R DEDICATION ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CHURCH CELEBRANT: … · Monastic Sisters of Bethlehem. Over the en-trance to the church is the beautiful tympanum carved by parishioner and sculptor,

RITE OF DEDICATION

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

CHURCH

CELEBRANT:

THE MOST REVEREND

BARRY KNESTOUT, D.D.

BISHOP OF RICHMOND

PRINCIPAL

CONCELEBRANTS:

THE VERY REVEREND

JOSEPH BARRANGER, O.P.,

PASTOR

THE VERY REVEREND

KENNETH LETOILE, O.P.,

PROVINCIAL

SEPTEMBER 20, 2020

5:15 P.M.

20 September 2020

Solemn Dedication of

St. Thomas Aquinas University Church

Dear Parishioners,

Welcome to all of you for this glorious cele-

bration of the Solemn Dedication of your new

church. Today marks an important milestone

in our parish’s history. It is the third church to

serve the students, faculty, and staff of the

University of Virginia along with other parish-

ioners committed to St. Thomas Aquinas’

unique mission. The first church was dedi-

cated in 1967 and the second church was

dedicated in 1995. The new church that we

dedicate today reflects the needs of our

growing parish and it will serve as a permanent

symbol of the Catholic presence in the heart of

the University of Virginia.

The building is in the Romanesque style and

all the artwork—both exterior and interior—is

designed to teach important elements of our

Catholic faith. From the beginning of this

building project, we wanted a “church that

evangelizes”. Most notable in the church are

the apse windows created by the world-

famous stained-glass artist, Sylvia Nicolas.

Sylvia also sculpted the great crucifix and the

Stations of the Cross that are all executed in

the Romanesque style. The beautiful statues of

Mary and Joseph were carved in France by the

Monastic Sisters of Bethlehem. Over the en-

trance to the church is the beautiful tympanum

carved by parishioner and sculptor, Thomas

Marsh. The carving depicts the pilgrim Christ

on the road encountering St. Thomas Aquinas

and St. Dominic. Through the generosity of

benefactors in the parish, we were able to

receive and refurbish the glorious pipe organ

that was formerly housed at Eastern Men-

nonite University.

Despite all this beauty surrounding us, the

crowning glory of the church are its parish-

ioners who are the “living stones” of the

church. Your faith, prayer, dedication, and

sacrifice have given glory to God since the

parish’s foundation in 1962. May today’s

celebration be a visible sign of our faith that

will continue to endure and grow into the

future.

In Christ,

Fr. Joseph Barranger, O.P.

Pastor

Explanation of the Rite

of Dedication

The rites of the anointing, incensation, cover-

ing, and lighting of the altar express in visible

signs several aspects of that invisible work

which the Lord accomplishes through the

Church in its celebration of the divine myster-

ies, especially the Eucharist.

In virtue of the anointing with chrism the altar

becomes a symbol of Christ who, before all

others, is and is called “The Anointed One”;

for the Father anointed him with the Holy

Spirit and constituted him the High Priest who

on the altar of his body would offer the

sacrifice of his life for the salvation of all. The

anointing of the Church signifies that it is

given over entirely and perpetually to

Christian worship. Twelve anointings are

made in accordance with liturgical tradition,

signifying that the Church is an image of the

holy city of Jerusalem.

Incense is burned on the altar to signify that

the sacrifice of Christ, which is there perpet-

uated in mystery, ascends to God as an odor of

sweetness, and also as a sign that the prayers

of the people rise up pleasing and acceptable,

reaching to the throne of God. The incensation

of the nave of the Church indicates that the

dedication makes it a house of prayer, while

the People of God are incensed as a reminder

that they are a spiritual altar.

The covering of the altar indicates that the

Christian altar is the altar of the Eucharistic

Sacrifice and the table of the Lord; standing

around it priests and people, in one and the

same action but with a difference of function,

celebrate the memorial of the death and resur-

rection of Christ and partake in the Lord’s

Supper. For this reason the altar is prepared as

the table of the sacrificial banquet and adorned

as for a feast. Thus the decoration of the altar

clearly signifies that it is the Lord’s table at

which all God’s people meet with joy to be

refreshed with divine food, namely the body

and blood of Christ sacrificed.

