!["Blessings to Go" across Northern New Jersey](https://dioceseofnewark.org/sites/default/files/styles/node_hero_image/public/images/BlessingstoGo_0.jpg?itok=XGSsTR4G)
Bishop Beckwith invites leaders and congregations to join him in a unique, misisonal engagement with the world on the National Day of Prayer, which is Thursday, May 1.
Drawing from the energy and learnings from "Ashes to Go," he invites congregations to participate in "Blessings to Go." On Ash Wednesday, ashes were the symbol, marked on the forehead - which had deep and almost instant recognition. For "Blessings to Go" we will use oil, an ancient symbol of anointing and healing, applied on the forehead with the sign of the cross.
The Bishop will give all those who receive "Blessings to Go" a bookmark (pictured at left) as a remembrance. The PDF files for these bookmarks, printable four per page on 8.5 x 11" paper, are attached below for your use. The front reads:
In both the Old and New Testaments, oil, that has been blessed, is used as a visible mark of anointing. It is a sign of joy and thanksgiving associated with feasts (Psalm 23:5) and in healing (Luke 10:34).
Anointing in both the Old and New Testaments is a sign of the coming of God’s Spirit. Isaiah 1:1 ; Luke 4:18
The back of the bookmark consists of the diocesan logo. This may be replaced with your church's logo, or another design or text of your choosing.