The Receiving of Life Profession in VowsBr Nathan-James SSF

Eve of All Saints31st October, 2009

St Philip’s Anglican Church, Annerley, QLD

Encountering the Man with the BirdsMeeting St Francis, 1998

Chapel of the Holy Cross, Sedona, AZ

Thought about Religious LifeVocations flyer, 1999

St Paul’s Cathedral, London, Eng.

Exploring Franciscan LifeVocations Day, 1999

St Martin’s-in-the-Field, London, Eng.

Called to Franciscan Religious LifeStatue, St Francis of Assisi

Chapel of the Holy Cross, Sedona, AZ

The Admission of a Novice Feast of St John the Baptist, 2002

Ikon, St John the Baptist

The Making of Profession in Vows Feast of St James the Great 2004

Ikon, St James the Greater

The Receiving of Life Profession in Vows Eve of All Saints 2009

Ikon, All Saints

St Francis and the Chapel of the Holy CrossPatch quilt by Wendy Wetzel

A dear friend of mine is an amazing quilter and listener. When Wendy learned I would be making my life profession she did what Wendy always does - quilts. I met Wendy more years ago than either of us perhaps care to count. We had corresponded for a long time after I was introduced to Wendy when I was writing my undergraduate thesis. Having already researched a similar topic she was able to give me good advice and point me in the direction of good research material. We developed a good friendship. When I decided to move to work in the UK I took the opportunity to stop over in the US and visit her in Arizona.

During my visit Wendy took me to a few of the typical tourist places, one of those being the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona AZ. Whilst there I was taken by a small figurine of a man with birds on his shoulders. I was very attracted to the scene. It was only later that I would be prompted to ask Wendy if this was a representation of St Francis of Assisi. Thus begin a long series of events which led to my entering religious life in the Society of St Francis.

The week before I commenced my postulancy Wendy sent me a quilt with an outline of the Chapel of the Holy Cross. It was a very fortuitous moment as I was feeling a little unsure of the decision I made. Her gift put to rest any indecisiveness I might of had at that time. Throughout the years Wendy has always seemed to connect with heart of conversations we have had and a well timed quilt has always arrived in the mail. They have been very much symbolic of the way in which she has listened intently to my hopes, dreams and fears; her quilts always acknowledging she had not only heard and felt what I was talking about but that she wanted to offer something more than words in response, something that would be a tangible reminder that I had been heard and she was walking alongside me; even if we were separated by geography.

The quilt featured on the cover design is typical of Wendy. Not long after she learned of my election to life profession Wendy set out to once again show support for me and my life’s journey. While in the US recently a courier arrived with a package; another of Wendy’s heart felt reminders of the sacredness of our connection with one another and her unfailing support for my journey in religious life. Like the one she sent to me prior to the commencement of my postulancy, this quilt is a reminder not only of the connection we share for one another, but it is also symbolic of that moment in my life when, even if I did not appreciate it at the time, I felt called to live a life in Christ in the tradition of St Francis of Assisi.

Sunrise ... Sunset

Photograph Kylie Johnson © 2009

SANCTUARY PARTY

Thurifer Kris CollinsBoat Boy Michael Baeora-SheedyCrucifer Quentin ZammitAcolytes Jak Righton Jake Carter

MC Br Daniel SSF Preacher The Rev Bryan GaddMinister Provincial Br Alfred BoonKong SSFSub Deacon Tiffany HammerDeacon The Rev Andrew BowyerPresider The Most Rev Roger Herft

MUSICIANS

Strings

1st Violin Sam Andrews2nd Violin Nick ShirlawViola David PopeCello Tim Andrews

Winds

Alto Recorder Br James Andrew SSFFlute Yoon Irons

Reeds

Clarinet Russell Brockman Tenor Sax Ben Kleinschmidt

Piano Betty Beath-Cox

Organ Errol

Piper Ian Aiken

Cantors Sheena Walsh Br Bart

St Philip’s Singers Betty Beath-Cox, David Cox, Bridie Murphy, Br Bart SSF, Br Gabriel SSF , Br Nathan-James SSF, Tom Rowe, Joanne McDiarmid, Wendy On, Michael Whitehouse.

Solomon Is Choir Br Gabriel SSF, Berelld, Joyce Sheedy, Margaret Patterson, Fr Atkin, Rose Kake, Victor, Barbara, Jacqueline, Giles, Macsheen, Connie, Elizabeth, Grace, Jane, Nyrida.

