Catholic Charities USA

Dedication and Blessing of New Building

The ritual begins with the singing of All Are Welcome(Gather Comprehensive
#741).

The ritual then proceeds: Greeting Leader: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. May the grace and peace of our loving God, the source of all blessings, be with you all. (And also with you.) We know the familiar words of the psalm: If the Lord does not build the house, in vain do its builders labor. Whenever we look to the interests of our neighbor or the community and serve them, we are, in a sense, Gods own co-workers. We come together today to dedicate this space to the work of charity and to ask Gods blessing on those who will work here or gather here to further the mission of Catholic Charities. First Reader: James 2:14-26 Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the Letter of James. Second Reader: Romans 12:9-18 Listen to the words of the Letter to the Romans. Third Reader: Luke 10:25-37 Listen to the words of the Gospel of Luke. (Leader may then offer a brief reflection.)

Prayer of Intercession:

My brothers and sisters, let us ask God that the work that we today and all days will contribute to the building up of his kingdom and join us in faith and love to Christ, who is the cornerstone. Let us pray to the Lord. Gracious God, hear our prayer. Lord God, you have given us the knowledge and power to become your coworkers. Let us pray to the Lord. Gracious God, hear our prayer. Through the Spirit of your Son you form us into a spiritual house where you make your dwelling. Let us pray to the Lord. Gracious God, hear our prayer. With much labor you shape and polish us into living stones until you make us worthy to be built up into a new and holy Jerusalem. Let us pray to the Lord. Gracious God, hear our prayer.

Prayer of Blessing: (Leader) Let us pray. Lord our God, You whose home is in heaven and on earth, Come and bless this space Where we will be about your work And let your presence be always with us. Encompass all its walls With the power of your protection So that no evil or harm will come near. May all who come here Be treated with respect and kindness. May the holy light of Gods presence Shine brightly in this space And be a blessing for all who come here.

Through the work of this center May the kingdom of God draw closer

And become a reality in our midst. Give us guidance and strength to be about the work of charity In serving those who are least among us. Through our work in this space May your name be glorified and our neighbor honored. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen. Leader/Minister then walks around and sprinkles those present with holy water. Closing Prayer Good and gracious God, You have created all things through your Son And have made him the unshakable foundation of your kingdom. Through your grace and the gift of your wisdom, Bring to completion the work that you have entrusted to us Of serving the poor, disadvantaged and marginalized. Give success to the work of our hands. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. The ritual closes with the singing of We Are Called(Gather Comprehensive #710).