Leading Prayer

Gathering

Level I Rituals Opening prayer for a gathering or a meeting Blessing before a meal Blessing a colleague who is leaving the department or organization Leading prayer for sick colleague Distribution of Ashes Bringing Communion to a Catholic patient/resident Blessing of baby and parent(s) as they leave the birthing unit

Level II Rituals Presiding at a Prayer Service Leading prayer at a daylong retreat Leave-taking of a building that is to be demolished or a department that is closing Opening of a new unit or department Groundbreaking for a new building Dedication of a new building

Principles for Leading Prayer Listening and responding to God’s presence Participation / community awareness Involves the whole person Careful preparation of all involved

“Units” of Prayer Introductions Readings Music Ritual action Intercessions or litanies Prayers in the name of all Closing rites

Other ways to classify Formal or informal One-time or On-going

Formal Formal rituals of Catholic Church Sunday Celebration in the Absence of a priest Sacrament of the Sick

Informal Rituals designed for particular purpose that are not designated as Catholic rituals Blessing of hands Praying with someone before surgery

One-time One-time or as needed Blessing of new CEO Dedication of new building or service Spontaneous gathering because of an event such as 9-11-2001

On-going Repeated or seasonal Annual Feast day Thanksgiving celebration Anointing of the sick Ritual to commemorate those who have died during month or year

Groundbreaking for ER Expansion Gathering of invitees Ambulance arrives Local High school band plays Welcome by CEO Words by the Board Chair Blessing of the builders Blessing of the construction site Reception

Excerpt from Blessing COO: (Approach the podium and offer the following invitations:) Let us join together for the first blessing. I invite the family of Cecile Coulombe to join me in leading this blessing. Janet: God and gracious God, we gather here acknowledging Your presence among us. We gather remembering and honoring the vision and legacy of St. Marguerite d’Youville and her daughters , the Sister of Charity. We again commit ourselves to continue the healing ministry of the Catholic Church. (Janet, step away from the podium but remain standing. Roland, approach the podium.)

Roland: Gracious God, we acknowledge the faithfulness and generosity of so many colleagues and donors whose support makes this moment possible. We pray in gratitude for the faithfulness, generosity and wisdom of our mother, Cecile, in whose honor we dedicate this building. Continue to bless her with your peace and comfort. (Roland, step away from the microphone but remain standing. As Paul approaches the podium , Mary will step forward with one of the children and approach the construction worker. This will signal the appointed employees to approach the workers with one or two of the children)

Paul: As we begin the task of expanding this place of healing, we beg You, dear God, to bless all the construction workers whose skill and expertise will create this new space for our patients. Keep them safe from harm; protect them from accidents and equipment failure. May their supplies arrive on time, may the weather be favorable so that their work may be done with speed and accuracy. …

… All-loving and provident God, You have provided this land for us so that we could heal in Your name. Again we thank you for the faith and courage of our founding sisters who purchased this land 120 years ago. They trusted that you would make it possible for them to provide for the sick in this community. Now we trust again and ask you to bless this land - prepare it for a new time of healing – another future of caring for your people. May this land hold the pain of those who come here. May You bring forth the healing energy of this place so that all may know Your love and care.

Be with is as we honor the earth, promising to use materials that bring no harm to the land. Empower us to be good stewards honoring all of Your creation. May this work that we are about to begin, be for Your honor and glory and for the coming of your kingdom. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen

Potpourri Inclusive language Reflection or prayer? Avoid “last minute” preparation when possible Use of “ritual book” by leader, readers Music: live / electronic

Closing Reflection