The lighting of the altar, which is followed by

the lighting of the Church, teaches us that

Christ is “a light to enlighten the nations,”

whose brightness shines out in the Church and

through it upon the whole human family.

Introductory Rites

Please stay in your pew and wear your mask.

Prelude

Improvisation sur le “Te Deum”

Charles Tournemire

Liebster Jesu, Wir Sind Hier

Carol Williams

Entrance Procession

Please stand.

Christ is Made the Sure Foundation

Henry Purcell

1. Christ is made the sure foundation,

Christ the head and cornerstone;

Chosen of the Lord, and precious,

Binding all the Church in one;

Holy Zion’s help forever,

And her confidence alone.

2 To this temple, where we call thee,

Come, O Lord, of hosts, today;

With thy wonted loving-kindness

Hear thy servants as they pray,

And thy fullest benediction

Shed in all its bright array.

3. Grant, we pray, to all thy people,

All the grace they ask to gain;

What they gain from thee forever

With the blessed to retain,

And hereafter in thy glory

Evermore with thee to reign.

4. Laud and honor to the Father,

Laud and honor to the Son,

Laud and honor to the Spirit,

Ever three and ever one,

One in might and one in glory,

While unending ages run.

Greeting

The Bishop greets all present, and continues:

Bishop: May grace and peace be with you all

in the holy Church of God.

All: And with your spirit.

Handing Over the Building

Representatives of those involved in the build-

ing of the church present the symbols of our

work to the Bishop. The Bishop in turn hands

over the keys of the church to our Pastor.

Blessing and Sprinkling of Water Bishop: Dear brothers and sisters,

as we solemnly dedicate this house,

let us humbly call upon the Lord our God

to bless this water he has created

with which we are to be sprinkled

as a sign of repentance

and a remembrance of Baptism

and by which the new walls and altar

will be purified.

May the Lord support us with his grace

so that, docile to the Spirit

whom we have received,

we may remain faithful in his Church.

All pray in silence for a time.

Bishop: O God, through whom

every creature

comes forth into the light of life,

you accompany all people

with such great love

that not only do you nourish them

with fatherly care,

but you mercifully cleanse them of their sins

with the dew of charity

and constantly lead them back

to Christ the Head.

For in your merciful plan you established

that those who descend as sinners

into the sacred waters to die with Christ

should rise free from guilt

and be made his members,

heirs with him to an eternal reward.

Sanctify therefore with your blessing

this water you have created,

that, sprinkled on us,

it may be a sign of the cleansing waters

of salvation,

in which we have been washed in Christ

and made a temple of your Spirit.

Grant that, with all our brothers and sisters

who will celebrate the divine mysteries

in this church,

we may come at last

to the heavenly Jerusalem.

Through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

The Bishop sprinkles the people, the walls, and

the altar with holy water.

Vidi Aquam

Maximilian Stadler (arr. D. Jergenson)

Vidi aquam

egredientem de templo

a latere dextro,

alleluia, alleluia,

et omnes, ad quos pervenit

aqua ista, salvi facti sunt, et dicent,

alleluia, alleluia.

V. Confitemini Domino quoniam bonus.

R. Quoniam in saeculum misericordia eius.

V. Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto.

R. Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper,

et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.

Bishop: May God, the Father of mercies,

by the grace of the Holy Spirit,

cleanse us who are the temple

where he dwells.

All: Amen.

Gloria Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace to people of good will.

We praise you,

we bless you,

we adore you,

we glorify you,

we give you thanks for your great glory,

Lord God, heavenly King,

O God, almighty Father.

Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son,

Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,

you take away the sins of the world,

have mercy on us;

you take away the sins of the world,

receive our prayer;

you are seated at the right hand of the Father,

have mercy on us.

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.

Collect Bishop: Let us pray.

Almighty ever-living God,

pour out your grace upon this place

and extend the gift of your help

to all who call upon you,

that the power of your word

and of the Sacraments

may strengthen here the hearts

of all the faithful.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

All: Amen.

Liturgy of the Word

Please be seated.