Music Arranged for strings, reeds and wind by Br William SSF

INCIDENTAL MUSIC

Canon Hill Anglican College string quartet

WELCOME

Br Donald Campbell SSF, Guardian Brisbane Friary

A Reading from 'The Anonymous of Perugia'

Two men from Assisi, inspired by divine grace, humbly approached Francis. One of these was Brother Bernard, and the other, Brother Peter. They told Francis simply, 'We wish to live with you from now on and do what you are doing. Tell us, therefore, what we should do with our possessions.' Overjoyed at their coming and their resolve, he answered them kindly, 'Let us go and seek counsel from the Lord.'

So they went to one of the city's churches. Upon entering it, they fell on their knees and humbly prayed, 'Lord, God, Father of glory, we beg you in your mercy, show us what we are to do.' After finishing the prayer they asked the priest who was there, 'Sir, would you show us the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.'

And, since before this happened none of them knew how to read very well, when the priest opened up the book, they immediately found the passage: 'If you wish to be perfect, go, sell everything you possess and give to the poor, and you will have a treasure in heaven. 'Opening up the book a second time, they discovered: 'Whoever wishes to come after me...' When they opened up the book for the third time, they came upon: 'Take nothing for your journey ...'

When they heard this, they were filled with great joy and exclaimed: 'This is what we want, this is what we were seeking.' And blessed Francis said: 'This will be our Rule.' Then he told both of them: 'Go, and may you fulfil the Lord's counsel as you heard it.'

From A Sense of the DivineRead by Sr Pauline Robinson MFIC

The Piper pipes in the Sanctuary party to the tune of Highland Cathedral. Once the Sanctuary party are in place the Introit hymn is sung, during which the Archbishop censes the Altar.

GATHERING IN GOD’S NAME

Introit Hymn The Summons, John L Bell and Graham Maule

All Will you come and follow meIf I but call your name?Will you go where you don’t knowAnd never be the same?Will you let my love be shown,Will you let my name be known,Will you let my life be grown in youAnd you in me?

Will you leave yourself behindIf I but call your name?Will you care for cruel and kindAnd never be the same?Will you risk the hostile stareShould your life attract or scare?Will you let me answer prayer in youAnd you in me?

Will you let the blinded seeIf I but call your name?Will you set the prisoners freeAnd never be the same?Will you kiss the leper clean,And do such as this unseen,And admit to what I mean in youAnd you in me?

Will you love the ‘you’ you hideIf I but call your name?Will you quell the fear insideAnd never be the same?Will you use the faith you’ve foundTo reshape the world around,Through my sight and touch and sound in youAnd you in me?

Lord, your summons echoes trueWhen you but call my name.Let me turn and follow youAnd I’ll never be the same.In your company I’ll goWhere your love and footsteps show.Thus I’ll move and live and grow in youAnd you in me. Words © 1987 WGRG, Iona Community

Used with permission, Word of Life International License number 1668Music : Scottish traditional; arrangement Br William SSF

Whoever serves me must follow me,

and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will

honor. (Jn 12:26)

Sentence for a Monastic or Ascetic

Presider You, Lord, are all that I have; I have promised to keep your word. I have sought your favour with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.

Nga Mihi The Greeting

Presider

All

Presider

All

E te whanau a te Karaiti, Ko tatou nei tona tinanna, e mahi nei i te ao, naumai, haere mai, ki tona ahurewa tapu. E mihi ana ki a koutou kua karangatia nei hei tote, hei maramatanga mo te ao, i roto i to koutou tohinga. Kia loa, kia hari, Whakamoemititia te Atua, te Kai-homai o te tumanako, te Kai-hohou i te rongo.

Amine. Kia hari tahi tatou. Ko Ihu Karaiti te maramatanga, te matapuna o te ora.

Ki a ia whakamoemiti, te kororia, i tonoa mai nei, e te Matua, hei whakahou i te ao, hei huri te wai he waina, hei whakatahuri i te ngakau kia tu-tapu ai ki tona aroaro.

Tapaea atu o tatou ngakau ki a te Karaiti, nana nei i whakatinana te kupu hei took i te ora. Kororia ki a koe, e te Karaiti, whakatapua mai matou.

Family of Christ, welcome to this holy table; welcome to you, for we are Christ’s body, Christ’s work in the world. Welcome you whose baptism makes you salt of the earth and light to the world. Rejoice and be glad. Praise God who gives us forgiveness and hope.

