Selected Blessings from the Book of Blessings (Persons)
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
1. Blessing of a Family
2. Annual Blessing of a Family in Their Home
3. Blessing of a Married Couple
4. Blessing of an Engaged Couple
5. Blessing of Baptized Children
6. Blessing a Child Not Yet Baptized
7. Blessing of Sons and Daughters
8. Blessing of Parents Before Childbirth
9. Blessing of a Mother Before and After Childbirth
10. Blessing of Parents After a Miscarriage
11. Blessing of Parents and an Adopted Child
12. Blessing on the Occasion of a Birthday
13. Blessing of Elderly People Confined to Their Homes
14. Blessing of a Person Suffering from Addiction or Substance Abuse
15. Blessing of a Victim of Crime or Oppression
1. ORDER FOR THE BLESSING OF A FAMILY
INTRODUCTION
42 The celebration of the blessing provided here is a suitable means of fostering the Christian life in the members of a family, whenever a blessing is requested by the family or suggested by pastoral considerations. To ensure that the celebration serves its purpose, it is to be adapted to each individual situation.
43 The blessing of a family may also be carried out within Mass, by use of the order provided in nos. 62-67 (See Book of Blessings).
44 The present order may be used by a priest or deacon. It may also be used by a layperson, who follows the rites and prayers designated for a lay minister.
45 While maintaining the structure and chief elements of the rite, the minister should adapt the celebration to the circumstances of the place and the people involved.
ORDER OF BLESSING
INTRODUCTORY RITES
46 When the family has gathered, the minister says:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All make the sign of the cross and reply:
Amen.
47 A minister who is a priest or deacon greets those present in the following or other suitable words, taken mainly from sacred Scripture.
The grace and peace of God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
All make the following or some other suitable reply.
And with your spirit.
Or:
Blessed be God for ever.
48 A lay minister greets those present in the following words.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all, now and for ever.
R. Amen.
49 In the following or similar words, the minister prepares those present for the blessing.
My dear friends, from the sacrament of marriage the family has received newness of life and the grace of Christ. The family is specially important to the Church and to civil society, for it is the primary life-giving community.
In our celebration today we call down the Lord’s blessing upon you, so that you may continually be instruments of God’s grace to one another and witnesses to faith in all the circumstances of life.
With God as your help you will fulfill your mission by conforming your entire life to the Gospel and so witness to Christ before the world.
READING OF THE WORD OF GOD
50 One of those present or the minister reads one of the following texts of sacred Scripture.
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians:
12:12-14
We are all one body.
As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit. Now the body is not a single part, but many.
The word of the Lord.
51 Or: Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the apostle Paul to the Ephesians:
4:1-6
Bear with one another lovingly.
I, then, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace: one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
The word of the Lord.
52 Or: Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the apostle Paul to the Romans:
12:4-6
Love each other with mutual affection.
As in one body we have many parts, and all the parts do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ and individually parts of one another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them: if prophecy, in proportion to the faith; if ministry, in ministering; if one is a teacher, in teaching; if one exhorts, in exhortation; if one contributes, in generosity; if one is over others, with diligence; if one does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor. Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality. Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Have the same regard for one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly; do not be wise in your own estimation.
The word of the Lord.
Or: Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the first letter of the apostle Paul to the Corinthians:
1 Cor 12:31b-13:7
Love is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, and to endure whatever comes.
But I shall show you a still more excellent way. If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge; if I have all faith so as to move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away everything I own, and if I hand my body over so that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, love is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
The word of the Lord.
53 As circumstances suggest, the following responsorial psalm may be sung or said, or some other suitable song.
R. Happy are those who fear the Lord.
Psalm 128
Happy are you who fear the LORD,
who walk in his ways!
For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;
happy shall you be, and favored.
R. Happy are those who fear the Lord.
Behold, thus is the man blessed
who fears the LORD.
The LORD bless you from Zion:
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life;
May you see your children’s children.
R. Happy are those who fear the Lord.
54 As circumstances suggest, the minister may give those present a brief explanation of the biblical text, so that they may understand through faith the meaning of the celebration.
INTERCESSIONS
55 The intercessions are then said. The minister introduces them and an assisting minister or one of those present announces the intentions. From the following intentions those best suited to the occasion may be used or adapted, or other intentions that apply to the particular circumstances may be composed.
The minister says:
Christ the Lord, the Word coeternal with the Father, lived among us and chose to be part of a family and to enrich it with his blessings. Let us humbly ask for his favor and protection on this family.
R. Lord, keep our family in your peace.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
Through your own obedience to Mary and Joseph you consecrated family life; make this family holy by your presence. (For this we pray:)
R. Lord, keep our family in your peace.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
Your heart was set on the concerns of your Father; make every home a place where he is worshiped with reverence. (For this we pray:)
R. Lord, keep our family in your peace.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
You made your own family the model of prayer, of love, and of obedience to your Father’s will; by your grace make this family holy and make it rich with your gifts. (For this we pray:)
R. Lord, keep our family in your peace.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
You loved those who were close to you and they returned your love; bind all families together in the bonds of peace and of love for each other. (For this we pray:)
R. Lord, keep our family in your peace.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
At Cana in Galilee, when a new family was beginning, you gladdened it with your first miracle, changing water into wine; alleviate the sorrows and worries of this family and change them into joy. (For this we pray:)
R. Lord, keep our family in your peace.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
In your concern for the integrity of the family you said: “Let no one separate those whom God has bound together”; bind this husband and wife ever more closely together in the bond of your own love. (For this we pray:)
R. Lord, keep our family in your peace.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
56 After the intercessions, the minister, in the following or similar words, invites all present to sing or say the Lord’s Prayer:
Let us pray with confidence to the Father in the words our Savior taught us:
All:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
PRAYER OF BLESSING
57 A minister who is a priest or deacon says the prayer of blessing with hands outstretched over the family members; a lay minister says the prayer with hands joined.
O God,
you have created us in love and saved us in mercy,
and through the bond of marriage
you have established the family
and willed that it should become a sign of Christ’s love for his Church.
Shower your blessings on this family gathered here in your name.
Enable those who are joined by one love
to support one another by their fervor of spirit and devotion to prayer.
Make them responsive to the needs of others
and witnesses to the faith in all they say and do.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
58: Or:
We bless your name, O Lord,
for sending your own incarnate Son
to become part of a family,
so that, as he lived its life,
he would experience its worries and its joys.
We ask you, Lord,
to protect and watch over this family,
so that in the strength of your grace
its members may enjoy prosperity,
possess the priceless gift of your peace,
and, as the Church alive in the home,
bear witness in this world to your glory.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
59 As circumstances suggest, the minister in silence may sprinkle the family with holy water.
CONCLUDING RITE
60 The minister concludes the rite by saying:
May the Lord Jesus,
who lived with his holy family in Nazareth,
dwell also with your family,
keep it from all evil,
and make all of you one in heart and mind.
R. Amen.
61 It is preferable to end the celebration with a suitable song.
2. ORDER FOR THE ANNUAL BLESSING OF FAMILIES IN THEIR OWN HOMES
INTRODUCTION
68 Pastors must regard as one of their primary pastoral duties the faithful visitation of families to bring the message of Christ’s peace. They will thus obey the command of Christ to his disciples: “On entering any house, first say: ‘Peace to this house’” (Luke 10:5).
69 Pastors and their assistants must therefore consider as a sacred trust the custom of an annual visit, particularly during the Easter season, to the families living in their parish. The occasion is a rich opportunity to fulfill pastoral responsibilities that grow in effectiveness the more the priests come to know the families.
70 The order for the annual blessing of families in their homes directly pertains to the family and therefore requires the presence of the family members.
71 No house is to be blessed unless the residents are present.
72 The present order may be used by a priest or deacon.
73 Normally the blessing is celebrated in each individual home. But for pastoral reasons and in the interest of increased unity between families living in the same building or locale, the blessing may be celebrated for several families gathered together in one convenient place. The text of the prayer of blessing is then adapted accordingly.
74 While maintaining the structure and chief elements of the rite, the celebrant should adapt the celebration to the circumstances of the place and the families involved. The celebrant’s manner of presiding at the celebration should manifest the attentive concern of charity toward all present, particularly the young, the elderly, and the sick.
ORDER OF BLESSING
75 When the community has gathered, the celebrant greets those present in the following or other suitable words, taken mainly from sacred Scripture.
Peace be with this house and with all who live here.
Or:
The grace and peace of God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
All make the following or some other suitable reply.
And with your spirit.
76 In the following or similar words, which should always be adapted to suit the particular situation, the celebrant prepares those present for the blessing.
The purpose of the parish visit is that through the ministry of the priest (deacon ), Christ may enter your home to bring you peace and joy. This happens above all through the reading of the word of God and the prayer of the Church. Let us, then, prepare ourselves inwardly, so that, through the Holy Spirit, Christ himself will speak to us in this celebration and bring us the comfort of his presence.
READING OF THE WORD OF GOD
77 One of those present or the celebrant reads a text of sacred Scripture, taken preferably from those indicated here.
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the holy gospel according to Matthew:
7:24-28
A house built on rock.
Jesus said to his disciples: “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.” When Jesus finished these words, the crowds were astonished at his teaching.
The gospel of the Lord.
78 Or: Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the letter of Paul to the Ephesians:
4:1-6
Bear with one another lovingly.
I, then, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace: one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
The word of the Lord.
Or: Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the letter of Paul to the Colossians:
3:12-25
Over all these virtues put on love.
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Wives, be subordinate to your husbands, as is proper in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and avoid any bitterness toward them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they may not become discouraged. Slaves, obey your human masters in everything, not only when being watched, as currying favor, but in simplicity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others, knowing that you will receive from the Lord the due payment of the inheritance; be slaves of the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will receive recompense for the wrong he committed, and there is no partiality.
The word of the Lord.
Or: Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the Acts of the Apostles:
Acts 2:44-47
In their homes they broke bread. With exultant and cere hearts they took their meals in common.
All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
The word of the Lord.
Or: Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the holy gospel according to Luke:
Luke 19:1-10
Today salvation has come to this house.
Jesus came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town. Now a man there named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man, was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way. When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.” And he came down quickly and received him with joy. When they all saw this, they began to grumble, saying, “He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner.” But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.”
The gospel of the Lord.
Or: Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the holy gospel according to John:
1:35-39
They stayed with him that day.
The next day John was there again with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” The two disciples* heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come, and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon.
The gospel of the Lord.
79 As circumstances suggest, one of the following responsorial psalms may be sung or said, or some other suitable song.
R. We are his people: the sheep of his flock.
Psalm 100
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
serve the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful song.
R. We are his people: the sheep of his flock.
Know that the LORD is God;
he made us, his we are; his people, the flock he tends.
R. We are his people: the sheep of his flock.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
his courts with praise;
Give thanks to him; bless his name.
R. We are his people: the sheep of his flock.
For he is good:
the LORD, whose kindness endures forever,
and his faithfulness, to all generations.
R. We are his people: the sheep of his flock.
Or: Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-6a
R. (4) See how the Lord blesses those who fear him.
Blessed are you who fear the LORD,
who walk in his ways!
For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;
blessed shall you be, and favored.
R. See how the Lord blesses those who fear him.
Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine
in the recesses of your home;
Your children like olive plants
around your table.
R. See how the Lord blesses those who fear him.
Behold, thus is the man blessed
who fears the LORD.
The LORD bless you from Zion:
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life.
R. See how the Lord blesses those who fear him.
Or: Psalm 148:1-2, 3-4, 12-13
R. (13a) Let all praise the name of the Lord.
Praise the LORD from the heavens;
praise him in the heights.
Praise him, all you his angels;
praise him, all you his hosts.
R. Let all praise the name of the Lord.
Praise him, sun and moon;
praise him, you shining stars.
Praise him, you highest heavens,
and you waters above the heavens.
R. Let all praise the name of the Lord.
Young men too, and maidens,
old men and boys.
Praise the name of the LORD,
for his name alone is exalted;
His majesty is above earth and heaven.
R. Let all praise the name of the Lord.
80 As circumstances suggest, the celebrant may give those present a brief explanation of the biblical text, so that they may understand through faith the meaning of the celebration.
INTERCESSIONS
81 The intercessions are then said. The celebrant introduces them and an assisting minister or one of those present announces the intentions. From the following intentions those best suited to the occasion may be used or adapted, or other intentions that apply to the particular circumstances may be composed.
During the Easter season
The celebrant says:
My brothers and sisters, these are the days of our Easter gladness. Prompted by the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the risen Christ, whom the Father has made the beginning and foundation of our communion with each other. Calling on his name, let us say to him:
R. Lord, stay with us.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
Lord Jesus Christ, after the resurrection you appeared to your disciples and gladdened them with the gift of your peace; make this family aware of your presence and help them to strive to remain close to you in the serenity of your peace. (For this we pray:)
R. Lord, stay with us.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
You reached the glory of the resurrection through the humiliation of your passion; teach all the members of this family how to use even their daily trials to build up a household of love. (For this we pray:)
R. Lord, stay with us.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
While you were at table with the disciples you showed yourself to them through the breaking of the bread; as the members of this family share in the eucharist with the Christian community, make them strong in faith and eager witnesses before the world to their faith in you. (For this we pray:)
R. Lord, stay with us.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
With the power of the Holy Spirit you filled the house where the disciples were gathered; send the same Holy Spirit upon this family with the gifts of peace and joy. (For this we pray:)
R. Lord, stay with us.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
82 Or: Outside the Easter season
The celebrant says:
My brothers and sisters, as we ask the blessing of the Lord on this family, we must remember that a way of life that is a true communion can only endure and grow if the Lord is its source. Let us therefore call upon him, saying:
R. Lord, make us holy.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
Lord Jesus Christ, through whom every family is like a building constructed by the Holy Spirit to become a temple of your glory, grant that this family of yours may be bonded together in your name. May you be the unshakeable foundation of their life together. (For this we pray:)
R. Lord, make us holy.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister.
With Mary and Joseph you sanctified domestic life; teach all who live here that self-giving is the way to guide and uphold their life as a family. (For this we pray:)
R. Lord, make us holy.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
Through Christian initiation you have joined the natural family to a larger spiritual family, the Church; help the members of this family to carry out faithfully their responsibility in your Church. (For this we pray:)
R. Lord, make us holy.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
You gathered the first members of the Church together in the upper room around Mary your mother; grant that the members of this household Church may learn from her to keep your words in their hearts, to be constant in prayer, and to be generous in giving of themselves and of all they possess to others. (For this we pray:)
R. Lord, make us holy.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
83 After the intercessions the celebrant, in the following or similar words, invites all present to sing or say the Lord’s Prayer:
Let us pray with confidence to the Father in the words our Savior taught us:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
PRAYER OF BLESSING
84 With hands outstretched over the family members, the celebrant continues with the prayer of blessing.
During the Easter season
Blessed are you, O Lord.
In the Passover of the Old Testament
you kept unharmed the houses of your people
that were sprinkled with the blood of a lamb.
The fulfillment of your signs is the true paschal lamb,
the Son you gave to us.
He was crucified for us and raised from the dead,
so that we might all be filled with the grace of the Holy Spirit.
Bless + this family and this home,
so that the joy of your love
may gladden the hearts of all who live here.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
85 Or: Outside the Easter season
Almighty and eternal God,
your fatherly tenderness never ceases to provide for our needs.
We ask you to bestow on this family and this home
the riches of your blessing.
With the gift of your grace sanctify those who live here,
so that, faithful to your commandments,
they will care for each other,
ennoble this world by their lives,
and reach the home you have prepared for them in heaven.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
86 Or:
Blessed are you, God our Father,
for your gift of this house as the dwelling place of this family.
Grant that those who live here
may obtain the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Through their works of charity let them show
what grace your blessing brings,
so that all who visit this home
will find the spirit of love and peace
which only you can give.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
87 After the prayer of blessing, the celebrant sprinkles those present and the home with holy water and, as circumstances suggest, may say:
Let this water call to mind our baptism into Christ, who has redeemed us by his death and resurrection.
CONCLUDING RITE
88 The celebrant concludes the rite by saying:
May the God of hope fill you with every joy in believing.
May the peace of Christ abound in your hearts.
May the Holy Spirit enrich you with his gifts,
now and for ever.
R. Amen.
89 It is preferable to end the celebration with a suitable song.
3. ORDER FOR THE BLESSING OF A MARRIED COUPLE
INTRODUCTION
90 A major wedding anniversary, for example, the 25th, 50th, or 60th, is a fitting occasion for a special remembrance of the sacrament of marriage by means of the celebration of the proper Mass and prayers provided in the Roman Missal.