First Reading Neh 8:1-4a, 5-6, 8-10

Lector: Joey Schneeberger

Now when the seventh month came,

the whole people gathered as one in the

square

in front of the Water Gate,

and they called upon Ezra the scribe

to bring forth the book of the law of Moses

which the LORD had commanded for Israel.

On the first day of the seventh month,

therefore,

Ezra the priest brought the law before the

assembly,

which consisted of men, women,

and those children old enough to understand.

In the square in front of the Water Gate,

Ezra read out of the book from daybreak till

midday,

in the presence of the men, the women, and

those children old enough to understand;

and all the people listened attentively to the

book of the law.

Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform

that had been made for the occasion.

Ezra opened the scroll

so that all the people might see it,

for he was standing higher than any of the

people.

When he opened it, all the people stood.

Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God,

and all the people, their hands raised high,

answered,

“Amen, amen!”

Then they knelt down and bowed before the

LORD,

their faces to the ground.

Ezra read clearly from the book of the law of

God,

interpreting it so that all could understand

what was read.

Then Nehemiah, that is, the governor, and

Ezra the priest-scribe,

and the Levites who were instructing the

people

said to all the people:

“Today is holy to the LORD your God.

Do not lament, do not weep!”—

for all the people were weeping as they heard

the words of the law.

He continued: “Go, eat rich foods and drink

sweet drinks,

and allot portions to those who had nothing

prepared;

for today is holy to our LORD.

Do not be saddened this day,

for rejoicing in the LORD is your strength!”

Lector: The Word of the Lord.

All: Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 19: 8,9,10,15

Rev. Michael O’Connor, O.P.

(written for this Dedication Mass)

R. Your words, O Lord, your words, O Lord,

are Spirit and life, Spirit and life.

1. The law of the Lord is perfect,

refreshing the soul;

the decree of the Lord is trustworthy,

giving wisdom to the simple. R.

2. The precepts of the Lord are right,

rejoicing the heart;

the command of the Lord is clear,

enlightening the eye. R.

3. The fear of the Lord is pure,

enduring forever;

the ordinances of the Lord are true,

all of them just. R.

4. Let the words of my mouth

and the thoughts of my heart

find favor before you, O Lord,

my rock and my redeemer. R.

Second Reading Eph 2:19-22

Lector: Delia Laux

Brothers and sisters:

You are no longer strangers and sojourners,

but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones

and members of the household of God,

built upon the foundation of the Apostles and

prophets,

with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone.

Through him the whole structure is held

together

and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord;

in him you also are being built together

into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Lector: The Word of the Lord.


Gospel Acclamation cf. Mt 7:7

Please stand.

R. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

V. I have chosen and consecrated this house,

says the Lord,

that my name may be there forever.

Gospel Jn 4:19-24

Rev. Br. Simon Teller, O.P.

Deacon: The Lord be with you.


Deacon: A reading from the holy Gospel

according to John.

All: Glory to you, O Lord.

Deacon: The Samaritan woman said to Jesus,

“Sir, I can see that you are a prophet.

Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain;

but you people say that the place to worship

is in Jerusalem.”

Jesus said to her,

“Believe me, woman, the hour is coming

when you will worship the Father

neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.

You people worship what you do not

understand;

we worship what we understand,

because salvation is from the Jews.

But the hour is coming, and is now here,

when true worshipers will worship the Father

in Spirit and truth;

and indeed the Father seeks such people to

worship him.

God is Spirit, and those who worship him

must worship in Spirit and truth.”

Deacon: The Gospel of the Lord.

All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Homily

Please be seated.

Profession of Faith

Please stand.

I believe in one God,

the Father almighty,

maker of heaven and earth,

of all things visible and invisible.

I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,

the Only Begotten Son of God,

born of the Father before all ages.

God from God, Light from Light,

true God from true God,

begotten, not made, consubstantial

with the Father;

through him all things were made.

For us men and for our salvation

he came down from heaven.

At the words that follow, up to

and including and became man, all bow.

and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate

of the Virgin Mary,

and became man.

For our sake he was crucified

under Pontius Pilate,

he suffered death and was buried,

and rose again on the third day

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.

