Second Reading: “We Were Made for
These Times”
A
reading taken from Clarissa Pinkola Estes:
My friends, do not lose heart. We were made for these times. I have heard from so many recently who are
deeply and properly bewildered. They are
concerned about the state of affairs in our world now. Ours is a time of almost daily astonishment
and often righteous rage over the latest degradations of what matters most to
civilized, visionary people. Yet, I urge
you, ask you, gentle you, to please not spend your spirit dry by bewailing
these difficult times. Especially do not
lose hope. Most particularly because,
the fact is that we were made for these times.
Yes. For years, we have been
learning, practicing, been in training for and just waiting to meet on this
exact plain of engagement.
In any dark time, there is a tendency to
veer toward fainting over how much is wrong or unmended in the world. Do not focus on that. There is a tendency, too, to fall into being
weakened by dwelling on what is outside your reach, by what cannot yet be. Do not focus there. That is spending the wind
without raising the sails.
Ours is not the task of fixing the
entire world all at once, but of stretching out to mend the part of the world
that is within our reach. Any small,
calm thing that one soul can do to help another soul, to assist some portion of
this poor suffering world, will help immensely.
It is not given to us to know which acts or by whom, will cause the
critical mass to tip toward and enduring good.
The reason is this: in my utter most bones I know something, as
do you. It is that there can be no despair
when you remember why you came to earth, who you serve, and who sent you
here. The good words we say and the good
deed we do are not ours. They are the
words and deeds of the one who brought us here.
In that spirit, I hope you will write this on your wall:
When a great ship is in harbor and
moored, it is safe, there can be no doubt.
But that is not what great ships are built for.
These are the inspired words of Clarissa
Pinkola Estes.
Ay
Dios Mio!
In
the first reading we heard how Elijah did not hear the voice of God in the
powerful whirlwind, earthquake and fire, but in the gentle whisper of Yhwh.
In
the second reading we heard that we were made for these times. This reading
exhorts us to not lose heart but to endeavor to respond to the call of the
Divine and Jesus’ teaching to love and serve our neighbor.
In
today’s Gospel account, we heard that Jesus had just returned from the desert
experience where he had been tempted and where he had also received guidance
and empowerment for his prophetic ministry.
In
contemporary times, it appears that “showing up” and “stepping up to the plate”
are popular expressions which challenge us to be responsive and responsible.
So,
we can say that Jesus “showed up” and “stepped up to the plate”. How so? He
revealed his calling, to teach us by example to serve the poor and the
marginalized. We know that his mission was lauded and welcomed by the poor and
the marginalized who benefitted from his loving care. He was seen as an
irritant by the powerful, the rich and the religious whose lifestyles allowed
them to ignore the poor and needy. And
we know that Jesus died attempting to get his message across.
These
readings resonate with me in ways that unveil my relationship with Jesus and my
desire to follow in his footsteps.
From
my mother’s womb God has called my name. It has been a gentle persistent call
punctuated by God’s whisper. I was not aware that in every turn I took, and every
path I walked, (and there have been many turns and twists), that God was
leading me to this moment. God saw in this sickly shy little Puerto Rican kid
from East Harlem, a vessel through which Divine love and compassion was to be
shared with a few on this path. In my heart, there has always been a burning
desire to serve others, to advocate for them, to console and to teach and to
counsel. I have always been compelled to respond to those needs and there have
always been those appointed by God to walk this path with me and to provide
guidance and direction.
And
here we are today. Jesus is with us still. We are the body of Christ. And the
calling continues to be the same. And
the challenges and obstacles are with us as we endeavor to lead the church into
contemporary times in ways that respond to The Divine mandate for justice and
equality. I was anointed at Baptism and will be again today to bring the good
news to those who are poor, to proclaim liberty to those held captive, to recover
sight to those who are blind (whether the blindness be physical or spiritual),
to release those imprisoned (whether the imprisonment be self-imposed or as the
result of external victimization), and to speak truth to power.
The
marginalized are among us in numbers and oh how they yearn to be loved and
accepted without exception! By what power does this become a reality?
By
the power of Holy Spirit! That same Holy Spirit who guides me and calls me to this
moment in time. Holy Spirit for whom nothing is impossible------ Holy Spirit
who led me to ARCWP –The association of roman catholic women priest. Yes, look
around, women priests are here! With the help of God I now respond to this
call as prophet, healer, advocate, serious prayer, and teacher. I hope to share
my God given gifts with all God’s children in prophetic obedience to the
Divine. I hope to grow in humility and gratitude which will most certainly yield
unbridled joy and passion. A condition from which I never wish to recover as I
live in the joy of loving and being loved.
My
favorite thing to do is to associate or hang out with saints and I feel blessed
to be in the company of all of you, the saints in my life. To me your witness
to Christ’s gospel message of love, forgiveness and service, supports and enables
me to respond to the prophetic and mystical call to show up and step up to the
plate. God Bless You!
Ordination Rite
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Ordination Rite
The Association of Roman Catholic
Women Priests
LITURGY OF ORDINATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD
Ordinand
Elena Garcia
Ordaining Bishop
Bridget Mary Meehan
October 21, 2017
4:00 PM
Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community
St. Andrew United Church of Christ
6908 South Beneva Road
Sarasota,
FL 34328
PRELUDE SONGS
Processional Order:
Liturgical Dancer:
Sheila Carey
Candle Bearers: Nancy Alexander and Nydia Sturges
Cross Bearer: Erik Ohrman
Gospel Book Bearer: Beatrice Hendren
Stole Bearer: Carolyn Courtney
Prostrate Cloth Bearers: Ryan,
Madeline and Adia Hendren
Clergy Friends
ARCWP Deacons
ARCWP Priests
Ordinand to Priesthood: Elena Garcia
Bishop’s Assistant: Sally Brochu
Bishop: Bridget Mary Meehan
WELCOME
MC: Good Afternoon. My name is Mary Theresa Streck,
and I am a priest from the Upper Room Inclusive Catholic Community in
Albany, NY. I have the honor of leading you through this
holy ceremony.
In keeping with the sacredness of these rituals, we ask that
you turn off your cell phones.
Our presiding Bishop is Bridget
Mary Meehan. She is a member of our
Pastoral Team here at Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community. We thank Sally Brochu, a priest from Mother
of Jesus, who will assist Bridget Mary.
We thank Linda Lee Miska and Cheri McDonough who
will lead us in music for this joyous celebration. We also thank Sheila Carey
who will provide us with liturgical dance.
We, the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests, welcome
you to the public ordination of Elena Garcia as a priest
We gather together on this journey of Good News for those
who long for the fullness of the Body of Christ for the life of the world.