91 The blessing of a married couple may be celebrated within Mass, by use of the orders of blessing provided in nos. 94-106 and 107-114, or by a blessing outside Mass, celebrated according to the orders given in nos. 115-131 and 132-134.
92 A married couple may also request a blessing at a time other than an anniversary for the special needs of their lives or for such occasions as retreats or pilgrimages. If several couples are to be blessed at the same time, the prayer of blessing and the final blessing are adapted accordingly. While maintaining the structure and chief elements of the rite, the minister should adapt the celebration to the circumstances of the place and the married couple and the families involved.
115 The present order may be used by a priest or deacon. It may also be used by a layperson, who follows the rites and prayers designated for a lay minister.
116 While maintaining the structure and chief elements of the rite, the minister should adapt the celebration to the circumstances of the place and the couple involved. Whenever a couple is to receive a blessing without the participation of a community of the faithful, the minister may use the shorter rite provided.
ORDER OF BLESSING
INTRODUCTORY RITES
117 When the community has gathered, Psalm 34 or some other suitable song may be sung. After the singing, the minister says:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All make the sign of the cross and reply:
Amen.
118 A minister who is a priest or deacon greets those present in the following or other suitable words, taken mainly from sacred Scripture.
The grace and peace of God our Father, who exalted the marriage bond and made it the sign of Christ and his Church, be with you all.
All make the following or sonic other suitable reply.
And with your spirit.
119 A lay minister greets those present in the following words.
Blessed be the God of all consolation, who has shown us his great mercy. Blessed be God now and for ever.
R. Amen.
120 In the following or similar words, which should always be adapted to suit the particular occasion, the minister prepares the couple and all present for the blessing.
We have come together to celebrate the anniversary of the marriage of our brother and sister. As we join them in their joy, we join them also in their gratitude. God has set them among us as a sign of his love and through the years they have remained faithful (and have fulfilled their responsibilities as parents). Let us give thanks for all the favors N. and N. have received during their married life. May God keep them in their love for each other, so that they may be more and more of one mind and one heart.
READING OF THE WORD OF GOD
121 A reader or another person present reads a text of sacred Scripture, taken preferably from the texts provided in the Rite of Marriage and the Lectionary for Mass. The readings chosen should be those that best apply to the life of the couple.
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians:
1:4-9
I never stop thanking God because of the grace of God which was given me.
I give thanks to my God always on your account for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus, that in him you were enriched in every way, with all discourse and all knowledge, as the testimony to Christ was confirmed among you, so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will keep you firm to the end, irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, and by him you were called to fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
The word of the Lord.
122 As circumstances suggest, the following responsorial psalm may be sung or said, or some other suitable song.
R. Happy are those who fear the Lord.
Psalm 128
Happy are you who fear the LORD,
who walk in his ways!
For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;
happy shall you be, and favored.
R. Happy are those who fear the Lord.
Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine
in the recesses of your home;
Your children like olive plants
around your table.
R. Happy are those who fear the Lord.
Behold, thus is the man blessed
who fears the LORD.
The LORD bless you from Zion:
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life.
R. Happy are those who fear the Lord.
123 As circumstances suggest, the minister may give those present a brief explanation of the biblical text and of the grace and mystery of Christian married life, so that they may understand through faith the meaning of the celebration.
Then the minister invites the couple to pray in silence and to renew before God their sacred matrimonial commitment to each other.
124 On a wedding anniversary the minister may say the following prayer and then incense the couple’s wedding rings.
Lord,
increase and consecrate the love which N. and N. have for one another.
The wedding rings they once exchanged
are the sign of their fidelity.
May they continue to prosper
in the grace of the sacrament.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
125 Or, if the couple renews the exchange of rings, the minister says the following prayer of blessing.
Lord,
bless and consecrate the love which N. and N. have for one another.
May these rings be a symbol
of their true faith in each other
and of the grace of the sacrament.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
126 A minister who is a priest or a deacon may also use one of the following formularies.
Lord,
bless these rings which we bless + in your name.
Grant that those who wear them
may always have a deep faith in each other.
May they continue to enjoy your peace and goodwill
and live together in love.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Or:
Lord,
bless + and consecrate the love which N. and N. have for one another.
May these rings be a symbol
of their true faith in each other
and always remind them of their love.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
INTERCESSIONS
127 The intercessions are then said. The minister introduces them and an assisting minister or one of those present announces the intentions. From the following intentions those best suited to the occasion may be used or adapted, or other intentions that apply to the particular circumstances may be composed.
The minister says:
In the tender plan of his providence, God our almighty Father has given married love, its faithfulness, and its fruitfulness, a special significance in the history of salvation. Let us therefore call upon him, saying:
R. Lord, renew in your servants their fidelity to each other.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
Father all-holy, you have made marriage the great symbol of Christ’s love for his Church; bestow on these your servants the fullness of your own love. (For this we pray:)
R. Lord, renew in your servants their fidelity to each other.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
On the 25th, 50th, 60th, or other wedding anniversary
Assisting minister:
Father all-holy, the faithful one, you ask for and respond to fidelity to your covenant; fill with your blessings your servants who are celebrating their (25th, 50th, 60th, other) wedding anniversary. (For this we pray:)
R. Lord, renew in your servants their fidelity to each other.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
You live in eternity with the Son and the Holy Spirit in oneness of life and communion of love; grant that these your servants will be mindful of the covenant of love they pledged to each other through the sacrament of marriage and never fail in fidelity. (For this we pray:)
R. Lord, renew in your servants their fidelity to each other.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
In your providence you have ordained that all genuinely human experiences should become ways of leading the faithful to share in the mystery of Christ; grant to your servants serenity in good times and bad and the will to stay close to Christ and to live for him alone. (For this we pray:)
R.Lord, renew in your servants their fidelity to each other.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
It is your will that married life should be a lesson in Christian living; grant that all husbands and wives may be witnesses to the wonders of your Son’s love. (For this we pray:)
R. Lord, renew in your servants their fidelity to each other.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
PRAYER OF BLESSING
128 A minister who is a priest or deacon says the appropriate prayer of blessing with hands outstretched; a lay minister says the prayer with hands joined.
A On the 25th, 50th, 60th, or other anniversary
Lord God and Creator,
we bless and praise your name.
In the beginning you made man and woman,
so that they might enter a communion of life and love.
You likewise blessed the union of N. with N.,
so that they might reflect the union of Christ with his Church:
look with kindness on them today.
Amid the joys and struggles of their life
you have preserved the union between them;
renew their marriage covenant,
increase your love in them,
and strengthen their bond of peace,
so that (surrounded by their children)
they may always rejoice in the gift of your blessing.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
B On other occasions
Almighty and eternal God,
you have so exalted the unbreakable bond of marriage
that it has become the sacramental sign
of your Son’s union with the Church as his spouse.
Look with favor on N. and N., whom you have united in marriage,
as they ask for your help
and the protection of the Virgin Mary.
They pray that in good times and in bad
they will grow in love for each other;
that they will resolve to be of one heart
in the bond of peace.
Lord, in their struggles let them rejoice
that you are near to help them;
in their needs let them know
that you are there to rescue them;
in their joys let them see
that you are the source and completion of every happiness.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
CONCLUDING RITE
129 A minister who is a priest or deacon concludes the rite by first blessing the couple and saying, with hands outstretched toward them:
May God, the almighty Father, give you joy.
R. Amen.
May the only Son of God have mercy on you and help you
in good times and in bad.
R. Amen.
May the Holy Spirit
always fill your hearts with love.
R. Amen.
Then he blesses all present.
And may almighty God bless you all,
the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.
R. Amen.
130 A lay minister concludes the rite by signing himself or herself with the sign of the cross and saying:
May the God of hope fill you with every joy in believing.
May the peace of Christ abound in your hearts.
May the Holy Spirit enrich you with his gifts, now and for ever.
R. Amen.
131 It is preferable to end the celebration with a suitable song.
4. ORDER FOR THE BLESSING OF AN ENGAGED COUPLE
INTRODUCTION
195 Besides seeing to the upbringing of their children, Christian parents have the further serious responsibility, an exercise of their own apostolate, of helping the children to prepare themselves properly for marriage.
The betrothal of a young Christian couple therefore is a special occasion for their families, who should celebrate it together with prayer and a special rite. In this way they ask God’s blessing that the happiness promised by the children's engagement will be brought to fulfillment.
In order that the celebration will better achieve its purpose, it should be adapted to suit the particular circumstances.
196 When the engagement is celebrated within the circle of the two families, one of the parents should preside. But when a priest or a deacon is present, the office of presiding more fittingly belongs to him (provided it is clear to all that the blessing is not the celebration of the sacrament of marriage itself).
197 The present order may be used by the parents, a priest, a deacon, or a lay minister. While maintaining the structure and chief elements of the rite, the minister should adapt the celebration to the circumstances of the place and the people involved.
198 The present order may also be celebrated during the engagement period on an occasion when couples are brought together for premarital instruction. Neither a formal betrothal nor the special blessing of an engaged couple is ever to be combined with the celebration of Mass.
ORDER OF BLESSING
INTRODUCTORY RITES
199 When the families have gathered, the minister says:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All make the sign of the cross and reply:
Amen.
200 A minister who is a priest or deacon greets those present in the following or other suitable words, taken mainly from sacred Scripture.
The grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ, who loved us and gave himself for us, be with you all.
All make the following or some other suitable reply.
R. And with your spirit.
201 A lay minister greets those present in the following words.
Brothers and sisters, let us praise our Lord Jesus Christ, who loved us and gave himself for us. Let us bless him now and for ever.
R. Amen.
202 In the following or similar words, the minister prepares the couple and all present for the blessing.
We know that all of us need God’s blessing at all times; but at the time of their engagement to be married, Christians are in particular need of grace as they prepare themselves to form a new family.
Let us pray, then, for God’s blessing to come upon this couple, our brother and sister: that as they await the day of their wedding, they will grow in mutual respect and in their love for one another; that through their companionship and prayer together they will prepare themselves rightly and chastely for marriage.
READING OF THE WORD OF GOD
203 One of those present or the minister reads a text of sacred Scripture.
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the holy gospel according to John:
15:9-12
This is my commandment: love one another as I have loved you.
Jesus said to his disciples: “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.
“I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.”
The gospel of the Lord.
204 Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians:
13:4-13
There is no limit to love’s forbearance, to its trust, its hope, its power to endure.
Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, love is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over in-jury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails. If there are prophecies, they will be brought to nothing; if tongues, they will cease; if knowledge, it will be brought to nothing. For we know partially and we prophesy partially, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I used to talk as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I put aside childish things. At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face. At present I know partially; then I shall know fully as I am fully known. So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
The word of the Lord.
Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the words of the prophet Hosea:
2:21-26
I will espouse you in fidelity.
I will betroth you to me forever: I will betroth you to me with justice and with judgment, with loyalty and with compassion; I will betroth you to me with fidelity, and you shall know the LORD. On that day I will respond—oracle of the LORD—I will respond to the heavens, and they will respond to the earth; The earth will respond to the grain, and wine, and oil, and these will respond to Jezreel. I will sow her for myself in the land, and I will have pity on Not-Pitied. I will say to Not-My-People, “You are my people,” and he will say, “My God!”
The word of the Lord.
Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the words of Paul to the Philippians:
2:1-5
United in spirit and ideals.
If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing. Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also everyone for those of others. Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus.
The word of the Lord.
206 As circumstances suggest, the following responsorial psalm may be sung or said, or some other suitable song.
R. The Lord is good to all.
Psalm 145
The LORD is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and of great kindness.
The LORD is good to all
and compassionate toward all his works.
R. The Lord is good to all.
Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,
and let your faithful ones bless you.
The eyes of all look hopefully to you,
and you give them their food in due season.
R. The Lord is good to all.
The LORD is just in all his ways
and holy in all his works.
The LORD is near to all who call upon him,
to all who call upon him in truth.
R. The Lord is good to all.
207 As circumstances suggest, the minister may give those present a brief explanation of the biblical text, so that they may understand through faith the meaning of the celebration and its difference from the celebration of marriage.
INTERCESSIONS
208 The intercessions are then said. The minister introduces them and an assisting minister or one of those present announces the intentions. From the following intentions those best suited to the occasion may be used or adapted, or other intentions that apply to the particular circumstances may be composed.
The minister says:
God our Father has so loved us that in Christ he makes us his children and the witnesses to his love before the entire world. Let us, therefore, call upon him in all confidence, saying:
R. Lord, help us to remain always in your love.
Assisting minister:
God our Father, you willed that your true children, brothers and sisters in Christ, should be known by their love for one another.
R. Lord, help us to remain always in your love.
Assisting minister:
You place upon us the sweet demands of love so that we may find happiness by responding to them.
R. Lord, help us to remain always in your love.
Assisting minister:
You join a man and a woman together by their love for each other, so that in the family they establish they may rejoice in children, the crown of their love.
R. Lord, help us to remain always in your love.
Assisting minister:
Through the paschal offering, Christ espoused the Church as his Bride and in his blood offered it to you, holy and immaculate. In this you have given us the ideal of the love that should exist between husband and wife in the sacrament of marriage.
R. Lord, help us to remain always in your love.
Assisting minister:
You call N. and N. to the communion of life and love that binds the Christian family together, mind and heart.
R. Lord, help us to remain always in your love.
209 In accord with local custom, before the prayer of blessing, the engaged couple may express some sign of their pledge to each other, for example, by signing a document or by exchanging rings or gifts.
210 The engagement rings or gifts may be blessed by use of the following formulary.
In due course may you honor the sacred pledge
symbolized by these gifts which you now exchange.
R. Amen.
PRAYER OF BLESSING
211 A lay minister says the following prayer of blessing with hands joined. A priest or deacon says the following prayer with hands outstretched.
We praise you, Lord,
for your gentle plan draws together your children, N. and N.,
in love for one another.
Strengthen their hearts,
so that they will keep faith with each other,
please you in all things,
and so come to the happiness of celebrating the sacrament of their marriage.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
212 Or a minister who is a priest or deacon may say the following prayer of blessing.
Lord God,
the source of all love,
the wise plan of your providence has brought these young people together.
As they prepare themselves for the sacrament of marriage
and pray for your grace,
grant that, strengthened by your blessing, +
they may grow in their respect for one another
and cherish each other with a sincere love.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
CONCLUDING RITE
213 The minister concludes the rite by saying:
May the God of love and peace
abide in you, guide your steps,
and confirm your hearts in his love,
now and for ever.
R. Amen.
214 It is preferable to end the celebration with a suitable song.
5. ORDER FOR THE BLESSING OF BAPTIZED CHILDREN
135 There are many pastoral occasions for giving praise to God and praying for children who have already been baptized: for example, when the parents request a blessing, when special feasts are held for children, when the school year begins. The celebration of a blessing is to be adapted to the circumstances.
136 The present orders may be used by a priest or a deacon. They may also be used by a layperson, particularly a catechist and also a person in charge of the children’s education, who follows the rites and prayers designated for a lay minister.
137 While maintaining the structure and chief elements of the rite, the minister should adapt the celebration to the circumstances of the families and children involved.
138 When the blessing is for just one child, the minister adapts the texts accordingly or, if this seems more opportune, uses the shorter rite.
INTRODUCTION
139 When the community has gathered, Psalm 113 or some other suitable song may be sung. After the singing, the minister says:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All make the sign of the cross and reply:
Amen.
140 A minister who is a priest or deacon greets the children (child) and all present in the following or other suitable words, taken mainly from sacred Scripture.
The grace and peace of God our Father and his Son Jesus Christ, who showed his love for children, be with you all.
All make the following or some other suitable reply.
And with your spirit.
141 A lay minister greets those present in the following words.
Brothers and sisters, let us praise and thank the Lord, who took little children into his arms and blessed them. Praised be the Lord now and for ever.
R. Praised be the Lord now and for ever.
Or:
R. Amen.
142 In the following or similar words, the minister prepares the children (child) and all present for the blessing.
When he came into the world, our Lord, the Son of God, became a child and grew in wisdom, age, and grace in the eyes of God and of all who knew him. Jesus welcomed children, believed in their dignity, and held them up as a model for all who are seeking the kingdom of God.
But children do need the help of grown-ups if they are to develop their individual gifts, and their moral, mental, and physical powers, and so reach human and Christian maturity. Let us therefore ask for God’s blessing, so that we will devote ourselves to the Christian upbringing of these children (this child) and so that they (he/she) will accept willingly the guidance they (he/she) need (needs).
