Prayer Service for the Presentation Of Life Membership Pin Prepared by Pauline Krupa For the Ontario Provincial Executive Council Atmosphere A small table will be placed in front of the podium. On it will be placed a bowl of holy water, a bible, a candle, a flower, Life Member certificate and Life Member Pin (on a small plate). Introduction We gather to thank God for all that he has given us so that we are able to share our gifts and talents in our call to service. We celebrate the gift of our sister Marlene Pavletic, who today, will be presented with her Life Member’s pin. Let us begin with the sign that marks our Christian faith: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Please join in singing our opening song “Servant Song” Servant Song (verses 1, 2, 5) What do you want of me, Lord? Where do you want me to serve you? How can I sing your praises? I am your song. Jesus, Jesus, you are the Lord. Jesus, Jesus, you are the Way. I hear you call my name, Lord, And I am moved within me. Your spirit stirs my deepest self. Sing your songs in me. Jesus, Jesus, you are my Lord. Jesus, Jesus, you are the Way. I am your song and servant, Singing your praise like Mary. Surrendered to your Spirit. “Let it be done to me.” Jesus, Jesus, “Let it be done to me.” Jesus, Jesus, you are the Way. Prayer Loving God, the women of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada in the Province of Ontario are filled with gratitude and joy as they gather in your name. We thank you loving God, for calling us to share in your mission. You have bestowed powerful gifts upon all members and have empowered us to share in service through mutual support of one another. May our prayer today remind us that the work we do and the rewards we receive are all gifts from God. We make our prayer in your holy name. Amen. Reading Jeremiah 1: 4, 7-9 A reading from the prophet Jeremiah The Lord said to me, “I chose you before I gave you life, and before you were born I selected you to be a prophet for the nations. Go to the people I send to you and tell them everything I command you to say. Do not be afraid of them, for I will be with you to protect you.” Then the Lord stretched out his hands, touched my lips and said, “Listen, I am giving you the words you must speak. Today your work begins.” The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God Prayer Let us pray together Living God, your Son’s resurrection calls all people to a new and glorious life in you. Empower us, O God, to be more like women of faith who over the ages have not been afraid to answer their call to service. Like Mary, Mother of Jesus, may our “yes” to God continue to shine forth in every dimension of our lives. Like Catherine of Sienna, may we give enlightened leadership for the growth of the church and God’s reign. Like Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, may we respond with love to the image of Christ in the sick and suffering, the lonely and abandoned. Like Teresa of Avila may our spiritual life flow from a deep and intimate union with God as we pray for others. Like the great women we have known personally in the Catholic Women’s League of Canada through the years, may our love of God continue to be an example to all. We ask this prayer through Jesus Christ, our Risen Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen. Reflection I Saw Jesus (poem attached) Presentation of the Life Member Pin President Elect At this time we call (name) to come forward to receive the sign of God’s blessing as a new Life Member in the Catholic Women’s League of Canada. Marlene, please bless yourself with the holy water. (name) comes forward to the focus table and blesses herself. She then moves over to Bishop Hundt with her hands held open. Spiritual Advisor makes the sign of the cross on each of her hands saying Receive the sign of the Cross on your hands that through the touch of your hands in service to the people of God you may know God’s presence in your life. CWL President, comes forward to stand with Spiritual Advisor. She carries the Life Member’s pin for him to bless. He / she blesses the pin with the holy water. President (name), you have been chosen by the members of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada to receive this honour because they recognize in you the gifts of your service to the League over the past (?) years. Will you be faithful to your call to service and help all the members in your new role as Life Member? (name) I will, with God’s h