A prayer for voters

Here is a prayer for voters, written by Rev. Daniel Coughlin of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Fr. Coughlin serves as the Chaplain of the House of Representatives.

Almighty and ever–living God, bound in faithful love to Your people, be attentive to our deepest needs; for as a nation we place all our trust in You.

Since election day approaches, we pray for all those who have placed their name before the people; to seal their commitment of public service for the common good. Purify the intentions of those who deserve the public trust. Transform self interest into compassion for Your people, as You make them harbingers of our future.

Empower each voter with Your Spirit; so that as the free people of Your creation they may recognize truth and personal integrity in those they choose. May the representative government they place in service mirror their own commitment to search out the ways of peace with others and establish an economic stability where justice will flourish for all.

May a new era of patriotism dawn upon the United States; a patriotism strong enough to carry us through difficult times and flexible enough to embrace authentic creativity. Drawing upon the resources of university and business, may the legal and social development of Your people help all citizens realize their full potential in Your sight. For Your wisdom is revealed to us and in us both now and forever. Amen.

Hat tip to Rocco.

Prayers in time of financial crisis

These prayers by Diana Macalintal first appeared in Today's Parish Minister, 40:6, October 2008.






A Prayer When Money Is Tight

Gracious God,
you tell me to look at the birds in the air
who don't work or sow,
yet they are fed each day by your hand.
But Lord, they can fly where they need to go,
while I still need to put gas in the car.
And you say to look at the flowers in the field
who don't worry about what they will wear,
yet you clothe them in splendor and majesty.
But Lord, lilies might dress up my dinner table,
but they won't feed my hungry family.
Giver of all good gifts,
I know you can't give me wings to fly
or a life free of worry.
So please give me instead
a heart overflowing with trust in you.
Though I may not get all the things that I ask for,
I know you will give me everything that I need.
When money is tight and anxiety is near,
open my heart to give freely of myself
that I might be abundantly rich in you. Amen.


A Prayer When You Have Nothing Left To Give

Lord, I have nothing left to give.
I'm exhausted and worn out.
Yet so many still ask for more.
Grant me that last ounce of strength
that sustained you enough on the cross
to offer one last word of forgiveness,
that I may be gentle with others
and with myself.
And when that too is spent,
help me stay present even in my emptiness,
and let my presence be the first and last gift
I have to give. Amen.

An Empty-Nester's Prayer

This prayer by Diana Macalintal first appeared in Today's Parish Minister, 40:4, April/May 2008.

A Parent’s Prayer When Children are Leaving Home

Gracious God,
you blessed me
with the gift of my child
and entrusted me
with his/her care.
Now he/she leaves this home
and begins a new life
apart from me.
Surround him/her
with good people
and watch over him/her each day.
And let him/her know that I will always be near
whenever he/she may need me.
Heal any hurts we may harbor with one another
and forgive our failings as we learn
to be in a new kind of relationship with each other.
And when the sight of his/her empty room
pierces my heart with sadness,
may I find comfort in knowing that my child is your child too,
filled with your grace and sheltered by your love. Amen.

Blessings for World Youth Day delegates

Got a group of people traveling to Australia for this year's WYD? Send them off with a blessing. The Book of Blessings, chapter 8, has two orders for blessing pilgrims. And here's a blessing for travelers adapted from the blessing of pilgrims that you can also use.

Blessing of Calendars on the Feast of the Epiphany

This prayer by Diana Macalintal originally appeared in Today's Parish Minister, Vol. 40, No. 1, January, 2008

Blessing of Calendars on the Feast of the Epiphany

In every age, O God,
you have been our help.
To the wise men of the East,
your star rose at the appointed time to lead them to your Son.
To those at the Jordan, your Spirit descended upon Jesus
to show us that indeed the time of your kingdom had come.
And at the wedding banquet of Cana,
time stood still as the guests drank fully
from the bottomless cup of joy Christ provided.

You created all time and set the stars in motion,
and yet not one second of our life goes by without your care.

Bless then our time-keepers—
our calendars and clocks, watches and daytimers,
computers and cell phones, notepads and notebooks.
Help us not be slaves to them
or to fill them so much that we miss your presence here and now.
But let us use them to help us be in the right place at the right time
where we can do your will and witness you at work in our world.
May we remember each moment and never forget
that you are with us until the end of time.