Amen. Christ is our light,the joy of our salvation.

Praise and glory to Christ, God’s new beginning for humanitymaking ritual water gospel wine,cleansing all our worship.

Love and loyalty to Christ,who gives us the Gospel.Praise to Christ,who calls us to holiness.

A Statement of Religious Life

After the Liturgical Greeting the Protector introduces the service and concludes with the following:

Presider Members of religious communities in the Church are called: to bear witness, before God and on behalf of all humanity, to God within and beyond all things and to the coming of the reign of God;to be signs, for others to see, of total commitment which Christ demands from all who would follow him;to express the God-given value of all right human relationships by their commitment to Christ-like love through their life in community;to be free to devote themselves permanently to loving service of God in a

disciplined common life;to be sources from which others may draw encouragement and inspiration;to belong to communities of worship where prayer to God is practiced, andto be with the poor, the exploited, the abused and the powerless, both in ministry and in prayer.

Confession and Absolution

Deacon Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake their way, and the unrighteous their thoughts; let them return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord.

Isaiah 55:6-8Choir Kyrie Eleison, Christe Eleison, Kyrie Eleison

Deacon The life that we now live, we live by faith in the Son of God Let us confess our sins in penitence and faith, confident in God’s forgiveness.

All Merciful God.our maker and our judge,we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, and in what we have failed to do:we have not loved you with our whole heart;we have not loved our neighbours as ourselves;we repent and are sorry for all our sins.Father forgive us.Strengthen us to love and obey you in newness of life;through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Presider Almighty God, who has promised forgiveness to all who turn to him in faith: pardon you and set you free from all your sins, strengthen you in all goodness and keep you in eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hymn of Praise, Gloria in Excelsis

All Glory to God in the highest, and peace to God’s people on earth. Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks,

we praise you for your glory. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer. 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

Presider God of mercy,your word gave blessed Francis liberty to becomeyour servant and to reflect the image of Christthrough a life of poverty and humility, peace and prayer,so may the power of your Spirit move the hearts of allto respond to your call.Through Jesus Christ our Lord, whowith you and the Holy Spirit,give freedom through forgiveness and new life in your love.Amen.

THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD

The Tanakh Read by Mr. John Wallace. House Master, Biddle House, The Southport School A reading from the Prophet Micah, chapter 6, commencing at verse 6

‘With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt-offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with tens of thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?’ He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with God?

This is the word of the LordAll Thanks be to God

Responsorial Psalm 27

Cantor Do not be afraid, I am with you; I have called you by your name, you are mine; I have called you by your name, you are mine.All Do not be afraid, I am with you; I have called you by your name, you are mine; I have called you by your name, you are mine.

Cantor The Lord is my light and my help; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; before whom shall I shrink?All Do not be afraid, I am with you; I have called you by your name, you are mine; I have called you by your name, you are mine.

Cantor There is one thing I ask of the Lord, for this I long: to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.All Do not be afraid, I am with you; I have called you by your name, you are mine; I have called you by your name, you are mine.

Cantor I am sure I shall see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living. Hope in him, hold firm and take heart, hope in the Lord. All Do not be afraid, I am with you; I have called you by your name, you are mine; I have called you by your name, you are mine.

Words and Music © Christopher WillcockUsed with permission, Word of Life International License number 1668

New Testament Reading Read by Br Robin BSB

A Reading from the First Epistle of St Paul to the Corinthians, chapter 1 commencing at verse 17

For Christ did not send me to baptise but to proclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power.... Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, so that no one might boast in the presence of God. He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, in order that, as it is written, ‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.’

This is the word of the LordAll Thanks be to God

Gradual Hymn Oh Where are you going, John L Bell and Graham Maule

Three verses of the Gradual Hymn are sung at the beginning of the Gospel procession; the remaining two verse are sung after the Gospel has been read.

All Oh where are you going,And can I come with you,And what is your method For keeping alive:No pack or possessions,No clothing or shelter,No food to sustain you -How can you survive?

Oh where are you going,And can I come with you,And why is your companyNever the same?You sit among beggars,You argue with bankers,Debate with lawyersAnd walk with the lame.

Oh where are you going,And can I come with you,And what can you showFor your talents and time -No profit from trading,No thing of your making,No mark or memento,No picture or rhyme?

Oh Where are you going,And can I come with you,And what is the secretTowards which you strive?What hidden inspirer,What unseen admirer,What dream is the substanceUpon which you thrive?

