A Celebration of New Beginnings –
the Appointment of a Prior.
Patmos Companions – the Order of St Columba
The Celtic Rite of the Catholic Church
An intentional network of Companions in the Celtic monastic tradition
forming the Order of St Columba
within The Australian Church of Antioch (ACOA)
Member: Federation of Old Catholic and Orthodox Independent Churches.
Charter Ministry Partner: The Fellowship of Celtic Churches International
INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME
This service witnesses to the fact that the Holy Spirit is constantly working in the lives of God's people, awakening faith and calling them to make a new beginning in their Christian pilgrimage.
This order forms part of worship.
Abbot: Fellow Companions on the Journey,
from time to time we experience a new beginning in our faith journey, when the Holy Spirit breaks into our lives to inspire us, to lead us, and to deepen our commitment.
Today we praise the Lord for what has been happening among you and recall the many ways in which God has blessed us
WORDS FROM OUR SACRED STORY
What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7
We Believe:
Abbot: Let us affirm what it is that binds us togther in Jesus…
We believe that when we live in love, we live in God and God lives in us.
We believe that the mystery we call God comes to visibility in human form in each of us.
We believe that God’s presence and activity are shown in through the way we reach out to one another and to others in the wider community.
We believe that the life and teaching of Jesus set us free from fear of God.
We believe that the Church exists to affirm God’s loving presence with us and to challenge us to give witness to this presence in our love for one another.
Abbot: Let us pray in silence for …. who is to be appointed as
Prior of this Well of …. within Patmos Companions in the Order of St Columba
Laying on of Hands:
This ancient sign of blessing and invoking the Spirit (Acts 6:6) has long been associated with the prayer of healing, strength and appointment to a heart of service. It is a simple gesture of love and solidarity. It also identifies those whom we especially commend to God…
Abbot: Let us for a few moments in silence, ask for the gift of a heart skilled in listening to God’s presence in our lives. We present .... and ourselves to God both personally and as companions on the journey of life and faith…
Prayer of Blessing:
Abbot: Lord our God, your love is rich beyond our deserving.
You never forsake us,
no matter how far we move from you.
We thank you for all you have done for each of here and the strength you give to … to exercise a servant- leadership of this Well of …
within this family of friends who care.
Strengthen her/him by the Holy Spirit,
that he/she may grow in faith
and increase in love for you.
May her/his service and witness bring you
honour and glory;
in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRESENTATION of the LETTERS of APPOINTMENT:
Abbot: May the God of our Lord Jesus strengthen you through the Spirit in your inner being; that Christ may dwell in your heart through faith, and that you may be filled with all the utter fullness of God. Amen.
Based on Ephesians 3:14-19
Abbot: May the good saints
Patrick of Ireland,
Columba of Iona
Aidan of Lindisfarne,
Brigid of Kildare,
Ita, nurturer of Saints,
Mary of the Cross McKillop …
protect you and bless you with love and protection in abundance this day and always.
May the road rise to meet you.
Amy the wind be always at your back.
Amy the sun shine warm on your face.
And the rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
ALL: Amen