This we pray in the name of Christ, yesterday and today,
the beginning and the end, Alpha and Omega.
To him be glory and power
through every age for ever and ever. Amen.

The Parish Staff’s Prayer for the New Year

This prayer by Diana Macalintal originally appeared in Today's Parish Minister, Vol. 40, No. 1, January, 2008

The Parish Staff’s Prayer for the New Year

God of every time and season,
you give us another year to fill with new beginnings.
We have so many dreams for our parish this year,
so many promises we want to keep,
so many new habits we want to learn.
Yet so much from last year is still left undone.

Erase our failings of the old year,
clear away the decay left by our complacency,
and wipe clean the slate of broken covenants from the year gone by.

As the calendar changes and the old gives way to the new,
help us not to dwell on the past
but to use its memory to move us ever forward to your kingdom.

Renew our hope and strengthen our resolve
to keep our new year’s promises to this parish
so that we may serve your people faithfully through every season
and walk joyfully with them each day of the year.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

A prayer before preparing Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner

This prayer by Diana Macalintal originally appeared in Today's Parish Minister, Vol. 39, No. 7, November/December, 2007.

A prayer before preparing Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner
(based on Luke 10:27, 38-42)

Lord, you know all the things that still need to be done—
the cooking and cleaning, the preparation and anticipation,
the anxiety and worry that everything will be just right.
As I prepare this meal, help me also to prepare myself
that I may not be distracted by all these concerns.
And when you enter this home and sit at this table,
may I sit beside you and remember that only one thing is needed:
to love you with all my heart, with all my being,
with all my strength, and with all my mind,
and to love my neighbor as myself. Amen.

A Prayer Before Family Reunions

This prayer by Diana Macalintal originally appeared in Today's Parish Minister, Vol. 39, No. 7, November/December, 2007.

A Prayer Before Family Reunions

God, I will be seeing my family soon,
and it has been so long since I have been with them.
I am a different person now, and I am sure that they are too.
Yet I still feel the same hurts that never went away,
the same wounds that never healed,
the same grudges that were never settled,
and the same anxiety of falling into old habits.
Fill me, Lord, with your peace, forgive my faults as I forgive theirs,
and help me love my family as I know you love them.
With the Holy Family as our companion,
bless our time together and strengthen the bonds between us
that we may grow more in love with each other
until we are perfectly united forever in your kingdom.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Veteran's Day Prayer

Thanks to A Concord Pastor for posting this beautiful Veteran's Day prayer.

A Child’s Prayer Before Trick-or-Treating

Here's a Halloween prayer I wrote for all your little and not-so-little pumpkins on All Hallows Eve.

God bless all the people whom we will meet.
Let our visit with them be a pleasant treat.
Whatever the costumes we wear tonight,
may all your children be clothed with Christ.
Protect us from danger and the devil’s ways,
that tomorrow with the saints we may give you praise. Amen.

Blessing of Students and Teachers

It's that time of year again when kids pick out new notebooks and folders and parents breathe a sigh of relief.

Here's a blessing for students and teachers you can use at the beginning of this new school year.

St. Patrick's Breastplate - music and translations

Click here to get free sheet music (pdf) by Diana Macalintal of this prayer in English that you can download and use in your parish with permission.

Thanks to Rev. Wayne Negrete, SJ, for passing on these translations of the hymn ascribed to Saint Patrick.

Saint Patrick's Breastplate Prayer

Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

Oración Coraza de San Patricio
http://www.ewtn.com/spanish/prayers/orac_san_patricio.htm

Cristo conmigo,
Cristo frente a mí,
Cristo tras de mí,
Cristo en mí,
Cristo a mi diestra,
Cristo a mi siniestra,
Cristo al descansar,
Cristo al levantar,
Cristo en el corazón de cada hombre que piense en mí,
Cristo en la boca de todos los que hablen de mí,
Cristo en cada ojo que me mira,
Cristo en cada oído que me escucha.


