A Reception Service for Associates of OSH

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At the appointed time, the congregation stands, and the prospective associate comes forward at the invitation of the officiant. The associate may be accompanied by a sponsor if desired.

Officiant: N., is it your desire to establish a special relationship with the Order of St. Helena and to make a commitment of prayer and service with the Order and its associates for the strengthening of your life in Christ?

Associate: That is my desire.

Officiant: Are you determined, by the help of God, to follow the rule of life which you have drawn up, to assist you in living a Christian life?

Associate: I am so determined, God being my helper.

Officiant: Will you review your rule of life annually, in consultation with your advisor, and report yearly to the Sister for the Associates?

Associate: I will.

Officiant: Will you seek to be faithful in your life of prayer and service and to pray regularly for the Order of St. Helena and its associates?

Associate: I will, with God’s help.

Officiant: Will you who witness the commitment of N. as an associate of the Order of St. Helena support and sustain her in her life of prayer and service?

All: We will, with God’s help.

Officiant: We receive you, N., as an associate of the Order of St. Helena. May our Savior Jesus Christ accept your commitment, and may the Holy Spirit sanctify you all the days of your life. Amen.

The Officiant then says the following prayer and presents the associate’s cross. If the Officiant is a priest, the cross may be blessed.

Officiant: We will glory in the cross of our Savior Jesus Christ, in whom is our salvation, our life and resurrection. Christ became obedient unto death.

All: Even death on a cross.

Officiant: Let us pray. (Silence is kept)

O gracious God, who in your mercy ordained that Jesus should suffer death on a cross of shame. We thank you that it has become for us the sign of Christ’s triumph and the banner of our salvation. We pray that this cross may draw our hearts to the risen Christ, who leads us to the glory of your dominion, where you live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.

The Officiant then gives the cross to the Associate.

Officiant: N., bear this cross faithfully in token of the commitment you have made and that you may show forth Christ in the world.

Let us pray.

Almighty God, through the cross of Jesus Christ you have brought us from death into new life. Pour forth your Spirit upon us that we may be united in your truth, live together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world. Amen.

Additional prayers may be added. The Peace may be exchanged with the new associate.