GUIDELINES FOR BLESSING AND OPENING SCHOOL FACILITIES

October 2014 Draft

Guidelines for Blessing and Opening School Facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it necessary to have openings and blessings for all new buildings?

Yes. An opening and blessing ceremony gives recognition of the contribution of the diocesan education community and, as appropriate, to Australian government and state governments, as well as providing an opportunity for the community to celebrate the occasion and sanctify the structures.

Where Australian government grants partially fund a building project, the Commonwealth minister requires an invitation to the official opening and an appropriate construction sign and plaque must be erected.

What if the completion of a particular building is just one stage of a larger development?

If the particular project is part of a larger development the opening can be deferred to a later date. In this situation, it would be advisable to seek advice from School Facilities personnel at the Catholic Schools Office.

Who should organise the opening and blessing of a school building?

Because it is essential to follow certain protocols in school openings, it is recommended that principals are responsible for the overall coordination of the event. Principals should however make contact with their parish priest at the beginning of the planning process and work closely with him in the development of the liturgy. The principal must negotiate a date through the Office of the Director of Schools. The Executive Assistant to the Director will contact the Bishop’s office and establish the date with consideration of parliamentary sitting times, where relevant.

When is the best time to open a building?

If the project, or stage of the project, was Australian governmentally funded, the opening may not be held when Australian government Parliament is sitting. The latest information regarding sitting times is available on the internet at http://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Sitting_Calendar

It is preferable to have an opening on a weekday. This maximises student involvement, recognises family weekend commitments, and increases the range of dates of availability of the Bishop and the Australian government minister, where applicable.

Who organises the liturgy for a school opening?

The principal and parish priest collaborate to prepare the Liturgy of the Word for an opening. The draft liturgy is then sent to the Head of Mission Services for forwarding to the Bishop’s office, at least one month prior to the opening.

His office will advise any changes. Within two weeks of the opening the principal and parish priest should send the final version to the Bishop for approval.

What role does the Bishop have in openings?

The Bishop blesses all buildings. When only diocesan funding is involved, or if Australian government funding is less than 50%, the Bishop also opens the building. He opens all buildings, in conjunction with the Australian government minister when Australian government funding exceeds 50%.

Which politicians, if any, should open the building?

If more than 50% of the cost was met by the Australian government, the Minister for Education, Science and Training is invited to open the building. If the Minister cannot attend, his office usually arranges a representative, such as the local Australian government member. For this reason, openings may not be scheduled in parliamentary sitting times.

October 2014 Page 1

Guidelines for Blessing and Opening School Facilities

Check with the Office of the Director to determine the particular funding situation.

Local Australian government and local state members, and the local mayor must also be invited. Any contribution of the NSW government, through its interest subsidy always must be publicly acknowledged.

What if the Australian government put in less than 50% of the cost?

The Minister for Education Science and Training must still be invited to be a guest at the opening if the Australian government contributed any funds at all.

Who determines the date of an opening and blessing ceremony?

The Executive Assistant to the Director of Schools is responsible for liaising with, the Bishop, the Australian government Minister and the Director to check their availability for an opening and blessing.

Principals may nominate several alternative dates. Choose dates that are outside parliamentary sitting times and preferably a weekday.

Once the date has been finalised, the Office of the Director will confirm the day and time with the principal.

Who invites politicians and dignitaries to the opening and blessing of a building?

The Principal extends these invitations, provided that the details have been formalised in accordance with the above protocols. Further particulars are contained in these guidelines.

The school sends out all invitations. If the school’s local minister is state education minister, the school will extend the invitation.

What if the minister doesn’t send a representative to open the building?

It is very unlikely that the minister would not send a representative to the opening of a building with any Australian government funding. If this did happen, then the Bishop would open the building. However, in the event that the Australian government did not send a representative the Australian government would still need to be acknowledged on the plaque, if the project was majority Australian government-funded.

What goes on the plaque?