Saint Patrick's Breastplate Prayer
Panalanging Panangga

translated by Rev. Eli Rowdy Lumbo, SJ

Kristo kasama ko,
Kristo sa harapan ko,
Kristo sa likuran ko,
Kristo sa loob ko,
Kristo sa babá ko,
Kristo sa taas ko,
Kristo sa kanan ko,
Kristo sa kaliwa ko,
Kristo pag ako’y nahiga,
Kristo pag ako’y umupo,
Kristo pag ako’y tumayo,
Kristo sa puso ng bawat taong iniisip ako,
Kristo sa bibig ng lahat na pinag-uusapan ako,
Kristo sa bawat matang nakikita ako,
Kristo sa bawat tengang naririnig ako.

A Blessing of Students and Teachers for Catholic Schools Week

The blessing below is an adapation of a liturgy of "Enrollment and Blessing of Students" by Diana Macalintal which originally appeared in Into the Fields, a training resource for catechists and teachers. It is reprinted with permission.

You may reprint the blessing below for free for use in your parish, but please include the Web site address and reference to Into the Fields - intothefields.org - in any copies you make.


BLESSING OF STUDENTS AND TEACHERS
Adapted from a blessing from Into the Fields - intothefields.org


INTRODUCTORY RITES
When the community has gathered, a suitable song may be sung.
The presider greets those present.

Presider:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

May the God of wisdom and understanding be with you.
And also with you.

Today we gather to answer God’s call
to grow in wisdom and grace,
just as Jesus progressed steadily in wisdom and age and grace
before God and all people.

The Word of God brings wisdom and light to the eye.
Let us then ask God to open the ears of our hearts
that we may hear and follow the Spirit of God.


READING OF THE WORD OF GOD
A reader may read a text of sacred Scripture – Sirach 6:32-37.
After the reading, a suitable psalm may be sung and the presider or another minister may relate the reading to the lives of the students and teachers.


CALLING AND ENROLLMENT OF THE STUDENTS
[Begin here if the blessing takes place within Mass.]

Principal of the School:
Let those who are students and teachers at N. School come forward.

If time allows, and the number of students and teachers is not too large, each student and teacher is called by name. He or she responds by saying, “Present,” or “Here I am.”


INTERCESSIONS

Presider:
Let us pray for these students
and all who seek to know and love God.

Another reader leads the intercessions.

Our response is: Fill us with the Spirit of God.

For these students and their teachers, we pray to the Lord.

For their families and all who support them, we pray to the Lord.

For our church and all who teach and guide us, we pray to the Lord.

For our Catholic schools and all those places where the Good News is found, we pray to the Lord.

For all the catechumens and those who seek to grow in faith, we pray to the Lord.

For those who have no one to teach them, we pray to the Lord.


LORD’S PRAYER
[Omit if the blessing takes place within Mass.]

Presider:
Christ taught us to call upon the Father, and so we pray: Our Father…


PRAYER OF BLESSING

Presider:
Eternal God, your wisdom is beyond our understanding.
Yet it is revealed to us in the life and love of Jesus, your Son.
Bless these daughters and sons of yours
who have answered your call to grow in faith.
Enlighten them with your Word and fill them with your Spirit
that they may follow the path that leads to your wisdom.
Open their eyes that they may see your presence each day,
open their ears that they may hear your voice in unexpected places,
open their minds that they may understand
the mystery of your love,
and open their hearts that they may be joyful companions with us
as we continue to grow in likeness to the mind of Christ.
Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.


CONCLUDING BLESSING
[Omit if the blessing takes place within Mass, and continue with the Liturgy of the Eucharist.]

Presider:
May God bless us with wisdom and fill us with peace
now and for ever. Amen.

A Sample Lenten Reconciliation Service

“When a number of penitents assemble at the same time to receive sacramental reconciliation, it is fitting that they be prepared for the sacrament by a celebration of the word of God. Those who will receive the sacrament at another time may also take part in the service. Communal celebration shows more clearly the ecclesial nature of penance.” (Rite of Penance, 22).

