Eucharist for Sunday Services – The Church of the Holy Ghost Genoa, Italy

Click here to see ALL of this Sunday’s special service of THE EUCHARIST with Baptism, Confirmation and Reception into the Church of England: HYMNS AND BIBLE READINGS for today (or scroll down this page)

Church of the Holy Ghost:

Sunday Eucharist 2024

Our usual Sunday service of Eucharist is below.

The Liturgy of the Word

The opening hymn is sung as the ministers enter. The people stand.

The Priest says:

Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you!

People and also with you.

The Priest says:

Let us confess our sins in penitence and faith.

The Priest introduces the confession.

All say: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, we have sinned against you and against our neighbour in thought and word and deed, through negligence, through weakness, through our own deliberate fault. We are truly sorry and repent of all our sins. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, who died for us, forgive us all that is past and grant that we may serve you in newness of life to the glory of your name.

Amen

The Priest says

Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent, have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and keep you in life eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

All stand and sing:one of the following versions of Gloria in excelsis Deo (not during Advent or Lent)

Said

Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth.

Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father,

we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory.

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God,

you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us;

you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer.

For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord,

you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ,

with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father.

Amen.

Or sung

Gloria, Gloria in excelsis Deo! (Sung twice)

Lord God, heavenly King, peace you bring to us,

we worship you, we give you thanks, we sing our song of praise. (Refrain)

Jesus Saviour of all, Lord God, Lamb of God,

you take away our sin, O Lord: have mercy on us all. (Refrain)

At the Father’s right hand, Lord, receive our prayer.

For you alone are the Holy One and you alone are Lord. (Refrain).

Glory, Father and Son, glory, Holy Spirit.

To you we lift our hands up high; we glorify your name. (Refrain).

In Advent and Lent instead of the Gloria, we say or sing:

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

The Collect

The Priest says to the people

Let us pray

The Priest says the Collect. At the end all say: Amen.

The Readings

The people sit.

The reader announces: A reading from the book of …

After the reading the reader says: This is the word of the Lord.

All Thanks be to God.

There may be a time of silence after the reading.

All stand to sing: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

A minister reads the Gospel beginning with these words:

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to …

All Glory to you, O Lord.

At the end of the reading the minister says: This is the Gospel of the Lord.

All Praise to you, O Christ.

The Sermon

After this all stand and say The Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,

maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God,

eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light,

true God from true God, begotten, not made,

of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made.

For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven,

was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary

and was made man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;

he suffered death and was buried.

On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures;

he ascended into heaven

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,

and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father and the Son,

who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified,

who has spoken through the prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead,

and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Prayers of Intercession

The prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

¶ The Church of Christ

¶ Creation, human society, those in authority

¶ The local community

¶ Those who suffer

¶ The communion of saints

These responses may be used

Lord, in your mercy

All : hear our prayer.

And at the end

Merciful Father,

All accept these prayers for the sake of your Son,

our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Amen.

The Peace

All stand: The Priest introduces the Peace and says

The peace of the Lord be always with you

People and also with you.

Let us offer one another a sign of peace.

All may exchange a sign of peace.

Preparation of the Table

Taking of the Bread and Wine

A hymn is sung.

The gifts of the people are gathered and presented.

The table is prepared and bread and wine are placed upon it. A prayer may be said.

The Priest takes the bread and wine, saying these words.

Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation:

through your goodness we have this bread to set before you,

which earth has given and human hands have made.

It will become for us the bread of life.

All Blessed be God for ever.

Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation:

through your goodness we have this wine to set before you,

fruit of the vine and work of human hands.

It will become for us the cup of salvation.

All Blessed be God for ever.

The Prayer of Thanksgiving

(If a long Preface is used, it replaces all words between the opening dialogue and the Sanctus.)

Priest: The Lord is here.

All: His Spirit is with us.

Lift up your hearts.

All: We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

All: It is right to give thanks and praise.

