Ritual Prayers
Prayers for Particular Times
Ritual is important as it moves us from the everyday routines of our lives into that other realm where we become aware of who we are. Ritual gives meaning amid the mundane. Christian ritual in prayer connects personal reality to a communal experience involving words, gestures words and objects in response to the presence of Christ among the gathered.
There is a time...
Prayer rituals for use in communities of faith; parish, families, gathered groups.
This prayer outline Praying Together over those we have Loved provides an opportunity for people to come together and remember in prayer people who have been a part of their lives, but who have died.
The Season of Creation begins on 1 September the day recognised internationally as 'Creation Day'. It concludes on the feast day of St Francis of Assisi 4 October.
These six Stations of Creation are based on St Francis' Canticle of Creatures and can be used to provide people with an opportunity for quiet reflection on the wonders of God's creation.
In 2017, the NZ Catholic Bishops drew our attention to the need to pray in the face of violence by introducing a day of Prayer and Penance for victims of abuse and violence. While this day is to be the first Friday of Lent each year, let us make prayer in the face of violence a habit. Let us lament…
Click here for the prayer
This lament may be used as it is, altered to suit particular groups or simply used as inspiration to create something new.
Consideration needs to be given to those who may attend, especially if victims of sexual violence are present. Prepare an environment which is both comfortable and beautiful, it could be in a church or meeting room. As people arrive, ensure they are warmly welcomed. Prepare beforehand who will do each part of the ritual and how it will be done. Performative readings, sung Psalms and lengthy silences will help facilitate deep prayer.
Let us Lament - the document will print as an A5 sheet for folding
This Rosary of Creation appeared in the September 2013 issue of LIturgy. The Season of Creation is recognised and celebrated by Christian communities from 1 September to the Feast of St Francis on 4 October each year.
Take time during the Creation Season to pray these creation chaplets with your prayer group, your environment group, your social action group, school, parish or other faith community gathering.
This liturgy was prepared by the Auckland Diocesan Liturgy Commission and printed in Liturgy magazine Vol 33 #3.
Click here to download a copy.
A liturgy of the word is provided here when Auckland is in alert level 2 or above.
No liturgy of the Word is provided when we are in alert level 1.
Seasonal Prayer
Prayers reflecting particular Seasons or Feasts in the Liturgical Year
An Advent prayer suitable for family use over the four weeks of Advent. It featured in a December edition of the Liturgy Magazine. Please feel free to print off and use for your own family Advent prayer. Click here.
This was prepared by the Auckland LIturgy Commission
This prayer ritual can be celebrated at home when families gather, or in a church, on an evening before Christmas. It has been prepared for use especially with people who though they might have a Catholic or Christian background, might seldom be participants in the Church’s weekly liturgy. It is anticipated that those who are more comfortable with prayer host their wider family or friends for this prayer ritual.
Two liturgies and a table blessing for Christmas Eve
This reflection was prepared by LIturgy Centre staff and appeared in the June 2013 edition of Liturgy Magazine. It could be used by groups or individuals around the time of the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary 15 August. Mary of the Assumption is the patronal feast day of Aotearoa New Zealand. Click here