I’m going on a journeyAnd welcome companions,But don’t ask meHow we’ll survive, where we’ll go,Or who will come with us,Or what we’ll be doing.Just join me in travellingAnd learn all I know.

Words © 1987 WGRG, Iona Community Used with permission, Word of Life International License number 1668

Music : American traditional; arrangement Br William SSF

He said, "For this reason I have told

you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by

the Father." (Jn 6:65)

The Gospel Acclamation Celtic Alleluia, Fintan O’Carroll & Christopher Walker

All Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia

Deacon You received without charge, give without charge. Be cunning as serpents and yet as harmless as doves.

All Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia

Words and Music © Fintan O’Carroll & Christopher Walker Used with permission, Word of Life International License number 1668

The Gospel Read by The Reverend Andrew Bowyer

Deacon A Reading from the Holy Gospel According to St Matthew, Chapter 10 commencing at verse 5.All Glory to you Lord Jesus Christ

These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: ‘Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, proclaim the good news, “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment. Take no gold, or silver, or copper in your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for labourers deserve their food.

Whatever town or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you leave. As you enter the house, greet it. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgement than for that town. ‘See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

Deacon This is the Gospel of the LordAll Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ

The Sermon The Reverend Bryan Gadd. Senior Chaplain, The Southport School

THE RECEIVING OF PROFESSION IN LIFE VOWS

After the Ministry of the Word in the Eucharist, following the Gospel and the homily, the Minister shall bring the candidate before the Protector. The community and the people shall sit.

Processional God Yu Tekem Laef Blong Mi, Hans Zimmer

After the first verse the choir lead the Candidate to the Crossing where he is joined by the Minister Provincial. At the conclusion of the hymn the choir return to their seats.

All God, yu tekem laef blong mi, Mi mi givim nao long yu. Mbae mi givim evri dei Blong leftemap nem blong yu.

God, yu tekem han blong mi Blong givhan long nara man, Mo yu tekem leg blong mi Blong mi karem tok blong yu.

God, yu tekem voes blong mi Blong mi presem yu oltaem, Mo yu tekem maot blong mi Blong mi talem tok blong yu.

God, ol mane tu blong mi, Plis, yu tekem mi blong yu Mo yu tekem hed blong mi Blong mi waes long wok blong yu.

Yu mekem tingting blong mi I stap strong long yu oltaem. Yu nomo yu king blong mi Plis yu rul long laef blong yu.

God, mi laekem yu tumas, Mbae yu king blong mi oltaem. Evri samting ya blong mi Mi mi givim nao long yu.

God you take my life, I give myself to you. I give it to you everyday In up-lifting your name everyday.

God you take my hand To share with one another, You take my leg to spread your words. God you take my voice, To praise you everyday You use my month, To proclaim your word. God all riches belong to you, Please you lead me, You use my head and give me, the wisdom to work for you. My thoughts belong to you, So that I can remain in you all time, You are my King, Please you govern my life. God I like you so much, You will be my King forever, Everything that belongs to you, I give it back to you.

The Presentation

Minister Most Reverend Father in God, our brother Nathan-James has been admitted to Profession according to The Rule of our Society.

I, Alfred BoonKong, as Minister of the Australia /New Zealand Province of the Society of St Francis,

ask you to receive his Life Profession within our Society.

Protector Have you the Certificate of Consent from the Chapter?

The Protector shall examine the Certificate and, if it is in order, shall proceed.

The Declaration

Protector My brother, what do you ask of God and his Church?

Candidate I ask that I may persevere in the service of God and that I may now be allowed to make my Profession in vows for Life in the First Order of the Society of St Francis, for the glory of God and in the service of his Church and of all his people.

Community Thanks be to God

The Protector shall then address the candidate:

Protector The brothers of the First Order of the Society of St Francis have given theirconsent to your admission to the fellowship of Profession for life in this Society; and I, after consultation, have considered it right that you should be so admitted, provided that you are willing to remain, during the whole of the rest of your life, a faithful and obedient member of it; unless, for reasons now hidden in the will of God, you are released from your vows by its lawful authorities.

The Candidate shall come and stand before the Protector, who shall say:

Brother Nathan-James, you have already been consecrated to the Lord through baptism and the profession of vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Are you willing to confirm this commitment to follow our Lord Jesus Christ in the way of blessed Francis all the days of your life?