Father, we give you thanks and praise through your beloved Son Jesus Christ, your living Word, through whom you have created all things; who was sent by you in your great goodness to be our Saviour. By the power of the Holy Spirit he took flesh; as your Son, born of the blessed Virgin, he lived on earth and went about among us; he opened wide his arms for us on the cross; he put an end to death by dying for us; and revealed the resurrection by rising to new life; so he fulfilled your will and won for you a holy people.

(A short Preface may be inserted here)

Therefore with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we proclaim your great and glorious name, for ever praising you and saying:

All: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,

Heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest.

Lord, you are holy indeed, the source of all holiness; grant that by the power of your Holy Spirit, and according to your holy will, these gifts of bread and wine may be to us the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ; who, in the same night that he was betrayed, took bread and gave you thanks; he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me. In the same way, after supper he took the cup and gave you thanks; he gave it to them, saying: Drink this, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.

Great is the mystery of faith:

All Christ has died:

Christ is risen:

Christ will come again.

And so, Father, calling to mind his death on the cross, his perfect sacrifice made once for the sins of the whole world; rejoicing in his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension, and looking for his coming in glory, we celebrate this memorial of our redemption. As we offer you this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, we bring before you this bread and this cup and we thank you for counting us worthy to stand in your presence and serve you. Send the Holy Spirit on your people and gather into one in your kingdom all who share this one bread and one cup, so that we, in the company of (St N. and) all the saints, may praise and glorify you for ever, through Jesus Christ our Lord; by whom, and with whom, and in whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory be yours, almighty Father, for ever and ever.

All Amen.

Breaking bread and sharing in Communion

The Priest says

Let us pray as our Saviour has taught us.

All: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come, your will be done,

on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.

Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours

now and for ever. Amen.

The Priest breaks the consecrated bread, saying:

We break this bread to share in the body of Christ

All: Though we are many, we are one body, because we all share in one bread.

All: Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, mercy on us. (said twice)

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, grant us peace.

Priest: Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Blessed are those who are called to his supper.

All Lord, I am not worthy to receive you,

but only say the word, and I shall be healed.

Or from Easter to Pentecost

Alleluia! Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us,

All: Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia!

Or during Christmastide and on other special occasions

God’s holy gifts for God’s holy people.

All Jesus Christ is holy,

Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

The ministers receive the Sacrament in both kinds, then distribute it to the people.

All who have been confirmed in the Church of England, or who belong to other Christian traditions and are used to receiving communion in their own church, are welcome to share in the bread and wine. Those who wish to receive a blessing are asked to come forward carrying their order of service, so that the ministers can recognise them.

The bread and cup are offered to the communicants with these words:

The Body (Blood) of Christ. [Amen.]

During the distribution of Communion hymns and Psalms may be sung.

After the Communion the Priest says: Let us pray and may say a prayer.

All may say:

Almighty God, we thank you for feeding us with the body and blood of your Son Jesus Christ.

Through him we offer you our souls and bodies to be a living sacrifice.

Send us out in the power of your Spirit to live and work to your praise and glory. Amen.

A hymn is sung.

The Priest blesses the people in these or other suitable words,

The peace of God, which passes all understanding,

keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God,

and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord;

and the blessing of God almighty,

the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

be among you and remain with you always.

Amen.

A minister says

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.

All In the name of Christ. Amen.

Or in Eastertide

Go in the peace of Christ. Alleluia, alleluia!

All Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia!

You may use this QR code to download the service.

Sunday’s Hymns and Readings

Church of the Holy Ghost – Eucharist for the Sixth Sunday of Easter

THE EUCHARIST

with

Baptism, Confirmation

and Reception into the Church of England

Principal celebrant:

Rt Rev’d Norman Banks

Honorary Assistant Bishop in the Diocese in Europe

10.30am, Sunday, 5^th May, 2024

To be baptised

Daniel Ouie Fracises

Emmanuel Eloka

To be baptised and confirmed

Joy Chidimma Israel Nwangwa

David Gloria Francis Ouie

To be confirmed

Esther Ese Peter Oberuomo

Rufus Osas Omoruyi

Joy Uyo Usman

Stanley Idumenweh

To be received into the Church of England

Nadia Gloria Rivanera

Rosemary Eloka

O R D E R O F S E R V I C E

Please join in singing the Hymns and other songs, and in the text given in bold.

