Blessing of A New School Building 2

Blessing of a new School Building
Welcome
A designated person (e.g. the Principal) gives a brief general welcome announces any WHS
issues.
A brief Welcome to Country follows (given either by an Aboriginal Elder or by the Principal)
Those present are invited to join in a Gathering Song or Hymn.
While this is being sung the Entrance Procession takes place.
Entrance Procession
This may consist of the Bishop, the parish priest, students with Cross and candles, someone
carrying the Book of the Word of God, any other suitable symbols (e.g. School banner)
Introductory Rites
Sign of the Cross

Bishop: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit
All: Amen
Bishop: Peace be with you
All: And with your spirit.
Welcome and Invitation to the Blessing
Principal Bishop N., we welcome you warmly, together with N. (the

(or delegate) politician(or who is present), N., Director of Catholic Education
South Australia and other distinguished guests.
All learning must have as its final purpose to bring us to a
knowledge of the truth and to the worship of the one true God.
Today we ask God’s blessing on this centre of seeking, learning and
teaching what is true. As a community of faith we benefit by the
completion of this facility, which will be a centre for our college
and for the wider community.
We ask that those entrusted with the education of our young may
always teach their students to join the discoveries of human
wisdom with the truth of the Gospel so that they will be able to
keep the faith and live up to it in their lives.
We pray too that the students will find in their teachers the image
of Christ so that, enriched with both human and divine learning,
they will in turn be ready and able to enlighten and assist others
throughout life.
Prepared by the Office for Worship 3-19.V1

www.ofw-adelaide.org.au
Reading of the Word of God
If a Gospel reading is chosen, then the parish priest might be invited to proclaim it. If there is
not priest or deacon present, then it could be read by another person.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew:
Jesus went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to
him. He began to teach them, saying: “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt
loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything
but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world.
A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then
put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all
in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see
your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”
The Gospel of the Lord.

All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Homily: Bishop N.
Prayers of Intercession
Bishop: Gracious and loving God,
you are the font of all wisdom and source of all truth.
We call on your blessing so that we may come to know and
follow in our lives all that is true and right.
Reader (Student): We pray for Pope Francis and all Church leaders,
that they may continue to guide us
with wisdom and love.
For this we pray.
All: Lord, give us the Spirit of wisdom.
Reader (Student): We pray for the students of [School Name].

May they always follow the way of Christ and, reaching out to
others, give generously of their time and friendship.
For this we pray.
Reader (Teacher): We pray for all staff members of [School Name]

May they be spirit-filled leaders who work together and share
their gifts for the good of everyone at this school/college.
For this we pray.
Blessing and Opening of a new School Prepared by the Office for Worship
Building Template 2
Reader (Teacher): We pray for the parents of [School Name]. May they
continue to guide and support the staff as they deepen their
own faith and the faith of our students.
For this we pray.
Reader (Parent): We pray for the friends and benefactors of [School Name]
May they always work together with the parents and staff of the
[school/college] to make God’s Kingdom more visible in our
world.
For this we pray.
All: Lord, give us the Spirit of wisdom
Reader (Parent): We pray for the strength and courage to welcome the changes
that life imposes, and to trust completely in God. Through our
faith my we bring peace and comfort to those we meet.
For this we pray.
Bishop: God of wisdom and love,

you understand our every need even before we ask.
Show us your goodness in answer to these prayers,
so that the benefits of this new facility will be reflected
in lives of goodness and truth.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
Prayer of Blessing
The crucifixes and any other religious symbols to be blessed are brought forward.
Bishop: Lord God,

in your kindness hear the prayers of this school community.
We dedicate this building [classrooms/facility/centre – as
appropriate] to the education and well-being of the present and
future students of [School Name}, and to their
growth in faith, hope and love.
May it be a place where students and teachers will search for
the wisdom that guides the Christian life
and strive wholeheartedly to stand by Christ as their teacher.
Bless these crucifixes + and may all connected to this college
find hope and purpose in these symbols of the life, death and
resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you, for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
Building Template 3
Sprinkling of building with Holy Water
While this is taking place a group of students could sing an appropriate song/hymn.
Concluding Rite
The Principal (or Delegate) will MC the speeches.
- Unveiling of the plaque – Government Representative

- Response from Director of Catholic Education
- Final words from the Archbishop / Bishop
Thanks and Farewell

The Principal (or Delegate) briefly thanks the Bishop, special guests, staff, parents and
students.
If there are to be refreshments, an invitation is given at this point.
The MC invites everyone to stand for the Final Blessing
Solemn Blessing
Bishop: May the all-knowing God, who is Lord, show you the way.
All: Amen.
Bishop: May Christ, eternal Wisdom, teach you the words of truth.
All: Amen.
Bishop: May the Holy Spirit, the blessed light, always enlighten your minds, so
that you may learn what is right and good in your
actions and carry out what you have learned.
All: Amen.
Bishop: And may the blessing of almighty God

the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit,
come down upon you and remain with you for ever.
All: Amen.
Final Hymn
A final hymn may be sung. It is good if it is one that everyone can join in singing.
The Official Party departs to tour the new facilities and everyone else moves to where
refreshments are being served.
Building Template 4

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Blessing of a new School Building

Sign of the Cross

Welcome and Invitation to the Blessing

Principal Bishop N., we welcome you warmly, together with N. (the

Prepared by the Office for Worship 3-19.V1

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew:

The Gospel of the Lord.

Reader (Student): We pray for the students of [School Name].

Reader (Teacher): We pray for all staff members of [School Name]

Bishop: God of wisdom and love,

Bishop: Lord God,

- Unveiling of the plaque – Government Representative

Thanks and Farewell

Bishop: And may the blessing of almighty God

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