Historical and archaeological evidence reveals that women
and men served as deacons, priests and bishops during the first twelve hundred
years of the church’s history leading communal
liturgical celebrations.
In the
ordination of deacons and priests, we continue in the renewal of our first
Christian traditions. We celebrate the
fact that Jesus invited women as well as men to become leaders in building the
kin-dom and sent the Spirit, Wisdom-Sophia, to dwell with us and lead us forward
in being Church.
Let us celebrate with joy the dwelling of our God among us. Our
liturgical style is inclusive, which is expressed in several ways. We include
female biblical images of God. You are invited to participate in the words of
consecration and the doxology leading to the Great Amen. Our Eucharistic Table
is open to all. Please join in according to your desire and comfort.
We now welcome Bishop Bridget Mary Meehan who, as presiding Bishop, gathers us as the
universal church. Please stand and join
us in singing our opening song:
Opening song – The Summons – all verses
Will
you come and follow me, if I but call your name?
Will you go where you don’t know, and never be the same?
Will you let my love be shown? Will you let my name be known?
Will you go where you don’t know, and never be the same?
Will you let my love be shown? Will you let my name be known?
Will
you let my life be grown in you and you in me?
Will
you leave yourself behind if I but call your name?
Will
you care for cruel and kind and never be the same?
Will
you risk the hostile stare should your life attract or scare?
Will
you let me answer prayer in you and you in me?
Will
you let the blinded see if I but call your name?
Will
you set the pris’ners free and never be the same?
Will
you kiss the homeless clean and do such as this unseen
And
admit to what I mean in you and you in me?
Will
you love the “you” you hide if I but call your name?
Will
you quell the fear inside and never be the same?
Will
you use the faith you’ve found to reshape the world around
through
my sight and touch and sound in you and you in me?
God
your summons echoes true when you but call my name.
Let
me turn and follow you and never be the same.
In
your company I’ll go where your love and footsteps show.
Thus
I’ll move and live and grow in you and you in me.
Processional
All bow
with the Bishop toward the table, turn around and bow to the assembly, and then
go to their seats.
Bishop’s
assistant remains at the front of assembly with the Bishop.
OPENING PRAYER
Bishop: We
gather joyfully for this ordination and we begin in the name of God, Source of
all Being, Eternal Word and Holy Spirit,
All: Amen.
Bishop: Our God is with
you.
All: And also with you.
Bishop: Let us
pray: Loving God, Jesus, our brother,
taught the disciples not to be served but to serve. We pray for this ordinand, that she may serve
her sisters and brothers. May she be
effective in her work and persevering in her prayer, performing her ministry
with compassion and concern for all.
All: Amen.
MC: Please be seated as we present the
candidate Elena Garcia for ordination.
PRESENTATION of ORDINAND FOR PRIESTHOOD
MC: I invite Program
Companion, Katy Zatsick, to come forward.
Bishop stands
facing assembly and ordinand.
Program Companion says name of ordinand for ordination.
Program Companion: Elena Garcia!
Ordinand
comes forward and turns to the assembly.
Ordinand: Here I am. I am ready.
Program Companion: Dear Bishop, the holy Church asks
you to ordain our sister Elena to the
priesthood.
Bishop: Do you know if she is worthy?
Program Companion: Those responsible have been asked. They testify that they find her worthy. Cathy
Alexander and Beatrice Hendren are here to give witness and represent the
church, the Body of Christ, as we present Elena for ordination.
Bishop returns to her chair.
The Witnesses speak. When finished, they embrace
and return to their seats. Elena remains
standing.
Bishop stands
Bishop: In the name of
Jesus, we choose you, Elena, our sister, as our priest.
All: Thanks
be to God. Applause.
MC: Let us signify
our approval by singing "Amen."
(Danish Amen)
Ordinand returns to her seat.
LITURGY
OF THE WORD
MC: The first reading will be proclaimed by Christopher Courtney.
Psalm 40 Sung by Cheri McDonough
Response: Here I
am God, I come to do your will.
MC: The second reading will be proclaimed by Dorothy Pryor.
Gospel Acclamation: Celtic Alleluia
(3X)
Jim Marsh carries
the Gospel Book to the lectern and proclaims the Gospel.
Gospel: Luke 4: 14-21
proclaimed
by Jim Marsh
HOMILY
Homily: Elena and community sharing led by Bridget Mary
ORDINATION RITE
MC: As the People of
God gather in hope and love, we now invoke the Spirit of God within Elena
called to serve as priest, and within us all.
Everyone is seated.
Hymn to the Holy Spirit: Veni
Sancte Spiritu
EXAMINATION OF ORDINAND FOR PRIESTHOOD
MC: We invite Elena,
ordinand
for the priesthood, to come forward.
The ordinand comes
forward, stands in the center and faces the assembly.
The Bishop moves to the front of the assembly
and turns to face the ordinand.
Karen Hylen, the selected Representative of
the Mary Mother of Jesus community moves to the microphone.
Bishop: (standing) My dear sister, before you
receive the Order of Priest, you are asked to proclaim before the assembly,
that you willingly take on this office and ministry.
Bishop: So, I ask you: Are you ready to be ordained for priestly ministry in
the Church by the laying-on-of hands and the gift of the Holy Spirit?
Ordinand: I am.
Representative: Are you ready to fulfill the office of priest
faithfully and serve the people of God?
Ordinand: I am.
Bishop: Are you ready to celebrate the mysteries of Christ faithfully as they
have been handed down to us, for the glory of God and the flourishing of grace
among God’s people?
Ordinand: I am.
Representative: Are you ready to live the mystery of the word
worthily and wisely, preaching the gospel and teaching the faith of Jesus and
our church?
Ordinand: I am.
Bishop: Are you ready to consecrate your life to God’s holy work with all of
creation and to unite yourself closely to the Christ who lived and taught us
justice in the beatitudes and in the works of mercy?
Ordinand: I am ready, with the help of
God.
Bishop: May God complete the good work already begun in you.
All: Amen.
Ordinand for the priesthood
returns to her seat.
LITANY OF SAINTS AND
PROSTRATION OF ORDINAND
Before the Litany begins, the
Bishop's chair is moved to the side so that prostration takes place before the
altar, not the Bishop.
MC: We invite the ordinand’s assistants to lay the prostration cloth in
the center aisle.
Assistants
spread ordinand’s cloth on the floor.
MC: We now invite the ordinand for ordination to prostrate while the
litany of saints is sung. The
prostration is an act of loving surrender to God. We call upon those who have gone before us in
the communion of saints, our friends, the prophets of God, and all holy women
and men.
The ordinand lies prostrate on the cloth.
Bishop: In gratitude, we pray to our loving God who grants abundant grace and
blessings to this woman called to be a priest.