The Australian government requires a plaque to include mention of Australian government contributions that are more than 50% of the cost of the building.

October 2014 Page 2

Guidelines for Blessing and Opening School Facilities

Australian Government Funded Projects

Where the Australian Government has provided a Capital Grant via the Catholic Block Grant Authority (CBGA) for a project, there are conditions attached to that Grant concerning the Official Opening of the new or refurbished facilities. It is therefore important that the correct processes are followed.

Openings are NOT TO BE ARRANGED on Parliamentary sitting days.

Check dates at http://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Sitting_Calendar

The Minister’s availability needs to be arranged prior to setting an Opening date.

The Minister’ Office is to be given at least two months prior notice of any Opening.

The date needs to be coordinated with the availability of the Bishop.

Contact the Executive Assistant to the Director of Schools who will liaise with Bishop’s Executive Officer to ascertain when the Bishop will be available.

If there has been ANY level of Australian Government Funding the Minister MUST BE INVITED to attend or be represented.

The pro-forma “Notification of School Opening Ceremony – Non Government Schools” (copy attached) is to be completed and sent with the invitation to the Minister’s Office.

The Minister, or his/her representative, is to be given the opportunity to speak at the Opening irrespective of the level of Australian Government Funding.

Where the level of Australian Government Funding is greater than 50% the Minister or his/her representative is to perform the Official Opening ceremony.

The Director of Schools and the CSO Senior Facilities Officer are to be advised of date the Minister was sent an invitation.

In addition the NSW Catholic Block Grant Authority must also be informed of the date of the opening. The Project Reference Number, the date of the Opening and the date the invitation was sent to the Minister must be sent to:

Executive OfficerNSW Catholic Block Grant AuthorityPO Box A169SYDNEY SOUTH NSW 1235

Written background information is to be provided to the Schools Openings Briefing Officer in the Minister’s Office – telephone 6240 7849.

Details should include the following:- A description of the capital works project including the use of the new facilities- A profile of the school, history, significant changes, other campuses etc- Current significant features/programs at the school (eg Literacy, Technology, Vocational

Education, HSC results, sporting achievements etc)- Level of parent/community involvement- Give examples, names and positions of people involved in the school/parent committees- Who is to officially open the new/refurbished facilities?- Is there to be a blessing ceremony? Who will be performing this blessing?- A list of invited speakers, official guests and their respective titles- Indicate anyone to whom you would like special thanks given for the work they have done

for the school

October 2014 Page 3

Guidelines for Blessing and Opening School Facilities- Will they be attending the ceremony?- What is the starting time for the Opening ceremony?

Mandatory invitees are: the Bishop; the Minister for Education, Science and Training; the Director of Schools; the parish priest

Other invitees include: State and Federal Local Members of Parliament; the local Mayor and Councillors; school staff, students and their parents; school committees; a CSO Head of Service; schools consultant; the project architect; the contractor; a representative of CSO facilities staff ; the parish community

Forms of Address for Invitations

Catholic ChurchBishopAddress: Bishop (name), Bishop of Broken BaySalutation:

Formal Dear BishopLess formal Dear Bishop (surname)Social Dear Bishop (first name)

PriestAddress: Reverend Father (name)

Parish priest: Reverend Father (name) PPSalutation: Dear Father

If the priest belongs to a religious institute it is customary to add the postnominals that denote his membership e.g. Reverend Father John Mello CS PP.

Australian GovernmentMinister for EducationAddress: The Hon (name) MP

Minister for EducationPO Box 6022House of RepresentativesParliament HouseCanberra ACT 2600Telephone: (02) 6277 7460 Fax: (02) 6273 4116

Salutation: Dear Minister

Members of Parliament Member of the Legislative AssemblyAddress: Mr or Ms (name) MPSalutation: Dear Madam

Local GovernmentAddress: Her/His Worship Mayor of (insert place) Ms/Mr (name)Salutation: Ms (or Mr) Mayor

Mayoress (wife of a mayor)Address: The Mayoress of (insert name of city) Mrs (insert name)Salutation: Madam Mayoress (name)

PlaquesA plaque, with the appropriate wording, is to be attached to any new or refurbished facilities. The wording of the plaque is to be sent to Executive Assistant to the Director who will forward it to the

October 2014 Page 4

Guidelines for Blessing and Opening School FacilitiesSchools Liaison Officer in the Minister’s Office for clearance TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE OPENING.

