Crowning of Mary Prayer Service 2008
Prepared by Pauline Krupa
For the Provincial Convention
Preparation
At the pre-convention meeting all executive members will be given a sheet of paper so that they can write the prayer they have prepared. Bishop Hundt will write his prayer for all Spiritual Advisors “Called to be Living Stones.” Table officers will write general prayers for all members of The Catholic Women’s League “Called to be Living Stones.” The Standing Committee Chairpersons’ prayers will reflect one aspect of their standing committee as we are “Called to be Living Stones.” Arch/Diocesan Presidents will write a prayer in support of their Arch/Diocese as people “Called to be Living Stones.” (To help facilitate this…Pauline will email the whole executive including Bishop Hundt to ask that they come with their prayer ready) (Pauline will indicate suggested length and perhaps provide a sample)
Atmosphere
The statue of Mary will be placed in the centre of the room for this prayer service.
Around Mary’s feet will be placed 13 large stones (symbolizing each of the Arch/Dioceses and upon which the provided symbols will be placed)
The executive will form an open circle around the table of Mary. Each one will have her prayer. The Arch/Diocesan presidents will be lined up for the procession. They too will have their prayers.
Before the service begins Pauline will teach all assembled the closing song. She will explain what will take place during the opening hymn.
Opening HymnUbi Caritas
Ubi caritas et amor
Ubi caritas, Deus ibi est.
(this Taize hymn is repeated until Margaret Ann joins the procession)
As we sing the opening hymn, Margaret Ann will take the prayer basket and gather prayers from each of the executive members and then will go along the line of Arch/diocesan presidents to receive their prayers. She will then join the end of the line holding the prayer basket.
Opening Prayer
AllGod our Father, you have loved each of us and known each of us from the first moment of our existence. You have valued us and rejoiced in us, the people whom you love. As members of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada we are called to be living stones. Together we make a joyful, shared response to your call. Help us to be faithful to our baptismal commitment, serving others with the same steadfastness of your Son, Jesus Christ. We ask that you send your Spirit to guide us, and to give us the courage and strength to build your kingdom in our parishes and community. Amen
Procession of Symbols
In turn each Arch/Diocesan President walks over and places her symbol on the table (on / near on of the stones on the table) as the explanation is read by one member of the executive.
When the symbol has been placed the Executive Member and Arch/Diocesan president then move to a position in the room so that once everyone has placed her symbol there will be an outer circle composed of executive members and Arch/diocesan presidents. If an executive member must speak twice, she will remain near the microphone and move after her second reading.
Past President Shirley George begins the procession carrying a single rose and the crown for Mary.
Shari GuintaWe bring to the table a single rose symbolizing the life of Christ, is placed at Mary’s feet as a lasting memory of those members and spiritual advisors who have died this year.
Shirley places the rose at Mary’s feet and moves off to the side holding the crown.
Carmel RumleskiThe Book of Life calls by name all who have died and are now blessed in their eternal home. (carried by May Lubin)
The Book of Life follows the rose. It is placed at Mary’s feet and the rose is then placed on the Book of Life.
Glenda KleinThe gavel is a symbol of the presiding officer's authority and right to act officially in her capacity. -- accepting her call to be Living Stone. (carried by Monique Ingram)
Pauline KrupaThe Constitution & Bylaws represent the principles upon which The League is governed. (carried by Annette Kelly)
Rebecca McCarrellThe National Manual of Policy and Procedure is a compilation of the policies and procedures which have been adopted by the national executive for use by members of the League at all levels, where applicable. (carried by Genevieve Sexton)
Maria OdumoduThe Ontario Manual of Policy and Procedure is a compilation of the policies and procedures which have been adopted by the provincial executive for use by members of the League in Ontario, where applicable. (carried by Suzanne Mullins)
Marlene PavleticA copy of the resolutions to be presented at this convention represents the passionate proposals prepared by League members in Ontario demonstrating in a very real way “call to service”.
(carried by Georgina Bourke)
Marjorie RobinsonA Baptismal stole is placed on the table as a sign of being clothed in Christ. It is a symbol of purity and innocence.
(carried by Pat Rivest)
Louise GamelinThe globe represents the earth and reminds us of our call to be the voice for the voiceless. -- called to be Living Stones.
(carried by Colleen Martin)
Geraldine CanningThe chalice is a reminder of the vessel which Jesus used at the Last Supper to serve the wine. Along with the bread of life we are nourished at the table of the Lord. (carried by Carol Pritcher)
Mary Lou WatsonThe Maple Leaf Pin is a visible sign honouring a member for exceptional service to the League. -- recognizing her sharing of gifts. (carried by Vivian Frankish)
Betty Colaneri Our history is a chronological account of the past events in the life and development of The League in Ontario. --honouring those who have responded to the call to service.
(carried by Virginia Lynch)
Glenda KleinThe candle, a sign of new life is used in installation and reaffirmation ceremonies. It is usually lit from the Easter Candle which symbolizes the light of Christ. (carried by Ann Madden)
Shari GuintaWater is a sign of cleansing and a sign of life. Without water nothing can grow. (carried by Shelley Tamas)
Margaret Ann will place the prayer basket on the table near the Book of Life.
Those assembled begin to sing the hymn to “Our Lady of Good Counsel.”
Shirley hands Margaret Ann the crown. Margaret Ann crowns Mary.
They then move into the large open circle.
Hymn to Our Lady of Good Counsel
Most glorious Lady of Good Counsel we, your children sing your praise
You, God’s chosen heaven’s treasure, you the glory of our race.
Temple of the Holy Spirit. Mother of the Word Divine!
Be our couns’lor intercessor. Lead us to your Son Divine.
O Blessed Mary.
Most glorious Lady of Good Counsel we, your children ask of thee
Be our guide, our strength, our refuge. Be our hope, our victory.
Constant is the love you give us, Constant is your care sublime!
Be our couns’lor intercessor. Lead us to your Son Divine.
O Blessed Mary
Closing Prayer
We thank you, Lord our God, for the example of trust and love that you have given us in Mary. May we always to attentive to your will and respond to it as she did. As you have spoken, so be it.” Give us the grace to be worthy followers of her Son, Jesus our Lord. Help us to imitate Mary’s humility by our kindness and compassion towards those whom we meet. Help us always to love like her in our service to all people. We ask this through your Son, Jesus and the Holy Spirit within us all. Amen.
BlessingBishop Hundt
Please bow your heads for a special blessing.
May Jesus, Son of God, and born of Mary, bless you with gentleness and lead you in the way of compassion and love. Amen.
With Mary, may you be open to hear God’s words in your life: to be happy that God has called you by name to living stones. Amen.
May Mary, Our Lady of Good Counsel, patroness of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada, support you as you journey. May you walk forward with faith, with hope, and with love, committed to live the Good News of Jesus. Amen.
And may God bless each one of you, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Closing Song
Love is the only power.
Love is the only way.
Love, love, our love.
Watch our circle grow.
As the song is being sung member of the executive and Arch/Diocesan Presidents will gather participants into the circle as we sing and move in a clockwise motion. The song will be repeated until all are standing and moving and then it will be sung one final time.