ANOINTING OF ALTAR and WALLS:
(Oil has been used since the first Pentecost as a sign of the Holy Spirit.
Anointing the altar makes the altar a symbol of Christ, “the Anointed One”
Anointing the walls of the church signifies this building is given over entirely to
Christian worship.)

The bishop, standing before the altar, prays:
We now anoint this altar and this building.
May God in his power make them holy, visible signs of the mystery of Christ and his Church.

INCENSATION:
(Incense is burned at the altar to signify the sacrifice of Jesus. We are also incensed because we are the living temple of Christ.)

The bishop puts incense into the brazier, praying:
Lord,
may our prayer ascend as incense in your sight.
As this building is filled with fragrance,
so may your Church fill the world with the fragrance of Christ.

SONG DURING INCENSATION: “LET MY PRAYER RISE BEFORE YOU” (Evening Psalm)

PREPARING THE ALTAR:
Our newly anointed altar is prepared as a table for banquet and adorned for a feast — the feast we hold each time we celebrate the Eucharist.

LIGHTING THE ALTAR and CHURCH:
Our altar and church building are lit to remind us that Christ is the Light of the World, a light to guide all peoples and nations.

The bishop gives the deacon a lighted candle, and prays:
Light of Christ,
shine forth in the Church and bring all nations
to the fullness of truth.

Liturgy of the Eucharist

OFFERTORY SONG: “SPIRIT OF THE LIVING GOD”

PREFACE ACCLAMATION: “HOLY”

MEMORIAL ACCLAMATION: “EAT THIS BREAD”

CONCLUDING ACCLAMATION: “THE GREAT AMEN”

COMMUNION SONG: “SONG OF THE BODY OF CHRIST”

"PAN DE VIDA"

MEDITATION SONG: “AVE MARIA”

BLESSING AND DISMISSAL

RECESSIONAL SONG: “COMPANIONS OF SAINT ROSE”