During Lent it is appropriate for all the baptized—including those candidates who are preparing to be received into the full communion of the Catholic Church and those candidates preparing to celebrate confirmation or first Communion during the Easter season—to participate in the Sacrament of Penance. Remember that catechumens cannot celebrate the Sacrament of Penance until after they are baptized; however, they can be encouraged to participate in the liturgy to be strengthened by the Word of God and the modeling of penitence by the assembly.

Below is a script for a lenten reconciliation liturgy prepared by Diana Macalintal. It may be adapted to be either a sacramental celebration which includes an opportunity for individual confession and absolution, or a penitential liturgy (read more about penitential liturgies here) that prepares the assembly to celebrate the sacrament at a later time (for the latter option, omit the section in brackets). The liturgy may be led by a priest, deacon, or other minister using the appropriate adaptations. Because the liturgy recalls the reconciliation we first encounter through baptism, it adapts a ritual signing with holy water in which all the baptized may participate. Please feel free to copy, adapt, and use the text free of charge for your own parishes.

Download a Word file of this liturgy here.


Lenten Reconciliation Service
© 2007, Diana Macalintal


Gathering Rites
The liturgy begins in a similar way to the Sunday lenten liturgies, except the Penitential Rite is omitted.


Liturgy of the Word

First Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10
Psalm: Psalm of the season
Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46
Homily or reflection


Reconciliation

Examination of Conscience
Music for the acclamation begins.

Presider:
My friends, as we prepare to renew our baptismal promises this Easter,
let us bring our hearts and minds before the Lord.
Let us examine our consciences, remembering that God is merciful.
Together, let us kneel.

Acclamation is sung – “Lamb of God” from Mass of Creation

Reader(s):
You come to look for the lost sheep; joyfully you carry it on your shoulders.
Yet do we run away from you
because of pride, arrogance, or shame? [pause]
And so we pray: (Jesus, Lamb of God…)

You go to meet the prodigal son; you embrace him in your arms.
Yet have we become jealous of your mercy
for those who we think don’t deserve it? [pause]
And so we pray: (Jesus, Lamb of God…)

You choose the humble and the sinner to be your apostles;
you have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.
Yet are we deaf to your voice
because of our need to be perfect, self-sufficient, or right all the time? [pause]
And so we pray: (Jesus, Lamb of God…)

You save Peter from drowning in the sea when he lost his faith in you.
Yet are we too afraid to even try what seems impossible? [pause]
And so we pray: (Jesus, Lamb of God…)

You enter the house of Zacheaus in order to seek out and save what was lost.
Yet do we close our doors to your own people? [pause]
And so we pray: (Jesus, Lamb of God…)

You accept the perfumed oil of the sinful woman;
because of her tears you pardon and defend her.
Yet do we carry stony and indifferent hearts,
refusing to ask for and offer forgiveness? [pause]
And so we pray: (Jesus, Lamb of God…)

You heal the lepers and restore them to wholeness,
though only one returns to give you thanks.
Yet do we daily take your blessings for granted? [pause]
And so we pray: (Jesus, Lamb of God…)

You open the gates of Paradise to the good thief crucified by your side.
Yet do we condemn and crucify others
with our words, actions, and failure to act? [pause]
And so we pray: (Jesus, Lamb of God…)


General Confession
Presider:
Our God is a God of mercy, slow to anger and abounding in love.
Like the father who welcomes us home,
or the mother who kisses away our wounds, our God is ready to forgive.
So let us trust in his goodness as, together, we confess our sin.

The assembly may be invited to place a hand on the shoulder of the person next to them.

All: I confess to almighty God….


Lord’s Prayer
Presider:
Let us stand and pray for forgiveness as Jesus taught us. Our Father….


Remembrance of Baptismal Reconciliation
Music for procession begins.

Presider:
My brothers and sisters, we have neglected the gifts of our baptism,
and we have confessed our sin before God and each other.
Let us come forward now and recall the commitment we made
when God first raised us to new life.

Several ministers each hold a small bowl of holy water. As members of the assembly approach them, the ministers mark the foreheads of the faithful with a cross of baptismal water, saying:
Remember your baptism, and be faithful to the Gospel.


[Individual Confession and Absolution]
Penitents may go to the priests designated for individual confession, and confess their sins.


Proclamation of Praise for God’s Mercy
Presider: Give praise to God who remembers not our sin.