Where a permanent plaque is unable to be provided for the opening ceremony, a temporary substitute may be used. The permanent plaque must be affixed as soon as possible and within one month of the Opening at the latest.

Where the project is opened by the Minister or a representative of the Minister, that person must be referred to by name on the plaque.

There is no exact wording for the plaque but four elements need to be incorporated: blessing by the Bishop, opening, date, acknowledgment of government financial contributions.

Acknowledgement of prior ownership of the land by the Aboriginal peoples is optional.

Examples of acceptable wording for plaques are as follows:

EXAMPLE A (WHOLLY AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT FUNDED)

[School Name]The [Building Name] was solemnly blessed by Bishop … and officially opened by [Name of MP] on [Date]

The Building was entirely funded by the Australian Government.

EXAMPLE B (MORE THAN 50% AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT FUNDED)

[School Name]The [Building Name] was solemnly blessed by Bishop … and officially opened by [Name of MP] on [Date]

The Building was principally funded by the Australian Government.

EXAMPLE C (50% OR LESS AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT FUNDED)

[School Name]The [Building Name or Description] was solemnly blessed and officially opened by Bishop… on [date].[School Name] acknowledges the generous financial assistance of the Australian Government towards this project.

EXAMPLE D (NO GOVERNMENT FUNDING)

School NameThe [Building Name or Description] was solemnly blessed and officially opened by Bishop… on [date].

October 2014 Page 5

Guidelines for Blessing and Opening School Facilities

Planning ScheduleThe following schedule is designed to assist you in the planning and preparation to ensure adequate time and resources are allocated to the Blessing and Opening.

Four Months Before Discuss the proposed opening with the Schools Consultant, parish priest or priest responsible for

a secondary school.

Select several possible dates (a weekday is preferable) and inform the Executive Assistant to the Director. Contact the School Facilities Officer at the Catholic Schools Office (CSO) to discuss your plans and clarify who is being asked to open the building.

The Office of the Director will contact the Bishop’s Executive Assistant to determine the Bishop’s availability.

When a date suitable for both the Bishop and the Director of Schools has been determined, the Office of the Director will let the principal know and advise which politician, if any, should be invited to open the building.

Complete the Diocesan Running Sheet (copy attached or access Diocesan website www.dbb.org.au and follow the links to the Liturgy site) and forward to the Director of Liturgy at the Diocesan Curia office.

Prepare and send the Ministerial invitation, as applicable. Upon receipt of the government responses it is essential to inform the Bishop’s Office of the following:

- Has a government grant been received for the project? - Have the Minister / Local Members been invited?

Three Months Before the Event Compile the guest list. Here is a suggested list:

- Bishop - Director of Schools- key politicians - check with the Office of the Director- school staff, parish clergy- a Head of Service from the CSO- Schools Consultant- congregational leader(s) or representative(s)- mayor, Australian government and state parliamentarians- local Aboriginal (Darkinjung, Guringai or Darug) elders- clergy from feeder and/or neighbouring parishes- president of the Parents and Friends and/or chairperson of the school board- president of the parish pastoral council(s)- the architect- the builders

Clarify who will be included in the official party. The official party need only include should those who will speak at the function. A typical list of official guests for an open school or new building/facilities could include the following: chairperson of the school Board or president of Parents and Friends, local Aboriginal (Darkinjung, Guringai or Darug) elders, parish priest, school principal, Director of Schools, Australian government minister and/or state education minister, Australian government and state parliamentary representatives, the Bishop.