READING OF THE WORD OF GOD
143 A reader, another person present, or the minister reads a text of sacred Scripture.
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the holy gospel according to Mark:
10:13-16
Jesus blessed the children.
People were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” Then he embraced the children and blessed them, placing his hands on them.
The gospel of the Lord.
144 Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the holy gospel according to Matthew:
18:1-5, 10
Whoever welcomes one such child for my sake welcomes me.
At that time the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.”
The gospel of the Lord.
145 Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the holy gospel according to Matthew:
19:13-15
Let the children come to me.
Children were brought to Jesus that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked them, but Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” After he placed his hands on them, he went away.
The gospel of the Lord.
Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the holy gospel according to Matthew:
21:14-16
From the speech of infants and children you have framed a hymn of praise.
The blind and the lame approached Jesus in the temple area, and he cured them. When the chief priests and the scribes saw the wondrous things he was doing, and the children crying out in the temple area, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they were indignant and said to him, “Do you hear what they are saying?” Jesus said to them, “Yes; and have you never read the text, ‘Out of the mouths of infants and nurslings you have brought forth praise’?”
The gospel of the Lord.
Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the holy gospel according to Luke:
2:46-52
Jesus progressed in wisdom, age, and grace.
After three days they found Jesus in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he said to them.
He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God and man.
The gospel of the Lord.
146 As circumstances suggest, the minister may give those present a brief explanation of the biblical text, so that they may understand through faith the meaning of the celebration. The explanation should be short and suited to the children’s (child’s) understanding, but it should also be helpful to the adults.
147 After the reading or after the instruction, a psalm, a hymn, or some other song familiar to the children (child) may be sung.
R. We are his people: the sheep of his flock.
Psalm 100
Sing joyfully to the LORD,
all you lands; serve the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful song.
R. We are his people: the sheep of his flock.
Know that the LORD is God;
he made us, his we are;
his people, the flock he tends.
R. We are his people: the sheep of his flock.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
his courts with praise;
Give thanks to him; bless his name.
R. We are his people: the sheep of his flock.
For he is good:
the LORD, whose kindness endures forever,
and his faithfulness, to all generations.
Or: Psalm 150:1-2, 3-4, 5
R. (5c) Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!
Praise the LORD in his sanctuary,
praise him in the firmament of his strength.
Praise him for his mighty deeds,
praise him for his sovereign majesty.
R. Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!
Praise him with the blast of the trumpet,
praise him with lyre and harp,
Praise him with timbrel and dance,
praise him with strings and pipe.
R. Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!
Praise him with sounding cymbals,
praise him with clanging cymbals.
Let everything that has breath
praise the LORD! [Alleluia.]
R. Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!
INTERCESSIONS
148 The intercessions are then said. The minister introduces them and an assisting minister or one of those present announces the intentions. From the following intentions those best suited to the occasion may be used or adapted, or other intentions that apply to the particular circumstances may be composed.
Two formularies are provided here, the second of which is a model that invites a response by the children (child) or allows for their adding their own intentions.
A The minister says:
The Lord Jesus held up to all his followers the simplicity and trust of children as a condition for entering the kingdom of heaven. Let us therefore call on Jesus in prayer, saying:
R. Lord, in children let us welcome you.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
Lord Jesus, born of the Virgin Mary, you sanctified childhood; grant that these children (this child), may grow as you did in wisdom, age, and grace. (For this we pray:)
R. Lord, in children let us welcome you.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
Through their (his /her) parents and the Church you show these children (this child) the tenderness of your own love; grant that those0 entrusted with their (his/her) care will be tireless in watching over them (him/her). (For this we pray:)
R. Lord, in children let us welcome you.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
In baptism you have given all of us rebirth to a new childhood and opened to us the doors to your Father’s house; grant that as faithful servants we may follow wherever you lead. (For this we pray:)
R. Lord, in children let us welcome you.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
Even as a child you had to undergo persecution and exile; grant that all children who are victims of the evil of these times may find help and protection. (For this we pray:)
R. Lord, in children let us welcome you.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
B 149 The minister says:
Lord Jesus, you welcomed and blessed little children; listen kindly to our prayer.
R.Lord, hear us.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
Protect us from all dangers.
R.Lord, hear us.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
Watch over our life and our upbringing.
R.Lord, hear us.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
Help all of today’s children.
R.Lord, hear us.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
Let us thank you for your gifts to us.
R.Lord, hear us.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
Bless our parents, friends, and all who are kind to us.
R.Lord, hear us.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
PRAYER OF BLESSING
150 A minister who is a priest or deacon may, as circumstances suggest, hold his hands outstretched over the children (child), as he says the prayer of blessing.
Lord, our God,
out of the speech of little children
you have fashioned a hymn of praise.
Look with kindness on these children (this child)
whom the faith of the Church commends to your tender care.
Your Son, born of the Virgin Mary, gladly welcomed little children.
He took them in his arms, blessed them,
and held them up as an example for all.
We pray that you, Father,
will also send your blessing on them (him/her),
so that they (he/she) may grow in Christian maturity
and, by the power of the Holy Spirit,
become Christ’s witnesses (witness) in the world,
spreading and defending the faith.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
151 A lay minister says the following prayer of blessing with hands joined.
Lord Jesus Christ,
you loved children so much that you said:
“Whoever welcomes a child welcomes me.”
Hear our prayers and, with your unfailing protection,
watch over these children (this child)
whom you have blessed with the grace of baptism.
When they (he/she) have (has) grown to maturity,
grant that they (he/she) will confess your name in willing faith,
be fervent in charity,
and persevere courageously in the hope of reaching your kingdom,
where you live and reign for ever and ever.
R. Amen.
152 After the prayer of blessing, the minister may sprinkle the children (child) with holy water and, as circumstances suggest, may say:
Let this water call to mind our baptism into Christ, who has redeemed us by his death and resurrection.
CONCLUDING RITE
153 A minister who is a priest or deacon concludes the rite by saying;
May the Lord Jesus, who loved children, bless you and keep you in his love, now and for ever.
R. Amen.
154 A lay minister concludes the rite by signing himself or herself with the sign of the cross and saying:
May the Lord Jesus, who loved children,
bless us and keep us in his love,
now and for ever.
R. Amen.
155 It is preferable to end the celebration with a suitable song.
6. ORDER FOR THE BLESSING OF A CHILD NOT YET BAPTIZED
156 A gathering in preparation for a baptism soon to be celebrated is an opportune occasion for the blessing of a child not yet baptized through a celebration similar to the blessings imparted during the catechumenate. Pastoral practice should include an explanation of why the parents or the minister trace the sign of the cross upon the child, namely, as an indication that the child is marked by the sign of salvation, is already dedicated to God, and is being prepared for the reception of baptism.
157 The present order may be used by a priest or deacon. It may also be used by a layperson, particularly a catechist, who follows the rites and prayers designated for a lay minister.
ORDER OF BLESSING
INTRODUCTORY RITES
158 When the family has gathered, the minister says:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All make the sign of the cross and reply:
Amen.
159 A minister who is a priest or deacon greets the child and all present in the following or other suitable words, taken mainly from sacred Scripture.
The grace and peace of God our Father and his Son Jesus Christ, who showed his love for children, be with you all.
All make the following or some other suitable reply.
And with your spirit.
Or:
Blessed be God for ever.
160 A lay minister greets those present in the following words.
Brothers and sisters, let us praise and thank the Lord, who took little children into his arms and blessed them. Praised be the Lord now and for ever.
R. Praised be the Lord now and for ever.
Or:
R. Amen.
161 In the following or similar words, the minister prepares the child and all present for the blessing.
When he came into the world, our Lord, the Son of God, became a child and grew in wisdom, age, and grace in the eyes of God and of all who knew him. Jesus welcomed children, believed in their dignity, and held them up as a model for all who are seeking the kingdom of God.
But children do need the help of grown-ups if they are to develop their individual gifts, and their moral, mental, and physical powers, and so reach human and Christian maturity. Let us therefore ask for God’s blessing, so that we will devote ourselves to the Christian upbringing of N. and so that he/she will accept willingly the guidance he/she needs.
READING OF THE WORD OF GOD
162 One of those present or the minister reads a text of sacred Scripture, taken preferably from the texts given in the Rite of Baptism for Children and the Lectionary for Mass. A reading should be chosen that serves the preparation of the paretns for their child’s baptism.
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the holy gospel according to Mark:
10:13-16
Jesus blessed the children.
People were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” Then he embraced the children and blessed them, placing his hands on them.
The gospel of the Lord.
163 As circumstances suggest, the minister may give those present a brief explanation of the biblical text, so that they may understand through faith the meaning of the celebration.
147 After the reading or after the instruction, a psalm, a hymn, or some other song familiar to the child may be sung.
Psalm 150:1-2, 3-4, 5
R. (5c) Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!
[Alleluia.]
Praise the LORD in his sanctuary,
praise him in the firmament of his strength.
Praise him for his mighty deeds,
praise him for his sovereign majesty.
R. Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!
Praise him with the blast of the trumpet,
praise him with lyre and harp,
Praise him with timbrel and dance,
praise him with strings and pipe.
R. Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!
Praise him with sounding cymbals,
praise him with clanging cymbals.
Let everything that has breath
praise the LORD! [Alleluia.]
R. Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!
INTERCESSIONS
165 The intercessions are then said. The minister introduces them and an assisting minister or one of those present announces the intentions. From the following intentions those best suited to the occasion may be used or adapted, or other intentions that apply to the particular circumstances may be composed.
The minister says:
The Lord Jesus held up to all his followers the simplicity and trust of children as a condition for entering the kingdom of heaven. Let us therefore call on Jesus in prayer, saying:
R. Lord, in children let us welcome you.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
Lord Jesus, you will new children to be begotten for the Church not by human birth but by God; grant that the time of awaiting baptism may be one of a more complete preparation for its celebration. (For this we pray:)
Assisting minister:
Through his/her parents and the Church you show this child the tenderness of your own love; grant that those entrusted with his/her care will be tireless in watching over him /her. (For this we pray:)
R. Lord, in children let us welcome you.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
In baptism you have given all of us rebirth to a new childhood and opened to us the doors to your Father’s house; grant that as faithful servants we may follow wherever you lead. (For this we pray:)
R. Lord, in children let us welcome you.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
Even as a child you had to undergo persecution and exile; grant that all children who are victims of the evil of these times may find help and protection. (For this we pray:)
R. Lord, in children let us welcome you.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
PRAYER OF BLESSING
166 A minister who is a priest or deacon says the prayer of blessing while laying hands on the child; a lay minister says the prayer with hands joined.
All-powerful God and Father,
you are the source of all blessings, the protector of infants,
whose gift of children enriches and brightens a marriage.
Look with favor on this child
and, when he/she is reborn of water and the Holy Spirit,
bring him/her into your own spiritual family, the Church,
there to become a sharer in your kingdom
and with us to bless your name for ever.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
167 In silence the minister and the parents trace the sign of the cross on the child’s forehead.
CONCLUDING RITE
168 A minister who is a priest or deacon concludes the rite by saying:
May the Lord Jesus, who loved children,
bless you and keep you in his love,
now and for ever.
R. Amen.
169 A lay minister concludes the rite by signing himself or herself with the sign of the cross and saying:
May the Lord Jesus, who loved children,
bless us and keep us in his love,
now and for ever.
R. Amen.
7. BLESSING OF SONS AND DAUGHTERS
INTRODUCTION
174 The gospels record that children were presented to Jesus, so that he might bless them and lay hands on them. Christian parents wish to bestow this blessing of the Lord on their own children and the practice of a blessing by parents is a tradition treasured by many peoples. The blessing may be celebrated on special occasions in the life of the children or whenever the family gathers for prayer or for reflection on sacred Scripture.
175 When a priest or deacon is present, the ministry of blessing more fittingly belongs to him. This is particularly the case on the occasion of the regular parish visitations that are scheduled for the blessing of families.
176 The present order may be used by the parents or by a priest or deacon. While maintaining the structure and chief elements of the rite, the minister should adapt the celebration to the circumstances of the place and the people involved.
177 When a child is to be blessed as part of the celebration of another blessing, the short formulary provided in no. 194 may be used.
178 When a child who is sick is to be blessed, the ritual provided in chapter 2, nos. 309-402 may be used.
ORDER OF BLESSING
INTRODUCTORY RITES
179 When the family has gathered, the minister says:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All make the sign of the cross and reply:
R. Amen.
180 A minister who is a priest or deacon greets those present in the following or other suitable words, taken mainly from sacred Scripture.
The grace of God our Father, who has made us his children by adoption, be with you all.
All make the following or some other suitable reply.
And with your spirit.
181 A lay minister greets those present in the following words.
My brothers and sisters, let us praise God our Father, who has made us his children by adoption. To God be glory now and for ever.
R. To God be glory now and for ever.
Or:
R. Amen.
182 In the following or similar words, the minister prepares the children and all present for the blessing.
In Psalm 128 we read: “Your children will be like olive shoots around the table.” For children are the sign and pledge of God’s blessing. They are living proof of God's presence, because when God blesses the family with the gift of children, he fills its life with joy and happiness. Children should therefore be cherished and respected. But they should also be taught reverence for God, so that with a sense of responsibility they will grow in wisdom and grace, hold in their thoughts and actions to whatever is true, upright, and virtuous, and live in the world as Christ’s witnesses and heralds.
READING OF THE WORD OF GOD
183 One of those present or the minister reads a text of sacred Scripture.
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the holy gospel according to Matthew:
19:13-15
Let the children come to me.
Children were brought to Jesus that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the parents, but Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” After he placed his hands on the children, he went away.
The gospel of the Lord.
184 Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the book of Tobit:
4:5-7, 19
My son, keep in mind my commandments.
Tobit said: “Through all your days, my son, keep the Lord in mind, and suppress every desire to sin or to break his commandments. Perform good works all the days of your life, and do not tread the paths of wrongdoing. For if you are steadfast in your service, your good works will bring success, not only to you but also to all those who live uprightly. Give alms from your possessions. Do not turn your face away from any of the poor, and God’s face will not be turned away from you.
“At all times bless the Lord God, and ask him to make all your paths straight and to grant success to all your endeavors and plans. For no pagan nation possesses good counsel, but the Lord himself gives all good things. If the Lord chooses, he raises a man up; but if he should decide otherwise, he casts him down to the deepest recesses of the nether world. So now, my son, keep in mind my commandments, and never let them be erased from your heart.”
The word of the Lord.
185 Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the book of Proverbs:
4:1-7
Hear, children a father’s instruction.
Hear, O children, a father’s instruction,
be attentive, that you may gain understanding!
Yes, excellent advice I give you;
my teaching do not forsake.
When I was my father’s child,
frail, yet the darling of my mother,
He taught me, and said to me:
“Let your heart hold fast my words:
keep my commands, that you may live!
Get wisdom, get understanding!
Do not forget or turn aside from the words I utter.
Forsake her not, and she will preserve you;
love her, and she will safeguard you;
The beginning of wisdom is: get wisdom;
at the cost of all you have, get understanding.”
The word of the Lord.
186 Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the holy gospel according to Matthew:
18:1-5, 10
Anyone who welcomes a little child such as this in my name welcomes me.
At that time the disciples approached Jesus and said,
“Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said,
“Amen, I say to you,
unless you turn and become like children,
you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
Whoever humbles himself like this child
is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
And whoever receives one child
such as this in my name receives me.
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones,
for I say to you that their angels in heaven
always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.”
The gospel of the Lord.
187 As circumstances suggest, the following responsorial psalm may be sung or said, or some other suitable song may be sung.
R. See how the Lord blesses those who fear him.
Or:
R. Happy are those who fear the Lord.
Psalm 128
Happy are you who fear the LORD,
who walk in his ways!
For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;
happy shall you be, and favored.
R. See how the Lord blesses those who fear him.
Or:
R. Happy are those who fear the Lord.
Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine
in the recesses of your home;
Your children like olive plants
around your table.
R. See how the Lord blesses those who fear him.
Or:
R. Happy are those who fear the Lord.
Behold thus is the man blessed
who fears the LORD.
The LORD bless you from Zion;
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life;
May you see your children’s children.
R. See how the Lord blesses those who fear him.
Or:
R. Happy are those who fear the Lord.
188 As circumstances suggest, the minister may give those present a brief explanation of the biblical text, so that they may understand through faith the meaning of the celebration.
189 The intercessions are then said. The minister introduces them and an assisting minister or one of those present announces the intentions. From the following intentions those best suited to the occasion may be used or adapted, or other intentions that apply to the particular circumstances may be composed.