Litany of the Saints is sung.
At the end of the Litany of Saints:
Bishop: (extending hands over the
ordinand) Let us pray: Gracious and
Loving God, You hear our prayers and those of your angels and saints. You pour
out upon this woman the blessing of your wisdom and the grace and integrity of
the order of priest. As we approach the
moment of ordination hold her close to you with your unfailing love. You are with us now and always.
All: Amen.
MC: We invite the
ordinand to rise. Ordinand for the priesthood,
please come forward to the chair for the laying-on of hands.
The ordinand rises
and goes to the seat in front of the community.
Kevin Connolly places the chair in the front of the center aisle.
LAYING-ON OF HANDS FOR PRIEST
MC: We invite Elena, ordinand for the priesthood, to come forward.
MC: We come to the most sacred moment of the ordination rite, the
laying-on of hands, which we celebrate in reverent silence. The gesture is the prayer and there are no
words spoken.
The Bishop
lays hands on the ordinand in silence. No music.
The Bishop returns
to her seat.
MC: You, the people of God, the
body of Christ, are invited to come forward in silence to continue this sacred
action of laying hands on this chosen woman. We encourage you to come forward
as pairs, families and groups.
Ushers (Kathy
Ryan and Patty Zorn) assist the Community in its procession for the laying-on
of hands.
Music: CD
Chant by The Benedictine Monks of Santo Domingo De Silos
At the conclusion,
Elena remains seated and the Bishop stands for Prayer of Consecration.
PRAYER OF CONSECRATION FOR NEWLY ORDAINED PRIEST
MC: Our bishop will now pray a prayer of consecration for our
newly ordained priest.
Bishop: Loving and gracious God, you are ever present to us. Your
Spirit, Your Breath of Life dwelling within us, is the source of every blessing
ensuring our growth and stability.
In communion with the saints,
with your friends, your prophets and our ancestors, your presence is within all
of creation. You support us with your gifts of wisdom and patterns of order. You called forth leaders
to serve and guide your priestly people.
The numbers of
leaders grew and their ministries were recognized by sacred rites. In the
desert, you extended Your Spirit through Moses, to Aaron, Miriam and all the
holy women and men of Israel.
You called seventy
wise people to help them lead an exiled community from slavery to freedom.
Among the children of Aaron and of Miriam, you shared the fullness of your
power. You provided worthy leaders in sufficient number for the increasing
rites of worship.
With the same
loving care, you beckoned women and men for later generations to serve with
Jesus' disciples. They
continued his work of healing and teaching.
They loved and supported one another, became advocates for justice and
prophets of peace. They preached the
Gospel to the whole world.
Loving God, you
give this woman the graces of the priesthood. You renew within her the spirit of holiness. You
give her strength, wisdom and the gifts of
your Spirit.
Together with the
people of God, You inspire and bless
her as she
responds to your call in loving
service.
(Bishop stretches out her hands over the priest and invites
all to do the same.)
Bishop: I now invite you, the community, to join me in extending your hands
over Elena as we embrace the Spirit in her and in all.
God’s Spirit strengthens you to carry out your ministry faithfully.
God’s Spirit calls you to heal and reconcile.
God’s Spirit guides you in your work for justice and peace for all.
God’s Spirit enlivens you in prophetic and liberating obedience.
Together, we are one in Christ, loving and serving as God’s holy
people.
All: Amen.
Elena stands in
front of assembly while being vested. Bishop sits.
INVESTITURE
MC: We invite those
who have been asked to do so, to come forward and represent us all by vesting this newly ordained
priest for priestly ministry in her chasuble and stole. (Cathy Alexander and Beatrice Hendren)
After vesting of Elena,
the vesters return to their seats. Elena remains standing at the altar.
ANOITING OF HANDS
Katy Zatsick
brings chrism to the Bishop.
MC: The hands of our newly ordained priest will now be
anointed for priestly service.
The bishop moves
to Elena and anoints saying:
Bishop: God anointed
Jesus, the Christ, through the indwelling of the Spirit. May Jesus work through
you to bless the People of God and to offer table friendship and unity.
Towels are brought
to the bishop and priest to wipe their hands.
The bishop and
priest move to the center and before the Community.
Bishop: It is with great joy that we present to you our new priest.
All: Applause
The Bishop and Elena
exchange a sign of peace and Bishop and Elena return to their seats.
LITURGY
OF THE EUCHARIST
COLLECTION and PREPARATION OF THE TABLE FOR
EUCHARIST
MC: Our offertory collection today is a donation to the Association of
Roman Catholic Women Priests and Mary Mother of Jesus Community. All donations
will be used to help our ministries grow.
Thank you for your generosity.
The hymn is sung by all. Kathy
Ryan and Pat and Bob MacMillan prepare the table.
For All the
Faithful Women
For all the faithful
women who served in days of old.
To you shall
thanks be given: to all their story told.
They served with
strength and gladness in tasks your wisdom gave.
To you their
lives bore witness, proclaimed your power to save.
We praise your
name for Miriam who sang triumphantly
While pharoah’s
vaunted army lay drowned beneath the sea.
As Israel
marched to freedom, her chains of bondage gone,
So may we reach
the kingdom your mighty arm has won.
All praise for
that brave warrior who fought at your command;
You made her
Israel’s savior when foes oppressed the land.
As Deborah stood
with valor upon the battlefield,
May we in evil’s
hour, truth’s sword with boldness wield.
To Hannah
praying childless before the throne of grace,
You gave a son
whose service would be before your face.
Grant us her
perseverance; God teach us how to pray,
To trust in your
deliverance when darkness hides our way.
We sing of Mary,
mother, fair maiden, full of grace.
She bore the
Christ our brother who came to save our race.
May we with her
surrender ourselves to your command
And lay upon
your altar gifts of heart and hand.
We praise the
other Mary who came at Easter dawn
And near the
tomb did tarry, but found her God was gone.
And then with
joy she saw him in resurrection light.
May we by faith
behold him, the day who ends all night.
Written by Herman Stuempfle, Copyright 1923, GIA
Publication
Tune: AURELIA 7 6 7 6D: Samuel Sebastian Wesley.
PROCESSION
OF THE GIFTS
Bishop accepts the gifts of bread and wine (from Madeline and Adia) and passes them to Elena who
places them on the table. Donation
basket (carried
by Ryan) is given
to the community representatives (Pat and Bob MacMillan) at the altar. Those participating in the procession return
to their seats.
Bishop, Elena, and Pat and Bob MacMillan approach the table.
Elena approaches the front of the community and stands
beside the bishop.
Procession begins for the presentation of the chalice and
paten for the new priest.