Contact the CSO Aboriginal Education Officer to ascertain which group of Indigenous Australians (Darkinjung, Guringai or Darug) is local to your school. Representatives of these peoples should be invited to attend an opening and blessing, with consideration being given to conduct a welcome to the country.

October 2014 Page 6

Guidelines for Blessing and Opening School Facilities

Prepare the copy for the invitations; remember to include: - name of school (the host)- name of person receiving the invitation (the guest)- the event, date, time, venue- RSVP date (two weeks before the event) via phone and/or email- parking arrangements (these could be given on the back of the invitation)

Two Months Before the Event Confirm with the Office of the Director that an invitation has been sent to the politician opening the

building.

Contact the Head of Mission Services for advice about liturgical guidelines for the event.

Refer to diocesan website www.dbb.org.au and follow the links to the Liturgy site to obtain a template for the liturgy and advice on the selection of a blessing. A sample Blessing and Opening within Eucharist and within a Liturgy of the Word is available on this site.

Points to consider when preparing the liturgy: The parish priest and principal collaborate in the preparation of a draft liturgy for the Bishop's

approval. Whether to consider the celebration of the Eucharist, in which case the liturgical order of

precedence in the General Directory of the Roman Missal must be observed Liturgical requisites and vestments Readers, cantors and lectors Booklets or printed sheets Copyright clearance (CAL does not cover non-educational reproductions, nor does the parish’s

Word in Life licence cover an opening on school premises) Music for liturgical movement or special insertions General Intercessions (Prayer of the Faithful) Note: The liturgy should be appropriate for the occasion. Music for the liturgy should be suitable

for the assembly's participation, especially gathering and final hymns.

Suggested Draft Program: Welcome remarks from the Master of Ceremonies Acknowledgement of country, or welcome to country by local Aboriginal (Darkinjung, Guringai or

Darug) elder (optional) Liturgy of Blessing (including an appropriate musical interlude during the Bishop’s absence from

the podium) ‘Advance Australia Fair’ is the national anthem. It is recommended that the words of the national

anthem be included in the program. Speeches in order of delivery: 1) parish priest 2) principal 3) Director of Schools' 4) Minister 5)

Bishop Speakers should be advised beforehand of the suggested focus of their speech and the time

available to them for their speeches. Depending on the special guests, the event organiser may be requested to provide briefing notes. These would consist of a running sheet of what is happening on the day plus information special guests may require for speech preparation.

Official opening - for example, unveiling of a plaque - performed by the Minister (or nominee), or the Bishop (as per major funding source)

Refreshments

Six Weeks Before the Event Invitations printed and mailed

The draft copy of the plaque should be sent to the Executive Assistant to the Director who will forward it to the Bishop’s Office and if the project is government funded, to the Minister’s office for clearance

Four Weeks Before the EventOctober 2014 Page 7

Guidelines for Blessing and Opening School Facilities Forward a draft of the liturgy to the Head of Mission Services, who will forward it to the Diocesan

Liturgy Office

Amend the draft program as required

Inform the local press and Broken Bay News, news@dbb.catholic.org.au

Arrange for photography on the day

Clarify any furniture/sound system needs

Organise flags if needed. Schools can obtain free of charge the Australian national flag, the Australian Aboriginal flag and the Torres Strait Islander flag from the electorate offices of senators and members of the House of Representatives.

Arrange insurance if needed. Catholic Church Insurances - call 9273 2800 - will answer any queries regarding necessary insurance. The cost of public risk insurance is to be met by the school.

Flags of Indigenous people:The Australian Aboriginal flag and Torres Strait Islander flag were proclaimed as flags of Australia under the Flags Act 1995. The Aboriginal flag is flown or displayed permanently at Aboriginal centres throughout Australia. It is popularly recognized as the flag of the Aboriginal Peoples of Australia. The Torres Strait Islander flag stands for the unity and identity of all Torres Strait Islanders.