Candidate I am willing, God being my helper.

Protector Are you willing to renounce all personal possessions, all attachments which separate you from the love of God all honours and dignities and enduring all hardships and bearing the reproach of the Cross to maintain to the end of your life your profession in poverty, chastity and obedience in this Society?

Candidate I am willing, God being my helper.

Protector My brother, do you now desire to make your Profession for Life within the First Order of the Society of St Francis?

Candidate I do, and I pray for the blessing of God and his Church, and I ask for the prayers of my brothers.

The Protector shall then say

Protector May almighty God, who has given you the will to undertake all these things, give you also the strength to perform them, that he may complete the work which has begun in you.

The Invocation

The Protector commends the candidate to be life professed to the prayers of the people and silence is kept, all kneeling.

Protector Let us pray for the grace of the Holy Spirit for our brother Nathan-James

Veni Creator Spiritus

Cantor Come Holy Spirit, our souls inspire and lighten with your heavenly fire:

you the anointing spirit are,on us your sevenfold gifts you pour.

All Your blessed unction from aboveis comfort, life, and fire of love;enable with perpetual lightthe dullness of our blinded sight;

anoint and cheer our mortal facewith the abundance of your grace;keep far our foes; give peace at home;where you are guide no ill can come.

Teach us to know the Father, Son, and you with both to be but one,that through the ages all alongthis may be our endless song:

Praise to your eternal merit,Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Anon., Latin 9th cent.attrib, Rabanus Maurus c. 776-856

tr. John Cosin 1594-1672 alt.Melody from ’Vesperale Romanum’. Mechlin, 1848

The Litany

Then is sung the Litany

Cantor God the Father,All Have mercy on us.Cantor God the Son,All Have mercy on us.Cantor God the Holy Spirit,All Have mercy on us.Cantor Holy, Blessed, and Glorious Trinity,All Have mercy on us.Cantor We pray to you, Lord Christ,All Lord, save your people.Cantor By your coming as man ,All Lord, save your people.Cantor By your death and rising to life,All Lord, save your people.Cantor By your gift of the Holy Spirit,All Lord, save your people.Cantor By your mercy to us sinners,All Lord, save your people.Cantor We pray to you, Lord Jesus Christ,All Lord, hear our prayer.

Andrew For the Church of God, that it may be filledSmith with truth and love and that all may be one, as you and the Father are one, We pray to you, O Lord,All Lord, hear our prayer.

Peter For the mission of your Church, that in faithful witnessHall it may proclaim the Gospel to the ends of the earth, We pray to you, O Lord,All Lord, hear our prayer.

Steven For all the members of your Church,Ogden that in their vocation and ministry they may serve you and reveal your glory in the world, We pray to you, O Lord,All Lord, hear our prayer.

Scott For all the members of religious communities,Gunthorpe that their life and labour may advance your work of salvation in the world, We pray to you, O Lord,All Lord, hear our prayer.

Brenda For our brother who makes his profession today,Davis that you will give him a love of prayer, a spirit of repentance, and a zeal for the Gospel, We pray to you, O Lord,All Lord, hear our prayer.

Jeff For your servant,Balinaves that he may persevere in what he professes today: that his poverty may serve those in need, his chastity fulfill the law of love and his obedience be a sign of the gentle rule of Christ. We pray to you, O Lord,All Lord, hear our prayer.

Cheryl For the members of Nathan’s family,Selvage that you may richly bless them, We pray to you, O Lord,All Lord, hear our prayer.

Daniel For all here present,Gullotta that we may heed your call to be perfect, bear fruit in holiness, and grow into the fullness of your kingdom, We pray to you, O Lord,All Lord, hear our prayer.

Julia For all the departed,Harrison especially our brothers and sisters in St Francis, that they may have rest and peace in that place where there is no pain or grief but only life eternal, We pray to you, O Lord,All Lord, hear our prayer.

Andrew Rejoicing in the fellowship of all who have Cooper faithfully responded to your call: the blessed Virgin Mary, the patriarchs, prophets, apostles and martyrs, St Francis, St Clare and all your saints; we commend ourselves and one another and all our life to you, Lord Christ, We pray to you, O Lord,All Lord, hear our prayer.

Michael Almighty, immortal, just and merciful God,Tucker give to this our brother to do for you that which he knows to be your will and to will always that which is well-pleasing to you. So that inwardly purified, illumined and enkindled by the flame of your Holy Spirit, he may be enabled to follow in the footsteps of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and by your grace, at length attain to you, the Most High; who in perfect Trinity and simple Unity, live and reign, God all powerful, forever and ever.All Amen.

