In Canada, the book “Blessings and Prayers for Home and Family” contains a beautiful blessing and ritual for the welcoming of a baby. I use the prayer when I do baptismal preparation but the entire ritual contains a greeting, a reading, a prayer, etc.
I’ll post it when I get home.
This is the ritual for “Birth or Adoption of a Child”. It would fit well when the child is welcomed to the family home for the first time.
One person leads the Prayer.
Starts with the Sign of the Cross
Scripture Reading
- Matthew 18:1-4 or 19:13-15, or
- Mark 10:13-16 or 9:33-37, or
- Luke 9: 46-48 or 18:15-17
Litany of the Saints/Baptismal Litany of the Saints
Prayer of PraiseBlessed are you, Lord God,
maker of the universe and Father of all;
you have made us your children,
brothers and sisters of Jesus,
and temples of your Holy Spirit.
You invite us to call you Father
in the community of your holy people.
Hear the prayers we make this day
as we rejoice in your love
and welcome N. into our family.
Fill our home with your peace
and lead us always in your love.
Blessed are you, Lord our God, for ever and ever. AMEN
or
Loving God,
you have chosen each one of us
and called us by name
to be your sons and/or daughters
and to live in your kingdom.
By the power of the Holy Spirit,
move us to use our gifts
for the building up of your Church.
Inspire each of us to thank you every day
for the gift of life you share with us.
Teach us to accept our own limitations,
and to develop all the abilities we have.
Help us to be patient with ourselves and others,
and to work together to make this
a better world for all people.
Give your special blessing to N.
our son/daughter/grandchild,
and help him/her to grow in your love
and to serve you each day.
We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ,
in the love of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. AMEN.
Conclusion
Leader invites all to say the Lord’s Prayer and then all may exchange a sign of peace.