ProtocolThe flag should be raised briskly and lowered ceremonially.The flag should be treated with respect.A flag should not be used to cover a statue, monument or plaque during an unveiling ceremony.Two flags should not be flown from the same flagpole.

When displayed alone on a speaker’s platform the flag should be placed – either flat against the wall (horizontally or vertically) or on an indoor flagpole on the right of the speaker as she or he faces the audience.

Whenever the Australian national flag is displayed, it should be situated so that the Union Jack is visible in the top left quarter of the flag.

For more information on Australian flags visit http://www.itsanhonour.gov.au/

Three Weeks Before the Event The parish priest and principal receive feedback from the Diocesan Liturgy Office regarding the

draft liturgy.

If the program is being printed outside the school, book a printer and arrange to send the program to them.

As part of the preparations, the school’s critical incident plan should be reviewed. As is generally the case with event management, there should be OHS risk management (eg, use of a marquee, temporary stage, scaffolding etc.). Assign a designated senior staff member to the role of OHS supervision.

Appoint a Master of Ceremonies (MC) for the event and ensure that he/she is carefully briefed on the flow of the proceedings. Inform the MC as to the correct procedure for introducing guests on the day.

When introducing people seated on a stage or at the official table at a luncheon or dinner it is correct to refer to them in order of precedence. It is best if the MC acknowledges everyone on

October 2014 Page 8

Guidelines for Blessing and Opening School Facilitiesthe stage at the start.

Once the whole list of dignitaries has been mentioned by the first speaker, it is usually unnecessary for subsequent speakers to repeat the list in its entirety. (e.g. ‘Bishop David Walker, Minister the Hon Dr Brendan Nelson, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen', is an example of an introduction by a subsequent speaker.)

Two Weeks Before the Event RSVPs should be in.

Appoint ushers and allocate duties.

Assign one or more senior members of the school to a chaperoning role for dignitaries.

Inform the police of the intention to hold the event, especially details pertaining to any well-known dignitaries attending the function. If necessary, the police can then make special arrangements regarding traffic control.

One Week Before the Event Send copies of the final program with a list of the key politicians and guests to the Bishop and

Director of Schools.

Confirm any equipment bookings.

Some dignitaries, such as government ministers, will have their own driver and you will need to provide prior advice to that minister’s office as to where the driver is to drop off the VIP, where to park the car and assign someone to meet them.

Discuss with students the protocol on the day and the way to address dignitaries.

Try to ensure ushers are easily recognised – for example, using large name tags or some kind of lapel decoration.

Have a walk-through of the events and note any adjustments which may be necessary to ensure the smooth running of the day.

October 2014 Page 9

Guidelines for Blessing and Opening School FacilitiesAttachment 1

Notification of opening ceremony

Your agreement to accept an Australian Government capital grant carries with it the requirement that, where the project is of a major nature an opening ceremony is to be held, the Minister for Eduction, Science and Training MUST BE INVITED to the opening ceremony. Notification to the Minister’s Office must be sent at least two months in advance. There must be an official opening, construction sign and plaque for any capital project costing more than $75,000 to which he Australian Government contributes.

Therefore, when arranging the opening ceremony please ensure that the Minister (or his representative) is available and be prepared to have the Minister (or his representative) attend, and participate in a significant way in the office duties. Where the Federal Government has provided more than 50 percent of the value of the project it is a requirement of the funding that the federal government will have a representative that actually officiates at the opening. However, if less than 50 percent of the funding is provided by the Federal Government then the school or institution can invite the person it chooses to officiate at the opening. However, there is to be provision in the official proceedings for the Australian Government’s representative to speak if he or she desires.

If you are planning an opening ceremony on a weekday, please check in advance with the CBGA to ensure that the proposed ate is not a parliamentary sitting day. The CBGA will be able to give you a list of sitting days. If you invite the Minister and Local Member to an opening ceremony on a sitting day, the Minister’s office will ask you to arrange another date.