THE PROFESSION OF VOWS

All stand, except the Protector, who shall sit. The professed brothers present come and stand around the candidate who is to make his life profession, but not obscuring the view of the people.

Protector In the name of God,of the Church in heaven and on earth,and the Society of St Francis,I call upon you to make your profession for life.

The candidate kneels before the Protector, places his hands between those of the Protector and pronounces the profession

Candidate I, brother Nathan-Jamesdo hereby dedicate myself for my whole life,in company with the brothers of the First Order of the Society of St Francis,to the service of our Lord Jesus Christ,to follow him under the conditions of poverty, chastity and obediencein the way of blessed Francis;and I promise and vow in the presence of almighty Godthat I will live according to the Rule of this Community,God being my helper.

The newly professed shall then sign the Act of Profession on the altar, where it remains for the rest of the Eucharist.

The Protector then shall read aloud, and sign, the Declaration of Profession

Protector In the name of God. Amen.

I, Roger, by divine permission Archbishop of Perth,during the will of God Protector of the Australia / New Zealand Province of the Society of Saint Francis: with the consent of the Provincial Chapter do hereby declare Brother Nathan-James to be duly admitted into the fellowship of life profession within this Society. Witness my hand Given this 31st day of Octoberin the year of our Lord two thousand and nine, in the 24th year of our Consecration.To the glory of God. Amen.

The protector shall then say:

Protector In the name of God, of the Churchand of the Society of St Francis,I have accepted your vows.Be faithful to Christ and God will bless you and give you eternal life.The Lord give you joyand fill you with gladness,that you may give thanks to him for ever.

The Giving of the Ring

Protector Let us pray, Bless, O God, this ringthat he who wears itmay be strengthened with grace from heavenand persevere in what he has promised;through Jesus Christ our Lord.

All Amen.

The Protector places the ring on the ring finger of the right hand saying:

Protector Receive this ring, remember that you are united to the Lordwho chose you and be faithful to him, that you may come to the eternal joy of the feast in his kingdom.

The Giving of the Candle

The Bishop then gives the newly professed a lighted candle, saying:

Protector Receive the light of Christ, the sign of your immortality in him. Walk in the light, as he is in the light, for he is the light of the world.

The candle is placed on the altar. The candle is retained centrally, and lit again at the funeral of the brother, when it is allowed to burn through.

Consecration and Blessing of the Professed

The newly life professed kneels before the Protector, who says the prayer standing. The community share in the prayer through the acclamations.

Protector God our Father in heaven,the source of all holiness,you created the human raceand formed us in your own image.when our disobedience took us far from youyou did not abandon us to the power of death.

All We bless you for your love and mercy.

Protector You called your servant, Abraham, to go forth in faith,you brought your people out of slavery into freedom:again and again you called us into covenant with youand through the prophets taught us to hope for salvation.

All We bless you for your love and mercy.

Protector Father, you loved the world so muchthat, in the fullness of time,you gave your Son, the eternal Word,born of the blessed Virgin Mary,to be our Saviour.You sent him to be our pattern of holiness.He became poor to make us rich,a slave to set us free.With love unbounded, he redeemed the world through his life and death and resurrection,and makes your Church holy through the gifts of the Spirit.

All We bless you for your love and mercy.

Protector The voice of your Spirit in every generationcalls men and women to leave alland follow in the footsteps of your Son.Among these, you raised up your servant, Francis,professing the life of the Gospelthat at the command of the Christ crucifiedhe might in himself and in his brothers and sistersrestore your Churchand renew it through holiness of life.

All We bless you for your love and mercy.

The Protector and all those in life profession stretch out their right hands over the newly professed until the end of the blessing. The Protector continues.

Protector Lord, look with mercy and loveupon this our brother.In your providence, you have called him to follow Christin the way of the poor and humble Francis,lover of the Cross.

All Amen.

Protector Pour upon him the fullness of your life-giving Spirit,help him to fulfill in faith what you have enabled him to promise in joythat he may persevere to his life’s end.

All Amen.

Protector May he be rooted in humility;may he be filled with joy in Christ and his Gospel,and enflamed with love for his brothers and sisters,for those in need and for your whole creation.

All Amen.

Protector May he build up your Church by the holiness of his life, advance the salvation of the world and be a sign of your kingdom to come.All Amen.

