For the Birth of a Child
The Celebrant addresses the congregation in these or similar words
Dear Friends: The birth of a child is a joyous and solemn occasion in the life of a family. It is also an occasion for rejoicing in the Christian community. I bid you, therefore, to join N. [and N.] in giving thanks to Almighty God our heavenly Father, the Lord of all life, for the gift of N. to be their son (daughter) [and with N. (and NN.), for a new brother (sister)]. Let us say together:
The service continues with the Magnificat or one of the Psalms on pages 441‑443.
For an Adoption
The Celebrant addresses the congregation in these or similar words
Dear Friends: It has pleased God our heavenly Father to answer the earnest prayers of N. [and N.], member(s) of this Christian family, for the gift of a child. I bid you join with them [and with N. (and NN.), who now has a new brother (sister)] in offering heartfelt thanks for the joyful and solemn responsibility which is theirs by the coming of N. to be a member of their family. But first, our friends wish us, here assembled, to witness the inauguration of this new relationship.
The Celebrant asks the parent or parents
| N. [and N.], do you take this child for your own? | |
| Parent(s) | I do. |
440Thanksgiving for a Child