I 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 adored and glorified,

who has spoken through the prophets.

I believe in one, holy, catholic

and apostolic Church.

I confess one Baptism

for the forgiveness of sins

and I look forward

to the resurrection of the dead

and the life of the world to come. Amen.

The General Intercessions are omitted, since

the Litany of the Saints is sung in their place.

Rite of Dedication

Invitation to Prayer Bishop: Dearly beloved,

let us pray to God the almighty Father,

who makes the hearts of the faithful

into spiritual temples for himself,

and may the supplication of the Saints,

our brothers and sisters,

be joined with our voices.

Litany of Supplication

Please remain standing.

Cantor: All:

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.

Saint Michael, pray for us.

Holy Angels of God, pray for us.

Saint John the Baptist, pray for us.

Saint Joseph, pray for us.

Saint Peter and Saint Paul, pray for us.

... ...

All you holy men and women,

saints of God, pray for us.

Lord, be merciful,

Lord, deliver us, we pray.

From all evil, Lord, deliver us, we pray.

From every sin, Lord, deliver us, we pray.

From everlasting death,


By your Incarnation,


By your Death and Resurrection,


By the outpouring of the Holy Spirit,


Be merciful to us sinners,

Lord, we ask you, hear our prayer.

Govern and protect your holy Church,


Keep the Pope and all the ordained

in faithful service to your Church,


Bring all peoples together

in peace and true harmony,


Strengthen us and keep us

in your holy service,


Consecrate this Church for your worship,


Jesus, Son of the living God,


Christ, hear us. Christ, hear us.

Christ, graciously hear us.

Christ, graciously hear us.

Concluding Prayer Bishop: Mercifully accept our petition,

we pray, O Lord,

through the intercession

of the Blessed Virgin Mary

and all the Saints,

so that this building to be dedicated

to your name

may be a house of salvation and grace

where the Christian people, gathering as one,

will worship you in spirit and in truth

and be built up in charity.


All: Amen.

Deposition of the Relics

Please be seated. The Bishop, assisted by a

Deacon, places the relics beneath the altar.

Ant. The bodies of the Saints

are buried in peace

and their names will live for all eternity.

Lord, who shall be admitted to your tent

and dwell on your holy mountain?

He who walks without fault;

he who acts with justice

and speaks the truth from his heart;

he who does not slander with his tongue;

he who does no wrong to his brother,

who casts no slur on his neighbor.

He who holds the godless in disdain

but honors those who fear the Lord;

he who keeps his pledge, come what may;

who takes no interest on a loan

and accepts no bribes against the innocent.

Such a man will stand firm for ever. Ant.

Prayer of Dedication

Please stand.

Bishop: O God, sanctifier and ruler

of your Church,

it is right for us to celebrate your name

in joyful proclamation;

for today your faithful people desire

to dedicate to you,

solemnly and for all time,

this house of prayer,

where they worship you devoutly,

are instructed by the word,

and are nourished by the Sacraments.

This house brings to light the mystery

of the Church,

which Christ made holy by the shedding

of his blood,

so that he might present her to himself

as a glorious Bride,

a Virgin resplendent with the integrity

of faith,

a Mother made fruitful by the power of the

Spirit.

Holy is the Church,

the chosen vine of the Lord,

whose branches fill the whole world,

and whose tendrils, borne on the wood

of the Cross,

reach upward to the Kingdom of Heaven.

Blessed is the Church,

God’s dwelling-place with the human race,

a holy temple built of living stones,

standing upon the foundations of the Apostles

with Christ Jesus its chief cornerstone.

Exalted is the Church,

a City set high on a mountain for all to see,

resplendent to every eye

with the unfading light of the Lamb,

and resounding with the sweet hymn

of the Saints.

Therefore, O Lord, we beseech you:

graciously pour forth from heaven

your sanctifying power

upon this church and upon this altar,

to make this for ever a holy place

with a table always prepared

for the Sacrifice of Christ.

Here may the flood of divine grace

overwhelm human offenses,

so that your children, Father,

being dead to sin,

may be reborn to heavenly life.

