Retreat on the Cup of the Precious Blood
This retreat was originally designed for permanent deacon candidates and their wives in the Diocese of Little Rock, AK.
Since one of the primary ministries of a deacon is to be a minister of the cup during the celebration of the Eucharist, I was asked to focus on the spirituality of the Precious Blood from the perspective of the cup. The outline for two of the sessions can be seen below:
There were six sessions from Friday evening to Sunday noon:
Cup of the New Covenant
Introductory Rite
Song
Sign of the Cross
Greeting
Introduction
Opening Prayer
Liturgy of the Word
Reading I Jeremiah 31:31-34
I will make a new covenant and write it upon their hearts.
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel Luke 3:21-22, 4:1-2a, 13
The baptism and temptations of the Lord.
Preaching
Covenant Renewal Ritual
Introduction
Blessing of Water
This includes the blessing of water from the Rite for the Blessing and Sprinkling of Water from the Roman Missal.
Covenant Renewal
This includes the renewal of baptismal promises.
Blessing with Water
Participants approach the blessed water and bless themselves.
Concluding Rite
Lord’s Prayer
Sign of Peace
Prayer
Blessing
Dismissal
Break
Mystagogical Reflection on the Experience
Participants are invited to reflect on their experience of the Cup of the New Covenant and to share their reflections with the group.
Cup of Hope
Introductory Rite
Song
Sign of the Cross
Greeting
Introduction
Opening Prayer
Liturgy of the Word
Reading I Romans 5:1-9
We boast in hope… hope does not disappoint… God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel Mark 9: 2-8
The transfiguration of Jesus.
Preaching
Ritual
For What Do You Hope? – Silent Reflection
Filling the Chalice
Each participant comes forward and pours a few drops of wine into the chalice, along with their hopes and dreams, cares and concerns. This same chalice is used during the closing Mass.
Offering the Chalice
The presider offers the prayer for offering the cup from the Liturgy of the Eucharist: Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation…
Concluding Rite
Lord’s Prayer
Sign of Peace
Prayer
Blessing
Dismissal
Break
Mystagogical Reflection on the Experience
Participants are invited to reflect on their experience of the Cup of Hope and to share their reflections with the group.
Other sessions include:
Cup of Salvation
A Votive Mass of the Precious Blood on Saturday morning
Cup of Suffering
A Celebration that includes the veneration of the Cross
Cup of Mercy
A Communal Reconciliation Celebration
Cup of Thanksgiving
A Celebration of Sunday Mass
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