Protector May he receive in this life your promised hundredfoldthat at the judgement seathe may find the joy of vows fulfilledand, made perfect in your love,rejoice in the communion of saintspraising you for ever in the company of heaven.

All Amen.

Protector May our blessed Lady pray for you.May Saint Francis, who bore the marks of the Lord Jesus, pray for you.May Saint Clare pray for you.May all the saints of the three Orders pray for you.May the holy angels befriend youand watch around you to protect you.And I will pronounce upon you the blessingwhich our holy father, Francis,gave to Brother Leo, his companion:

The Lord bless you and watch over you,the Lord make is face to shine upon youand be gracious to you,the Lord look kindly on you and give you peace.Brother Nathan-James , the Lord bless you.

All Amen.

The newly life professed shall then stand and face his life professed brothers.

Provincial As you have bound yourself to us for life,

The life professed brothers continue:

Life So we bind ourselves to you for life Professed to strengthen and support you in our common vocation. This we do, confident in the mercy and grace of God.

The newly life professed is welcomed by being given the Kiss of Peace by his life professed brothers.

THE GREETING OF PEACE

The Peace is now given by the President of the Eucharist, and the newly professed exchanges a sign of peace with his family, friends and others present.

Presider We are the body of Christ.All His Spirit is with us.

Presider The peace of the Lord be always with you.All And also with you.

Offertory Hymn Here I am Lord, Daniel Schutte

All I, the Lord of sea and sky,I have heard my people cry.All who dwell in dark and sinmy hand will save.I who made the stars of night,I will make their darkness bright. Who will bear my light to them?Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord; is it I Lord?I have heard you calling in the night;I will go Lord, if you lead me.I will hold your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of snow and rain,I have borne my people’s pain;I have wept for love of them.They turn away.I will break their hearts of stone,give them hearts for love alone.I will speak my word to them.Whom shall I send. Refrain.

I, the Lord of wind and flame,I will tend the poor and lame;I will set a feast for them.My hand will save. Finest bread I will providetill their hearts are satisfied,I will give my life to them.Whom shall I send. Refrain.

Words © Oregon Catholic PressUsed with permission, Word of Life International License number 1668

Music: arrangement Br William SSF

Then I heard the voice of the

Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I; send me!" (Isa 6:8)

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING

Presider Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation. Through your goodness we have these gifts to share. Accept and use our offerings for your glory and for the service of the Kingdom.All Blessed be God for ever.

Presider The Lord be with you!All And also with you!

Presider Lift up your hearts!All We lift them to the Lord!

Presider Let us give thanks to the Lord our God!All It is right to give our thanks and praise!

Presider Blessed are you, gracious God.creator of heaven and earth.We give you thanks and praisefor your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ,who came not to be served, but to serve,and to give his life as a ransom for many.He taught your word with boldness,and offered himself to you in perfect obedience.He cared for all as the good shepherd,and laid down his life for his sheep.

By his death and rising to new lifehe brought new life to your people.In baptism you have united us to him,and brought us out of darkness to light.

And now we give you thanks thatin fulfillment of our promiseyou pour out your Spirit upon us,filling us with your gifts and leading us into truth.You give us power to proclaim the Gospel to all nations,and to serve you as a royal priesthood.

You raise up those who will serve you in a life of poverty, chastity and obedience; in prayer and service to others; to proclaim your Gospel following the footsteps of Christ.

Therefore, with them, with St Francis and St Clare,and with all your saints who have served youin every age, we give you thanks and lift our voicesto proclaim the glory of your name.

All Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and might, Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in highest.Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

Presider Merciful God, we thank youfor these gifts of your creation,this bread and wine,and we pray that by your Word and Holy Spirit,we who eat and drink themmay be partakers of Christ’s body and blood.

On the night he was betrayed Jesus took bread;and when he had given you thankshe broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying,‘Take, eat. This is my body given for you.Do this in remembrance of me.’

After supper, he took the cup,and again giving you thankshe gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Drink from this, all of you.This is my blood of the new covenantshed for you and for manyfor the forgiveness of sins.Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’

All Christ has died.Christ is risen.Christ will come again.

Presider Therefore, we do as our Saviour has commanded:proclaiming his offering of himselfmade once for all upon the cross,his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension,and looking for his coming again,we celebrate, with this bread and cup,his one perfect and sufficient sacrificefor the sins of the whole world.

