O Great Creator, we give praise and thanks to you for our lives and for our families.
Your gift to us of human community is one of your greatest blessings.
We thank you for our Elders – our grandfathers and grandmothers -whose patience and wisdom guide our lives.
We thank you for our fathers and mothers,
who by giving their love to each other bring us into the world,
nurturing and leading us.
We thank you for our brothers and sisters, with whom we come to know what sharing and caring really means.
We thank you for young people,
whose hope for a better world energizes and inspires us.
We thank you for the little ones – the children –
whose innocence and promise bring gladness and joy.
O Creator, may our families always be that blessed and first community that we honour and cherish.
As you continue to make all things new, may we hear your invitation
– in all creation – to receive and share
all that is good and true with each other.
O God, we also face many challenges and crises in our lives and world.
May our families continue be the first and constant community
that shows us how to live intimately and respectfully
with all people, and all Creation.
May all Glory, Praise, Honour and Thanksgiving be shown to you, Father of all mercies and compassion, Jesus Saviour and Guardian of our souls, and Spirit of peace and communion.
Canadian Catholic Aboriginal Council
December 2016