HYMN: We are gathering together unto Him (2)
Unto Him shall the gathering of the people be
We are gathering together unto Him
We are praising together unto Him (2)....
LEADER: God our Father, with Easter joy we have gathered around the family altar. Look upon this family in your love and give us the blessing of your peace. Let your Spirit of joy fill our hearts, so that we may be holy and happy. May our concern for others reflect your love and bring us happiness throughout our lives. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.
SCRIPTURE: A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Ephesians (2:17-22)
And Jesus came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
The Word of the Lord.
RESPONSE: Send forth your Spirit O Lord that the face of the earth be renewed You have built your palace on the waters; like the winds the angels fly before you You have set the earth on its foundations; so firm to be shaken no more All your creatures look to you for comfort; from your open hand they have their fill You send forth your Spirit and revive them; the face of the earth you renew
INTERCESSORY PRAYERS: Leader: Let us pray to Jesus, our Lord, that he may bless and give peace to our house. Our Response is: Stay with us, Lord • Through your obedience to Mary and Joseph you consecrated family life; make our family holy by your presence. For this we pray...
• You made your own family the model of prayer, of love and of obedience to your Father's will; pour down your abundant graces on our family. For this we pray...
• You loved those who were close to you and they returned your love; bind our family and all the families in our parish together in the bonds of peace and love for each other. For this we pray...
At Cana, when a new family was beginning, you gladdened it with your first miracle, changing water into wine; accompany us in our sorrows, struggles and worries, and change them into joy. For this we pray...
• You healed the sick and forgave the sinner. May all those in our family who are suffering from ill health experience your forgiveness and healing. For this we pray...
We now pray in silence for the members of this family, who have gone before us marked with a sign of faith... (pause for a few moments & if possible the family can name those who have died)... Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls rest in peace. Amen
Our Father... Hail Mary, Holy Mary... Glory be...
Leader: Let us pray. Blessed are you, O Lord. At the Passover in Egypt, you kept unharmed the houses of your people that were sprinkled with the blood of a lamb. Bless and protect our family and home that will be sprinkled with this Holy Water. We implore you to pour the richness of your graces and peace on this house and keep all who dwell here always in your love and safe from harm and danger. We ask this through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(The family members greet each other with a sign of peace as they sing the final hymn followed by the head of the home sprinkling holy water on the family and the home)
HYMN:
Jesus is the joy of living; He's the King of life to me
Unto Him my all I'm giving; His forevermore to be I will do what He commands me; anywhere He leads I'll go Jesus is the joy of living; He's the dearest friend I know I have found a wondrous Saviour, Jesus Christ, my soul's delight Every blessing of His favour; Fills my heart with hope so bright.