The minister says:
The Lord Jesus taught us to call the almighty God our Father. Let us then pray to him saying:
R. Father all-holy, watch over your children.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
Loving Father, you so loved the world that you gave your only Son; keep us, your children reborn in baptism, in your love. (For this we pray:)
R. Father all-holy, watch over your children.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
Your favor rested fully on the Son you loved; grant that each one of us may successfully carry out the responsibilities entrusted to us in the world and in the Church. (For this we pray:)
R. Father all-holy, watch over your children.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
As your Son was growing up, you placed him in the tender care of Mary and Joseph; grant that your children may grow to the full maturity of Christ. (For this we pray:)
R. Father all-holy, watch over your children.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
You show a special love for those who are alone and abandoned; through the help of the Christian community let all children who are deprived of a family’s love know that you are their Father. (For this we pray:)
R. Father all-holy, watch over your children.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
190 As circumstances suggest, the parents may trace the sign of the cross on their children’s forehead; they then say the prayer of blessing.
Father,
inexhaustible source of life and author of all good,
we bless you and we thank you
for brightening our communion of love by your gift of children.
Grant that our children (child) will find in the life of this family such inspiration
that they (he/she) will strive always for what is right and good
and one day, by your grace,
reach their (his/her) home in heaven.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
191 A minister who is not a parent of the children says the following prayer of blessing.
Lord Jesus Christ,
you loved children so much that you said:
“Whoever welcomes a child welcomes me.”
Hear our prayers and, with your unfailing protection,
watch over these children (this child)
whom you have blessed with the grace of baptism.
When they (he/she) have (has) grown to maturity,
grant that they (he/she) will confess your name in willing faith,
be fervent in charity,
and persevere courageously in the hope of reaching your kingdom,
where you live and reign for ever and ever.
R. Amen.
192 The parents (or other lay minister) conclude the rite by signing themselves with the sign of the cross and saying:
May the Lord Jesus, who loved children, bless us and keep us in his love, now and for ever.
R. Amen.
193 A minister who is a priest or deacon concludes the rite by saying:
May the Lord Jesus, who loved children, bless you and keep you in his love, now and for ever.
R. Amen.
194 As circumstances suggest, the following short blessing formulary may be used.
May the Lord keep you
and make you grow in his love,
so that you may live worthy of the calling he has given you,
now and for ever.
R. Amen.
8. BLESSING OF PARENTS BEFORE CHILDBIRTH
215 A husband and wife participate in God’s love through the sacrament of marriage and cooperate in the gift of life through the conception of a child. It is appropriate that they receive God’s blessing together as they wait in faith and hope for the birth of their child.
When only the mother is present, the Order for the Blessing of a Mother before Childbirth is used.
216 The blessing may be celebrated at any time during the pregnancy.
217 These orders may be used by a priest or a deacon, and also by a layperson, who follows the rites and prayers designated for a lay minister, or a family member.
ORDER OF BLESSING
INTRODUCTORY RITES
218 When the community has gathered, a suitable song may be sung, After the singing, the minister says:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All make the sign of the cross and reply:
Amen.
219 A minister who is a priest or deacon greets those present in the following or other suitable words, taken mainly from sacred Scripture.
May Christ, who became like us in the womb of the Virgin Mary, be with you all.
And all reply.
And with your spirit.
220 A lay minister greets those present in the following words:
Brothers and sisters, let us bless the Lord Jesus, who in the womb of the Virgin Mary became like us.
R. Blessed be God for ever.
221 In the following or similar words, the minister prepares those present for the blessing.
God, the Lord of life, brings every human creature into being and rules and sustains the life of each one of us. He has particular care for those born of a Christian marriage, since through the sacrament of baptism they will receive the gift of divine life itself. These parents-to-be are partners in God’s love and seek his blessing because they already cherish the child they have conceived and because they await the hour of their child’s birth in faith and hope.
READING OF THE WORD OF GOD
222 A reader, another person present, or the minister reads a text of sacred Scripture.
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the first book of Samuel:
1:19-20, 24-2:1
The birth of Samuel.
Early the next morning Elkanah and Hannah worshiped before the Lord, and then returned to their home in Ramah. When Elkanah had relations with his wife Hannah, the Lord remembered her. She conceived, and at the end of her term bore a son whom she called Samuel, since she had asked the Lord for him. Once he was weaned, she brought him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and presented him at the temple of the Lord in Shiloh. After the boy’s father had sacrificed the young bull, Hannah, his mother, approached Eli and said: “Pardon, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood near you here, praying to the Lord. I prayed for this child, and the Lord granted my request. Now I, in turn, give him to the Lord; as long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the Lord.” She left him there; and as she worshiped the Lord, she said: “My heart exults in the LORD, my horn is exalted in my God. I have swallowed up my enemies; I rejoice in my victory.”
The word of the Lord.
Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the holy gospel according to Luke:
1:39-45
The baby leapt in my womb for joy.
During those days Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”
The gospel of the Lord.
Or: Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the holy gospel according to Luke:
1:26-38
You shall conceive and bear a son.
In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
The gospel of the Lord.
Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the holy gospel according to Luke:
2:1-14
She gave birth to her firstborn son.
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
The gospel of the Lord.
224 As circumstances suggest, the following responsorial psalm may be sung, or some other suitable song.
R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
Psalm 33
Happy the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people he has chosen for his own inheritance.
R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
Our soul waits for the LORD,
who is our help and our shield,
For in him our hearts rejoice;
in his holy name we trust.
R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
May your kindness, O LORD, be upon us
who have put our hope in you.
225 As circumstances suggest, the minister may give those present a brief explanation of the biblical text, so that they may understand through faith the meaning of the celebration.
LITANY
226 The litany is then said. The minister introduces it and an assisting minister or one of those present announces the invocations. From the following those best suited to the occasion may be used or adapted, or other invocations that apply to the particular circumstances may be composed.
The minister says:
Christ the Lord, the blessed fruit of Mary’s womb, by the mystery of his incarnation filled the world with his grace and goodness. Let us therefore raise our voices to praise him, saying:
R. Blessed are you, O Lord, for your loving kindness.
Assisting minister:
Christ our Lord, you bless the love of husband and wife through the sacrament of marriage. We pray:
R. Blessed are you, O Lord, for your loving kindness.
Assisting minister:
Christ our Lord, you assumed our nature in order that we may be reborn as children of God. We pray:
R. Blessed are you, O Lord, for your loving kindness.
Assisting minister:
Christ our Lord, you give the example of Mary and Joseph to N. and N., that they may be loving parents. We pray:
R. Blessed are you, O Lord, for your loving kindness.
Assisting minister:
Christ our Lord, through the ministry of parents you fill the Church with joy by enriching it with new children. We pray:
R. Blessed are you, O Lord, for your loving kindness.
227 After the litany the minister, in the following or similar words, invites all present to sing or say the Lord’s Prayer.
Remember us, Lord, when you come to your kingdom, and teach us how to pray:
All:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
PRAYER OF BLESSING
228 A minister who is a priest or deacon says the prayer of blessing with hands outstretched over the parents; a lay minister says the prayer with hands joined.
Gracious Father,
your Word, spoken in love, created the human family
and, in the fullness of time,
your Son, conceived in love, restored it to your friendship.
Hear the prayers of N. and N.,
who await the birth of their child.
Calm their fears when they are anxious.
Watch over and support these parents
and bring their child into this world
safely and in good health,
so that as members of your family
they may praise you and glorify you
through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,
now and for ever.
R. Amen.
CONCLUDING RITE
229 A minister who is a priest or deacon concludes the rite by saying:
May God, the source of all life,
protect you by his goodness.
R. Amen.
May the Son nourish your faith,
build up your hope,
and deepen in you the gift of his love.
R. Amen.
May the Spirit of love be attentive to your prayers
and strengthen you as the hour of childbirth draws near.
R. Amen.
Then he blesses all present:
And may almighty God bless you all,
the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.
R. Amen.
230 A lay minister concludes the rite by signing himself or herself with the sign of the cross and saying:
May God, who chose to give us the joys of eternal salvation through the motherhood of Mary and the protection of Joseph, bless and keep us in his care, now and for ever.
R. Amen.
231 It is preferable to end the celebration with a suitable song.
The Shorter Rite can be found in the Blessings (Shorter Forms) found in the ‘Rites’ section of the iBreviary.
9. ORDERS FOR THE BLESSING OF A MOTHER BEFORE CHILDBIRTH AND AFTER CHILDBIRTH
INTRODUCTION
236 The blessing before childbirth provided here may be celebrated for an individual mother, particularly in the company of her own family. It may also be celebrated for several mothers together, for example, in a hospital, and then the formularies are said in the plural wherever necessary.
237 But the blessing after childbirth provided here is intended only for a mother who was unable to take part in the celebration of her child’s baptism; therefore it is celebrated only for an individual mother.
238 The present order may be used by a priest, a deacon, or a lay minister. While maintaining the structure and chief elements of the rite, the minister should adapt the celebration to the circumstances of the place and the mother involved.
239 In special situations, a priest or a deacon may use the short formulary.
Go the Order for Blessing After Birth
ORDER FOR THE BLESSING OF A MOTHER BEFORE CHILDBIRTH
240 When the family or a community of the faithful has gathered, the minister says:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All make the sign of the cross and reply:
Amen.
241 A minister who is a priest or deacon greets those present in the following or other suitable words, taken mainly from sacred Scripture.
May Christ, who became one of us in the womb of the Virgin Mary, be with you all.
All make the following or some other suitable reply.
R. And with your spirit.
242 A lay minister greets those present in the following words.
Brothers and sisters, let us bless the Lord Jesus, who in the womb of the Virgin Mary became one of us. Blessed be God now and for ever.
R. Blessed be God now and for ever.
Or:
R. Amen.
243 In the following or similar words, the minister prepares the mother and all present for the blessing.
God, the Lord of life, by his will brings every human being into existence and he rules and sustains the life of every one of us. Our faith tells us of God’s particular care over those born of a Christian marriage, since through the sacrament of baptism they will receive the gift of sharing in the divine life itself. The reason for the blessing of a mother-to-be is that she may await her hour of delivery in faith and hope and, as the partner of God’s own love, may already cherish with her maternal love the child in her womb.
READING OF THE WORD OF GOD
244 A reader, another person present, or the minister reads a text of sacred Scripture.
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the holy gospel according to Luke:
1:39-45
The baby leapt in my womb for joy.
During those days Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”
The gospel of the Lord.
245 Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the holy gospel according to Luke:
1:26-38
You shall conceive and bear a son.
In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
The gospel of the Lord.
Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the holy gospel according to Luke:
2:1-14
She gave birth to her firstborn son.
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
The gospel of the Lord.
246 As circumstances suggest, the following responsorial psalm may be sung or said, or some other suitable song.
R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
Psalm 33
Happy the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people he has chosen for his own inheritance.
But see, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him,
upon those who hope for his kindness.
R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
Our soul waits for the LORD,
who is our help and our shield,
For in him our hearts rejoice;
in his holy name we trust.
R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
May your kindness, O LORD, be upon us
who have put our hope in you.
R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
247 As circumstances suggest, the minister may give those present a brief explanation of the biblical text, so that they may understand through faith the meaning of the celebration.
INTERCESSIONS
248 The intercessions are then said. The minister introduces them and an assisting minister or one of those present announces the intentions. From the following intentions those best suited to the occasion may be used or adapted, or other intentions that apply to the mother and the particular circumstances may be composed.
The minister says:
Christ the Lord, the blessed fruit of Mary’s womb, by the mystery of his incarnation filled the world with his grace and goodness. Let us therefore raise our voices to praise him.
R. Blessed are you, O Lord, for your loving kindness.
Or:
R. Blessed be God for ever.
Assisting minister:
You were born of a woman, so that we might become God’s adopted children. (Let us bless the Lord:)
R. Blessed are you, O Lord, for your loving kindness.
Or:
R. Blessed be God for ever.
Assisting minister:
You took life from Mary and willed that the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you would be called blessed. (Let us bless the Lord:)
R. Blessed are you, O Lord, for your loving kindness.
Or:
R. Blessed be God for ever.
Assisting minister:
Through the Virgin Mary, blessed among women, you have honored the female sex. (Let us bless the Lord:)
R. Blessed are you, O Lord, for your loving kindness.
Or:
R. Blessed be God for ever.
Assisting minister:
As you hung on the cross you made Mary, your own Mother, the Mother of the Church. (Let us bless the Lord:)
R. Blessed are you, O Lord, for your loving kindness.
Or:
R. Blessed be God for ever.
Assisting minister:
Through the ministry of mothers you increase the joy and exultation of the Church by enriching it with new children. (Let us bless the Lord:)
R. Blessed are you, O Lord, for your loving kindness.
Or:
R. Blessed be God for ever.
PRAYER OF BLESSING
249 A minister who is a priest or deacon may, as circumstances suggest, extend his hands over the mother or trace the sign of the cross on her forehead, as he says the prayer of blessing; a lay minister says the prayer with hands joined.
Lord God,
Creator of the human race,
your Son, through the working of the Holy Spirit,
was born of a woman,
so that he might pay the age-old debt of sin
and save us by his redemption.
Receive with kindness the prayer of your servant
as she asks for the birth of a healthy child.
Grant that she may safely deliver a son or a daughter
to be numbered among your family,
to serve you in all things,
and to gain eternal life.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
250 After the prayer of blessing, the minister invites all present to pray for the protection of the Blessed Virgin. They may do so by singing or reciting the following antiphon, or other Marian prayers, for example, Loving Mother of the Redeemer (Alma Redemptoris Mater), Hail, Mary, or Hail, Holy Queen.
We fly to you for protection,
holy Mother of God.
Listen to our prayers
and help us in our needs.
Save us from every danger,
glorious and Blessed Virgin.
CONCLUDING RITE
251 After the invitation, “Bow your heads for the blessing,” or something similar is said, a minister who is a priest or deacon concludes the rite by facing the mother and saying:
May God, the source of all life,
protect you by his goodness.
R. Amen.
May he deepen your faith,
build up your hope,
and constantly increase the gift of his love in you.
R. Amen.
At the hour of your delivery
may he be attentive to your prayers
and strengthen you with his grace.
R. Amen.
Then he blesses all present.
And may almighty God bless you all,
the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.
R. Amen.
252 A lay minister invokes God’s blessing on the mother and all present by signing himself or herself with the sign of the cross and saying:
May God, who chose to make known and to send
the blessings of eternal salvation
through the motherhood of the Blessed Virgin,
bless us and keep us in his care,
now and for ever.
R. Amen.
ORDER FOR THE BLESSING OF A MOTHER AFTER CHILDBIRTH
259 When the family or a community of the faithful has gathered, the minister says:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All make the sign of the cross and reply:
Amen.
260 A minister who is a priest or deacon greets those present in the following or other suitable words, taken mainly from sacred Scripture.
May Christ, who became one of us in the womb of the Virgin Mary, be with you all.
All make the following or some other suitable reply.
R. And with your spirit.
261 A lay minister greets those present in the following words.
Brothers and sisters, let us bless the Lord Jesus, who in the womb of the Virgin Mary became one of us. Blessed be God now and for ever.
R. Blessed be God now and for ever.
Or:
R. Amen.
262 In the following or similar words, the minister prepares the mother and all present for the blessing.
The Christian community has already welcomed with joy the child you have borne and in the celebration of (his/her) baptism has prayed that you will fully recognize the gift you have received and the responsibility entrusted to you in the Church and that, like Mary, you will proclaim the greatness of the Lord. Today we all wish to join with you in glad thanksgiving as we call on God to bless you.
READING OF THE WORD OF GOD
263 A reader, another person present, or the minister reads a text of sacred Scripture.
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the first book of Samuel:
1:20-28
The Lord granted my request.
Hannah conceived, and at the end of her term bore a son whom she called Samuel, since she had asked the LORD for him. The next time her husband Elkanah was going up with the rest of his household to offer the customary sacrifice to the LORD and to fulfill his vows, Hannah did not go, explaining to her husband, “Once the child is weaned, I will take him to appear before the LORD and to remain there forever; I will offer him as a perpetual nazirite.” Her husband Elkanah answered her: “Do what you think best; wait until you have weaned him. Only, may the LORD bring your resolve to fulfillment!” And so she remained at home and nursed her son until she had weaned him. Once he was weaned, she brought him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and presented him at the temple of the LORD in Shiloh. After the boy’s father had sacrificed the young bull, Hannah, his mother, approached Eli and said, “Pardon, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood near you here, praying to the LORD. I prayed for this child, and the LORD granted my request. Now I, in turn, give him to the LORD; as long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the LORD.”
The word of the Lord.
264 Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the first book of Samuel:
2:1-10
Prayer of Hannah.