The Preparation

All sing the Hymn, during which the bishop and other ministers enter the church.

1.AMAZING GRACE! how sweet the soundThat saved a wretch like me;I once was lost, but now am found,Was blind, but now I see.	4.The Lord has promised good to me,His word my hope secures;He will my shield and portion beAs long as life endures.
2.’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,And grace my fears relieved;How precious did that grace appear,The hour I first believed!	5.Yes, when this heart and flesh shall fail,And mortal life shall cease,I shall possess within the veilA life of joy and peace.
3.Through many dangers, toils and snaresI have already come;’Tis grace that brought me safe thus far,And grace will lead me home.	6.When we’ve been there a thousand years,Bright shining as the sun,We’ve no less days to sing God’s praiseThan when we first begun. John Newton

The bishop says THE GREETING:

Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.

Alleluia. Christ is risen.

He is risen indeed. Alleluia.

There is one body and one spirit.

There is one hope to which we were called;

one Lord, one faith, one baptism,

one God and Father of all.

Peace be with you. And also with you.

The bishop may introduce the service.

All say or sing GLORIA IN EXCELSIS:

Glory to God in the highest and peace to his people on earth. Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory.

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer.

For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

All remain standing. The bishop introduces a period of silent corporate prayer.

The bishop says THE COLLECT.

God, who as at this time taught the hearts of your faithful people by sending to them the light of your Holy Spirit: grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgement in all things and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; through the merits of Christ Jesus our Saviour, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Liturgy of the Word

All sit for THE FIRST READING: ACTS 10.44-48

44 While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. ⁴⁵The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, ⁴⁶for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, ⁴⁷‘Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?’ ⁴⁸So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.

At the end the reader says: This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

All remain seated to say THE PSALM:

PSALM 98

Refrain: The Lord has made known his salvation.

Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvellous things.

His own right hand and his holy arm have won for him the victory.

The Lord has made known his salvation;

his deliverance has he openly shown in the sight of the nations.

He has remembered his mercy and faithfulness towards the house of Israel, and all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

Refrain: The Lord has made known his salvation.

Sound praises to the Lord, all the earth; break into singing and make music.

Make music to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the voice of melody.

With trumpets and the sound of the horn sound praises before the Lord, the King.

Refrain: The Lord has made known his salvation.

Let the sea thunder and all that fills it, the world and all that dwell upon it.

Let the rivers clap their hands and let the hills ring out together before the Lord,

for he comes to judge the earth.

In righteousness shall he judge the world and the peoples with equity.

Refrain: The Lord has made known his salvation.

All stand to sing THE GRADUAL HYMN:

1.ROCK OF AGES, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee; Let the water and the blood, From Thy riven side which flowed, Be of sin the double cure, Cleanse me from its guilt and power.	3.Nothing in my hand I bring, Simply to Thy cross I cling; Naked, come to Thee for dress; Helpless, look to Thee for grace; Foul, I to the fountain fly: Wash me, Saviour, or I die.
2.Not the labour of my hands Can fulfil Thy law’s demands; Could my zeal no respite know, Could my tears forever flow, All for sin could not atone: Thou must save, and Thou alone.	4.While I draw this fleeting breath, When mine eyes shall close in death, When I soar to worlds unknown, See Thee on Thy judgement throne, Rock of ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee.
	Augustus Montague Toplady

All remain standing for THE GOSPEL READING.

The minister says: Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Saint John

Glory to you, O Lord.

John 15.9–17

⁹As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. ¹⁰If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. ¹¹I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.

12 ‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. ¹³No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. ¹⁴You are my friends if you do what I command you. ¹⁵I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. ¹⁶You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. ¹⁷I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.

At the end the minister says: This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

All sit for THE SERMON by the bishop.

Silence
The Liturgy of Initiation

THE PRESENTATION OF THE CANDIDATES

All stand. Each of the candidates is presented by one of the ministers to the bishop. Where appropriate they may be presented by their godparents.