Presentation
of the Chalice and Paten
The chosen representatives (Drew, Christopher, Beatrice and Cathy) of the community bring forward to the bishop the chalices
and patens.
The newly
ordained priest turns toward the Bishop. The Bishop hands the chalice and paten
to the newly ordained.
Representative of Community – Christopher:
Receive these gifts entrusted to you by the people of God for this sacred meal
of remembrance and thanksgiving in praise, in hope, and in loving service.
Pat begins to pour the wine into the
chalices and Bob divides the bread on the patens.
OFFERING OF THE GIFTS
Bishop and priest approach the table.
Bishop: (lifting
the bread)
Blessed are You, God of all creation. Through Your goodness we have
this bread to offer, which earth has given and human hands have made. It will become for us the bread of life.
All: Blessed be God forever.
Elena:
(lifting the wine)
Blessed are You, God of all creation. Through Your goodness we have this wine to
offer, fruit of the vine and work of human hands. It will become our spiritual drink.
All: Blessed be God forever.
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER
Bishop: Our
God is with you.
All: And also with you.
Bishop: Lift up your hearts.
All: We lift them up to our God.
Bishop: Let us give thanks to our loving God.
All: It is right to give God
thanks and praise.
Bishop: All-loving and ever-living
God beyond all imagining, we give You thanks for the gift of awareness that
allows us to recognize Your presence and action in our universe. Everything we have, everything we see,
everything we do, everyone we love and everyone who loves us, reveals Your
sustaining presence. We thank You for
Your presence which animates life and all that exists.
Elena: You express yourself in human life and through us you sing and dance,
speak and write, love and create. In
this we never cease to hope, and for this we always thank and praise You. We join with the
saints of all times and places as they sing forever to Your glory:
All: Holy, holy, holy God, Spirit of Love and Peace.
Heaven and earth are full of Your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed are all who come in the name of our God.
Hosanna in the highest, hosanna in the highest.
Bishop: Loving God, we live and move and have our being in You.
We give thanks for those throughout history who have affirmed your loving
presence and moved your people to give witness. They have given witness
to your presence in lives characterized by love, mercy, compassion, generosity
and forgiveness.
Bob: We thank you for Jesus, who
loved so greatly, taught so clearly, and proclaimed so courageously. He set people free from images,
ideas and religious practices that bound them in fear and a false sense of
separation from you. Through Jesus, we know our loving actions become a share
in your life. In Jesus, we see your Spirit challenging us to make your
presence more visible on earth.
Pat: We thank You for Your Spirit of
life and love among us. We are grateful that Your Spirit sets us free to
discover your presence within us and
in all of creation. And for
this we thank and praise You.
Bishop:
(addressing the community) I
invite you, the People of God, to extend your hands and pray with me:
All: Loving God, intensify the presence of your Spirit in
these gifts, as they, and we, become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ for our
wholeness and the wholeness of all creation.
All: We remember that on the night before he died, while at supper with his friends,
Jesus took the Bread,
spoke the blessing, broke the bread and offered it them saying: Take and eat,
this is my body. (Pause)
All: When supper was ended, Jesus
took the cup of wine, spoke the blessing and offered it to them saying: Take and drink of the covenant
made new again through my life in
you. Do this in
memory of me.
Elena: Let us proclaim the mystery of
faith.
All: Nurtured by your Word, nourished by your food, called anew to be your
people, we acclaim your praise.
Bishop: Loving God, through Jesus You
entrusted this pledge of love to us. We celebrate the memory of his life,
death and resurrection, and bring to You the gifts You have given us:
reconciliation, justice, and peace. You fill us with Your Spirit in the sharing of this
meal. You keep us
in communion with one another and with all living beings. Your Spirit makes us a sign of unity, a model of
equality and instruments of Your peace.
Bob: Inspire our leaders, both
religious and political, so that they act without fear to bring your justice.
May they become peacemakers who transform your church and society so that all
living beings and our planet may thrive.
Pat: You have gathered us around
this table in friendship, with Mary, the Mother of Jesus, the apostles, and all the saints. May all who are suffering in any way be strengthened and
consoled by your Presence. You bless all who have gone before us and bring them into the lasting joy
and peace of your presence.
Elena: You gather together women, men
and children of every race, language, religion and way of life to share in your
one, eternal banquet. In your presence, we give you glory with all
creation and with Jesus through whom your goodness flows.
Bishop holds
Bread, newly ordained priest holds wine.
All: Through Christ, with Christ, in Christ in the unity of
the Holy Spirit, may
all glory and honor be Yours, all-loving God,
forever and ever.
All:
Great Amen (African American Spiritual)
PRAYER OF JESUS
Bishop: Let us join hands, and pray together the prayer that Jesus
taught us: God, our Mother and Father,
All: ...who is in heaven, holy is your
name, Your kin-dom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against
us. And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kin-dom and the
power and the glory now and
forever. Amen.
SIGN OF PEACE
Elena: The peace
of Christ be with you always.
All: And also with you.
Elena: As we share our joy, let us share God’s abundant peace.
MC: Please share a sign of peace with those
around you.
Peace Song: Instrumental by Linda
During the Sign of Peace: The Eucharistic Ministers (Anna
Davis and Maryal Gagnon) come forward to receive their cups and purificators
and step to the side.
COMMUNION
Bishop: Please join in praying
the prayer for the breaking of the bread:
All: Loving
God, You call us to live the Gospel of peace and justice.
We will live justly.
Loving God, You call us
to be Your presence in the world.
We will love tenderly.
Loving God, You call us
to speak truth to power.
We will walk with
integrity.
Bishop holds up the bread, newly ordained priest holds up
the wine:
Bishop: This is the
Bread of Life. How blessed are we who are called to this Table.
All: Jesus, you affirm our worthiness and by your word, we will heal the
world.
All ministers go to their place. All
ministers receive after the community.
Ushers (Kathy Ryan and Patty Zorn) with communion lines.
Communion Hymn: God, When you
Came to the Seashore / Pescador de Hombres
God,
when you came to the seashore
You
weren’t seeking the wise or the wealthy,
But
only asking that I might follow.
Refrain: Oh God, in my eyes you were gazing,
Kindly smiling, my name you were
saying;
All I treasured I have left on
the sand there;
Close to you, I will find other
seas.
God,
you knew what my boat carried:
Neither
money nor weapons for fighting,
But
nets for fishing, my daily labor.
Refrain:
Señor, me has mirado a los ojos.
Sonriendo has dicho mi nombre,
En las a arena he dejado mi
barca,
Junto a ti bucaré otro mar.
God,
have you need of my labor,
Hands
for service, a heart made for loving,
My
arms for lifting the poor and the broken?
