Prayer Service

For Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, We Give Thanks 

O Great Spirit earth, sun, sky and sea you are inside and all around us. 
(or Song of your choice)

Gathering Song:

Sign of the Cross

Opening Prayer: As sons and daughters of the Creator we regard life and all gifts of life in our universe
with deepest appreciation, gratitude, respect and reverence in the spirit of Saint 
Kateri Tekakwitha through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Response: Thank you, Creator God, for the gift of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha to the Church

Side 1: We greet the trees of the forest that provide us with shelter and fruits of many kinds.
The beauty of trees is ever-changing throughout the cycle of the year.
The Iroquois people were given peace and strength symbolized by the everlasting
tree of peace as it stands firm toward the sky. 
Kateri Tekakwitha found peace and strength as she held a wooden cross.
Response: Thank you, Creator God for the gift of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha to the Church

Side 2: We turn to our winged brothers and sisters who sing their songs and help us to appreciate our own purpose of life – the eagle is a symbol of strength with a sharp vision.
Tekakwitha was gifted with a strong inner vision of God’s love for her and her people.
Response: Thank you, Creator God for the gift of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha to the Church 

Side 1: We focus on the bodies of water which give us strength of well-being; the source of drink to quench our thirst and food for plants that nourish us.
Kateri received new life in Christ through the waters of Baptism and nourishment from 
wheat, the Bread of Life.
Response: Thank you, Creator God for the gift of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha to the Church

Side 2: We turn to the animals, especially the turtle, one of the Iroquois (Mohawk) Clans. 
To this Turtle family belongs strength, the intellectuals – the clan to which Kateri 
Tekakwitha belonged.
Tekakwitha, you taught us to respect all of God’s creatures.
Response: Thank you, Creator God for the gift of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha to the Church

Side 1: We have been called to live in harmony with people of all nations, cultures, races and beliefs with one another and with other living beings.
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, teach us to be witnesses of Christ’s love for all peoples.
Response: Thank you, Creator God for the gift of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha to the Church

Side 2: We affirm the Indigenous peoples of this land to continue to share the knowledge of their Cultures, traditions, rituals, songs, dances and art with peoples throughout the world.
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, be our model for reverence and prayer.
Response: Thank you, Creator God for the gift of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha to the Church

Side 1: We give thanks for the earth, our mother. She supports us as we walk upon her. Women and Mother Earth share a common role as givers of life.
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, be our example to live lives of dignity and integrity.
Response: Thank you, Creator God for the gift of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha to the Church

Side 2: We give thanks for the Creator’s gift of Jesus in the life of Kateri Tekakwitha and in our lives.
Through Kateri Tekakwitha’s relationship with Jesus we celebrate this wonderful gift to the Church, the people of God.
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, show us how to love deeply and to forgive willingly even when we face rejection, prejudice and discrimination.
Response: Thank you, Creator God for the gift of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha to the Church 

Concluding Prayer

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, you have shown us your complete trust in our Creator God 
by your fidelity to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ as a true model of purity and love. 
Inspire us to live a life of prayer, strength and courage, 
to walk this land each day as your brothers and sisters in Christ. 
Amen.

Concluding Hymn of your choice (optional)