All sing a song of praise.


Concluding Rites

Sign of Peace
Presider: Let us share with one another a sign of peace.


Concluding Prayer
Presider:
God, our help in every age,
you have washed away our sin with the cleansing waters of baptism
and have made us your own chosen ones to be called holy and beloved.
We give you thanks for your unending love and mercy.
Strengthen us with your Word and fill us with your Spirit
that we may profess our faith with joy
and renew our baptismal vows at the Easter feast
you prepare for your children who return home to you.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.


Blessing
A lay minister concludes the rite by signing himself or herself with the sign of the cross saying:
Presider:
May God bless us and keep us. (+) Amen.
May God smile upon us and be gracious to us. Amen.
May God look upon us kindly, and give us peace. Amen.


Dismissal
Presider:
Friends, peace and joy are ours this day.
Let us go now in peace. Thanks be to God.

A Lenten Night Prayer for Home

Below is a sample lenten night prayer by Diana Macalintal that families or individuals can use in their home during the season of Lent.

Download a Word document version of this prayer.


A Lenten Night Prayer for Home

GATHERING

The leader leads everyone in making the sign of the cross.

Leader: In the name of the Father (+), and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Leader: Let us recall the events of this day.
Where did we see Christ today,
and where may we have ignored him?

All spend some time in silent, written, or shared reflection.

Leader: With thanksgiving and trust in God’s boundless mercy,
let us ask for healing from God and each other.

All: I confess to Almighty God….


WORD

Read the Sunday Gospel or another reading from the Lenten season. Or sing together the refrain of the Lenten responsorial psalm or another song from Sunday’s Mass.


PETITION

For each petition, name out loud any specific persons you want to pray for.

Leader: Let us offer our prayers to God who hears us.
For our family and friends….We pray: Lord, hear our prayer.
For our co-workers and classmates….We pray:
For the sick and those who care for them….We pray:
For those we don’t get along with….We pray:
For those we have hurt today….We pray:
For the Elect preparing for baptism….We pray:
For our Church and world leaders….We pray:
For those looking for work, food, or shelter….We pray:
For those with no one to help them….We pray:

Leader: Together, we pray as Jesus taught us.
Our Father….

Leader: Lord God, protect us when we are awake,
and watch over us as we sleep,
that we may rise with Christ who is our light.

All: Lord, now let your servants go in peace,
for your word has been fulfilled.
Our eyes have seen your salvation,
your glory before all people.
Your light you have revealed to the world,
giving your promise to your chosen ones.


DISMISSAL

All make the sign of the cross as the leader concludes the prayer.

Leader: May the Lord bless us, (+) protect us from all evil,
and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.

Leader: Grant us a restful night…
All: and a peaceful end.

Leader: May peace be with us always…
All: and with our loved ones everywhere.

Epiphany Blessing of the Home and Household

The Christmas season, especially the feast of the Epiphany, is a traditional time to bless homes. The Book of Blessings has an official rite which may be used by a priest, deacon, or lay person (Chapter 50). The book of Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers has a short simple rite that may be led by a family member. An interesting rubric in the Book of Blessings says that “a home should not be blessed unless those who live in it are present” (#1599).

Often related to these blessings is a ritual of “chalking” the front door of the home with the numbers of the year separated by the initials, CMB. The letters traditionally refer to the legendary names of the three kings: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar (Scripture neither names them nor says there were three of them). Another tradition refers to it as the abbreviation of the Latin phrase, Christus mansionem benedicat, translated as “May Christ bless this house.”

To chalk the door for Epiphany, one would write in chalk on the outside lintel above the front door (or any where on the posts of the doors): 20 + C + M + B 07.

Another tradition that I had learned as a college student was to take the first Christmas card I received that season which had the image of the Three Kings and tape it above the inside horizontal lintel of the front door. Both rituals are meant to remind the household to gladly welcome everyone who comes to your door and to eagerly seek out Christ every time you leave home.

Below is an adapted ritual by Diana Macalintal that you may use at Epiphany in your home.