Here may your faithful,

gathered around the table of the altar,

celebrate the memorial

of the Paschal Mystery

and be refreshed by the banquet

of Christ’s Word and his Body.

Here may the joyful offering of praise

resound,

with human voices joined to the song

of Angels,

and unceasing prayer rise up to you

for the salvation of the world.

Here may the poor find mercy,

the oppressed attain true freedom,

and all people be clothed with the dignity

of your children,

until they come exultant

to the Jerusalem which is above.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you


one God, for ever and ever.

All: Amen.

Anointing of the Altar and Walls

Please be seated.

Bishop: May the Lord by his power

sanctify this altar and this house,

which by our ministry we anoint,

so that as visible signs

they may express the mystery

of Christ and the Church.

The Bishop and priests anoints the altar and

walls with Sacred Chrism.

Holy is the Temple of the Lord

Incensation of the Altar and Church

Please stand.

Bishop: Let our prayer rise, O Lord,

like incense in your sight;

and as this house is filled

with a pleasing fragrance,

so let your Church be fragrant

with the aroma of Christ.

The Bishop incenses the altar. The priests and

deacons incense the people and the walls.

All People that on Earth do Dwell

Attr. Louis Bourgeois

1. All people that on earth do dwell,

Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice;

Him serve with fear, his praise forth tell,

Come ye before him, and rejoice.

2. The Lord, ye know, is God indeed,

Without our aid he did us make;

We are his folk, he doth us feed,

And for his sheep he doth us take.

3. O enter then his gates with praise,

Approach with joy his courts unto;

Praise, laud, and bless his name always,

For it is seemly so to do.

4. For why? the Lord our God is good:

His mercy is forever sure;

His truth at all times firmly stood,

And shall from age to age endure.

5. To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,

The God whom heaven and earth adore,

From men and from the angel-host

Be praise and glory evermore.

Lighting of the Altar and the Church

Please be seated.

Bishop: Let the light of Christ

shine brightly in the Church,

that all nations may attain

the fullness of truth.

The deacon lights the altar candles, and the

priests light the dedication candles.

Procession of Light

Rev. J. Kelly, O.P.

R. Light of Christ, thanks be to God.

In your light, we see the Light.

He has brought us out of darkness,

Into his wonderful light.

He lives in light unbounded,

We are the children of light. R.

Let there be light,

And there was light.

A great light by day,

Lesser lights to rule the night. R.

With eyes open to the light,

We walk as in the day.

The light of his face is upon us.

His love and care surround us. R.

My light goes before you,

A cover of cloud by day,

A flaming column at night,

Brightness streaming from his face. R.

Those who walked in darkness,

Have seen a great light;

For those in the shadow of death,

A light has risen on them. R.

Light shines in the darkness,

And darkness does not prevail.

Walk while you have the light,

Lest darkness overtake you. R.

Light shines forth for the just,

And joy for the upright of heart.

A light for all the nations,

The glory of Israel your people. R.

Kindle these light before me,

To burn in my presence.

Come, come in, with burning lamps,

To see the bridegroom’s splendor. R.

I am the light of the world,

Come, O Come and follow me.

You will not walk in the dark,

But have the light of life. R.

You are the light of the world,

Do not hide your light.

Let it shine before mankind

To the glory of the Father. R.

Send forth your light and truth,

You are clothed in light.

Your word is a light.

Guide our steps in safety. R.

In the night I saw the new Jerusalem

Descending from the sky.

There was no lamp in the city.

The Lamb himself was the light. R.

Gird yourselves, and light your lamps.

Stay awake, keep the light.

Watch for the hour to come,

when the master will return. R.

His eyes are like burning lamps,

Fire comes from his hands.

Light streams from his face,

Devouring darkness on every side. R.

His lightnings light up the world,

The lamps of heaven are dimmed.

His presence is the light,

And darkness is no more. R.

Liturgy of the Eucharist

Preparation of the Altar

The Lord is Now About to Enter His

Temple

Rev. André Gouzes, O.P.

The Presentation of the Gifts is omitted due to

the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Offertory collection is omitted due to the

COVID-19 pandemic. Please place your sac-

rificial offerings in the bins and in the poor-

boxes outside the Church doors.