Refrain: Oh God, in my eyes you were gazing,
Kindly smiling, my name you were
saying;
All I treasured I have left on
the sand there;
Close to you, I will find other
seas.
God,
send me where you would have me,
To
a village or heart of the city;
I
will remember that you are with me.
Refrain: Señor, me has mirado a los ojos.
Sonriendo has dicho mi nombre,
En las a arena he dejado mi
barca,
Junto a ti bucaré otro mar.
Text: Pescador de Hombres, Cesareo Gabarain:
copyright 1979
Translation by Willard Francis Jabusch, b. 1930,
copyright 1982
After everyone has received communion Bishop and priest
clear the table.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Bishop: Let us pray. Loving God, You renew us with spiritual nourishment in this bread and
wine. You watch over Elena and inspire her as a faithful minister of Word and
Sacrament to give generously for your glory and for the good of all living
beings. We pray
this prayer in the name of Jesus, our brother.
ALL: Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Announcements
-Thank Yous
MC:
After the ceremony, all priests and Elena are
invited to come to the sanctuary for a group picture. A reception follows
in Stewart Hall next door. We invite you to join us for food and friendship.
BLESSING
MC: Please stand and
extend your hands as we pray our final blessing.
Bishop: Loving God, in the moment, You draw us to you and
make us aware, not so much of what we’ve given but of all we have received and
have to share. God, bless all gathered here as we minister to
one another and all of God’s creation.
All: Amen.
Elena: God
blesses us and moves us forward in prophetic obedience to the
Spirit.
All: Amen.
Elena: We are sent forth. Let our
service continue.
All: Amen.
MC: Our recessional hymn is Alabare. If you have musical instruments, please use them!
RECESSIONAL
All ARCWP
priests line up in front of the altar on either side of the Bishop facing the
table. The priests with the Bishop bow
toward table and then to the people.
Order of Recession:
Liturgical Dancer
Cross Bearer
Newly Ordained Priest
Clergy Friends
ARCWP
Bishop
RECESSIONAL: Alabare
a Mi Señor
Refrain: Alabare,
Alabare,
Alabare, Alabare,
Alabare a mi Señor.
(Repeat)
Juan
vio el numero de los redimidos
Unos
cantaba, otros oraban
Y
todos alababan al Señor.
Refrain
Todos
unidos, alegres cantamos
Glorias
y albanzas al Señor.
Gloria
a la Madre. Gloria al Hijo.
Y
Gloria al Espiritu de amor.
Refain
-->
The Association of Roman Catholic
Women Priests
LITURGY OF ORDINATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD
Ordinand
Elena Garcia
Ordaining Bishop
Bridget Mary Meehan
October 21, 2017
4:00 PM
Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community
St. Andrew United Church of Christ
6908 South Beneva Road
Sarasota,
FL 34328
PRELUDE SONGS
Processional Order:
Liturgical Dancer:
Sheila Carey
Candle Bearers: Nancy Alexander and Nydia Sturges
Cross Bearer: Erik Ohrman
Gospel Book Bearer: Beatrice Hendren
Stole Bearer: Carolyn Courtney
Prostrate Cloth Bearers: Ryan,
Madeline and Adia Hendren
Clergy Friends
ARCWP Deacons
ARCWP Priests
Ordinand to Priesthood: Elena Garcia
Bishop’s Assistant: Sally Brochu
Bishop: Bridget Mary Meehan
WELCOME
MC: Good Afternoon. My name is Mary Theresa Streck,
and I am a priest from the Upper Room Inclusive Catholic Community in
Albany, NY. I have the honor of leading you through this
holy ceremony.
In keeping with the sacredness of these rituals, we ask that
you turn off your cell phones.
Our presiding Bishop is Bridget
Mary Meehan. She is a member of our
Pastoral Team here at Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community. We thank Sally Brochu, a priest from Mother
of Jesus, who will assist Bridget Mary.
We thank Linda Lee Miska and Cheri McDonough who
will lead us in music for this joyous celebration. We also thank Sheila Carey
who will provide us with liturgical dance.
We, the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests, welcome
you to the public ordination of Elena Garcia as a priest
We gather together on this journey of Good News for those
who long for the fullness of the Body of Christ for the life of the world.
Historical and archaeological evidence reveals that women
and men served as deacons, priests and bishops during the first twelve hundred
years of the church’s history leading communal
liturgical celebrations.
In the
ordination of deacons and priests, we continue in the renewal of our first
Christian traditions. We celebrate the
fact that Jesus invited women as well as men to become leaders in building the
kin-dom and sent the Spirit, Wisdom-Sophia, to dwell with us and lead us forward
in being Church.
Let us celebrate with joy the dwelling of our God among us. Our
liturgical style is inclusive, which is expressed in several ways. We include
female biblical images of God. You are invited to participate in the words of
consecration and the doxology leading to the Great Amen. Our Eucharistic Table
is open to all. Please join in according to your desire and comfort.
We now welcome Bishop Bridget Mary Meehan who, as presiding Bishop, gathers us as the
universal church. Please stand and join
us in singing our opening song:
Opening song – The Summons – all verses
Will
you come and follow me, if I but call your name?
Will you go where you don’t know, and never be the same?
Will you let my love be shown? Will you let my name be known?
Will you go where you don’t know, and never be the same?
Will you let my love be shown? Will you let my name be known?
Will
you let my life be grown in you and you in me?
Will
you leave yourself behind if I but call your name?
Will
you care for cruel and kind and never be the same?
Will
you risk the hostile stare should your life attract or scare?
Will
you let me answer prayer in you and you in me?
Will
you let the blinded see if I but call your name?
Will
you set the pris’ners free and never be the same?
Will
you kiss the homeless clean and do such as this unseen
And
admit to what I mean in you and you in me?
Will
you love the “you” you hide if I but call your name?
Will
you quell the fear inside and never be the same?
Will
you use the faith you’ve found to reshape the world around
through
my sight and touch and sound in you and you in me?
God
your summons echoes true when you but call my name.
Let
me turn and follow you and never be the same.
In
your company I’ll go where your love and footsteps show.
Thus
I’ll move and live and grow in you and you in me.
Processional
All bow
with the Bishop toward the table, turn around and bow to the assembly, and then
go to their seats.
Bishop’s
assistant remains at the front of assembly with the Bishop.
OPENING PRAYER
Bishop: We
gather joyfully for this ordination and we begin in the name of God, Source of
all Being, Eternal Word and Holy Spirit,
All: Amen.
Bishop: Our God is with
you.
All: And also with you.
Bishop: Let us
pray: Loving God, Jesus, our brother,
taught the disciples not to be served but to serve. We pray for this ordinand, that she may serve
her sisters and brothers. May she be
effective in her work and persevering in her prayer, performing her ministry
with compassion and concern for all.
