“Life is God’s gift to us. What we do with it is our gift to God.” – St. Mother Teresa

Each birthday and anniversary is a sacred reminder that life itself is a gift from God—and every year we live, every commitment we honor, is our gift back to Him. These milestones are not only times of celebration, but also opportunities to reflect, give thanks, and renew our dedication to live with purpose, love, and faith.

Beginning this August, our parish will celebrate Birthday and Anniversary Blessings on the first Sunday of each month at the 9:00am Mass. At the end of Mass, all those celebrating a birthday or wedding anniversary that month will be invited to stand and receive a special blessing. If you are unable to attend, the following prayer will be offered on your behalf:

Birthday Blessing Prayer

God of all creation,

we offer you grateful praise for the precious gift of life.

You have given us life as your gift—

help us to offer it back to you each day through love, faith, and service.
Look with favor upon your servants

who celebrate the day of their birth.

Rejoicing in the blessings of life, love, family, and friendship,

may they recognize your hand in every moment.
Bless them with your abiding presence,

surround them with your grace,

and grant them many joyful years—

each one lived as a faithful gift back to you.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.

Anniversary Blessing Prayer

Lord God and Creator,
We bless and praise your name.
In the beginning you made man and woman,
So that they might enter a communion of life and love,
You likewise blessed the union of their marriage,
So that they might reflect the union of Christ with his Church:
Look with kindness on them today.
Amid the joys and struggles of their life
You have preserved the union between them;
Renew their marriage covenant,
Increase your love in them,
And strengthen their bond of peace,
So that (surrounded by their children)
They may always rejoice in the gift of your blessing.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

R: Amen.

So let us gather as a community of faith to honor the gift of life and the journey of love. Come to give thanks, to pray for one another, and to celebrate the many ways we return our lives as gifts to God.

Fr. Long Phi Nguyen, SVD
Pastor

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