Hannah prayed:“My heart exults in the LORD, my horn is exalted by my God. I have swallowed up my enemies; I rejoice in your victory. There is no Holy One like the LORD; there is no Rock like our God. Speak boastfully no longer, Do not let arrogance issue from your mouths. For an all-knowing God is the LORD, a God who weighs actions. “The bows of the mighty are broken, while the tottering gird on strength. The well-fed hire themselves out for bread, while the hungry no longer have to toil. The barren wife bears seven sons, while the mother of many languishes. The LORD puts to death and gives life, casts down to Sheol and brings up again. The LORD makes poor and makes rich, humbles, and also exalts. He raises the needy from the dust; from the ash heap lifts up the poor, to seat them with nobles and make a glorious throne their heritage. For the pillars of the earth are the LORD’s, and he has set the world upon them. He guards the footsteps of his faithful ones, but the wicked shall perish in the darkness; for not by strength does one prevail. The LORD’s foes shall be shattered; the Most High in heaven thunders; the LORD judges the ends of the earth. May he give strength to his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed!”
The word of the Lord.
264 Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the holy gospel according to Luke:
1:67-79
Blessed be the Lord.
Zechariah, John’s father, filled with the holy Spirit, prophesied, saying: “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has visited and brought redemption to his people. He has raised up a horn for our salvation within the house of David his servant, even as he promised through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old: salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us, to show mercy to our fathers and to be mindful of his holy covenant and of the oath he swore to Abraham our father, and to grant us that, rescued from the hand of enemies, without fear we might worship him in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. And you, child, will be called prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our Gods by which the daybreak from on high will visit us to shine on those who sit in darkness and death’s shadow, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
The gospel of the Lord.
265 As circumstances suggest, the following responsorial psalm may be sung or said, or some other suitable song.
R. Your children are like shoots of the olive.
Psalm 128
Happy are you who fear the LORD,
who walk in his ways!
For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;
happy shall you be, and favored.
R. Your children are like shoots of the olive.
Your wife shall be like a fruitful
vine in the recesses of your home;
Your children like olive plants around your table.
R. Your children are like shoots of the olive.
Behold, thus is the man blessed
who fears the LORD.
The LORD bless you from Zion:
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life;
May you see your children's children.
R. Your children are like shoots of the olive.
266 Then the minister gives a brief explanation of the biblical text, so that the mother and all present may give thanks for God’s gift of the newborn child and may accept the role entrusted to them for the Christian upbringing of the child.
INTERCESSIONS
267 A prayer of thanksgiving is then said. The invocations may be said by an assisting minister or another person present. Those given here may be used or adapted or others that apply to the mother and the particular circumstances may be composed.
The minister says:
For the new life that has begun in this family, let us thank the Lord, saying:
R. We thank you, Lord.
Assisting minister: For the child that this mother has so happily received from your hands.
R. We thank you, Lord.
Assisting minister: For your gift of health to mother and child.
R. We thank you, Lord.
Assisting minister: For the sacrament of baptism that has made the heart of her child the temple of your glory.
R. We thank you, Lord.
Assisting minister: For the gladness that has delighted all our hearts at this birth.
R. We thank you, Lord.
Assisting minister: For all the favors that your fatherly love continually bestows on us.
R. We thank you, Lord.
268 All then sing or recite the Canticle of Mary, or a hymn of thanksgiving may be sung.
Canticle of Mary
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
PRAYER OF BLESSING
269 A minister who is a priest or deacon says the prayer of blessing with hands outstretched; a lay minister says the prayer with hands joined.
O God,
author and sustainer of human life,
from your goodness your servant N. has received the joy of becoming a mother.
Graciously accept our thanks
and give ear to our prayers:
defend this mother and child from every evil,
be their companion along their pathway through life,
and welcome them one day
into the joys of your eternal home.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
270 Or:
O God,
our every blessing comes from you
and you welcome the simple prayers
of those who bless your name.
Grant that this mother may live
in reliance on your goodness and in thankfulness to you.
Give to her and to her child the joyful reassurance
that you are always near to protect them.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
CONCLUDING RITE
271 A minister who is a priest or deacon concludes the rite by facing the mother and saving:
Almighty God has brought you the joy of motherhood:
may he now bless + you.
You thank him today for the gift of your child:
may he bring you and your child one day
to a share in the unending joys of heaven.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
272 Or, after the invitation, “Bow down for the blessing,” or something similar is said, he says, with hands outstretched:
May God, the source of all life,
protect you by his goodness.
R. Amen.
May he deepen your faith,
build up your hope,
and constantly increase the gift of his love in you.
R. Amen.
May he keep your child
strong in body and in spirit.
R. Amen.
Then he blesses all present.
And may almighty God bless you all,
the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.
R. Amen.
273 A lay minister invokes God’s blessing on the mother and all present by signing himself or herself with the sign of the cross and saying:
May the tender love of the Father,
the peace of his Son, Jesus Christ,
the grace and strength of the Holy Spirit
preserve you to live by the light of faith
and to reach the promise of eternal happiness.
And may almighty God bless us all,
the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
R. Amen.
274 It is preferable to end the celebration with a suitable song.
10. ORDER FOR THE BLESSING OF PARENTS AFTER A MISCARRIAGE
INTRODUCTION
279 In times of death and grief the Christian turns to the Lord for consolation and strength. This is especially true when a child dies before birth. This blessing is provided to assist the parents in their grief and console them with the blessing of God.
280 The minister should be attentive to the needs of the parents and other family members and to this end the introduction to the Order of Christian Funerals, Part II: Funeral Rites For Children will be helpful.
281 These orders may be used by a priest or a deacon, and also by a layperson, who follows the rites and prayers designated for a lay minister.
ORDER OF BLESSING
INTRODUCTORY RITES
282 When the community has gathered, a suitable song may be sung. The minister says:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All make the sign of the cross and reply:
Amen.
283 A minister who is a priest or deacon greets those present in the following or other suitable words, taken mainly from sacred Scripture.
May the Father of mercies, the God of all consolation, be with you all.
And all reply:
And with your spirit.
284 A lay minister greets those present in the following words.
Let us praise the Father of mercies, the God of all consolation.
Blessed be God for ever.
R. Blessed be God for ever.
285 In the following or similar words, the minister prepares those present for the blessing.
For those who trust in God,
in the pain of sorrow there is consolation,
in the face of despair there is hope,
in the midst of death there is life.
N. and N.,
as we mourn the death of your child we place ourselves in the hands of God and ask for strength, for healing, and for love.
READING OF THE WORD OF GOD
286 A reader, another person present, or the minister reads a text of sacred Scripture.
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the book of Lamentations:
3:17-26
Hope in the Lord.
My soul is deprived of peace,
I have forgotten what happiness is;
I tell myself my future is lost,
all that I hoped for from the Lord.
The thought of my homeless poverty
is wormwood and gall;
Remembering it over and over
leaves my soul downcast within me.
But I will call this to mind,
as my reason to have hope:
The favors of the LORD are not exhausted,
his mercies are not spent;
They are renewed each morning,
so great is his faithfulness.
My portion is the LORD, says my soul;
therefore will I hope in him.
Good is the LORD to one who waits for him,
to the soul that seeks him;
It is good to hope in silence
for the saving help of the LORD.
The word of the Lord.
287 Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the prophet Isaiah:
49:8-13
In a time of favor I answer you, on the day of salvation I help you.
Thus says the LORD:
In a time of favor I answer you,
on the day of salvation I help you;
I form you and set you as a covenant for the people,
To restore the land and allot the devastated heritages,
To say to the prisoners: Come out!
To those in darkness: Show yourselves!
Along the roadways they shall find pasture,
on every barren height shall their pastures be.
They shall not hunger or thirst;
nor shall scorching wind or sun strike them;
For he who pities them leads them
and guides them beside springs of water.
I will turn all my mountains into roadway,
and make my highways level.
See, these shall come from afar:
some from the north and the west,
others from the land of Syene.
Sing out, heavens, and rejoice, earth,
break forth into song, you mountains,
For the LORD comforts his people
and shows mercy to his afflicted.
The word of the Lord.
Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the letter of Paul to the Romans:
8:18-27
In hope we were saved.
I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us. For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God; for creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it, in hope that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that sees for itself is not hope. For who hopes for what one sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance. In the same way, the Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes with inexpressible groanings. And the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because it intercedes for the holy ones according to God’s will.
The word of the Lord.
Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the letter of Paul to the Romans:
8:26-31
If God is for us, who can be against us?
The Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes with inexpressible groanings. And the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because it intercedes for the holy ones according to God’s will. We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined he also called; and those he called he also justified; and those he justified he also glorified. What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?
The word of the Lord.
Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the letter of Paul to the Colossians:
1:9-12
We have been praying for you unceasingly.
We do not cease praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding to live in a manner worthy of the Lord, so as to be fully pleasing, in every good work bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God, strengthened with every power, in accord with his glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy giving thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light.
The word of the Lord.
Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the letter to the Hebrews:
5:7-10
Christ intercedes for us.
IIn the days when he was in the flesh, Jesus Christ offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered; and when he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.
The word of the Lord.
Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the holy gospel according to Luke:
22:39-46
Agony in the garden.
Going out Jesus went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. When he arrived at the place he said to them, “Pray that you may not undergo the test.” After withdrawing about a stone’s throw from them and kneeling, he prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done.” And to strengthen him an angel from heaven appeared to him. He was in such agony and he prayed so fervently that his sweat became like drops of blood falling on the ground. When he rose from prayer and returned to his disciples, he found them sleeping from grief. He said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not undergo the test.”
The gospel of the Lord.
288 As circumstances suggest, one of the following responsorial psalms may be sung, or some other suitable song.
R. To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
Psalm 25
Your ways, O LORD, make known to me;
teach me your paths,
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my savior,
and for you I wait all the day.
R. To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
Remember that your compassion, O LORD,
and your kindness are from of old.
The sins of my youth and my frailties remember not;
in your kindness remember me
because of your goodness, O LORD.
R. To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
Look toward me, and have pity on me,
for I am alone and afflicted.
Relieve the troubles of my heart,
and bring me out of my distress.
R. To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
Preserve my life, and rescue me;
let me not be put to shame,
for I take refuge in you.
Let integrity and uprightness preserve me,
because I wait for you, O LORD.
R. To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
Or: Ps 143:1, 5-6, 8 10
R. (1) O Lord, hear my prayer
O LORD, hear my prayer;
hearken to my pleading in your faithfulness;
in your justice answer me.
And enter not into judgment with your servant,
for before you no living man is just.
R. O Lord, hear my prayer.
I remember the days of old;
I meditate on all your doings,
the works of your hands I ponder.
I stretch out my hands to you;
my soul thirsts for you like parched land.
R. O Lord, hear my prayer.
Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God.
May your good spirit guide me
on level ground.
R. O Lord, hear my prayer.
289 As circumstances suggest, the minister may give those present a brief explanation of the biblical text, so that they may understand through faith the meaning of the celebration.
INTERCESSIONS
290 The intercessions are then said. The minister introduces them and an assisting minister or one of those present announces the intentions. From the following those best suited to the occasion may be used or adapted, or other intentions that apply to the particular circumstances may be composed.
The minister says:
Let us pray to God who throughout the ages has heard the cries of parents.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
For N. and N., who know the pain of grief, that they may be comforted, we pray.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
For this family, that it may find new hope in the midst of suffering, we pray.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
For these parents, that they may learn from the example of Mary, who grieved by the cross of her Son, we pray.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
For all who have suffered the loss of a child, that Christ may be their support, we pray.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
291 After the intercessions the minister, in the following or similar words, invites all present to sing or say the Lord’s Prayer.
Let us pray to the God of consolation and hope, as Christ has taught us:
All:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
PRAYER OF BLESSING
292 A minister who is a priest or deacon says the prayer of blessing with hands outstretched over the parents; a lay minister says the prayer with hands joined.
Compassionate God,
soothe the hearts of N. and N.,
and grant that through the prayers of Mary,
who grieved by the cross of her Son,
you may enlighten their faith,
give hope to their hearts,
and peace to their lives.
Lord, grant mercy to all the members of this family
and comfort them with the hope
that one day we will all live with you,
with your Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit,
for ever and ever.
R. Amen.
293 Or:
Lord,
God of all creation
we bless and thank you for your tender care.
Receive this life you created in love
and comfort your faithful people in their time of loss
with the assurance of your unfailing mercy.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
As circumstances suggest, the minister in silence may sprinkle the parents with holy water.
CONCLUDING RITE
294 A minister who is a priest or deacon concludes the rite by saying:
May God be with you in your sorrow, and give you light and peace.
R. Amen.
May God raise you up from your grief.
R. Amen.
May God grant you encouragement and strength to accept his will.
R. Amen.
Then he blesses all present.
And may almighty God bless you all,
the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.
R. Amen.
295 A lay minister concludes the rite by signing himself or herself with the sign of the cross and saying:
May God give us peace in our sorrow,
consolation in our grief,
and strength to accept his will in all things.
R. Amen.
296 It is preferable to end the celebration with a suitable song.
11. ORDER FOR THE BLESSING OF PARENTS AND AN ADOPTED CHILD
INTRODUCTION
302 The adoption of a child is an important event in the lives of a married couple or a single parent. This blessing serves as a public thanksgiving for the precious gift of a child and as a welcome of the child into its new family.
303 If the child is old enough to respond, provision is made for the child to accept the new parents as his or her own. In this case, the introduction of the rite should be adapted to the circumstances, and a more appropriate reading may be chosen.
304 If there is only one parent, the rite should be adapted to the circumstances by the minister.
305 This order may be used by a priest or a deacon, and also by a layperson, who follows the rites and prayers designated for a lay minister.
ORDER OF BLESSING
INTRODUCTORY RITES
306 When the community has gathered, a suitable song may be sung. After the singing, the minister says:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All make the sign of the cross and reply:
Amen.
307 A minister who is a priest or deacon greets those present in the following or other suitable words, taken mainly from sacred Scripture.
May the love of God be with you always.
And all reply:
And with your spirit.
308 A lay minister greets those present in the following words.
Let us praise our loving God.
Blessed be God for ever.
R. Blessed be God for ever.
309 In the following or similar words, the minister prepares those present for the blessing.
It has pleased God our heavenly Father to answer the earnest prayers of N. and N. for the gift of a child. Today we join them in offering heartfelt thanks for the joyful and solemn responsibility which becomes theirs by the arrival of N. into their family.
READING OF THE WORD OF GOD
310 A reader, another person present, or the minister reads a text of sacred Scripture.
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the holy gospel according to Mark:
10:13-16
Jesus blesses the little children.
People were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked the people. When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” Then he embraced the children and blessed them, placing his hands on them.
The gospel of the Lord.
311 Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the book of Deuteronomy:
6:4-7
Diligently teach your children.
Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone! Therefore, you shall love the LORD, your God, with your whole heart, and with your whole being, and with your whole strength. Take to heart these words which I command you today. Keep repeating them to your children. Recite them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you get up.
The word of the Lord.
Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the book of Deuteronomy:
31:12-13
Do this that your children may hear.
Assemble the people—men, women and children, as well as the resident aliens who live in your communities—that they may hear and so learn to fear the LORD, your God, and to observe carefully all the words of this law. Their children also, who do not know it yet, shall hear and learn to fear the LORD, your God, as long as you live on the land which you are about to cross the Jordan to possess.
The word of the Lord.
Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the first book of Samuel:
1:9-11, 20-28; 2:26
The birth and presentation of Samuel.
Hannah rose after one such meal at Shiloh, and presented herself before the LORD; at the time Eli the priest was sitting on a chair near the doorpost of the LORD’s temple. In her bitterness she prayed to the LORD, weeping freely, and made this vow: “O LORD of hosts, if you look with pity on the hardship of your servant, if you remember me and do not forget me, if you give your handmaid a male child, I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life. No razor shall ever touch his head.” She conceived and, at the end of her pregnancy, bore a son whom she named Samuel. “Because I asked the LORD for him.” The next time her husband Elkanah was going up with the rest of his household to offer the customary sacrifice to the LORD and to fulfill his vows, Hannah did not go, explaining to her husband, “Once the child is weaned, I will take him to appear before the LORD and leave him there forever.” Her husband Elkanah answered her: “Do what you think best; wait until you have weaned him. Only may the LORD fulfill his word!” And so she remained at home and nursed her son until she had weaned him. Once he was weaned, she brought him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and presented him at the house of the LORD in Shiloh. After they had slaughtered the bull, they brought the child to Eli. Then Hannah spoke up: “Excuse me, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here near you, praying to the LORD. I prayed for this child, and the LORD granted my request. Now I, in turn, give him to the LORD; as long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the LORD.” Then they worshiped there before the LORD. Meanwhile, young Samuel was growing in stature and in worth in the estimation of the LORD and the people.