The bishop asks those candidates for baptism who are able to answer for themselves:

Do you wish to be baptised?

Candidates I do.

The bishop asks the candidates for confirmation who have been baptised:

Have you been baptised in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit?

Candidates I have.

The bishop asks all the candidates:

Are you ready from your own heart, and with your own mouth, to affirm your faith in Jesus Christ?

Candidates I am.

Each of the candidates may give testimony to their decision.

The bishop addresses the whole congregation:

Faith is the gift of God to his people. In baptism the Lord is adding to our number those whom he is calling. People of God, will you welcome these candidates and uphold them in their life in Christ?

With the help of God, we will.

At the baptism of children, the bishop then says to the parents and godparents:

Parents and godparents, the Church receives these children with joy. Today we are trusting God for their growth in faith. Will you pray for them, draw them by your example into the community of faith and walk with them in the way of Christ?
With the help of God, we will.

In baptism these children begins their journey in faith. You speak for them today. Will you care for them, and help them to take their place within the life and worship of Christ’s Church?
With the help of God, we will.

THE DECISION

A large candle may be lit. The bishop addresses all the candidates, directly or through their parents and godparents:

In baptism, God calls us out of darkness into his marvellous light.

To follow Christ means dying to sin and rising to new life with him. Therefore I ask:

Do you reject the devil and all rebellion against God?
I reject them.
Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil?
I renounce them.
Do you repent of the sins that separate us from God and neighbour?
I repent of them.

Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?
I turn to Christ.
Do you submit to Christ as Lord?
I submit to Christ.
Do you come to Christ, the way, the truth and the life?
I come to Christ.

THE SIGNING WITH THE CROSS

The bishop or another minister makes the sign of the cross on the forehead of each candidate for baptism, saying:

Christ claims you for his own. Receive the sign of his cross.

When the candidates for baptism have been signed, the bishop says to them:

Do not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified.

Fight valiantly as a disciple of Christ against sin, the world and the devil, and remain faithful to Christ to the end of your life.

The bishop says:

May almighty God deliver you from the powers of darkness, restore in you the image of his glory, and lead you in the light and obedience of Christ. Amen.

All sing THE HYMN, during which the bishop, other ministers, all the candidates, and the parents and godparents, move to the font. Members of the congregation – especially children – are invited to gather around the candidates at the font.

ALLELUIA, ALLELUIA,Give thanks to the risen Lord,Alleluia, alleluia, give praise to His name.
Jesus is Lord of all the earth,He is the King of creation.	We have been crucified with Christ,Now we shall live forever.
Spread the good news o’er all the earth,Jesus has died and has risen.	Come let us praise the living God,Joyfully sing to our Saviour.

THE PRAYER OVER THE WATER

The bishop stands before the water of baptism and says:

Praise God who made heaven and earth,

who keeps his promise for ever.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give thanks and praise.

The bishop says;

We thank you, almighty God, for the gift of water to sustain, refresh and cleanse all life. Over water the Holy Spirit moved in the beginning of creation. Through water you led the children of Israel from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the promised land. In water your Son Jesus received the baptism of John and was anointed by the Holy Spirit as the Messiah, the Christ, to lead us from the death of sin to newness of life.

We thank you, Father, for the water of baptism. In it we are buried with Christ in his death. By it we share in his resurrection. Through it we are reborn by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, in joyful obedience to your Son, we baptize into his fellowship those who come to him in faith.

Now sanctify this water that, by the power of your Holy Spirit, they may be cleansed from sin and born again. Renewed in your image, may they walk by the light of faith and continue for ever in the risen life of Jesus Christ our Lord; to whom with you and the Holy Spirit be all honour and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

THE PROFESSION OF FAITH

The bishop, addressing the congregation, says:

Brothers and sisters, I ask you to profess together with these candidates the faith of the Church.
Do you believe and trust in God the Father?

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

Do you believe and trust in his Son Jesus Christ?

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

Do you believe and trust in the Holy Spirit?