What you’ll need:

• some chalk of any color
• a family Bible
• candles for each person (small tea lights in plastic or glass containers are best)
• matches to light candles
• the words to three Christmas carols
• a Christmas card with the image of the Three Kings and some adhesive tape
• A bowl of holy water
• A leader
• A person to proclaim the Scripture
• The oldest and the youngest members of the household to chalk the door
• Another household member to place the Epiphany card over the door
• A person to read the litany

Introductory Rites
The family and their friends gather at the front door of the home as a suitable song is sung by all, for example, “O Come All Ye Faithful.”

The leader greets those present.

In the name of the Father, (+) and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
All: Amen.

Peace be with this house and with all who live here.
Blessed be God for ever.
All: Blessed be God for ever.

Today we gather in this holy place
to recognize that Christ dwells here.
As the Three Kings followed the light of the star,
we too follow the light of Christ to be a place of welcome,
a people of generosity, and a dwelling place for God.

The home is called the domestic church.
It is where we first learn to pray and search for Christ,
to forgive and receive forgiveness,
to offer our gifts, and to bless each other.

Let us then ask God to open our hearts
so that, as the doors of this home
are opened to neighbor and traveler,
this family may be a source of welcome for all in need
and a place where Christ is found.

Chalking the Door
The leader continues.

As the words of the Gospel of John are proclaimed, let us consecrate this door and the home it protects to Christ who is the sheepgate. Let this door be the threshold that leads both ways to the blessings and goodness of God.

As the Scripture below is proclaimed, the oldest and the youngest persons of the household may take turns inscribing “20 + C + M + B 07” on the outside lintel of the front door.

Reading of the Word of God
A reader may slowly read the following text of sacred Scripture from the family Bible as the inscription is written over the door – John 1:13-14.

In the beginning was the Word, (inscribe 2)
and the Word was with God, (inscribe 0)
and the Word was God. (inscribe +)
He was in the beginning with God. (inscribe C)
All things came to be through him, (inscribe +)
and without him nothing came to be. (inscribe M)
And the Word became flesh (inscribe +)
and made his dwelling among us, (inscribe B)
and we saw his glory, (inscribe 0)
the glory as of the Father’s only Son, (inscribe 7)
full of grace and truth.

The gospel of the Lord.
All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Placing of the Epiphany Card over the Door
As the following Scripture passage is proclaimed, another family member places an Epiphany card over the front door on the inside of the house.

The reader continues as the card is placed (Matthew 2:9-11).

And behold,
the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them,
until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.
They were overjoyed at seeing the star,
and on entering the house
they saw the child with Mary his mother.
They prostrated themselves and did him homage.

Procession into the Home
Those gathered sing an appropriate song, such as “We Three Kings,” as they each receive a lit candle and follow the family into the main gathering space of the home where a bowl of holy water has been prepared.

Litany
The leader continues.

As this household has been given the light of Christ through baptism, let us pray that this home shines radiantly with the love of God to be a shelter of peace for all who visit and dwell in it.

A reader leads the litany.

Our response is: Make us your dwelling place, Lord.

With Mary, and Joseph: Make us your dwelling place, Lord.
With Anne and Joachim:...
With Elizabeth and Zechariah:
With Anna and Simeon:
With the shepherds and the kings:
With all the angels and saints:
With all holy men and women:
For the sick and the hungry:
For the homeless and the lonely:
For friend and stranger:
For neighbor and traveler:
In our hopes and dreams:
In our faults and failings:
In times of joy and peace:
In times of sadness and grief:
When anger and fear confuse us:
When pride and pain confound us:
When the plans we make must change:
When you call us home by a different way:
In all things, great and small:

The leader continues.

Christ taught us to call upon the Father, and so we pray:
Our Father…

Prayer of Blessing
Those gathered may place a hand on the shoulder of the person near them as the leader says the following prayer.

Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation,
for through your goodness
you have given us shelter from the cold
and the light of your Word to brighten the darkness of night.
We come to you bearing no gifts
for everything we have is a gift from you.
All we can offer is our love for each other
and our faith in your Son.
Transform, then, these humble gifts into an epiphany,
a revelation of your divine presence,
and bless this house and all who come to it.
May this home and this family be a light
for all who are lost and afraid,
a place of peace and hospitality for those in need,
and a sign that you are indeed God with us.
And when our long journey has ended,
lead us all by the star of your mercy
that we may come home to you
to the dwelling place you have prepared for us in heaven.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.