The word of the Lord.
Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the holy gospel according to Matthew:
18:1-4
Those who humble themselves like children will be the greatest.
At that time the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.”
The gospel of the Lord.
Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the holy gospel according to Luke:
2:22-32, 52
Presentation of Jesus in the temple.
When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,” and to offer the sacrifice of “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God and man.
The gospel of the Lord.
312 As circumstances suggest, one of the following responsorial psalms may be sung, or some other suitable song.
R. O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!
Psalm 8
O LORD, our Lord,
how glorious is your name over all the earth!
You have exalted your majesty above the heavens.
Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings
you have fashioned praise because of your foes,
to silence the hostile and the vengeful.
R. O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!
When I behold your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars which you set in place—
What is man that you should be mindful of him,
or the son of man that you should care for him?
R. O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!
You have made him little less than the angels,
and crowned him with glory and honor.
You have given him rule over the works of your hands,
putting all things under his feet:
R. O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!
All sheep and oxen,
yes, and the beasts of the field,
The birds of the air, the fishes of the sea,
and whatever swims the paths of the seas.
R. O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!
O LORD, our Lord,
how glorious is your name over all the earth!
R. O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!
Or: Psalm 78:1-7
R. (4) Tell the coming generations the glorious deeds of the Lord.
Hearken, my people, to my teaching;
incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
I will open my mouth in a parable,
I will utter mysteries from of old.
R. Tell the coming generations the glorious deeds of the Lord.
What we have heard and know,
and what our fathers have declared to us,
we will declare to the generation to come
The glorious deeds of the LORD and his strength.
R. Tell the coming generations the glorious deeds of the Lord.
That they too may rise and declare to their sons
that they should put their hope in God,
And not forget the deeds of God
but keep his commands.
R. Tell the coming generations the glorious deeds of the Lord.
313 As circumstances suggest, the minister may give those present a brief explanation of the biblical text, so that they may understand through faith the meaning of the celebration.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT BY THE CHILD AND PARENTS
314 The minister asks the parents:
You have received N. into your family; will you (continue to) love and care for him/her?
Parents:
We will.
315 if the child is old enough to answer, the minister asks:
You have accepted N. and N. as your parents; will you love and respect them?
The child replies:
I will.
316 The minister says:
As God has made us all his children by grace and adoption, may this family always abide in his love.
The Canticle of Mary or another hymn of thanksgiving may then be sung.
Canticle of Mary
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
INTERCESSIONS
317 The intercessions are then said. The minister introduces them and an assisting minister or one of those present announces the intentions. From the following those best suited to the occasion may be used or adapted, or other intentions that apply to the particular circumstances may be composed.
The minister says:
God is the author of all life and calls us into his loving family; with thankful hearts we pray:
R. Loving Father, hear us.
Assisting minister:
For the Church throughout the world, that it may nurture, guide, protect and love all who are joined to it in baptism, let us pray to the Lord.
R. Loving Father, hear us.
Assisting minister:
For N. and N. and their new son/daughter, N., that God may bind them together in love as a family in Christ, let us pray to the Lord.
R. Loving Father, hear us.
Assisting minister:
[For the brother(s) and sister(s) of N., that they may grow in friendship and love, let us pray to the Lord.
R. Loving Father, hear us.]
Assisting minister:
For married couples who desire the gift of a child, that God may hear their prayers, let us pray to the Lord.
R. Loving Father, hear us.
Assisting minister:
For all Christian families, that the love of Christ may dwell in their homes, let us pray to the Lord.
R. Loving Father, hear us.
318 After the intercessions the minister, in the following or similar words, invites all present to sing or say the Lord’s Prayer.
As God’s children by adoption, we pray:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
PRAYER OF BLESSING
319 A minister who is a priest or deacon says the prayer of blessing with hands outstretched over the parents and child; a lay minister says the prayer with hands joined.
Loving God,
your Son has taught us
that whoever welcomes a child in his name, welcomes him.
We give you thanks for N.,
whom N. and N.
have welcomed into their family.
Bless this family.
Confirm a lively sense of your presence with them
and grant to these parents patience and wisdom,
that their lives may show forth the love of Christ
as they bring N. up to love all that is good.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
As circumstances suggest, the minister in silence may sprinkle the family with holy water.
CONCLUDING RITE
320 A minister who is a priest or deacon concludes the rite by saying:
May almighty God, who has called us into the family of Christ,
fill you with grace and peace, now and for ever.
R. Amen.
Then he blesses all present.
And may almighty God bless you all,
the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.
R. Amen.
321 A lay minister concludes the rite by signing himself or herself with the sign of the cross and saying:
May almighty God, who has called us into the family of Christ,
fill us with grace and peace, now and for ever.
R. Amen.
322 It is preferable to end the celebration with a suitable song.
12. ORDER FOR THE BLESSING ON THE OCCASION OF A BIRTHDAY
INTRODUCTION
323 It is always appropriate to give thanks to God, but especially so on the occasion of a birthday. The birthday celebration provides an opportunity for acknowledging and giving thanks to God as the author and giver of life.
324 A birthday is also an appropriate occasion for children to express love and thanks to their parents who have shared the gift of life and love with them.
325 These orders may be used by a priest or a deacon, and also by a layperson, who follows the rites and prayers designated for a lay minister, or by a family member.
ORDER OF BLESSING
INTRODUCTORY RITES
326 When all have gathered a suitable song may be sung. After the singing, the minister says:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All make the sign of the cross and reply:
Amen.
327 A minister who is a priest or deacon greets those present in the following or other suitable words, taken mainly from sacred Scripture.
May God who loves you and fills your life with joy,
be with you always.
And all reply:
And with your spirit.
328 A lay minister greets those present in the following words.
Praise be to God, who loves us and fills our lives with joy, now and for ever.
R. Amen.
329 In the following or similar words, the minister prepares those present for the blessing.
Each year as we celebrate another birthday we recall the gift of life which we have received from God. Today we give thanks for our parents and all those who have loved, nourished, and taught us of God’s love.
READING OF THE WORD OF GOD
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the letter of Paul to the Philippians:
1:3-11
Thanks be to God.
I give thanks to my God at every remembrance of you, praying always with joy in my every prayer for all of you, because of your partnership for the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right that I should think this way about all of you, because I hold you in my heart, you who are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, to discern what is of value, so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.
The word of the Lord.
330 Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the book of the prophet Hosea:
11:1-4
Israel was a child.
When Israel was a child I loved him, out of Egypt I called my son. The more I called them, the farther they went from me, and burning incense to idols. Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, who took them in my arms; but they did not know that I cared for them. I drew them with human cords, with bands of love; I fostered them like those who raise an infant to their cheeks.
The word of the Lord.
Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the first letter of Paul to the Thessalonians:
3:9-11
May you grow in holiness.
What thanksgiving, then, can we render to God for you, for all the joy we feel on your account before our God? Night and day we pray beyond measure to see you in person and to remedy the deficiencies of your faith. Now may God himself, our Father, and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you, and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we have for you.
The word of the Lord.
Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the first letter of Peter:
1:3-5
New birth in Christ.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith, to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time.
The word of the Lord.
Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the holy gospel according to Matthew:
5:1-12
The beatitudes.
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
The gospel of the Lord.
Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the holy gospel according to Luke:
2:22-32, 52
Presentation of Jesus in the temple.
When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,” and to offer the sacrifice of “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.”
The gospel of the Lord.
332 As circumstances suggest, one of the following responsorial psalms may be sung, or some other suitable song.
R. Teach us to number our days aright.
Psalm 90
Before the mountains were begotten
and the earth and the world were brought forth,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
R. Teach us to number our days aright.
You turn man back to dust,
saying, “Return, O children of men.”
For a thousand years in your sight
are as yesterday, now that it is past,
or as a watch of the night.
R. Teach us to number our days aright.
You make an end of them in their sleep;
the next morning they are like the changing grass,
Which at dawn springs up anew,
but by evening wilts and fades.
R. Teach us to number our days aright.
Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain wisdom of heart.
Return, O LORD! How long?
Have pity on your servants!
R. Teach us to number our days aright.
Fill us at daybreak with your kindness,
that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days.
Make us glad, for the days when you afflicted us,
for the years when we saw evil.
Let your work be seen by your servants
and your glory by their children.
R. Teach us to number our days aright.
Or: Psalm 128
R. (5) The Lord bless you all the days of your life.
Blessed are you who fear the LORD,
who walk in his ways!
For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;
blessed shall you be, and favored.
R. The Lord bless you all the days of your life.
Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine
in the recesses of your home;
Your children like olive plants
around your table.
R. The Lord bless you all the days of your life.
Behold, thus is the man blessed
who fears the LORD.
The LORD bless you from Zion:
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life.
R. The Lord bless you all the days of your life.
Or: Psalm 103
R. (1) Bless the Lord, O my soul.
Bless the LORD, O my soul;
and all my being, bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits.
R. Bless the Lord, O my soul.
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him,
For he knows how we are formed;
he remembers that we are dust.
R. Bless the Lord, O my soul.
But the kindness of the LORD is from eternity
to eternity toward those who fear him,
And his justice toward his children’s children
among those who keep his covenant.
R. Bless the Lord, O my soul.
LITANY
334 The litany is then said. The minister introduces it and an assisting minister or one of those present announces the invocations. From the following those best suited to the occasion may be used or adapted, or other invocations that apply to the particular circumstances may be composed.
The minister says:
Let us praise the Lord God of all creation.
R. Blessed be God for ever.
Assisting minister:
Blessed be God, who has shaped us from dust and breathed life into us.
R. Blessed be God for ever.
Assisting minister:
Blessed be God, who in his great love has sent his only Son to save us.
R. Blessed be God for ever.
Assisting minister:
Blessed be God, who guides our feet along right paths.
R. Blessed be God for ever.
Assisting minister:
Blessed be God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
R. Blessed be God for ever.
335 After the litany the minister, in the following or similar words, invites all present to sing or say the Lord’s Prayer.
Let us pray to God, the author and giver of life, in the words his Son taught us:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
PRAYER OF BLESSING
336 A minister who is a priest or deacon says the prayer of blessing with hands outstretched over the one who is to be blessed; a lay minister says the prayer with hands joined.
A For adults
God of all creation,
we offer you grateful praise for the gift of life.
Hear the prayers of N., your servant,
who recalls today the day of his/her birth
and rejoices in your gifts of life and love, family and friends.
Bless him/her with your presence
and surround him/her with your love
that he/she may enjoy many happy years,
all of them pleasing to you.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
B For children
Loving God,
you created all the people of the world
and you know each of us by name.
We thank you for N., who today celebrates his/her birthday.
Bless him/her with your love and friendship
that he/she may grow in wisdom, knowledge, and grace.
May he/she love his/her family always
and be faithful to his/her friends.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
As circumstances suggest, the minister in silence may sprinkle the family with holy water.
CONCLUDING RITE
337 A minister who is a priest or deacon concludes the rite by saying:
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
R. Amen.
May his face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
R. Amen.
May he look upon you with kindness and give you his peace.
R. Amen.
Then he blesses all present.
And may almighty God bless you all,
the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.
338 A lay minister concludes the rite by signing himself or herself with the sign of the cross and saying:
May the Lord bless us and keep us.
R. Amen.
May his face shine upon us and be gracious to us.
R. Amen.
May he look upon us with kindness and give us his peace.
R. Amen.
339 It is preferable to end the celebration with a suitable song.
13. ORDER FOR THE BLESSING OF ELDERLY PEOPLE CONFINED TO THEIR HOMES
INTRODUCTION
344 The faithful who are elderly and infirm, confined at home or in a nursing home, need their brothers and sisters in Christ to help them feel that they are still part of the family and the ecclesial community. The purpose of the present blessing is that the elderly may receive from the community a mark of respect and affection and together with the community thank God for his favors and for the good he has enabled them to do in their lives.
345 The present orders may be used by a priest, a deacon, or a lay minister. While maintaining the structure and chief elements of the rite, the minister should adapt the celebration to the circumstances of the place and the people involved.
346 In nos. 363-368 the selection of certain elements from the present order (nos. 348-362) provides for a blessing of the elderly within Mass (after the homily or at the end of Mass) or on an occasion when communion is brought to them at home. In the second case, the blessing may also be celebrated by an acolyte or by a duly appointed special minister of the eucharist, who follows the rites and texts designated for use by lay ministers.
347 When just one elderly person is to be blessed, a priest or a deacon may use the short formulary.
ORDER OF BLESSING
INTRODUCTORY RITES
348 When the family or community has gathered, the minister says:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All make the sign of the cross and reply:
Amen.
349 A minister who is a priest or deacon greets the elderly people and all present in the following or other suitable words, taken mainly from sacred Scripture.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
And all reply:
And with your spirit.
350 A lay minister greets the elderly people and all present in the following words.
Brothers and sisters, let us bless the Lord Jesus, whom the aged Simeon held in his arms. The child he held was his Lord and Master. Blessed be God now and for ever.
R. Blessed be God now and for ever.
Or:
R. Amen.
351 In the following or similar words, the minister may prepare the elderly people and all present for the blessing.
The period of old age is a gift that should be received from God with gratitude. Elderly people have the opportunity to share with us the riches of their experience and of their Christian lives. Let us therefore now join them in thanking God and in asking that he will keep high their hopes and strengthen their trust in him.
READING OF THE WORD OF GOD
352 A reader, another person present, or the minister reads a text of sacred Scripture. As circumstances suggest, the following reading may be shortened.
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the holy gospel according to Luke:
2:25-32, 36-38
Awaiting the consolation of Israel.
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:
“Now, Master, you may let your servant go
in peace, according to your word,
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you prepared in sight of all the peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and glory for your people Israel.”
There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.
The gospel of the Lord.
353 Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the book of Sirach:
3:2-18
Take care of your father when he is old.
The Lord sets a father in honor over his children and confirms a mother’s authority over her sons. Those who honor their father atone for sins; they store up riches who respect their mother. Those who honor their father will have joy in their own children, and when they pray they are heard. Those who respect their father will live a long life; those who obey the Lord honor their mother. Those who fear the Lord honor their father, and serve their parents as masters. In word and deed honor your father, that all blessings may come to you. A father’s blessing gives a person firm roots, but a mother’s curse uproots the growing plant. Do not glory in your father’s disgrace, for that is no glory to you! A father’s glory is glory also for oneself; they multiply sin who demean their mother. My son, be steadfast in honoring your father; do not grieve him as long as he lives. Even if his mind fails, be considerate of him; do not revile him because you are in your prime. Kindness to a father will not be forgotten; it will serve as a sin offering—it will take lasting root. In time of trouble it will be recalled to your advantage, like warmth upon frost it will melt away your sins. Those who neglect their father are like blasphemers; those who provoke their mother are accursed by their Creator. My son, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts. Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find mercy in the sight of God.
The word of the Lord.
Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the book of Sirach:
25:6-8, 13-16 (Greek, 25:4-6, 10-12)
The glory of the old is their fear of the Lord.
The crown of the elderly, wide experience; their glory, the fear of the Lord. There are nine who come to mind as blessed, a tenth whom my tongue proclaims: The man who finds joy in his children, and the one who lives to see the downfall of his enemies. Happy the man who lives with a sensible woman, and the one who does not plow with an ox and a donkey combined. Any wound, but not a wound of the heart! Any wickedness, but not the wickedness of a woman! Any suffering, but not suffering from one’s foes! Any vengeance, but not the vengeance of one’s enemies! There is no poison worse than that of a serpent, no venom greater than that of a woman. I would rather live with a dragon or a lion than live with a wicked woman.
The word of the Lord.
Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the book of Wisdom:
4:8-9
An unsullied life, the attainment of old age.
The age that is honorable comes not with the passing of time, nor can it be measured in terms of years. Rather, understanding passes for gray hair, and an unsullied life is the attainment of old age.
The word of the Lord.
Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the letter of Paul to the Philippians:
3:20-4:1
We eagerly await the coming of our Savior.
Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body by the power that enables him also to bring all things into subjection to himself. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, beloved.
The word of the Lord.
354 As circumstances suggest, one of the following responsorial psalms may be sung, or some other suitable song.
R. My God, come quickly to help me.
Psalm 71
In you, O LORD, I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
In your justice rescue me, and deliver me;
incline your ear to me, and save me.
R. My God, come quickly to help me.
Be my rock of refuge,
a stronghold to give me safety,
for you are my rock and my fortress.