All: Amen.
MC: Please be seated as we present the
candidate Elena Garcia for ordination.
PRESENTATION of ORDINAND FOR PRIESTHOOD
MC: I invite Program
Companion, Katy Zatsick, to come forward.
Bishop stands
facing assembly and ordinand.
Program Companion says name of ordinand for ordination.
Program Companion: Elena Garcia!
Ordinand
comes forward and turns to the assembly.
Ordinand: Here I am. I am ready.
Program Companion: Dear Bishop, the holy Church asks
you to ordain our sister Elena to the
priesthood.
Bishop: Do you know if she is worthy?
Program Companion: Those responsible have been asked. They testify that they find her worthy. Cathy
Alexander and Beatrice Hendren are here to give witness and represent the
church, the Body of Christ, as we present Elena for ordination.
Bishop returns to her chair.
The Witnesses speak. When finished, they embrace
and return to their seats. Elena remains
standing.
Bishop stands
Bishop: In the name of
Jesus, we choose you, Elena, our sister, as our priest.
All: Thanks
be to God. Applause.
MC: Let us signify
our approval by singing "Amen."
(Danish Amen)
Ordinand returns to her seat.
LITURGY
OF THE WORD
MC: The first reading will be proclaimed by Christopher Courtney.
Psalm 40 Sung by Cheri McDonough
Response: Here I
am God, I come to do your will.
MC: The second reading will be proclaimed by Dorothy Pryor.
Gospel Acclamation: Celtic Alleluia
(3X)
Jim Marsh carries
the Gospel Book to the lectern and proclaims the Gospel.
Gospel: Luke 4: 14-21
proclaimed
by Jim Marsh
HOMILY
Homily: Elena and community sharing led by Bridget Mary
ORDINATION RITE
MC: As the People of
God gather in hope and love, we now invoke the Spirit of God within Elena
called to serve as priest, and within us all.
Everyone is seated.
Hymn to the Holy Spirit: Veni
Sancte Spiritu
EXAMINATION OF ORDINAND FOR PRIESTHOOD
MC: We invite Elena,
ordinand
for the priesthood, to come forward.
The ordinand comes
forward, stands in the center and faces the assembly.
The Bishop moves to the front of the assembly
and turns to face the ordinand.
Karen Hylen, the selected Representative of
the Mary Mother of Jesus community moves to the microphone.
Bishop: (standing) My dear sister, before you
receive the Order of Priest, you are asked to proclaim before the assembly,
that you willingly take on this office and ministry.
Bishop: So, I ask you: Are you ready to be ordained for priestly ministry in
the Church by the laying-on-of hands and the gift of the Holy Spirit?
Ordinand: I am.
Representative: Are you ready to fulfill the office of priest
faithfully and serve the people of God?
Ordinand: I am.
Bishop: Are you ready to celebrate the mysteries of Christ faithfully as they
have been handed down to us, for the glory of God and the flourishing of grace
among God’s people?
Ordinand: I am.
Representative: Are you ready to live the mystery of the word
worthily and wisely, preaching the gospel and teaching the faith of Jesus and
our church?
Ordinand: I am.
Bishop: Are you ready to consecrate your life to God’s holy work with all of
creation and to unite yourself closely to the Christ who lived and taught us
justice in the beatitudes and in the works of mercy?
Ordinand: I am ready, with the help of
God.
Bishop: May God complete the good work already begun in you.
All: Amen.
Ordinand for the priesthood
returns to her seat.
LITANY OF SAINTS AND
PROSTRATION OF ORDINAND
Before the Litany begins, the
Bishop's chair is moved to the side so that prostration takes place before the
altar, not the Bishop.
MC: We invite the ordinand’s assistants to lay the prostration cloth in
the center aisle.
Assistants
spread ordinand’s cloth on the floor.
MC: We now invite the ordinand for ordination to prostrate while the
litany of saints is sung. The
prostration is an act of loving surrender to God. We call upon those who have gone before us in
the communion of saints, our friends, the prophets of God, and all holy women
and men.
The ordinand lies prostrate on the cloth.
Bishop: In gratitude, we pray to our loving God who grants abundant grace and
blessings to this woman called to be a priest.
Litany of the Saints is sung.
At the end of the Litany of Saints:
Bishop: (extending hands over the
ordinand) Let us pray: Gracious and
Loving God, You hear our prayers and those of your angels and saints. You pour
out upon this woman the blessing of your wisdom and the grace and integrity of
the order of priest. As we approach the
moment of ordination hold her close to you with your unfailing love. You are with us now and always.
All: Amen.
MC: We invite the
ordinand to rise. Ordinand for the priesthood,
please come forward to the chair for the laying-on of hands.
The ordinand rises
and goes to the seat in front of the community.
Kevin Connolly places the chair in the front of the center aisle.
LAYING-ON OF HANDS FOR PRIEST
MC: We invite Elena, ordinand for the priesthood, to come forward.
MC: We come to the most sacred moment of the ordination rite, the
laying-on of hands, which we celebrate in reverent silence. The gesture is the prayer and there are no
words spoken.
The Bishop
lays hands on the ordinand in silence. No music.
The Bishop returns
to her seat.
MC: You, the people of God, the
body of Christ, are invited to come forward in silence to continue this sacred
action of laying hands on this chosen woman. We encourage you to come forward
as pairs, families and groups.
Ushers (Kathy
Ryan and Patty Zorn) assist the Community in its procession for the laying-on
of hands.
Music: CD
Chant by The Benedictine Monks of Santo Domingo De Silos
At the conclusion,
Elena remains seated and the Bishop stands for Prayer of Consecration.
PRAYER OF CONSECRATION FOR NEWLY ORDAINED PRIEST
MC: Our bishop will now pray a prayer of consecration for our
newly ordained priest.
Bishop: Loving and gracious God, you are ever present to us. Your
Spirit, Your Breath of Life dwelling within us, is the source of every blessing
ensuring our growth and stability.
In communion with the saints,
with your friends, your prophets and our ancestors, your presence is within all
of creation. You support us with your gifts of wisdom and patterns of order. You called forth leaders
to serve and guide your priestly people.
The numbers of
leaders grew and their ministries were recognized by sacred rites. In the
desert, you extended Your Spirit through Moses, to Aaron, Miriam and all the
holy women and men of Israel.
You called seventy
wise people to help them lead an exiled community from slavery to freedom.
Among the children of Aaron and of Miriam, you shared the fullness of your
power. You provided worthy leaders in sufficient number for the increasing
rites of worship.
With the same
loving care, you beckoned women and men for later generations to serve with
Jesus' disciples. They
continued his work of healing and teaching.