The Delegated Authority should invite the Minister directly by sending an invitation to:

The Hon [ENTER NAME] MPMinister for EducationParliament HouseCANBERRA ACT 2600

The NSW Catholic Block Grant Authority must also be informed of the date of the opening ceremony. When you opening ceremony has been organised please complete the form below and return it to

Executive OfficerCatholic Block Grant AuthorityPO Box A169SYDNEY SOUTH NSW 1235

Project Reference No: ……………………………………. ………………………………………….(Project) (Projectdeet)

School: …………………………………………………… …………………………………………..(Name) (Town)

1. Date invitation was sent to the Minister: …………………………………………..…………………………….….2. Opening ceremony date: …………………………………………………………………………………………….

Signed ……………………………………………………………………..(Delegated Approved Authority)

Date …………………………………………………………………………

October 2014 Page 10

Guidelines for Blessing and Opening School FacilitiesAttachment 2

DIOCESE OF BROKEN BAY

O F F I C E O F T H E B I S H O P

Running Sheet

DATE: ___________________ TIME: _________ DURATION: _________________

ADDRESS: _____________________________________________________________

BISHOP TO BE MET BY: ______________________ ARRIVE: _____ DEPART: _____

EVENT / OCCASION: ______________________________________________________

ORGANISATION: ___________________________ CONTACT: __________________PHONE (office hours): _________________________ (AH/mobile): __________________EMAIL: __________________________________ FAX: ______________________

ROLE OF BISHOP (please tick): Mass* Talk Homily* Other: __________ Blessing*

* Liturgy Outline must be completed and attached to running sheet.

BISHOP REQUESTED TO ATTEND FUNCTION BEFORE/AFTER EVENT: YES / NO

TYPE OF FUNCTION (please tick): Meal (ie. lunch) Tea/Coffee Reception (ie. Bishop requested to say a few words)

RESERVED PARKING FOR BISHOP (please circle): YES / NO

HAS A GOVERNMENT GRANT BEEN RECEIVED FOR THE PROJECT ? YES / NO

HAS THE RELEVANT MINISTER / LOCAL MEMBER BEEN INVITED ? YES / NO

DATE INVITATION WAS SENT TO MINISTER / LOCAL MEMBER: ________________(No opening ceremony is to be scheduled on a Parliamentary Sitting Day)

OTHER ATTENDEES / ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: ___________________________________

PLEASE RETURN TO THE BISHOP’S OFFICE ASAP AT THE ADDRESS SHOWN BELOW - THANK YOU.

October 2014 Page 11

Guidelines for Blessing and Opening School Facilities

Attachment 3SAMPLE ONLY

OFFICIAL BLESSING AND OPENING OF NEW BUILDINGSDate…

Master of Ceremonies: Mr/Mrs…(this person could be chosen from within the parish/school community to coordinate the day’s events)

Main Celebrant: Most Rev …- Bishop of Broken BayAssisting Priest/s: Fr …

Official Party: Bishop …, Father…, Director of Schools, Schools Consultant, Principal

Master of Ceremonies: Welcome to the Bishop, invited guests and members of the assembly

Acknowledgement of original land owners: Aboriginal Elder/ Aboriginal Education Officer

Introductory Rites:Gathering Hymn:Main Celebrant (Bishop): In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. All: AmenBishop: May God, the source of all wisdom, Christ the Lord, the Word incarnate,

and the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, be with you all.All: And also with you

Opening Prayer (Bishop): Today we ask God’s blessing on…, this centre of seeking, learning and teaching what is true. We ask that those entrusted with the education of young people may teach their students how to join the discoveries of human wisdom with the truth of the Gospel. We ask that the students will find in their teachers the image of Christ, so that, enriched by their learning, they will be able and willing to enlighten and assist others.

