(Slightly adapted, by Rev. Francesca Fortunato, from Animal Rites by Andrew Linzey)
One: I saw a new heaven and new earth; for the first heaven and first earth were passed away. And He shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. (Rev. 21: 1, 4-5a, 6)
Christ is the first and the last, the Alpha and the Omega;
All: who reconciles and redeems every form of created life.
One: Christ is the first and the last, the Alpha and the Omega;
All: the source and destiny of all living things.
One: Christ is the first and the last, the Alpha and the Omega;
All: who bears the wounds of all suffering creatures
One: Christ is the first and the last, the Alpha and the Omega
All: who transforms all suffering into joy.
One: St. John saw the new heaven and earth; a place without pain where there will be no more sorrow or crying. St. Paul wrote that the sufferings of the present time are not worth comparing with the joy that we find after death in Christ.
This promise of joy after our present sufferings is God's gift to all creatures. We do not mourn, therefore, without hope, and especially, without thanksgiving. For the same God who creates is the same God who reconciles and redeems all creation.
All: Christ is the first and the last, the Alpha and the Omega; the Saviour of the universe: in Christ, shall all be made alive.
(Time For Readings and sharing of memories)
Prayer of Dedication and Commital
One: Creator of all, everything that has breath praises you both in this world and the next: heaven is full of the sounds of creaturely voices; a great cacophony of praise and thanksgiving. Day and night your creatures praise you, without ceasing and with joy.
We now commit the life of this our friend____into eternal fellowship with you. May ___'s praises be heard in your presence, where s/he shall be free from suffering and pain. Creator, hear our prayer and let our praise unite with those in heaven, in one long song of eternal thanksgiving. Amen.
Concluding Prayer: All:
O God before whom all generations rise and fall, and countless creatures live and die: liberate us from earthly despair and help us to see your transforming power, even in what seems most devastating to us.
Most especially we pray for the grace to live out your Gospel so that one day all creation shall be set free and your kingdom established on earth as in heaven; through Jesus Christ the first and last, the Alpha and the Omega whose triumph over death is our hope of eternal life. Amen.
Benediction of St. Clare of Assisi: Live without fear, your Creator loves you, made you holy and has always protected you. Now, go in peace to follow the good road, and may the blessing of God, the Father Son and Holy Spirit be with you now and always. Amen.