The Incensing of the Altar and the Offerings is

replaced by the Incensing of the Altar during

the Dedication Rite.

Please stand when the Bishop continues:

Bishop: Pray, brothers and sisters,

that my sacrifice and yours

may be acceptable to God,

the almighty Father.

All: May the Lord accept the sacrifice

at your hands

for the praise and glory of his name,

for our good

and the good of all his holy Church.

Bishop: May the gifts of your joyful Church

be acceptable to you, O Lord,

so that your people,

gathering in this holy house,

may come through these mysteries

to everlasting salvation.


All: Amen.

Preface Bishop: The Lord be with you.


Bishop: Lift up your hearts.

All: We lift them up to the Lord.

Bishop: Let us give thanks to the Lord our

God.

All: It is right and just.

Bishop: It is truly right and just,

our duty and our salvation,

always and everywhere to give you thanks,

Father most holy.

For you have made the whole world

a temple of your glory,

that your name might everywhere be extolled,

yet you allow us to consecrate to you

apt places for the divine mysteries.

And so, we dedicate joyfully to your majesty

this house of prayer, built by human labor.

Here is foreshadowed the mystery

of the true Temple,

here is prefigured the image

of the heavenly Jerusalem.

For you made the Body of your Son,

born of the tender Virgin,

the Temple consecrated to you,

in which the fullness of the Godhead

might dwell.

You also established the Church

as a holy city,

built upon the foundation of the Apostles,

with Christ Jesus himself

the chief cornerstone:

a city to be built of chosen stones,

given life by the Spirit and bonded by charity,

where for endless ages you will be all in all

and the light of Christ will shine undimmed

for ever.

Through him, O Lord,

with all the Angels and Saints,

we give you thanks, as in exultation we

acclaim:

Sanctus Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts.

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.

Eucharistic Prayer III

Please kneel.

Bishop: You are indeed Holy, O Lord,

and all you have created

rightly gives you praise,

for through your Son our Lord Jesus Christ,

by the power and working of the Holy Spirit,

you give life to all things

and make them holy,

and you never cease to gather a people

to yourself,

so that from the rising of the sun to its settting

a pure sacrifice may be offered to your name.

Therefore, O Lord, we humbly implore you:

by the same Spirit graciously make holy

these gifts we have brought to you

for consecration,

that they may become the Body and Blood

of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ,

at whose command we celebrate

these mysteries.

For on the night he was betrayed,

he himself took bread,

and, giving you thanks, he said the blessing,

broke the bread and gave it to his disciples,

saying:

TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU,

AND EAT OF IT,

FOR THIS IS MY BODY,

WHICH WILL BE GIVEN UP FOR YOU.

In a similar way, when supper was ended,

he took the chalice,

and, giving you thanks, he said the blessing,

and gave the chalice to his disciples, saying:

TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU,

AND DRINK FROM IT,

FOR THIS IS THE CHALICE

OF MY BLOOD,

THE BLOOD OF THE NEW

AND ETERNAL COVENANT,

WHICH WILL BE POURED OUT

FOR YOU AND FOR MANY

FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS.

DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME.

Memorial Acclamation Bishop: The mystery of faith.

All: When we eat this Bread and drink

this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O

Lord, until you come again.

Bishop: Therefore, O Lord,

as we celebrate the memorial

of the saving Passion of your Son,

his wondrous Resurrection

and Ascension into heaven,

and as we look forward to his second coming,

we offer you in thanksgiving

this holy and living sacrifice.

Look, we pray,

upon the oblation of your Church

and, recognizing the sacrificial Victim

by whose death you willed

to reconcile us to yourself,

grant that we,

who are nourished

by the Body and Blood of your Son

and filled with his Holy Spirit,

may become one body, one spirit in Christ.

May he make of us

an eternal offering to you,

so that we may obtain an inheritance

with your elect,

especially with the most Blessed Virgin

Mary, Mother of God,

with blessed Joseph, her Spouse,

with your blessed Apostles

and glorious Martyrs

and with all the Saints,

on whose constant intercession

in you presence

we rely for unfailing help.