Reading of the Word of God:ReadingA reader, another person present, or the celebrant reads a text of sacred Scripture. It is not necessary to print the text of the chosen piece but it is essential to make reference to it in a booklet.One of the following Scripture texts would be suitable for the occasion:Matthew 5:1b-2, 13-16 You are the light of the worldProverbs 1:1-7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledgeWisdom 7:7-20 All good things together came to me in the company of wisdomSirach 1:1-5, 22-25 All wisdom is from the LordEphesians 4:11-24 Living by the truth and in loveMatthew 11:25-30 You have hidden these things from the learned and the clever and

revealed them to childrenResponsorial PsalmOne of the following responsorial psalms may be sung or said, or some other suitable song. Include the response in the booklet.Psalm 19B Lord you have the words of everlasting lifePsalm 78:1-2, 3-4, 5 & 7 God has made Jesus Christ our wisdomPsalm 119:97-98, 99-100, 124-125 Your word, O Lord, is a lamp for my feetBishop: Homily

Prayers of IntercessionBishop: Loving God, we turn to you in prayer and place our petitions before you. Let us call on God’s blessing, so that we may come to know and to follow in our lives all that is true and all that is right.

Reader 1: Lord, we pray for …, our Pope, …, our Bishop and all who preach the Catholic Faith which comes to us from the Apostles. We pray to the Lord.

October 2014 Page 12

Guidelines for Blessing and Opening School Facilities

Response: Lord hear our prayer.

Reader 2: Lord, we ask for strength and humility for all of us gathered here: priests, students, teachers, administrative and classroom assistants, parents and volunteer workers. We pray to the Lord.

Response: Lord hear our prayer.

Reader 3: Lord help us to truly be a united community of disciples of Jesus serving as an example for all who enter this vibrant learning community. We pray to the Lord.

Response: Lord hear our prayer.

Reader 4: Lord may we grow in appreciation of the ministry we are all called to: building a place where community is valued as a supportive partnership of students, parents and caregivers, staff and parishioners, where each individual is encouraged, supported and welcomed. We pray to the Lord.

Response: Lord hear our prayer.

Bishop: Lord God hear our prayers and grant that all who belong to this community may follow Jesus Christ, the way, the truth and the life forever and ever.

Response: Amen.

Prayer of Blessing:

Bishop: O God, it is by your gracious favour that today we inaugurate this work, dedicated to education. Grant that those who will come here as staff, students and parents may always pursue the truth and learn to know you, the source of all truth.We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Response: Amen

After the prayer of blessing, the celebrant sprinkles those present and the building with holy water, as a suitable song is sung. If the Bishop leaves the assembly to sprinkle the new facility/ies the official party would accompany him and the assembly would remain in the liturgical space. It would be appropriate to sing a suitable accompanied by a liturgical movement.

Concluding Rite :

Bishop: May the all-knowing God, who is Lord, bless us;May Christ, eternal Wisdom,Teach us the words of truth;May the Holy Spirit, the blessed light,Always enlighten our minds,So that we may learn what is right and goodAnd in our actions carry out what we have learned.Response: Amen

And may the blessing of almighty God, The Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit,Come upon you and remain with you for ever.Response: Amen

October 2014 Page 13

Guidelines for Blessing and Opening School FacilitiesHymn or School Song: It would be appropriate to sing the diocesan song ‘Christ be our Light’ or the official ‘School Song’

Official Speeches MC invites each speaker to come forward.Order of Speakersstudent representativechairperson (P&F or School Board)parish priest principal Director of Schools' Minister Bishop

Unveiling of Plaque and Official Opening:Minister and or Bishop

National Anthem (all stand)Australians all let us rejoiceFor we are young and freeWe've golden soil and wealth for toil,Our home is girt by sea:Our land abounds in nature's giftsOf beauty rich and rare,In history's page let every stageAdvance Australia fair,In joyful strains then let us singAdvance Australia fair.

Beneath our radiant Southern Cross,We'll toil with hearts and hands,To make this Commonwealth of oursRenowned of all the lands,For those who've come across the seasWe've boundless plains to share,With courage let us all combineTo advance Australia fair.In joyful strains then let us sing,Advance Australia fair.

October 2014 Page 14