Holy Cross School, Somarasampettai: Blessing

Opening Hymn
Cel: In the name.... All: Amen Cel: Glory and Praise to God in the Highest All: Amen Cel: Peace and good will to all on earth All: Amen
When God took flesh in Jesus, he was known first of all as a rabbi or teacher in Hebrew. The vocation of teaching continues through his disciples. The simple and humble building is to be a home to teach or to educate or to build up. This school will be a home where children will learn true values of life, learn to be good citizens and above all responsible and committed persons. As we have gathered here to pray Gods blessings on this venture and all the children who will benefit from this educational institution and all those who will assist them, we ask that the Lord grant us all his wisdom and discipline.

Cel: Lord God, who by the incarnation of your son reconciled our world with heaven and who by the death of your son on the cross redeemed your Church, bless us as we gather here to consecrate this chapel and this centre for your worship and your service. Allow us Lord the grace to offer you holy service with a heart, mind and body pure and worthy in your presence. We make this .

Psalm 25 R/- Lord, teach us your ways.

1) To you, O Lord, I offer my prayer; in you, O Lord, I trust. R/2) Teach me your ways, O Lord, make them known to me. R/1

3) Teach me to live according to your truth, for you are my God, who saves me. I will always trust in you. R/4) Because the Lord is righteous and good, he teaches us the path we should follow. R/-

Reading Mt 18/1-5:
At that time the disciples came to Jesus, asking, Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven? So Jesus called a child, had him stand in front of them, and said, I assure you that unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. The greatest in the Kingdom of heaven is the one who humbles himself and becomes like this child. And whoever welcomes in my name one such child as this welcomes me.
The Gospel of the Lord
Opening prayer: A general prayer of praise may be offered (pages 256-262), or a collect may be composed to suit the circumstances of this celebration. Let us ask God to bless us and our new school. All pause for a moment of silent prayer. All praise to you, heavenly Father, Lord of all creation: you have gathered us In this place to praise you by our words and works. Bless + this school which we have built for the education of our young people. Bless + our students and teachers, our parents, employees, and all who promote sound education in our community. May our youth grow in wisdom, age, and grace before you and all your people. _ May this school always be a home of truth, wisdom and of faith and good will toward all. Through the prayers of St. Joseph, Blessed Andre may this school help our community, and build your kingdom of justice, light, and

Loving Father, listen to our prayer, which we offer through Christ our Lord, in your Holy Spirit: all glory to you, one God, for ever and ever. All answer Amen! Concluding rites: The celebration may conclude with a general blessing of the assembled people (see pages 44-46), and a greeting or sign of peace. After the celebration, all may take a tour of the new facility, meeting students, teachers, and others involved in the life of the school. Refreshments may add a note of welcome and friendship.

Intercessions
Our response: Stay with us, Lord 1) The Son of God, Lord of heaven and earth, made his home among us. With thankfulness and gladness let us call upon him, saying: Stay, with us, Lord. 2) Lord Jesus Christ, by your life with Mary and Joseph you sanctified the life of the home; dwell with us in our home, so that we may have you as our guest, and honour you as our Head, we pray: Response 3) In you every dwelling grows into a holy temple; grant that those who live in this house may be built up together into the dwelling place of God in the Holy Spirit, we pray: Response 4) You taught your followers to build their houses on solid rock; grant that the members of this home may hold fast to your teachings 3

and, free of all discord, serve you whole-heartedly, we pray: Response 5) You had no place to lay your head but in uncomplaining poverty you accepted the hospitality of your friends; may all those who come here experience welcome, acceptance, and service, we pray: Response 6) Martha through her warm and thoughtful hospitality and Mary through her silent presence and attentive listening and solitude made their home a place the Lord loved to frequent. May this community by their warmth and openness, their prayer and faith be a delight, a source of strength, solace and reconciliation to its neighbours, parishioners and all those who visit here, we pray: Response (You may now add our personal intentions) Cel: Lord, be close to your servants who will pray, worship and meditate here and ask for your blessing on their life and ministry. Be their shelter when they are at home; their companion when they are away, and their welcome guest when they return, and at last receive them into the dwelling place you have prepared for them in your Father's house, where you live for ever and ever.

Hymn: Blessing
Heavenly Father, Lord of heaven and earth, we praise you and give you glory. Be with us as we pray, and bless + us in your love. May this be a place reserved for prayer. Listen to the praise and petitions of all who come here to pray, and be pleased with their worship. Send the Spirit of Jesus to guide them, and accept the praise of humble, contrite hearts.

Lord, bless and consecrate this chapel + in the name of the Father, + through Jesus, our Lord and our brother, + in the love and unity of your Holy Spirit, + one God, for ever and ever. Amen!

Conclusion
May the God whom we glorify with one heart and voice enable us, through the Spirit, to live in harmony as followers of Christ Jesus, now and for ever. Amen. Concluding Hymn