Renew us by your Holy Spirit,unite us in the body of your Son,and bring us with all your peopleinto the joy of your eternal kingdom;through Jesus Christ our Lord,with whom, and in whom,in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.we worship you, Father, in songs of never-ending praise:

All Blessing and honour and glory and power be yours forever and ever. Amen.

E To Matou Matua The Lord’s Prayer

Presider Kua akona nei tatou e to tataou Ariki, ka inoi tatou. As Christ teaches us we pray.

E to matou Matua i te rangiKia tapu tou Ingoa.Kia tae mai tou rangatiratanga.

Kia meatia tau e pai aiki runga ki te whenua,

kia rite ano ki to te rangi

Homai ki a matou aianeihe taro ma matou mo tenei ra.

Murua o matou hara,Me matou hoki e muru nei

i o te hunga e hara ana ki a matou

Aua hoki matou e kawea kia whakawaia;Engari whakaorangia matou i te kino:

Nou hoki te rangatiratanga, te kaha,me te kororia,

Ake ake ake. Amine.

Our Father in Heaven,hallowed be your name,your kingdom come,

your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sinsas we forgive those who sin against us.

Save us from the time of trialand deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yoursnow and forever.

Amen.

THE BREAKING OF BREAD AND THE COMMUNION

Presider As this broken bread was once many grains Which have been gathered together and made one bread:

All so may your Church be gathered from the ends of the earth into your kingdom.

Anthem Agnus Dei From A Mass for St Anthony by Br William SSF

O lamb of God you take away the sins of the world have mercy on us (repeat)

O lamb of God you take away the sins of the world Grant us your peace.

Presider Haere mai e te kahui a te Atua, tangohia enei kai rangatira a te Karaiti Come God’s people, come to receive Christ’s heavenly food.

Communicant members of all Churches are invited to receive Communion.A selection of hymns and anthems will be sung during the Communion

THE SENDING OUT OF GOD’S PEOPLE Presider May Jesus our Brother, whom we have received in this

Eucharistic mystery,continually inspire others through theirBaptismal commitmentto consecrate their lives in union with Francisin the way of poverty, chastity and obedience.

All Amen.

Presider Most loving GodAll you send us into the world you love. Give us grace to go thankfully and with courage in the power of your spirit.

Presider God give you grace to follow St Francis, St Clare and all the saints in faith and hope and love; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.

All Amen.

Recessional Hymn Thuma Mina Somandla

Cantor Thuma minaAll Thuma mina, thuma mina thuma mina Somandla.

Cantor Send me, LordAll Send me Jesus; send me, Jesus; send me, Jesus; send me, Lord.

Cantor Lead me, LordAll Lead me Jesus; lead me, Jesus; Lead me, Jesus; Lead me, Lord.

Cantor Fill me, LordAll Fill me Jesus; Fill me, Jesus; Fill me, Jesus; Fill me, Lord.

Cantor I will go, Lord.All I will go, Lord; I will go, Lord in your name, Lord, I will go.

arr Anders NybergMusic : South Africa traditional

Used with permission, Word of Life International License number 1668

THE DISMISSAL

Deacon Go in peace to love and serve the Lord:All In the name of Christ. Amen.

INCIDENTAL MUSIC

Canon Hill Anglican College string quartet

Please join the brothers for light refreshments in the parish hall.

Scripture quotationsNew Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, ©1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.Liturgical Resources © 1989 The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia, from A New Zealand Prayer Book - He Karakia Mihinare O Aotearoa, used with permission. © 1992 The European Province of the Society of St Francis, from The Daily Office SSF: A Version of Celebrating Common Prayer, published under the imprint Mowbray. Used by Permission.© 1992 The European Province of the Society of St Francis, from Forms of Admission to the First Order, published under the imprint Spottiswoode Ballantyne Ltd, Colchester and London. Used by Permission.© 1995 The Anglican Church of Australia Trust Corporation, from A Prayer Book for Australia, published under the imprint Broughton Books Pty. Ltd. Used by permission.© 2001 The European Province of the Society of St Francis, from A sense of the Divine, published under the imprint The Canterbury Press. Used by Permission.

Exploring Franciscan LifePamphlet advertising vocation information days lead by the vocations team of the Society and Community of St Francis.

The Society of St FrancisAustralia / New Zealand Province

www.franciscan.org.auwww.franciscan.org.nz

St FrancisChapel of the Holy Cross, Sedona AZ