Back to the Domestic
Violence Main PageDraft -- Domestic Violence Prayer Service
Fr J Mahoney, Joyce Zoppi
Back to the Domestic
Violence Main Page
What is the goal?
Publicity about the issue is in itself an important form of education. A strong sign of hope can also be seen in the attendance by a significant number of people, including religious and community leaders, members of law enforcement, etc.
The structure of the prayer vigil can reflect various aspects of the goal and suggest a pilgrimage:
Step One:
A creative, multifaceted introduction. (Primary responsibility of the parish) Gather in an area other than the church. Use audio-visuals, skits, or short talks to introduce the reality and prevalence of domestic violence. The presentation should be well-prepared and informal.
A small table with a suitable book can be placed outside the door of church, with a sign inviting those attending to enter the first name or initials of persons they know who have been victimized by domestic violence.
At the end of the introduction, there is a loose procession into church, with persons pausing to enter names in the book.
During the time of the procession, a suitable song is played, such as "Voices". (Service sheets should have been prepared, perhaps titled "No One Should Stand Alone" and containing several key resource phone numbers on the back.)
The leader of the prayer service, vested in white, stands at the entrance. At the end of the procession he also enters, carrying the book with him.
Second, the prayer service itself: (Primary responsibility of the Archdiocese) This should be divided up, but how? That could be decided just before the service.
The prayer service itself begins with the procession and placing the book in the center of the altar.
Greeting
Opening Prayer
First Reading: I Cor 13: "The Greatest of These Is Love" (??) Story of Tamar (??)
Song Response: "We Are Called"
Gospel: The paralyzed man
Homily (Sermon) (Short, max of 15 minutes?)
Prayer of the Faithful: (Each petition focuses on one aspect of domestic violence, including victims, abusers, and the community. Petitions are read slowly, reflectively. )
Response to each petition is: "O Lord, hear us, call us, heal us."
(Now or after the blessing with oil????) Leader identifies those present who are leaders, resources, persons able to be of help. All should have given permission earlier to be identified. Invite all to remain for discussion, coffee, and donuts as the third part of the service. Stress the availability of written as well as "in-person" resources.
Blessing with Oil (Should be plain olive oil.)
Explanation describing the use of oil in the Old and New Testament as a sign of healing, a sign of someone being called to a ministry of leadership, and a sign of those called to be prophets, to speak the truth with courage to a world that does not want to hear.
Prayer of Blessing of the oil
Invitation to come forward and receive this gift of God
Anointing (All anointing is done on the back of the hand, as a sign of work and ministry being dedicated to God. The Leader anoints several local leaders, including representatives of area churches, who then take small amounts, anoint several others, and then pass on the container to others. The main container could be a crystal bowl or similar vessel. It is suggested that 20 or more small containers be used.)
Song During Anointing: "The Tears of God"
Blessing
Recessional Song: "Circle Me O God" (??)
Third, time for networking: (Responsibility of both parish and Archdiocese)
Procession moves to a gathering area for coffee and donuts. As many leaders and resources as possible remain to answer questions, network, etc.
Printed and other resources should be available, as well as opportunities to volunteer or offer professional services to local agencies, the church, or the Archdiocese.
Contact phone numbers for confidential contact, as well as E-Mail addresses should be provided.
Supportive information
The entire prayer vigil can be developed with a sensitivity to issues that are often reported as problems for those abused in various types of circumstances. Something can always be a problem for one individual, but some issues are more general and should especially be noted. There may be more of a problem due to the presence of those of various faith traditions, or no church involvement.
Use white vestments. Red especially is a problematic color, including for decorations.
No one should be asked or expected to participate in anything that is uncomfortable. For some any touch is a threat, and no group expectation of touch should be created. For example, praying the Our Father holding hands is problematic because it can not be easily declined and having someone hold both hands outstretched can trigger traumatic flashbacks. Anointing may be a similar trigger, especially on the head.
The planning group should be prepared for persons suddenly leaving the service, and the ability to quickly leave if needed should be ensured. Ushers should not stand at the doors, restrooms should be clearly marked, etc. The ideal church building would have a large open gathering area, be bright and simple,
There should be careful avoidance of anything resembling proselytizing, including by guests from other churches.