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

THE BAPTISM

The bishop says to the candidate for baptism who can answer for themselves:

Daniel, Joy, Gloria, is this your faith. This is my faith.

The bishop, or another minister, pouring water over each candidate, says:

N, I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The bishop says:

May God, who has received you by baptism into his Church, pour upon you the riches of his grace, that within the company of Christ’s pilgrim people you may daily be renewed by his anointing Spirit, and come to the inheritance of the saints in glory. Amen.

The bishop addresses the congregation, and the parents and godparents of those unable to answer for themselves:

We have brought Emmanuel to baptism knowing that Jesus died and rose again for him and trusting in the promise that God hears and answers prayer. We have prayed that in Jesus Christ he will know the forgiveness of their sins and the new life of the Spirit.

As Emmanuel grows up, he will need the help and encouragement of the Christian community, so that he may learn to know God in public worship and private prayer, follow Jesus Christ in the life of faith, serve their neighbour after the example of Christ, and in due course come to confirmation.

As part of the Church of Christ, we all have a duty to support him by prayer, example and teaching. As his parents and godparents, you have the prime responsibility for guiding and helping him in his early years. This is a demanding task for which you will need the help and grace of God. Therefore let us now pray for grace in guiding Emmanuel in the way of faith.

Faithful and loving God,
bless those who care for this child
and grant those baptised your gifts of love, wisdom and faith.
Pour upon them your healing and reconciling love,
and protect their homes from all evil.
Fill them with the light of your presence
and establish them in the joy of your kingdom,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The bishop addresses the candidates:

May God, who has received you by baptism into his Church, pour upon you the riches of his grace, that with the company of Christ’s pilgrim people you may daily be renewed by his anointing spirit, and come to the inheritance of the saints in glory.

Amen.

The candidates for confirmation who have previously been baptised may approach the font and sign themselves with water. The bishop sprinkles the congregation with water from the font as a reminder of our own baptism.

The bishop says:

Almighty God, we thank you for our fellowship in the household of faith with all who have been baptised into your name. Keep us faithful to our baptism, and so make us ready for that day when the whole creation shall be made perfect in your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

The bishop, ministers and candidates, and all the people, move to the place of confirmation.

THE CONFIRMATION

The bishop says:

Our help is in the name of the Lord

who has made heaven and earth.

Blessed be the name of the Lord

now and for ever. Amen.

The bishop, extending his hands towards those to be confirmed, says:

Almighty and ever-living God, you have given these your servants new birth in baptism by water and the Spirit, and have forgiven them all their sins. Let your Holy Spirit rest upon them: the Spirit of wisdom and understanding; the Spirit of counsel and inward strength; the Spirit of knowledge and true godliness; and let their delight be in the fear of the Lord. Amen.

The bishop says to each candidate:

N., God has called you by name and made you his own.

and, with the laying-on of hands and anointing with the oils of holy chrism, says:

Confirm, O Lord, your servant with your Holy Spirit. Amen.

RECEPTION INTO THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND

The Bishop extends his hands towards those who are to be received and says

God of mercy and love,

by one Spirit we have all been baptized into one body

and made to drink of the one Spirit;

we thank you for the gifts you have given to these your servants

for the building up of the body of Christ.

Grant that they may continue in the life of the Spirit

and walk with us in the light and obedience of Christ.

By the same Spirit,

fill the whole Church with your overflowing love;

give us knowledge and discernment of your will,

and steadfastness in your service,

until we all come to the unity of the faith,

to the measure of the full stature of Christ,

through whom we make our prayer. Amen.

The Bishop takes the hand of each person to be received, saying

N, we recognize you as a member of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church;

and we receive you into the communion of the Church of England in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The bishop invites the congregation to pray for all the candidates.

Defend, O Lord, these your servants with your heavenly grace, that they may continue yours for ever, and daily increase in your Holy Spirit more and more until they come to your everlasting kingdom. Amen.

THE COMMISSION

The bishop, addressing the newly baptised and confirmed, says:

Christ’s faithful are called to worship and serve God.

Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?