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Blessing of an Addict (for lay minister)

Catholic Prayer: Book of Blessings: Blessing of a Person Suffering from Addiction or from Substance Abuse Description:

407 Addiction to lust, and abuse of all intoxicants, causes great disruption in the life of an individual and his or her family. This blessing is intended to strengthen the addicted person in the struggle to overcome addiction and also to assist his family and friends.

408 This blessing may also be used for individuals who, although not addicted, abuse alcohol or drugs and wish the assistance of God's blessing in their struggle.

[409 Ministers should be aware of the spiritual needs of a person suffering from addiction or substance abuse, and to this end the pastoral guidance on the care of the sick and rites of Pastoral Care of the Sick will be helpful. ] [410 If the recovery process is slow or is marked by relapses, the blessing may be repeated when pastorally appropriate. ] Prayer:

A. ORDER OF BLESSING

INTRODUCTORY RITES

When the community has gathered, a suitable song may be sung. [Veni Creator Spiritus] After the singing, the minister says: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. All make the sign of the cross and reply: Amen.

A lay minister greets those present in the following words: Let us praise God our creator, who gives us courage and strength, now and for ever. R. Amen.

In the following or similar words, the minister prepares those present for the blessing. God created the world and all things in it and entrusted them into our hands that we might use them for our good and for the building up of the Church and human society. Today we pray for N., that God may strengthen him in his weakness and restore him to the freedom of God's children. We pray also for ourselves that we may encourage and support him in the days ahead.

READING OF THE WORD OF GOD

416 A reader, another person present, or the minister reads a text of sacred Scripture. Brothers, a reading of the second letter of Paul to the Corinthians:

4:6-9 We are afflicted, but not crushed. For God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to bring to light the knowledge of the glory of God on the face of Jesus Christ. But we hold this treasure in earthen vessels that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. The Word of the Lord.

R. Thanks be to God

417 Or: Isaiah 63:7-9--He has favored us according to his mercy. Romans 8:18-25--I consider the sufferings of the present to be as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed in us. Matthew 15:21-28--Woman, you have great faith.

418 As circumstances suggest, one of the following responsorial psalms may be sung or said, or some other suitable song. R. Our help is from the Lord who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 121 I lift up my eyes toward the mountains; whence shall help come to me? My help is from the LORD who made heaven and earth. R.

May he not suffer your foot to slip; may he slumber not who guards you: Indeed he neither slumbers nor sleeps, the guardian of Israel. R.

The LORD is your guardian; the LORD is your shade; he is beside you at your right hand. The sun shall not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. R.

The LORD will guard you from all evil; he will guard your life. The LORD will guard your coming and your going, both now and forever. R.

Psalm 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 R. My soul trusts in the Lord.

419 As circumstances suggest, the minister may give those present a brief explanation of the biblical text, so that they may understand through faith the meaning of the celebration.

INTERCESSIONS

420 The intercessions are then said. The minister introduces them and an assisting minister or one of those present announces the intentions. From the following those best suited to the occasion may be used or adapted, or other intentions that apply to the particular circumstances may be composed.

The minister says: Our God gives us life and constantly calls us to new life; let us pray to God with confidence.

R. Lord, hear our prayer.

Assisting minister: For those suffering from addiction especially lust addiction, that God may be their strength and support, we pray. R.

Assisting minister: For N., bound by the chains of addiction, that we encourage and assist him in his struggle, we pray. R.

Assisting minister: For N., that he may trust in the mercy of God through whom all things are possible, we pray. R.

Assisting minister: For the family and friends of N., that with faith and patience they show him their love, we pray. R.

Assisting minister: For the Church, that it may always be attentive to those in need, we pray. R.

421 After the intercessions the minister, in the following or similar words, invites all present to sing or say the Lord's Prayer. Let us pray to our merciful God as Jesus taught us:

All: Our Father . . .

PRAYER OF BLESSING

422 A lay minister says the prayer with hands joined.

A) For addiction

God of mercy, we bless you in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who ministered to all who came to him. Give your strength to N., your servant, bound by the chains of addiction. Enfold him in your love and restore him to the freedom of God's children.

Lord, look with compassion on all those who have lost their health and freedom. Restore to them the assurance of your unfailing mercy, and strengthen them in the work of recovery.

To those who care for them, grant patient understanding and a love that perseveres.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.

As circumstances suggest, the minister in silence may sprinkle the person with holy water.

CONCLUDING RITE

424 A lay minister concludes the rite by signing himself or herself with the sign of the cross and saying: May our all-merciful God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us and embrace us in love for ever. R. Amen.

425 It is preferable to end the celebration with a suitable song.

B. SHORTER RITE

426 All make the sign of the cross as the minister says: Our help is in the name of the Lord.

All reply: Who made heaven and earth.

427 One of those present or the minister reads a text of sacred Scripture, for example: Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the second letter of Paul to the Corinthians:

4:6-9 We are afflicted, but not crushed. For God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to bring to light the knowledge of the glory of God on the face of Jesus Christ.

But we hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

428 Or: Isaiah 63:7-9--He has favored us according to his mercy. Matthew 15:21-28--Woman, you have great faith.