creeps upon the ground of every kind. And God saw that it was good.' Gen 1:2425 The minister may give a brief
explanation of the text.
With hands outstretched,
the minister says: M O God, you have done all things wisely; in your goodness you have made us in your image and given us care over other living things. Reach out with your right hand and grant that these animals may serve our needs and that your bounty in the resources of this life may move us to seek more confidently the goal of eternal life.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. P Amen. The minister may sprinkle those present
and the animals with holy water. M May God, who created the animals of this earth as a help to us, continue to protect and sustain us with the grace his blessing brings, now and for ever. P Amen. Blessing on the occasion of a bereavement

Minister:	In the name of the Father, and of
the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
People:	Amen.
M	May the Father of mercies,
the God of all consolation,
be with you all.
P	And also with you.

One of those present or the minister: Let us take comfort from the words of Jesus in the Gospel according to Matthew: 'Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.' Mt 11:2830 The minister may give a brief
explanation of the text.
With hands outstretched,
the minister says: M Lord our God, the death of our brother/sister N. recalls our human condition and the brevity of our lives on earth. But for those who believe in your love death is not the end, nor does it destroy the bonds that you forge in our lives. We share the faith of your Son's disciples and the hope of the children of God. and for those who love him/her, through Christ our Lord. P Amen. P Amen.

M May the peace of God which is beyond all understanding keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. P Amen. Then he says: M And may almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. P Amen. Blessing of candles

Minister:	In the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
People:	Amen.
M	Our help is in the name of the Lord.
P	Who made heaven and earth.

One of those present or the minister: A reading from the holy Gospel according to John: Jesus cried aloud: 'Whoever believes in me believes not in me but in him who sent me. I have come as a light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness.' Jn 12:4446 The minister may give a brief
explanation of the text.
With hands outstretched,
the minister says: M Gracious God, source of all light, you sent your Son to dispel the darkness of our world.

Bless these candles and make them holy. May we who use them in praise of your goodness walk always in the light of faith and come one day to the glory of heaven. Grant this through Christ our Lord. P Amen. The minister may sprinkle the candles with
holy water. In certain circumstances, it may
be appropriate for the minister to light one
of the candles.
The minister may say: M May the light of Christ, rising in glory, dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds.

And may almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. P Amen. Blessing of a car or vehicle

Minister:	In the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
People:	Amen.
M	May the Lord Jesus Christ, who is
the way, the truth, and the life, be
with you all.
P	And also with you.

One of those present or the minister: We listen to these words of the psalmist: I lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where shall come my help? My help shall come from the Lord who made heaven and earth. May he never allow you to stumble! Let him sleep not, your guard. No, he sleeps not nor slumbers, Israel's guard. The Lord is your guard and your shade; at your right side he stands.Next page