Couples for Christ Hercules Chapter nor in us.” Response: Leader: “Father of mercies and Lord of forgiveness. For all who devise against your people plans which are not for good. the gates of light and blessing. news of joy and gladness. of redemption and salvation. and calling us by name to be numbered among your people.’ Through Christ Our Lord. of the study of your teaching and prayer. O frustrate them and make their designs to no effect. but it will not stand. cause us to hear in the coming week. Father of Mercy and forgiveness.” Response: Let us praise and serve the Lord. May there not arise in the heart of any man malice towards us.” Response: Leader: Amen (Extinguishes the Lord’s Day light and says:) Amen “The Lord’s Day has ended. speak a word. of holiness and peace.) 16 Families in the Holy Spirit Renewing the Face of the Earth . As it is said. (The meal is then served. of heavenly help and rejoicing. ‘Take counsel together but it will come to nothing. We give you thanks and praise for saving us through Your Son Jesus.Leader: “Sovereign of the Universe. Amen. open to us in this week and in the weeks to come. We make our prayer to you. May we work for the building of the kingdom until the day of your coming. malice toward any man. Father through Christ our Lord. for God is with us. Mary His Mother. O Lord. The Lord lifts up His countenance upon us and gives us peace.) As the first Christians were Jews. 14 3 . would have begun the celebration by lighting and blessing of the Sabbath light. well founded in Old Testament tradition. Response: Leader: I now call upon us all the blessing which God commanded that Aaron should pray over the chosen people: May the Lord bless us and keep us. also. Response: Amen Amen Introduction This ceremony resembles the Sabbath Ceremony actually used by Jewish families for beginning the Sabbath. The ceremony is usually performed before the dinner meal. Dinner is now served. He calls us to be true children of God. I now pray that God will bless us and empower us to live in holiness and honor all the days of our lives. Jesus himself would have been familiar with this blessing as He would have heard Joseph praying and blessing the bread and wine on the Sabbath. which is called “The Berakah” (Blessed are You. In this meal. we make use of the Jewish form of thanking God for His blessings. 1:3-14) and Liturgy. the following concluding prayer may be used: Leader: (The Leader extends his right hand towards the members as he prays:) God has given us to one another as special gifts. King of the Universe. So that we may experience the fullness of the life of Jesus Christ. Who etc…. like the Jewish women of her time.. He calls us to live lives that are truly Christ-like.Note: In case the celebration is among CFC members. The Lord makes His face to shine upon us and be gracious to us. they made use of this form of blessing in their prayers (Eph. each person may give thanks for a particular blessing he/she has received during the past week.) About the Ceremony For example: “I thank the Lord for this good day with my family. The ceremony concludes with a song of praise or any other appropriate song.) There are two opening ceremonies: • • The Lighting of the Candle The Blessing of the Meal (Cheese may be passed around now. bread. 12 5 .” (Or. should be set before the head’s place. wine. The Closing Ceremony (latter part of booklet) is held on the evening of the following day. all eat the bread together while the Leader says the Lord’s Day greeting.Thanksgiving (As a portion of the bread is taken. The head of the household should lead the ceremony. King of the Universe Who has given us….) It is appropriate to sing and worship the Lord at different times during the celebration. etc.” “I thank the Lord for the rain we have received..” (The bread is not eaten until all have given thanks. The wife or other designated person should: • • • Light the candle Read the meditation prayer Distribute the bread and cheese The Lord’s Day Greeting (After the thanksgiving prayers are said.) Leader: Response: “This is the Lord’s Day – let us be glad and rejoice in it. a small table for candle.) The Opening Ceremony normally begins around sunset or later on Saturday evening. (If done in the living room.” Amen The ceremony should normally take place seated around the dining room table. in the form of “Berakah”): “Blessed are You. O Lord our God. for life. let Your light so shine before men that they may see Your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. (The cup is now passed around) 10 . Response: He is the true light that enlightens every man. King of the Universe. for the fruit that has come out of our labors. we thank you for the blessings of this past week. symbol of joy. As we enter into this Lord’s Day celebration. Leader: Light is the symbol of the mission to which the Lord has called us. 7 (The leader now raises the wine cup and prays the traditional blessing): Blessed are You. Response: You are the light of the world. and in your love and kindness you have made us holy by the blessing of rest according to your commandment: “Six days shall you labor and do all your work. who has created the fruit of the vine. but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. O Lord. You have enabled us. Response: The Lord is my light and my salvation. O Lord our God.