Songs should not be "traditional" music, in favor of music similar to the songs suggested, which are available on tape and CD. Tailored verses may be made available on tape if there is enough interest. Musicians should be careful to keep the tempo they were written for and to avoid any sense of "heaviness". I would discourage the use of an organ for that reason.
Additional ideas:
slips of paper rather than a book, placed in a bowl perhaps? Pour the oil on top of the slips?
Perhaps a walking process, like the stations of the cross, listing different aspects of domestic violence? Or is that too "Catholic"???
Breaking chains as a symbolic act? Paper chains?
Something with candles?
Something to hand out to everyone there? Something symbolic? Graphic button with chains being broken?
Other songs:
If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts…
City of God
Peace I leave with you
Shine Jesus Shine
Text of Songs (Can someone amend lyrics to better fit the prayer vigil?)
Voices that Challenge
Call us to hear the voices that challenge, deep in the hearts of all people!
By serving your world as lovers and dreamers, we become voices that challenge!
For we are the voice of God!Voices that challenge:
The children who long to be heard and respected!
The lowly and broken destroyed by oppression!
The old and the fearful who hope for a new day!Voices that challenge:
The lives and the cries of the poor and the silenced!
The young ones who dream of a world free of hatred!
The sick and the dying who cry for compassion!Voices that challenge:
The ones who seek peace by their witness and courage!
The women who suffer the pain of injustice!
The people with AIDS and those plagued with addiction!
The prophets and heroes who call us to question!
The healers who teach us forgiveness and mercy!
The victims of violent abuse and aggression!
The Christ who gave his life that we might live!
We Are Called -- The Best of David Haas Vol 1
Come, Live in the light. Shine with the joy and the love of the Lord. We are called to be light for the kingdom. To live in the freedom of the city of God.
Ref: We are called to act with justice. We are called to love tenderly. We are called to serve one another. To walk humbly with God.
Come, open your heart. Show your mercy to all those in fear. We are called to be hope for the hopeless, so that hatred and blindness will be no more.
Sing, sing a new song. Sing of that great day when all will be one. God will reign and we'll walk with each other, as sisters and brothers united in God.
Shine, Jesus, Shine
Lord, the light of your love is shining, in the midst of the darkness shining. Jesus, light of the world, shine upon us. Set us free by the truth you now bring us. Shine on me. Shine on me.
Shine, Jesus, shine, fill this land with the Father’s glory. Blaze, Spirit, blaze, set our hearts on fire. Flow, river, flow, flood the nations with grace and mercy. Send forth your word, Lord, and let there be light.
Lord, I come to your awesome presence. From the shadows into your radiance. By the blood I may enter your brightness. Search me, try me, consume all my darkness. Shine on me. Shine on me.
As we gaze on your kingly brightness, so our faces display your likeness. Ever changing from glory to glory. Mirrored here, may our lives tell your story. Shine on us. Shine on us.
Circle Me, O God
Circle me, O God, let your arms enfold me,
Circle me, O God, let your love surround,
Circle me, O God, let your light shine brightly
Circle me, circle me, O God.Circle me, O God when I’m weak and weary,
Circle me, O God when despair is near.
Circle me, O God, let your peace surround me.
Circle me, circle me, O God.Circle me, O God when I’m tired and restless,
Circle me, O God, be my hope, my strength,
Circle me, O God, let your presence guide me
Circle me, circle me, O God.Circle us, O God, let your arms enfold us,
Circle us, O God, let your love surround,
Circle us, O God, let your light shine brightly
Circle us, O circle us, O God.Circle us, O God, as we take and eat,
Circle us, O God, as we drink this cup,
Circle us, O God, at this holy banquet
Circle us, O circle us, O God.Circle us, O God, as we work for others,
Circle us, O God, as we seek to serve,
Circle us, O God, help us to bring compassion
Circle us, O circle us, O God.Circle us, O God, let your arms enfold us,
Circle us, O God, let your love surround,
Circle us, O God, let your light shine brightly.
Circle us, O circle us, O God.
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