They loved and supported one another, became advocates for justice and
prophets of peace. They preached the
Gospel to the whole world.
Loving God, you
give this woman the graces of the priesthood. You renew within her the spirit of holiness. You
give her strength, wisdom and the gifts of
your Spirit.
Together with the
people of God, You inspire and bless
her as she
responds to your call in loving
service.
(Bishop stretches out her hands over the priest and invites
all to do the same.)
Bishop: I now invite you, the community, to join me in extending your hands
over Elena as we embrace the Spirit in her and in all.
God’s Spirit strengthens you to carry out your ministry faithfully.
God’s Spirit calls you to heal and reconcile.
God’s Spirit guides you in your work for justice and peace for all.
God’s Spirit enlivens you in prophetic and liberating obedience.
Together, we are one in Christ, loving and serving as God’s holy
people.
All: Amen.
Elena stands in
front of assembly while being vested. Bishop sits.
INVESTITURE
MC: We invite those
who have been asked to do so, to come forward and represent us all by vesting this newly ordained
priest for priestly ministry in her chasuble and stole. (Cathy Alexander and Beatrice Hendren)
After vesting of Elena,
the vesters return to their seats. Elena remains standing at the altar.
ANOITING OF HANDS
Katy Zatsick
brings chrism to the Bishop.
MC: The hands of our newly ordained priest will now be
anointed for priestly service.
The bishop moves
to Elena and anoints saying:
Bishop: God anointed
Jesus, the Christ, through the indwelling of the Spirit. May Jesus work through
you to bless the People of God and to offer table friendship and unity.
Towels are brought
to the bishop and priest to wipe their hands.
The bishop and
priest move to the center and before the Community.
Bishop: It is with great joy that we present to you our new priest.
All: Applause
The Bishop and Elena
exchange a sign of peace and Bishop and Elena return to their seats.
LITURGY
OF THE EUCHARIST
COLLECTION and PREPARATION OF THE TABLE FOR
EUCHARIST
MC: Our offertory collection today is a donation to the Association of
Roman Catholic Women Priests and Mary Mother of Jesus Community. All donations
will be used to help our ministries grow.
Thank you for your generosity.
The hymn is sung by all. Kathy
Ryan and Pat and Bob MacMillan prepare the table.
For All the
Faithful Women
For all the faithful
women who served in days of old.
To you shall
thanks be given: to all their story told.
They served with
strength and gladness in tasks your wisdom gave.
To you their
lives bore witness, proclaimed your power to save.
We praise your
name for Miriam who sang triumphantly
While pharoah’s
vaunted army lay drowned beneath the sea.
As Israel
marched to freedom, her chains of bondage gone,
So may we reach
the kingdom your mighty arm has won.
All praise for
that brave warrior who fought at your command;
You made her
Israel’s savior when foes oppressed the land.
As Deborah stood
with valor upon the battlefield,
May we in evil’s
hour, truth’s sword with boldness wield.
To Hannah
praying childless before the throne of grace,
You gave a son
whose service would be before your face.
Grant us her
perseverance; God teach us how to pray,
To trust in your
deliverance when darkness hides our way.
We sing of Mary,
mother, fair maiden, full of grace.
She bore the
Christ our brother who came to save our race.
May we with her
surrender ourselves to your command
And lay upon
your altar gifts of heart and hand.
We praise the
other Mary who came at Easter dawn
And near the
tomb did tarry, but found her God was gone.
And then with
joy she saw him in resurrection light.
May we by faith
behold him, the day who ends all night.
Written by Herman Stuempfle, Copyright 1923, GIA
Publication
Tune: AURELIA 7 6 7 6D: Samuel Sebastian Wesley.
PROCESSION
OF THE GIFTS
Bishop accepts the gifts of bread and wine (from Madeline and Adia) and passes them to Elena who
places them on the table. Donation
basket (carried
by Ryan) is given
to the community representatives (Pat and Bob MacMillan) at the altar. Those participating in the procession return
to their seats.
Bishop, Elena, and Pat and Bob MacMillan approach the table.
Elena approaches the front of the community and stands
beside the bishop.
Procession begins for the presentation of the chalice and
paten for the new priest.
Presentation
of the Chalice and Paten
The chosen representatives (Drew, Christopher, Beatrice and Cathy) of the community bring forward to the bishop the chalices
and patens.
The newly
ordained priest turns toward the Bishop. The Bishop hands the chalice and paten
to the newly ordained.
Representative of Community – Christopher:
Receive these gifts entrusted to you by the people of God for this sacred meal
of remembrance and thanksgiving in praise, in hope, and in loving service.
Pat begins to pour the wine into the
chalices and Bob divides the bread on the patens.
OFFERING OF THE GIFTS
Bishop and priest approach the table.
Bishop: (lifting
the bread)
Blessed are You, God of all creation. Through Your goodness we have
this bread to offer, which earth has given and human hands have made. It will become for us the bread of life.
All: Blessed be God forever.
Elena:
(lifting the wine)
Blessed are You, God of all creation. Through Your goodness we have this wine to
offer, fruit of the vine and work of human hands. It will become our spiritual drink.
All: Blessed be God forever.
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER
Bishop: Our
God is with you.
All: And also with you.
Bishop: Lift up your hearts.
All: We lift them up to our God.
Bishop: Let us give thanks to our loving God.
All: It is right to give God
thanks and praise.
Bishop: All-loving and ever-living
God beyond all imagining, we give You thanks for the gift of awareness that
allows us to recognize Your presence and action in our universe. Everything we have, everything we see,
everything we do, everyone we love and everyone who loves us, reveals Your
sustaining presence. We thank You for
Your presence which animates life and all that exists.
Elena: You express yourself in human life and through us you sing and dance,
speak and write, love and create. In
this we never cease to hope, and for this we always thank and praise You. We join with the
saints of all times and places as they sing forever to Your glory:
All: Holy, holy, holy God, Spirit of Love and Peace.
Heaven and earth are full of Your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed are all who come in the name of our God.
Hosanna in the highest, hosanna in the highest.
Bishop: Loving God, we live and move and have our being in You.
We give thanks for those throughout history who have affirmed your loving
presence and moved your people to give witness. They have given witness
to your presence in lives characterized by love, mercy, compassion, generosity
and forgiveness.
Bob: We thank you for Jesus, who
loved so greatly, taught so clearly, and proclaimed so courageously. He set people free from images,
ideas and religious practices that bound them in fear and a false sense of
separation from you. Through Jesus, we know our loving actions become a share
in your life. In Jesus, we see your Spirit challenging us to make your
presence more visible on earth.
