When a place of work is to be blessed, both those who labor there and those who share the fruit of that labor should be invited to the ceremony.
All make the Sign of the Cross. The leader begins:
Blessed be God, who has begun a good work in us. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
All respond:
Now and for ever.
The leader may use these or similar words to introduce the blessing:
Jesus showed us the dignity of labor. He was known as the carpenter's son, and he willingly worked with the tools of his trade. Through the labor of our hands, we bring God's blessing upon ourselves and others. Let us pray for all who will work here and for those who will share the fruit of their labor.
Then the Scripture is read:
Listen to the words of the apostle Paul to the Thessalonians: 1 Thes 4:10-12
We urge you, brothers [and sisters], to progress even more, and to aspire to live a tranquil life, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your [own] hands, as we instructed you, that you may conduct yourselves properly toward outsiders and not depend on anyone.
The reader concludes:
The word of the Lord.
All respond:
Thanks be to God.
After a time of silence, all join in prayers of intercession and in the Lord's Prayer. A cross or other symbol may then be reverenced with a kiss and put in a place of honor. The leader then speaks the prayer of blessing; one of the following may be used or adapted as needed.
OF AN OFFICE
O God, | in your wise providence | you are glad to bless all human labor, | the work of our hands and of our minds. | Grant that all who plan and conduct business in this office | may, through your guidance and support, | come to right decisions and carry them out fairly. | We ask this through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.
OF A SHOP OR FACTORY
God, our all-provident Father, | you have placed the earth and its fruits under our care, | so that by our labor we will endeavor | to ensure that all share in the benefits of your creation. | Bless all those who will use this building | either as buyers or sellers, | so that by respecting justice and charity | they will see themselves as working for the common good | and find joy in contributing to the progress of the earthly city. | We ask this through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.
Then holy water may be sprinkled on the office, shop, or factory, and on the participants.
All make the Sign of the Cross, as the leader concludes:
May God, the Father of goodness, |who commanded us to help one another as brothers and sisters, | bless this building with his presence | and look kindly on all who enter here. R. Amen.
And may almighty God bless you,
the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.R. Amen.
