Birth and Adoption

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O God, you have taught us through your blessed Son that whoever receives a little child in the name of Christ receives Christ himself:  We give you thanks for the blessing you have bestowed upon this family in giving them a child.  Confirm their joy by a lively sense of your presence with them, and give them calm strength and patient wisdom as they seek to bring this child to love all that is true and noble, just and pure, lovable and gracious, excellent and admirable, following the example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Amen.

(Thanksgiving for the Birth of Adoption of a Child, The Book of Common Prayer, p. 443)

The Bible tells us that the birth of a child is both a joyous and solemn occasion in the life of a family.  It is also on occasion for rejoicing in the Christian community.  Whether the child joins a family through birth or adoption, the church is here to welcome, support and witness the new and sacred relationship that has commenced.

May God, who by creating us adopts us as beloved children, grant you grace.  Amen.

May God, who sanctified a home at Nazareth, fill you with love.  Amen.

May God the Holy Spirit, who has made the Church one family, keep you in peace.  Amen.

SACRAMENTS are "visible signs of inward and spiritual grace" (Book of Common Prayer, p. 857). In addition to baptism and the Eucharist (Holy Communion), the Episcopal Church recognizes other spiritual markers in our journey of faith. These include:

•Confirmation (the adult affirmation of our baptismal vows)
•Reconciliation of a Penitent (private confession)
•Matrimony (Christian marriage)
•Orders (ordination to deacon, priest, or bishop)
•Unction (anointing with oil those who are sick or dying)

These help us to be a sacramental people, seeing God always at work around us.