Pat: We thank You for Your Spirit of
life and love among us. We are grateful that Your Spirit sets us free to
discover your presence within us and
in all of creation. And for
this we thank and praise You.
Bishop:
(addressing the community) I
invite you, the People of God, to extend your hands and pray with me:
All: Loving God, intensify the presence of your Spirit in
these gifts, as they, and we, become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ for our
wholeness and the wholeness of all creation.
All: We remember that on the night before he died, while at supper with his friends,
Jesus took the Bread,
spoke the blessing, broke the bread and offered it them saying: Take and eat,
this is my body. (Pause)
All: When supper was ended, Jesus
took the cup of wine, spoke the blessing and offered it to them saying: Take and drink of the covenant
made new again through my life in
you. Do this in
memory of me.
Elena: Let us proclaim the mystery of
faith.
All: Nurtured by your Word, nourished by your food, called anew to be your
people, we acclaim your praise.
Bishop: Loving God, through Jesus You
entrusted this pledge of love to us. We celebrate the memory of his life,
death and resurrection, and bring to You the gifts You have given us:
reconciliation, justice, and peace. You fill us with Your Spirit in the sharing of this
meal. You keep us
in communion with one another and with all living beings. Your Spirit makes us a sign of unity, a model of
equality and instruments of Your peace.
Bob: Inspire our leaders, both
religious and political, so that they act without fear to bring your justice.
May they become peacemakers who transform your church and society so that all
living beings and our planet may thrive.
Pat: You have gathered us around
this table in friendship, with Mary, the Mother of Jesus, the apostles, and all the saints. May all who are suffering in any way be strengthened and
consoled by your Presence. You bless all who have gone before us and bring them into the lasting joy
and peace of your presence.
Elena: You gather together women, men
and children of every race, language, religion and way of life to share in your
one, eternal banquet. In your presence, we give you glory with all
creation and with Jesus through whom your goodness flows.
Bishop holds
Bread, newly ordained priest holds wine.
All: Through Christ, with Christ, in Christ in the unity of
the Holy Spirit, may
all glory and honor be Yours, all-loving God,
forever and ever.
All:
Great Amen (African American Spiritual)
PRAYER OF JESUS
Bishop: Let us join hands, and pray together the prayer that Jesus
taught us: God, our Mother and Father,
All: ...who is in heaven, holy is your
name, Your kin-dom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against
us. And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kin-dom and the
power and the glory now and
forever. Amen.
SIGN OF PEACE
Elena: The peace
of Christ be with you always.
All: And also with you.
Elena: As we share our joy, let us share God’s abundant peace.
MC: Please share a sign of peace with those
around you.
Peace Song: Instrumental by Linda
During the Sign of Peace: The Eucharistic Ministers (Anna
Davis and Maryal Gagnon) come forward to receive their cups and purificators
and step to the side.
COMMUNION
Bishop: Please join in praying
the prayer for the breaking of the bread:
All: Loving
God, You call us to live the Gospel of peace and justice.
We will live justly.
Loving God, You call us
to be Your presence in the world.
We will love tenderly.
Loving God, You call us
to speak truth to power.
We will walk with
integrity.
Bishop holds up the bread, newly ordained priest holds up
the wine:
Bishop: This is the
Bread of Life. How blessed are we who are called to this Table.
All: Jesus, you affirm our worthiness and by your word, we will heal the
world.
All ministers go to their place. All
ministers receive after the community.
Ushers (Kathy Ryan and Patty Zorn) with communion lines.
Communion Hymn: God, When you
Came to the Seashore / Pescador de Hombres
God,
when you came to the seashore
You
weren’t seeking the wise or the wealthy,
But
only asking that I might follow.
Refrain: Oh God, in my eyes you were gazing,
Kindly smiling, my name you were
saying;
All I treasured I have left on
the sand there;
Close to you, I will find other
seas.
God,
you knew what my boat carried:
Neither
money nor weapons for fighting,
But
nets for fishing, my daily labor.
Refrain:
Señor, me has mirado a los ojos.
Sonriendo has dicho mi nombre,
En las a arena he dejado mi
barca,
Junto a ti bucaré otro mar.
God,
have you need of my labor,
Hands
for service, a heart made for loving,
My
arms for lifting the poor and the broken?
Refrain: Oh God, in my eyes you were gazing,
Kindly smiling, my name you were
saying;
All I treasured I have left on
the sand there;
Close to you, I will find other
seas.
God,
send me where you would have me,
To
a village or heart of the city;
I
will remember that you are with me.
Refrain: Señor, me has mirado a los ojos.
Sonriendo has dicho mi nombre,
En las a arena he dejado mi
barca,
Junto a ti bucaré otro mar.
Text: Pescador de Hombres, Cesareo Gabarain:
copyright 1979
Translation by Willard Francis Jabusch, b. 1930,
copyright 1982
After everyone has received communion Bishop and priest
clear the table.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Bishop: Let us pray. Loving God, You renew us with spiritual nourishment in this bread and
wine. You watch over Elena and inspire her as a faithful minister of Word and
Sacrament to give generously for your glory and for the good of all living
beings. We pray
this prayer in the name of Jesus, our brother.
ALL: Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Announcements
-Thank Yous
MC:
After the ceremony, all priests and Elena are
invited to come to the sanctuary for a group picture. A reception follows
in Stewart Hall next door. We invite you to join us for food and friendship.
BLESSING
MC: Please stand and
extend your hands as we pray our final blessing.
Bishop: Loving God, in the moment, You draw us to you and
make us aware, not so much of what we’ve given but of all we have received and
have to share. God, bless all gathered here as we minister to
one another and all of God’s creation.
All: Amen.
Elena: God
blesses us and moves us forward in prophetic obedience to the
Spirit.
All: Amen.
Elena: We are sent forth. Let our
service continue.
All: Amen.
MC: Our recessional hymn is Alabare. If you have musical instruments, please use them!
RECESSIONAL
All ARCWP
priests line up in front of the altar on either side of the Bishop facing the
table. The priests with the Bishop bow
toward table and then to the people.
Order of Recession:
Liturgical Dancer
Cross Bearer
Newly Ordained Priest
Clergy Friends
ARCWP
Bishop
RECESSIONAL: Alabare
a Mi Señor
Refrain: Alabare,
Alabare,
Alabare, Alabare,
Alabare a mi Señor.
(Repeat)
Juan
vio el numero de los redimidos
Unos
cantaba, otros oraban
Y
todos alababan al Señor.
Refrain
Todos
unidos, alegres cantamos
Glorias
y albanzas al Señor.
Gloria
a la Madre. Gloria al Hijo.
Y
Gloria al Espiritu de amor.
Refain
Composer: Jose
Pagan-Lopez
Composer: Jose
Pagan-Lopez