(Here the leader pours wine into the cup. Leader: Light is the symbol of the Lord’s purpose and ways. Holding the cup. by the blessing of work. through Your goodness we have this wine. health and strength. he recites the following prayer) Leader: Lord. Leader: Light is the symbol of the Lord’s presence with us. love and friendship. for the discipline of our trials and temptations through which we are strengthened. Response: His word is a lamp unto my feet and a light for my path.” Response: Amen Responsorial Prayer (Leader extends his hands towards unlit candle during this prayer) Leader: Let us welcome the Lord’s Day. for home. Leader: Light is the symbol of the Lord Jesus. Response: May its radiance illuminate our hearts as we enkindle this candle. Who has hallowed us by Your loving word and taught us to kindle the light of the Lord’s Day. Then with hands raised over the light prays the following blessing): Blessed are you. King of the Universe. and united with all our brothers and sisters and wish all the angels and saints. You have glorified the world by the light of your Risen Son. Assistant: (The wife or assistant now lights the candle. The brightness of the Lord’s Day light shines forth to tell that the Divine Spirit of Love abides within our home. In that light all our blessings are enriched. comes the day of the Lord. strengthening the bond of devotion to that pure and lofty ideal of brotherhood and sisterhood that is found in Holy Scripture. Through Him You sent Your Spirit into the world to enkindle in us the fire of Your love.) Leader: Father.. we enkindle this light. remembering the Lord Jesus Who is source of all light and life. workday thoughts and cares are put aside. etc. Leader: Come let us welcome the day of the Lord in joy and peace. It brings blessings to our hearts. Light of Christ. radiant and joyous.g. God’s messenger of Peace comes and turns our heart towards one another.Blessing of the Lord’s Day Light Blessing of the Wine Leader: Therefore. 8 9 . O Lord our God. Like a bride. Our Lord Jesus Christ. may so live together in the light of His truth that our love for one another may continue to grow each day. Grant that we who are gathered in His Name. all our griefs and trials are softened. At this hour. Song: (e. Isaiah 60. says:) Lord. and grant that peace.) 6 11 .The Lord’s Day Ceremony The Lighting of the Candle Song: (Opening song to be selected according to the festive season) Reading: (One of the following can be selected): John 1:1-18 John 1:1-5 Ephesians 1:3-14 Colossians 1:15-20 Leader Prays: Lord of the Universe. light and joy ever abide in our home. I am about to perform the duty of kindling the light for the Lord’s Day. that the stream of abundant life and heavenly blessing flow in upon us. Who causes the earth to yield food for all. Light of the World and Author of Life. It is a sign of Your daily provident care and love. It is a symbol of our brotherhood and unity. Response: Leader: Amen. (Holding up the bread. Father of Mercy. Response: Amen Blessing of the Bread Leader: (Holding the bread in his hands. for in You is the fountain of life. and the holy day of the Lord honorable. that You may be gracious unto us and cause Your Holy Spirit to dwell more richly among us. O continue Your loving kindness toward us. the Lord and Giver of Life. O Lord our God. (The bread is now passed around.” and may the effect of our fulfilling this commandment be. King of the Universe. through Your goodness we have this bread. As we have this one bread may we also share completely our lives together through the power of the Holy Spirit. darkness and gloom. says the traditional blessing): Blessed are You. in honor of Your Son. since this one bread comes from many grains of wheat. loyal to your teaching and unwavering in love and service. even as it is written: “and you shall call the Sabbath a delight. in Your light do we see light. Make us worthy to walk in the way of Your Son. Keep far from us all anxiety. 4 . all should be done and set up before the celebration begins. Response: Amen Have different members of the household take responsibility for these different areas of preparation. may the Lord bless you and keep you. we pray that God will bless you and empower you to live in holiness and honor all the days of your lives.) _____________________(child’s name). He calls you to be true children of God. So that you may experience the fullness of the life of Jesus Christ.Concluding prayer Father and Mother: (Father and Mother extend their right hands towards their children and extended family members as they pray:) God has given you to us as special gifts. Response: Father: Amen I now call upon you the blessing which God commanded that Aaron should pray over the chosen people: (Then the Father calls each child to give his blessing. He may also choose to bless each household helper present. Preparation for the Opening Ceremony Have available: • • • • • • • • • Table set with dinner cloth and flowers Lord’s Day booklets Bible Candle Wine cup Wine or grape juice Loaf of bread Cheese (optional) Meal already prepared and ready to serve. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. He calls you to live lives that are truly Christ-like. King of the Universe. freed from all sin and transgression.” Response: 15 Amen . Through Christ our Lord.” (Spreading his hands towards the light. Who has created the fruit of the vine. he says:) “Blessed are You. O Lord our God. King of the Universe. grant that we may begin the working days which draw near to us in peace. Who has created the light of the fire. O Lord our God. He then reads the “Benedictus” Luke 1:68-79) Leader: (The Leader takes the cup of wine and says:) “Blessed are you.” (The Leader passes the cup around and prays:) “Sovereign of the Universe. Father of Mercy and forgiveness. living in the joy of Your Holy Spirit and clinging to the study of your teaching and to the performance of good deeds.The Closing Ceremony Sunday Evening Preparation Have available: • • • • • Bible Lit Candle Wine Cup Wine or grape juice Meal prepared beforehand The Ceremony (The Leader should introduce the closing ceremony with a song.