CATECHISM
[ SERAPHIM HOME ] >> YOUTH >>
CATECHISM
THE BLESSING OR PRAYER OVER THE
PEOPLE
|
The final blessing
and prayer over the people indicate that Confirmation is but a step in an
ongoing process. We don’t get the idea that the gift has been given and over,
but we pray that we will continue now to receive the gift of the Spirit even
more fruitfully. Confirmation is a step that follows Baptism in the process
of Christian initiation. It implies actual growth and looks to future growth.
The blessings in the latest rite of Confirmation are usually rich and
beautiful. The
Blessing : Instead of the
usual blessing, the following blessing or prayer over the people is used. The deacon or minister gives the invitation
in these or similar words: Bow your heads and pray for God’s blessing: The Bishop extends his hands over the people
and sings or says: God our
Father made you His children by water and the Holy Spirit. May He
bless you and watch over you with His fatherly love. R. Amen. Jesus Christ the son of God promised that the spirit of
Truth will be with his Church forever: may he bless you and give you courage
in professing the true faith. R. Amen. The Holy Spirit came down upon the disciples and set
their hearts on fire with love: may he bless you, keep you one in faith and love and bring you to the joy of
god’s kingdom. R. Amen. The Bishop adds immediately: May Almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son and
the Holy Spirit. R. Amen. OR Prayer
over the People : Instead of the
preceding blessing, the prayer over the people may be used. The deacon or
minister gives the invitation in these or similar words: Bow
your heads and pray for God’s blessing: The
Bishop extends his hands over the people and sings or says: God our
Father, complete the work You have begun and make the gifts of Your Holy
Spirit active in the hearts of Your people. Make them ready to live His
Gospel and eager to do His will. May
they never be ashamed to proclaim to all the world Christ crucified, living
and reigning for ever and ever. R. Amen. The
Bishop adds immediately: And may
the Blessing of Almighty God the Father, and the Son + and the Holy Spirit, come upon you and
remain with you forever. R. Amen. |