May this Sacrifice of our reconciliation,

we pray, O Lord,

advance the peace and salvation

of all the world.

Be pleased to confirm in faith and charity

your pilgrim Church on earth,

with your servant Francis our Pope

me, your unworthy servant,

the Order of Bishops, all the clergy,

and the entire people you have gained for

your own.

Listen graciously to the prayers

of this family,

who dedicate this church to you:

may it be for your family a house of salvation

and a place for the celebration

of your heavenly Sacraments.

Here may the Gospel of peace resound

and the sacred mysteries be celebrated,

so that your faithful,

formed by the word of life

and by divine grace

on their pilgrim way through the earthly city,

may merit to reach the eternal Jerusalem.

There, in your compassion,

O merciful Father,

gather to yourself all your children

scattered throughout the world.

To our departed brothers and sisters

and to all who were pleasing to you

at their passing from this life,

give kind admittance to your kingdom.

There we hope to enjoy for ever

the fullness of your glory

through Christ our Lord,

through whom you bestow on the world

all that is good.

Doxology

Bishop: Through him, and with him,

and in him,

O God, almighty Father,


all glory and honor is yours,

for ever and ever.

All: Amen.

Communion Rite Bishop: At the Savior’s command

and formed by divine teaching,

we dare to say:

All: Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name;

thy kingdom come, thy will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass

against us;

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

Bishop: Deliver us, Lord, we pray,

from every evil,

graciously grant peace in our days,

that, by the help of your mercy,

we may be always free from sin

and safe from all distress,

as we await the blessed hope

and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

All: For the kingdom, the power and

the glory are yours now and for ever.

Bishop: Lord Jesus Christ,

who said to your Apostles:

Peace I leave you, my peace I give you;

look not on our sins,

but on the faith of your Church,

and graciously grant her peace and unity

in accordance with your will.

Who live and reign for ever and ever.

All: Amen.

Bishop: The peace of the Lord be with you

always.


The Sign of Peace is omitted.

Agnus Dei Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the

world, have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the

world, have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the

world, grant us peace.

Invitation to Communion

Bishop: Behold the Lamb of God,

behold him who takes away

the sins of the world.

Blessed are those called to the supper

of the Lamb.

All: Lord, I am not worthy

that you should enter under my roof,

but only say the word

and my soul shall be healed.

Adoro Te Devote

Attr. St. Thomas Aquinas

1. Adoro te devote, latens Deitas,

Quae sub his figuris vere latitas;

Tibi se cor meum totum subjicit,

Quia te contemplans totum deficit.

2. Jesus, Lord, we thank thee

for this wondrous bread;

In our land thou dwellest, by thee we are fed.

We who share this mystery

in thee are made one;

Ev’ry act we offer thee in thy name is done.

3. In cruce latebat sola Deitas,

At hic latet simul et humanitas;

Ambo tamen credens atque confitens,

Peto quod petivit latro paenitens.

4. Christ, our God and brother,

hear our humble plea;

By this holy banquet keep us joined to thee.

Make us one in loving thee,

one in mind and heart,

Till in heaven we are thine,

nevermore to part.

5. O memoriale mortis Domini,

Panis vivus, vitam praestans homini,

Praesta meae menti de te vivere,

Et te illi semper dulce sapere.

6. Faith alone reveals here bread of Paradise,

Faith alone may witness Jesus’ sacrifice.

Therefore, Lord, as once of old

Thomas gained his sight,

Now increase our feeble faith;

shed thy healing light.

7. Jesu, quem velatum nunc aspicio,

Oro, fiat illud quod tam sitio:

Ut, te revelata cernens facie,

Visu sim beatus tuae gloriae.

8. Now with glad thanksgiving,

praise Christ glorified;

He in us is present; we in him abide.

Members of his body, we in him are one;

Hail this sacred union, heav’n on earth begun.

Amen.

Deck Thyself, My Soul, with Gladness

Johann Cruger

1. Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness,

Leave the gloomy haunts of sadness,

Come into the daylight’s splendor,

There with joy thy praises render

Unto him whose grace unbounded

Hath this wondrous banquet founded;

High o’er all the heav’ns he reigneth,

Yet to dwell with thee he deigneth.

