These long-awaited rites include public rites and prayers for individual and family use, for all of the major stages of human development, and from early childhood to retirement. In addition, a collection of prayers and a simple rite for remembering the departed provide an important pastoral resource for human grieving in the weeks and months following the death of a loved one.

CONTENTS

Introductory Materials Including the theology and rationale for the rites, their structure and features

Planning for a Rite of Passage

Prayers for the Transitions of Childhood

Prayers and Rites for the Transitions of Young Adulthood

Including a rite of passage for young people and their parents; celebrating a significant birthday; the blessing of a betrothal

Prayers and a Rite for the Transitions of Midlife

Prayers and Rites for the Transitions of Elders

Prayers and a Rite for Remembering the Departed

Appendix containing suggested hymns and spiritual songs