All may sign themselves with holy water. If desired, those present may go to various rooms of the home to sprinkle them with holy water.

Concluding Blessing
The leader says the following, making the sign of the cross.

May God bless us and keep us. (+)
May his face shine upon us and be gracious to us.
May God look upon us kindly and give us peace.
All: Amen.

All sing an appropriate song, such as “Joy to the World.”

"Blessing of Brains" and Surviving Comps

This time of year, students are stressing not just about the holidays but also about final exams, papers, and tests at the end of the fall quarter. Here are two things that might help your students feel supported during this time of year.

Two summers ago, I was in the same boat, stressing over comprehensive exams. It was one of the most academically and pyschologically difficult things I had to do. After I got through it, I thought no one should have to stress like that alone. So I put together a little web site called "Surviving Comps" that has some tips that helped me get through my comps.

When I was a campus minister at UCLA and at Saint Mary's College in Moraga, we would do a "blessing of brains" on the Sunday before finals. These were always the best-attended Masses of the year. Consider doing a "blessing of brains" at an upcoming Sunday gathering or youth group meeting. You can even make up little card or bookmarks with this prayer for the students to take home.

A Blessing of Brains

God, Creator of all things and of human intellect,
bless these students with orderly thinking,
curiosity for the work of your creation,
and a creative spirit in their studies.

Lord Jesus, Son of God, help them remain focused.
Give them eyes to see the connections between their study
and its value for life and service to others.
Energize them and get their brains working.

Send your Holy Spirit upon them
to give them flexibility of thought and expression,
good memory and calm nerves,
the ability to organize their thinking
and comprehend theories and facts
that they may express them with flair and clarity.
May your Spirit help them
to overcome moments of discouragement
and to rejoice in their accomplishments.

God our Wisdom, in whom we live, move, and have our being,
bless your sons and daughters.
Bless their brains and every part of their lives.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy and the Opening Prayer of Vatican II

On November 22, 1963, the same day that John F. Kennedy was shot and killed, 2147 bishops voted to approve the first document of Vatican II. Four bishops opposed it. Two weeks later, on December 4, 1963, Pope Paul VI promulgated Sacrosanctum concilium, the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy.

If you do anything with liturgy and have never read the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, then consider it your "Advent duty" to read it. There are only 130 paragraphs (or articles) with the most foundational articles right at the beginning. Each day of Advent, read five or six articles--this will take you just a few minutes each day. Then reflect prayerfully on these, laying aside any of your pre-conceptions, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts.

Begin your reading and reflection with the following prayer written by Pope John XXIII for all the bishops to pray at each session of Vatican II.

Opening Prayer of Vatican II

We stand before you, Holy Spirit,
conscious of our sinfulness,
but aware that we gather in your name.

Come to us, remain with us,
and enlighten our hearts.

Give us light and strength
to know your will,
to make it our own,
and to live it in our lives.

Guide us by your wisdom,
support us by your power,
for you are God,
sharing the glory of Father and Son.

You desire justice for all:
enable us to uphold the rights of others;
do not allow us to be misled by ignorance
or corrupted by fear or favor.

Unite us to yourself in the bond of love
and keep us faithful to all that is true.

As we gather in your name
may we temper justice with love,
so that all our decisions may be pleasing to you
and earn the reward promised to good and faithful servants.

You live and reign with the Father and the Son,
One God, for ever and ever. Amen.

World AIDS Day - December 1, 2006

Let us remember...that we are in the holy presence of God
when we are in the presence of those living, suffering, and dying with AIDS.

Here is a reflection I wrote two years ago on December 1 about "waiting and what if."

And here are a list of resources for prayer, information, and action on AIDS.

Thanksgiving prayers for the dinner table

Do you still need a prayer card to give to parishioners to help them pray at family dinner? Below are simple cards that you can print. You'll need Adobe reader.

Click here for English, and click here for Spanish. Print them on card stock and cut them in quarters. There are prayers on each side of the card.

Happy Thanksgiving!