2. Sun, who all my life dost brighten;

Light, who dost my soul enlighten;

Joy, the sweetest man e’er knoweth;

Fount, whence all my being floweth:

At thy feet I cry, my Maker,

Let me be a fit partaker

Of this blessed food from heaven,

For our good, thy glory, given.

3. Jesus, Bread of life, I pray thee,

Let me gladly here obey thee;

Never to my hurt invited,

Be thy love with love requited;

From this banquet let me measure,

Lord, how vast and deep its treasure;

Through the gifts thou here dost give me,

As thy guest in heav’n receive me.

Ave Maria

Oreste Ravanello

Postcommunion Prayer Bishop: Let us pray.

Through these holy gifts we have received,

O Lord, we pray,

instill in our minds an increase of your truth,

so that we may constantly adore you

in your holy temple

and glory in your sight with all the Saints.


All: Amen.

Inauguration of the Tabernacle

The Bishop incenses the Most Blessed Sacra-

ment, processes around the Church with the

Most Blessed Sacrament, and then kneels

before the Most Blessed Sacrament for a short

time.

Tantum Ergo

Kevin Allen

Tantum ergo Sacramentum

Veneremur cernui.

Et antiquum documentum

Novo cedat ritui.

Praestet fides supplementum

Sensuum defectui.

Genitori genitoque

Laus et jubilatio,

Salus, honor, virtus quoque

Sit et benedictio.

Procedenti ab utroque

Compar sit laudatio. Amen.

The Deacon reposes the Most Blessed

Sacrament and lights the Sanctuary Lamp.

Concluding Rite

Remarks by the Pastor

Blessing & Dismissal Bishop: The Lord be with you.


Deacon: Bow down for the blessing.

Bishop: May God, the Lord of heaven

and earth,

who has gathered you today

for the dedication of this church,

make you abound in heavenly blessings.

All: Amen.

Bishop: May God, who has willed

that all his scattered children

be gathered in his Son,

grant that you become his temple

and the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.

All: Amen.

Bishop: May you be made thoroughly clean,

so that God may dwell within you

and you may possess with all the Saints

the inheritance of eternal happiness.

All: Amen.

Bishop: And may the blessing

of almighty God,

the Father, and the Son,

and the Holy Spirit,

come down on you

and remain with you for ever.

All: Amen.

Deacon: Go in peace.


Recessional

O God, Beyond All Praising

Gustav Holst

1. O God, beyond all praising,

we worship you today

And sing the love amazing

that songs cannot repay;

For we can only wonder

at ev’ry gift you send,

At blessings without number

and mercies without end:

We lift our hearts before you

and wait upon your word,

We honor and adore you,

our great and mighty Lord.

2. The flow’r of earthly splendor

in time must surely die,

Its fragile bloom surrender

to you, the Lord most high;

But hidden from all nature

the eternal seed is sown—

Though small in mortal stature,

to heaven’s garden grown:

For Christ the man from heaven

from death has set us free,

And we through him are given

the final victory.

3. Then hear, O gracious Savior,

accept the love we bring,

That we who know your favor

may serve you as our King;

And whether our tomorrows

be filled with good or ill,

We’ll triumph through our sorrows

and rise to praise you still:

To marvel at your beauty

and glory in your ways,

And make a joyful duty

our sacrifice of praise.

Postlude

Jubilate Deo

Carol Williams

(written for this Dedication Mass)

Please remain in your pew until an usher

dismisses you.

Please consider remaining after Mass to assist

in disinfecting the pews.

Acknowledgments

Special thanks to all who assisted with this

celebration, especially: Most Reverend Barry

Knestout; Very Reverend Joseph Barranger;

Very Reverend Kenneth Letoile, Deacons and

Concelebrating Priests; the Dominican riars;

the sacristans, ushers, lectors, cantors, servers

and organist; and all those whose ministry

contributed to this celebration or to the

preparations for the original, cancelled

Dedication.

Documents

R DEDICATION ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CHURCH CELEBRANT: … · Monastic Sisters of Bethlehem. Over the en-trance to the church is the beautiful tympanum carved by parishioner and sculptor,