Ana Oostwouder

Here's a beautiful Catholic Adoption ceremony that can be adapted to your needs:ADOPTION CEREMONYWELCOMECelebrant: We are here today to witness the transition of [first and middle name of Child, given by his/her birth family] from his family of birth to his parenting family.OPENING PRAYERCelebrant: Let us begin by recalling the presence of God.God of light and life. God whose love empowers our lives. We praise and thank you for the light, the life, and the love present in this gathered community. We ask that you guide us today in the formation of this adoptive family.We thank you for the loving care of [Birthmother] in bringing [Child] into the world. We thank you for the life of this child.We thank you for [names of Adoptive Parents] who are promising to continue nurturing this child throughout his lifetime.CEREMONIAL TABLECelebrant: The symbols we are using for this ceremony remind us that we are all one universal Christian family.In the center is our Christ Candle [this one candle is lit prior to the ceremony], representing the source of all life.The Crucifix and a bouquet of flowers to the left, remind us of Christ’s redeeming sacrifice for us and the promise of new life through our faith in Him. The two candles at the foot of the cross represent the Birth family, who bring their reliance on the promises of Christ with them today, and the child they place with faith in the loving care of our heavenly Father. The candle at the right of the Christ candle represents the Adoptive family. Behind it are images of the Holy Family, baby Jesus with Mary and Joseph, reminding us that God chose the most precious gift of family for his only son.INTRODUCTION OF FAMILIESCelebrant: I invite [Birthmother] as a representative of [Child’s] birthparents to come forward a receive the Birthparent candle.I invite [Representative chosen by birthmother], who was with [Birthmother] during delivery (e.g.), to come forward and receive the Adoptive Child candle. I invite [ Adoptive Parents] who will be [Child’s] parenting family to come forward and receive the Adoptive Parent candle.CANDLE LIGHTING CEREMONYCelebrant: Birthparents, adoptive parents, and child have come to together today after long and arduous journeys from different beginnings. Their beginnings unite now, in the present to form a new beginning for [Child][Birthmother] as a representative of [Child’s] birthparents, please light your candle from the Christ candle and return it to the foot of the cross. In doing so, you are commemorating the life you nourished from the time it was just a flicker and throughout the nine months of your pregnancy.[Representative chosen by birthmother], please light [Child’s] candle to commemorate [his/her] bursting forth into the world for all to see. Please set it next to the images of the Holy family.[Adoptive Parents], please light your candle and return it next to the images of the Holy Family. In doing so you are commemorating your new role as nurturers of [Child’s] life.ADOPTION PLACEMENTCelebrant: [Birthmother], please place [Child] in the arms of the couple who will be [his/her] parents. (Birthmother places child into the arms of the Adoptive mother)[Adoptive father], what name do you give this child?[Adoptive father]: I name this child [Child’s new first middle and last name]Celebrant: (places hand on child’s head)[Adoptive Parents], as we have been received as children of God, so now receive this child as your own [son/daughter].All: Amen.Celebrant: Dear Heavenly Father, we ask your blessing on these families who are now joined together through this child, [Child’s new name].Their futures may take them on different paths, but their lights in each other’s hearts will never fade.As spoken through the scriptures in Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians, Chapter 1, Verses 3-6: Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has bestowed on us in Christ every spiritual blessing in the heavens. God chose us in him before the world began, to be holy and blameless in his sight, to be full of love; he likewise predestined us through Christ Jesus to be his adopted children – such was his will and pleasure – that all might praise the glorious favor he has bestowed on us his beloved.Celebrant: The word of the LordAll: Thanks be to GodPRAYER FOR THE BIRTHPARENTSCelebrant: Let us pray.All: Oh, kind and merciful Father, we ask your blessing, upon [Child’s new name]’s birthparents who gave [him/her] life. May they always feel the presence of your healing embrace. May the strength and courage of [Birthmother]’s adoption decision support her now and in the future. May she be joyful in the knowledge that she has helped to create this family. As the source of [Child’s new name]’s heritage, may [Birthmother] always be responsive to [his/her] adoptive family.PRAYER FOR THE CHILDCelebrant: Let us pray.All: Oh God, source of all life, we ask Your blessing upon [Adoptive Parents]. May [he/she] grow in wisdom and grace and enjoy continued health of soul and body. May [he/she] love others and be loved by them. We ask that [he/she] may come to know and understand the loving sacrifices of both [his/her] families. By Your grace, help [him/her] to value [his/her] birth heritage and grow through the guidance and love of [Adoptive Parents]. Look lovingly on [Child’s new name] as [he/she] integrates the gifts of [his/her] birth and parenting families. Help [him/her] to discover and cherish [his/her] own uniqueness as [he/she] sets [his/her] path on life’s journey.PRAYER FOR THE ADOPTIVE PARENTSCelebrant: Let us pray.All: Oh, loving God, please bless [Adoptive Parents] as you blessed Mary and Joseph in the temple. Help this mother and father nurture this life which is entrusted to their care. Give them the wisdom to know the meaning of parenthood; the desire to include this child in their love for one another; and the fortitude to direct [him/her] with understanding. Help them to keep happiness in the home where this child will grow. Assist them as they explain to this child that [he/she] is theirs by adoption, even as we have all been adopted by You. Assist them to develop a sensitive and caring relationship with [Child’s new name]’s birthparents. Look mercifully on this couple. May the stability of their marriage and their mutual love afford their child the security [he/she] needs. May their home ever be a source of satisfaction to them. May the union of these parents and this child endure both here and in eternity.THE LORD’S PRAYERCelebrant: Now, let us pray together as one family in the words our Savior gave us:All: (The Lord’s Prayer) Our Father, who art in Heaven…FINAL BLESSINGCelebrant: (Places hands on the adoptive family and child) May the blessing of Almighty God, as Mother and Father of us all, descend upon you and your child and remain with you forever. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy SpiritAll: Amen.Celebrant: It is now my pleasure to introduce to you for the first time Mr. and Mrs. [Adoptive father’s first and last name], and their [son/daughter] [Child’s new name].