O my God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked,
from the grasp of the criminal and the violent.
R. My God, come quickly to help me.
For you are my hope, O LORD;
my trust, O God, from my youth.
On you I depend from birth;
from my mother’s womb you are my strength;
constant has been my hope in you.
R. My God, come quickly to help me.
But I will always hope
and praise you ever more and more.
My mouth shall declare your justice,
day by day your salvation,
though I know not their extent.
R. My God, come quickly to help me.
Or: Psalm 126:1-2b, 2d-3, 4-5, 6
R. (3) The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
When the Loan brought back the captives of Zion,
we were like men dreaming.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with rejoicing.
R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
Then they said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
The LORD has done great things for us;
we are glad indeed.
R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like the torrents in the southern desert.
Those who sow in tears
shall reap rejoicing.
R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
Although they go forth weeping,
carrying the seed to be sown,
They shall come back rejoicing,
carrying their sheaves.
R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
355 As circumstances suggest, the minister may give those present a brief explanation of the biblical text, so that they may understand through faith the meaning of the celebration.
INTERCESSIONS
356 The intercessions are then said. The minister introduces them and an assisting minister or one of those present announces the intentions. From the following intentions those best suited to the occasion may be used or adapted, or other intentions that apply to the particular circumstances may be composed. The minister says:
God, our almighty Father, gives us new strength and power by his life-giving grace all through our lives. Let us then pray to him saying:
R. Lord, do not forsake us.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
O God, you rewarded the expectations of Simeon and Anna by revealing your Son to them; grant that these servants of yours may in faith see your salvation and rejoice in the consolation of the Holy Spirit. (For this we pray:)
R. Lord, do not forsake us.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
You sent your Son into the world to tell all who are weary that in him they would find rest; help these your servants to take up their cross with patience each day. (For this we pray:)
R. Lord, do not forsake us.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
Your generous kindness can never be surpassed by anyone; grant that these your servants may receive from their families and friends the tender care owed to them. (For this we pray:)
R. Lord, do not forsake us.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
In your love you never turn away from anyone, least of all those who are weak and afflicted; grant that society will acknowledge and unfailingly respect the dignity of the elderly. (For this we pray:)
R. Lord, do not forsake us.
Or:
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
PRAYER OF BLESSING
357 A minister who is a priest or deacon may, as circumstances suggest, extend his hands over the elderly people, individually or as a group, or trace the sign of the cross on the forehead of each, as he says the prayer of blessing; a lay minister says the prayer with hands joined.
Lord, our God,
you have given these your faithful
the grace to maintain their hope
in you through all life’s changes
and to taste and see your goodness.
We bless you for the gifts you have showered on them
for so many years.
We ask that they may find joy in a renewed strength of spirit,
that they may have good health,
and that they may inspire us by the example of their serene way of life.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
358 Or:
All-powerful and ever-living God,
in whom we live and move and have our being,
we thank you and praise you for giving N. and N. (the members of this community)
long years, lived in faith and in doing good.
Grant that they may have the loving support
of their friends and relatives,
that in good health they may be cheerful,
and in poor health not lose hope.
Sustained by the help of your blessing,
let them spend their old age giving praise to your name.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
359 Or:
Lord God almighty,
bless these your servants,
to whom you have given a long life.
Let them be aware of your nearness,
so that, when they worry about past failings,
they will rejoice in your mercy and,
when they think of the future,
they will faithfully rely on you as their hope.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
CONCLUDING RITE
360 After the invitation, “Bow down for the blessing,” or something similar is said, a minister who is a priest or deacon concludes the rite by facing the elderly people and, with hands outstretched, saying:
May the Lord Jesus Christ be with you
to protect you.
R. Amen.
May he go before you
to lead you
and follow after you
to give you strength.
R. Amen.
May he watch over you,
keep you in his care,
and bless you with his peace.
R. Amen.
Then he blesses all present.
And may almighty God bless you all,
the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.
R. Amen.
361 A lay minister invokes God’s blessing on the elderly people and all present by signing himself or herself with the sign of the cross and saying:
May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil,
and bring us to everlasting life.
R. Amen.
361 It is preferable to end the celebration with a suitable song.
14. ORDER FOR THE BLESSING OF A PERSON SUFFERING FROM ADDICTION OR FROM SUBSTANCE ABUSE
INTRODUCTION
407 Addiction to alcohol, drugs, and other controlled substances causes great disruption in the life of an individual and his or her family. This blessing is intended to strengthen the addicted person in the struggle to overcome addiction and also to assist his or her family and friends.
408 This blessing may also be used for individuals who, although not addicted, abuse alcohol or drugs and wish the assistance of God’s blessing in their struggle.
409 Ministers should be aware of the spiritual needs of a person suffer-ing from addiction or substance abuse, and to this end the pastoral guidance on the care of the sick and rites of Pastoral Care of the Sick will be helpful.
410 If the recovery process is slow or is marked by relapses, the blessing may be repeated when pastorally appropriate.
411 These orders may be used by a priest or a deacon, and also by a lay-person, who follows the rites and prayers designated for a lay minister.
ORDER OF BLESSING
INTRODUCTORY RITES
412 When the community has gathered, a suitable song may be sung. After the singing, the minister says:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All make the sign of the cross and reply:
Amen.
413 A minister who is a priest or deacon greets the elderly people and all present in the following or other suitable words, taken mainly from sacred Scripture.
The Lord be with you.
And all reply:
And with your spirit.
414 A lay minister greets those present in the following words:
Let us praise God our creator, who gives us courage and strength, now and for ever.
Amen.
415 In the following or similar words, the minister prepares those present for the blessing.
God created the world and all things in it and entrusted them into our hands that we might use them for our good and for the building up of the Church and human society. Today we pray for N., that God may strengthen him/her in his/her weakness and restore him/her to the freedom of God’s children. We pray also for ourselves that we may encourage and support him/her in the days ahead.
READING OF THE WORD OF GOD
416 A reader, another person present, or the minister reads a text of sacred Scripture.
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the second letter of Paul to the Corinthians:
4:6-9
We are afflicted, but not crushed.
God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to bring to light the knowledge of the glory of God on the face of Jesus Christ. But we hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
The word of the Lord.
417 Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the prophet Isaiah:
63:7-9
He has favored us according to his mercy.
The loving deeds of the LORD I will recall, the glorious acts of the LORD, because of all the LORD has done for us, the immense goodness to the house of Israel, which he has granted according to his mercy and his many loving deeds. He said: “They are indeed my people, children who are not disloyal.” So he became their savior in their every affliction. It was not an envoy or a messenger, but his presence that saved them. Because of his love and pity the LORD redeemed them, Lifting them up and carrying them all the days of old.
The word of the Lord.
Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the letter of Paul to the Romans:
8:18-25
I consider the sufferings of the present to be as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed in us.
I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us. For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God; for creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it, in hope that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that sees for itself is not hope. For who hopes for what one sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance.
The word of the Lord.
Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the holy gospel according to Matthew:
15:21-28
Woman, you have great faith.
Jesus went from that place and withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not say a word in answer to her. His disciples came and asked him, “Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us.” He said in reply, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But the woman came and did him homage, saying, “Lord, help me.” He said in reply, “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.” Then Jesus said to her in reply, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed from that hour.
The gospel of the Lord.
418 As circumstances suggest, one of the following responsorial psalms may be sung or said, or some other suitable song.
R. Our help is from the Lord who made heaven and earth.
Psalm 121
I lift up my eyes toward the mountains;
whence shall help come to me?
My help is from the LORD
who made heaven and earth.
R. Our help is from the Lord who made heaven and earth.
May he not suffer your foot to slip;
may he slumber not who guards you:
Indeed he neither slumbers nor sleeps,
the guardian of Israel.
R. Our help is from the Lord who made heaven and earth.
The LORD is your guardian; the LORD is your shade;
he is beside you at your right hand.
The sun shall not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
R. Our help is from the Lord who made heaven and earth.
The LORD will guard you from all evil;
he will guard your life.
The LORD will guard your coming and your going,
both now and forever.
R. Our help is from the Lord who made heaven and earth.
Or: Psalm 130:
R. (5) My soul trusts in the Lord.
Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD;
LORD, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
to my voice in supplication.
R. My soul trusts in the Lord.
If you, O LORD, mark iniquities,
LORD, who can stand?
But with you is forgiveness,
that you may be revered.
R. My soul trusts in the Lord.
I trust in the LORD;
my soul trusts in his word.
My soul waits for the LORD
more than sentinels wait for the dawn.
R. My soul trusts in the Lord.
More than sentinels for the dawn,
let Israel wait for the LORD,
For with the LORD is kindness
and with him is plenteous redemption;
And he will redeem Israel
from all their iniquities.
R. My soul trusts in the Lord.
419 As circumstances suggest, the minister may give those present a brief explanation of the biblical text, so that they may understand through faith the meaning of the celebration.
INTERCESSIONS
420 The intercessions are then said. The minister introduces them and an assisting minister or one of those present announces the intentions. From the following those best suited to the occasion may be used or adapted, or other intentions that apply to the particular circumstances may be composed.
The minister says:
Our God gives us life and constantly calls us to new life; let us pray to God with confidence.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
For those addicted to alcohol/drugs, that God may be their strength and support, we pray.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
For N., bound by the chains of addiction/substance abuse, that we encourage and assist him/her in his/her struggle, we pray.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
For N., that he/she may trust in the mercy of God through whom all things are possible, we pray.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
For the family and friends of N., that with faith and patience they show him/her their love, we pray.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
For the Church, that it may always be attentive to those in need, we pray.
R. Lord, hear our prayer.
421 After the intercessions the minister, in the following or similar words, invites all present to sing or say the Lord’s Prayer.
Let us pray to our merciful God as Jesus taught us:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
PRAYER OF BLESSING
422 A minister who is a priest or deacon says the prayer of blessing with hands outstretched over the person; a lay minister says the prayer with hands joined.
A For addiction
God of mercy,
we bless you in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ,
who ministered to all who came to him.
Give your strength to N., your servant,
bound by the chains of addiction.
Enfold him/her in your love
and restore him/her to the freedom of God’s children.
Lord,
look with compassion on all those
who have lost their health and freedom.
Restore to them the assurance of your unfailing mercy,
and strengthen them in the work of recovery.
To those who care for them,
grant patient understanding and a love that perseveres.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
B For substance abuse
God of mercy,
we bless you in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ,
who ministered to all who came to him.
Give your strength to N., your servant,
enfold him/her in your love
and restore him/her to the freedom of God’s children.
Lord,
look with compassion on all those
who have lost their health and freedom.
Restore to them the assurance of your unfailing mercy,
strengthen them in the work of recovery,
and help them to resist all temptation.
To those who care for them,
grant patient understanding and a love that perseveres.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
As circumstances suggest, the minister in silence may sprinkle the person with holy water.
CONCLUDING RITE
423 A minister who is a priest or deacon concludes the rite by saying:
May God give you light and peace.
R. Amen.
May God raise you up and save you.
R. Amen.
May God give you courage and strength.
R. Amen.
Then he blesses all present.
And may almighty God bless you all,
the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.
R. Amen.
424 A lay minister concludes the rite by signing himself or herself with the sign of the cross and saying:
May our all-merciful God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us and embrace us in love for ever.
R. Amen.
425 It is preferable to end the celebration with a suitable song.
15. ORDER FOR THE BLESSING OF A VICTIM OF CRIME OR OPPRESSION
INTRODUCTION
430 The personal experience of a crime, political oppression, or social oppression can be traumatic and not easily forgotten. A victim often needs the assistance of others, and no less that of God, in dealing with this experience.
431 This blessing is intended to assist the victim and help him or her come to a state of tranquility and peace.
432 These orders may be used by a priest or a deacon, and also by a layperson, who follows the rites and prayers designated for a lay minister.
ORDER OF BLESSING
INTRODUCTORY RITES
433 When the community has gathered, a suitable song may be sung. After the singing, the minister says:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All make the sign of the cross and reply:
Amen.
434 A minister who is a priest or deacon greets those present in the following or other suitable words, taken mainly from sacred Scripture.
May the grace and peace of Christ be with you.
And all reply:
And with your spirit.
435 A lay minister greets those present in the following words:
May the Lord grant us peace, now and for ever. R.
Amen.
436 In the following or similar words, the minister prepares those present for the blessing.
Throughout history God has manifested his love and care for those who have suffered from violence, hatred, and oppression. We commend N.to the healing mercy of God who binds up all our wounds and enfolds us in his gentle care.
READING OF THE WORD OF GOD
437 A reader, another person present, or the minister reads a text of sacred Scripture.
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the holy gospel according to Matthew:
10:28-33
Do not fear.
Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. Even all the hairs of your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father.”
The gospel of the Lord.
438 Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the prophet Isaiah:
59:6b-8, 15-18
The Lord is appalled by evil and injustice.
Their works are evil works, and deeds of violence are in their hands. Their feet run to evil, and they hasten to shed innocent blood; their thoughts are thoughts of wickedness, violence and destruction are on their highways. The way of peace they know not, and there is no justice on their paths; their roads they have made crooked, no one who walks in them knows peace.
Fidelity is lacking, and whoever turns from evil is despoiled. The LORD saw this, and was aggrieved that there was no justice. He saw that there was no one, was appalled that there was none to intervene; then his own arm brought about the victory, and his justice sustained him. He put on justice as his breastplate, victory as a helmet on his head; he clothed himself with garments of vengeance, wrapped himself in a mantle of zeal. According to their deeds he repays his enemies and requites his foes with wrath; to the coastlands he renders recompense.
The word of the Lord.
Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the book of Job:
3:1-26
Lamentation of Job.
Job opened his mouth and cursed his day. Job spoke out and said: “Perish the day on which I was born, the night when they said, ‘The child is a boy!’ May that day be darkness: may God above not care for it, may light not shine upon it! May darkness and gloom claim it, clouds settle upon it, blackness of day affright it! May obscurity seize that night; may it not be counted among the days of the year, nor enter into the number of the months! May that night be barren; let no joyful outcry greet it! Let them curse it who curse the Sea, those skilled at disturbing Leviathan! May the stars of its twilight be darkened; may it look for daylight, but have none, nor gaze on the eyes of the dawn, Because it did not keep shut the doors of the womb to shield my eyes from trouble! Why did I not die at birth, come forth from the womb and expire? Why did knees receive me, or breasts nurse me? For then I should have lain down and been tranquil; had I slept, I should then have been at rest with kings and counselors of the earth who rebuilt what were ruins or with princes who had gold and filled their houses with silver. Or why was I not buried away like a stillborn child, like babies that have never seen the light? There the wicked cease from troubling, there the weary are at rest. The captives are at ease together, and hear no overseer’s voice. Small and great are there; the servant is free from the master. Why is light given to the toilers, life to the bitter in spirit? They wait for death and it does not come; they search for it more than for hidden treasures. They rejoice in it exultingly, and are glad when they find the grave: a man whose path is hidden from him, one whom God has hemmed in! For to me sighing comes more readily than food; my groans well forth like water. For what I feared overtakes me; what I dreaded comes upon me. I have no peace nor ease; I have no rest, for trouble has come!
The word of the Lord.
Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the book of Lamentations:
3:1-24
I am one who knows affliction.
I am one who has known affliction
under the rod of God’s anger,
One whom he has driven and forced to walk
in darkness, not in light;
Against me alone he turns his hand—
again and again all day long.
He has worn away my flesh and my skin,
he has broken my bones;
He has besieged me all around
with poverty and hardship;
He has left me to dwell in dark places
like those long dead.
He has hemmed me in with no escape,
weighed me down with chains;
Even when I cry for help,
he stops my prayer;
He has hemmed in my ways with fitted stones,
and made my paths crooked.
He has been a bear lying in wait for me,
a lion in hiding!
He turned me aside and tore me apart,
leaving me ravaged.
He bent his bow, and set me up
as a target for his arrow.
He pierced my kidneys
with shafts from his quiver.
I have become a laughingstock to all my people,
their taunt all day long;
He has sated me with bitterness,
filled me with wormwood.
He has made me eat gravel,
trampled me into the dust;
My life is deprived of peace,
I have forgotten what happiness is;
My enduring hope, I said,
has perished before the LORD.
The thought of my wretched homelessness
is wormwood and poison;
Remembering it over and over,
my soul is downcast.
But this I will call to mind;
therefore I will hope:
The LORD’s acts of mercy are not exhausted,
his compassion is not spent;
They are renewed each morning—
great is your faithfulness!
The LORD is my portion, I tell myself,
therefore I will hope in him.
Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the book of Lamentations:
3:49-59
When I called, you came to my aid.
My eyes will flow without ceasing, without rest,
Until the LORD from heaven looks down and sees.
I am tormented by the sight of all the daughters of my city.
Without cause, my enemies snared me as though I were a bird;
They tried to end my life in the pit, pelting me with stones.
The waters flowed over my head: and I said, “I am lost!”
I have called upon your name, O LORD, from the bottom of the pit;
You heard me call, “Do not let your ear be deaf to my cry for help.”
You drew near on the day I called you; you said, “Do not fear!”
You pleaded my case, Lord, you redeemed my life.
You see, LORD, how I am wronged; do me justice!
The word of the Lord.
Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the prophet Micah:
4:1-4
Every person shall sit undisturbed.
In days to come the mount of the LORD’s house shall be established as the highest mountain; it shall be raised above the hills, and peoples shall stream to it: many nations shall come, and say, “Come, let us climb the LORD’s mountain, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may instruct us in his ways, that we may walk in his paths.” For from Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between many peoples and set terms for strong and distant nations; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; one nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again. They shall all sit under their own vines, under their own fig trees, undisturbed; for the LORD of hosts has spoken.
The word of the Lord.
Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the holy gospel according to Matthew:
5:1-12
The beatitudes.
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
The gospel of the Lord.
Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the holy gospel according to Matthew:
5:43-48
Love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you.
Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
The gospel of the Lord.
Or:
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the holy gospel according to Luke:
10:25-37
The good Samaritan.
There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test him and said, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read it?” He said in reply, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” He replied to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.”
But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn and cared for him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, ‘Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.’ Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?” He answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
The gospel of the Lord.
439 As circumstances suggest, one of the following responsorial psalms may be sung or said, or some other suitable song.
R. The Lord is my strength and my salvation.
Psalm 140
Deliver me, O LORD, from evil men;
preserve me from violent men,
From those who devise evil in their hearts,
and stir up wars every day.
R. The Lord is my strength and my salvation.
Save me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked;
preserve me from violent men
Who plan to trip up my feet—
the proud who have hidden a trap for me;
They have spread cords for a net;
by the wayside they have laid snares for me.
R. The Lord is my strength and my salvation.
Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked;
further not their plans.
Those who surround me lift up their heads;
may the mischief which they threaten overwhelm them.
R. The Lord is my strength and my salvation.
I know that the LORD renders
justice to the afflicted, judgment to the poor.
Surely the just shall give thanks to your name;
the upright shall dwell in your presence.
R. The Lord is my strength and my salvation.
Or:
R. (6) You, O Lord, are my refuge.
Psalm 142
With my own voice I cry to the LORD;
with my own voice I beseech the LORD.
Before him I pour out my complaint,
tell of my distress in front of him.
R. You, O Lord, are my refuge.
As I go along this path,
they have hidden a trap for me.
I look to my right hand to seed
that there is no one willing to acknowledge me.
My escape has perished;
no one cares for me.
R. You, O Lord, are my refuge.
I cry out to you, LORD, I say, “You are my refuge,
my portion in the land of the living.”
Listen to my cry for help,
for I am brought very low.
Rescue me from my pursuers,
for they are too strong for me.
R. You, O Lord, are my refuge.
Or:
R. (6) Into your hands I commend my spirit.
Psalm 31
In you, LORD, I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
In your justice rescue me;
incline your ear to me,
make haste to deliver me!
R. Into your hands I commend my spirit.
You are my rock and my fortress;
for your name’s sake you will lead and guide me.
You will free me from the snare they set for me,
for you are my refuge.
R. Into your hands I commend my spirit.
But my trust is in you, O LORD,
I say, “You are my God.”
In your hands is my destiny; rescue me
from the clutches of my enemies and my persecutors.
R. Into your hands I commend my spirit.
Love the LORD, all you his faithful ones!
The LORD keeps those who are constant,
but more than requites those who act proudly.
Let your face shine on your servant;
save me in your kindness.
Take courage and be stouthearted,
all you who hope in the LORD.
R. Into your hands I commend my spirit.
440 As circumstances suggest, the minister may give those present a brief explanation of the biblical text, so that they may understand through faith the meaning of the celebration.
INTERCESSIONS
441 The intercessions are then said. The minister introduces them and an assisting minister or one of those present announces the intentions. From the following those best suited to the occasion may be used or adapted, or other intentions that apply to the particular circumstances may be composed.
The minister says:
Let us pray to the Lord God, the defender of the weak and powerless, who delivered our ancestors from harm.
R. Deliver us from evil, O Lord.
Assisting minister:
For N., that he/she may be freed from pain and fear, we pray to the Lord.
R. Deliver us from evil, O Lord.
Assisting minister:
For all who are victims of crime oppression, we pray to the Lord.
R. Deliver us from evil, O Lord.
Assisting minister:
For an end to all acts of violence and hatred, we pray to the Lord.
R. Deliver us from evil, O Lord.
Assisting minister:
For those who harm others, that they may change their lives and turn to God, we pray to the Lord.
R. Deliver us from evil, O Lord.
442 After the intercessions the minister, in the following or similar words, invites all present to sing or say the Lord’s Prayer.
The Lord heals our wounds and strengthens us in our weakness; let us pray as Christ has taught us:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
PRAYER OF BLESSING
443 A minister who is a priest or deacon says the prayer of blessing with hands outstretched over the person; a lay minister says the prayer with hands joined.
Lord God,
your own Son was delivered into the hands of the wicked,
yet he prayed for his persecutors
and overcame hatred with the blood of the cross.
Relieve the suffering of N.;
grant him/her peace of mind
and a renewed faith in your protection and care.
Protect us all from the violence of others,
keep us safe from the weapons of hate,
and restore to us tranquility and peace.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
As circumstances suggest, the minister in silence may sprinkle the person with holy water.
CONCLUDING RITE
444 A minister who is a priest or deacon concludes the rite by saying:
May God bless you with his mercy,
strengthen you with his love,
and enable you to walk in charity and peace.
R. Amen.
Then he blesses all present.
And may almighty God bless you all,
the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit.
R. Amen.
445 A lay minister concludes the rite by signing himself or herself with the sign of the cross and saying:
May God bless us with his mercy,
strengthen us with his love,
and enable us to walk in charity and peace.
R. Amen.
446 It is preferable to end the celebration with a suitable song.
I. BLESSINGS IN THE HISTORY OF SALVATION
1 The source from whom every good gift comes [1] is God, who is above all, blessed for ever. [2] He who is all good has made all things good, so that he might fill his creatures with blessings [3] and even after the Fall he has continued his blessings as a sign of his merciful love.
2 But when the fullness of time arrived, the Father sent his own Son and through him, who took our flesh, gave us a new gift in every spiritual blessing.[4] The ancient curse upon us was thus changed into a blessing: when “the glorious Sun of Justice, Christ our God, appeared, he freed us from the age-old curse and filled us with holiness.” [5]
3 Christ, the Father’s supreme blessing upon us, is portrayed in the gospel as blessing those he encountered, especially the children, [6] and as offering to his Father prayers of blessing. [7] Glorified by the Father, after his ascension Christ sent the gift of his Spirit upon the brothers and sisters he had gained at the cost of his blood. The power of the Spirit would enable them to offer the Father always and everywhere praise, adoration, and thanksgiving and, through the works of charity, to be numbered among the blessed in the Father’s kingdom. [8]
4 In Christ the blessing of God upon Abraham [9] reached its complete fulfillment. Through the Spirit sent by Christ, those who are called to a new life, “showered with every blessing,” [10] become children by adoption and so as members of Christ’s Body spread the fruits of the same Spirit in order to bring God’s healing blessings to the world.
5 In anticipation of Christ’s coming as Savior, the Father had reaffirmed his original covenant of love toward us by the outpouring of many gifts. Thus he prepared a chosen people to welcome the Redeemer and he intervened to make them ever more worthy of the covenant. By walking in the path of righteousness, they had the power to honor God with their lips and with their hearts and thus to become before the world a sign and sacrament of divine blessings.
6 The God from whom all blessings flow favored many persons—particularly the patriarchs, kings, priests, Levites, and parents [11]—by allowing them to offer blessings in praise of his name and to invoke his name, so that other persons or the works of creation would be showered with divine blessings.
Whether God blessed the people himself or through the ministry of those who acted in his name, his blessing was always a promise of divine help, a proclamation of his favor, a reassurance of his faithfulness to the covenant he had made with his people. When, in turn, others uttered blessings, they were offering praise to the one whose goodness and mercy they were proclaiming.
In a word, God bestows his blessing by communicating or declaring his own goodness; his ministers bless God by praising him and thanking him and by offering him their reverent worship and service. Whoever blesses others in God’s name invokes the divine help upon individuals or upon an assembled people.
7 Scripture attests that all the beings God has created and keeps in existence [12] by his gracious goodness declare themselves to be blessings from him and should move us to bless him in return. This is above all true after the Word made flesh came to make all things holy by the mystery of his incarnation.
Blessings therefore refer first and foremost to God, whose majesty and goodness they extol, and, since they indicate the communication of God’s favor, they also involve human beings, whom he governs and in his providence protects. Further, blessings apply to other created things through which, in their abundance and variety, God blesses human beings. [13]
II. BLESSINGS IN THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH
8 Taught by the Savior’s own command, the Church shares the cup of blessing, [14] as it gives thanks for the inexpressible gift received first in Christ’s paschal mystery and then brought to us in the eucharist. From the grace and power received in the eucharist the Church itself becomes a blessing existing in the world. The Church as the universal sacrament of salvation [15] continues the work of sanctifying and in the Holy Spirit joins Christ its Head in giving glory to the Father.
9 As the Church, through the working of the Holy Spirit, fulfills its many-sided ministry of sanctifying, it has accordingly established many forms of blessing. Through them it calls us to praise God, encourages us to implore his protection, exhorts us to seek his mercy by our holiness of life, and provides us with ways of praying that God will grant the favors we ask.
The blessings instituted by the Church are included among those signs perceptible to the senses by which human sanctification in Christ and the glorification of God are “signified and brought about in ways proper to each of these signs.” [16] Human sanctification and God’s glorification are the ends toward which all the Church’s other activities are directed. [17]
10 Blessings are signs that have God’s word as their basis and that are celebrated from motives of faith. They are therefore meant to declare and to manifest the newness of life in Christ that has its origin and growth in the sacraments of the New Covenant established by the Lord. In addition, since they have been established as a kind of imitation of the sacraments, blessings are signs above all of spiritual effects that are achieved through the Church’s intercession. [18]
11 Because of these considerations, the Church has a profound concern that the celebration of blessings should truly contribute to God’s praise and glory and should serve to better God’s people. In order that this intent of the Church might stand out more clearly, blessing formularies have, from age-old tradition, centered above all on glorifying God for his gifts, on imploring favors from him, and on restraining the power of evil in this world.
12 The Church gives glory to God in all things and is particularly intent on showing forth his glory to those who have been or will be reborn through his grace. For them and with them therefore the Church in celebrating its blessings praises the Lord and implores divine grace at important moments in the life of its members. At times the Church also invokes blessings on objects and places connected with human occupations or activities and those related to the liturgy or to piety and popular devotions. But such blessings are invoked always with a view to the people who use the objects to be blessed and frequent the places to be blessed. God has given into our use and care the good things he has created, and we are also the recipients of his own wisdom. Thus the celebration of blessings becomes the means for us to profess that as we make use of what God has created we wish to find him and to love and serve him with all fidelity.
13 Through the guidance of faith, the assurance of hope, and the inspiration of charity the faithful receive the wisdom to discern the reflections of God’s goodness not only in the elements of creation but also in the events of human life. They see all of these as signs of that fatherly providence by which God guides and governs all things. At all times and in every situation, then, the faithful have an occasion for praising God through Christ in the Holy Spirit, for calling on divine help, and for giving thanks in all things, provided there is nothing that conflicts with the letter and spirit of the Gospel. Therefore every celebration of a blessing must be weighed beforehand with pastoral prudence, particularly if there is any danger of shocking the faithful or other persons.
14 This pastoral evaluation of the blessings of creation is in keeping with another text of Vatican Council II: “Thus, for well-disposed members of the faithful, the effect of the liturgy of the sacraments and the sacramentals is that almost every event in their lives is made holy by divine grace that flows from the paschal mystery of Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection, the fount from which all the sacraments and sacramentals draw their power. The liturgy means also that there is hardly any proper use of material things that cannot thus be directed toward human sanctification and the praise of God.” [19]
The celebration of a blessing, then, prepares us to receive the chief effect of the sacraments and makes holy the various situations of human life.
15 “But in order that the liturgy may possess its full effectiveness, it is necessary that the faithful come to it with proper dispositions.” [20] When through the Church we ask for God’s blessing, we should intensify our personal dispositions through faith, for which all things are possible; [21] we should place our assurance in the hope that does not disappoint; [22] above all we should be inspired by the love that impels us to keep God’s commandments. [23] Then, seeking what is pleasing to God [24] we will fully appreciate his blessing and will surely receive it.
III. OFFICES AND MINISTRIES
16 Blessings are a part of the liturgy of the Church. Therefore their cornmunal celebration is in some cases obligatory but in all cases more in accord with the character of liturgical prayer; as the Church’s prayer places truth before the minds of the faithful, those who are present are led to join themselves with heart and voice to the voice of the Church.
For the more important blessings that concern the local Church, it is fitting that the diocesan or parish community assemble, with the bishop or pastor (parish priest) presiding, to celebrate the blessing.
Even in the case of other blessings, the presence of an assembly of the faithful is preferable, since what is done on behalf of any group within the community redounds in some way to the good of the entire community.
17 Whenever there is no assembly of the faithful for the celebration, the person who wishes to bless God’s name or to ask God’s favor and the minister who presides should still keep in mind that they represent the Church in celebration. In this way from their shared prayer and petition a blessing results that “although a human being pronounces it, does not have a merely human source,” [25] a blessing that is “the longed-for bestowal of sanctification and divine favor.” [26] The celebration of the blessing of things or places according to custom should not take place without the participation of at least some of the faithful.
18 The ministry of blessing involves a particular exercise of the priesthood of Christ and, in keeping with the place and office within the people of God belonging to each person, the exercise of this ministry is determined in the following manner:
a. It belongs to the ministry of the bishop to preside at celebrations that involve the entire diocesan community and that are carried out with special solemnity and with a large attendance of the faithful. The bishop, accordingly, may reserve certain celebrations to himself, particularly those celebrated with special solemnity. [27]
b. It belongs to the ministry of a presbyter or priest, in keeping with the nature of his service to the people of God, to preside at those blessings especially that involve the community he is appointed to serve. Priests therefore may preside at the celebration of all the blessings in this book, unless a bishop is present as presider.
c. It belongs to the ministry of a deacon to preside at those blessings that are so indicated in place in this book, because, as the minister of the altar, of the word, and of charity, the deacon is the assistant of the bishop and the college of presbyters.
But whenever a priest is present, it is more fitting that the office of presiding be assigned to him and that the deacon assist by carrying out those functions proper to the diaconate.
d. An acolyte or a reader who by formal institution has this special office in the Church is rightly preferred over another layperson as the minister designated at the discretion of the local Ordinary to impart certain blessings.
Other laymen and laywomen, in virtue of the universal priesthood, a dignity they possess because of their baptism and confirmation, may celebrate certain blessings, as indicated in the respective orders of blessings, by use of the rites and formularies designated for a lay minister. Such laypersons exercise this ministry in virtue of their office (for example, parents on behalf of their children) or by reason of some special liturgical ministry or in fulfillment of a particular charge in the Church, as is the case in many places with religious or catechists appointed by decision of the local Ordinary, [28] after ascertaining their proper pastoral formation and prudence in the apostolate.
But whenever a priest or a deacon is present, the office of presiding should be left to him.
19 The participation of the faithful will be the more active in proportion to the effectiveness of their instruction on the importance of blessings. During the celebration of a blessing and in preaching and catechesis beforehand, priests and ministers should therefore explain to the faithful the meaning and power of blessings. There is a further advantage in teaching the people of God the proper meaning of the rites and prayers employed by the Church in imparting blessings: this will forestall the intrusion into the celebration of anything that might replace genuine faith with superstition and/or a shallow credulity.
IV. CELEBRATION OF A BLESSING
TYPICAL STRUCTURE
20 The typical celebration of a blessing consists of two parts: first, the proclamation of the word of God, and second, the praise of God’s goodness and the petition for his help. In addition there are usually rites for the beginning and conclusion that are proper to each celebration.
21 The purpose of the first part of the celebration is to ensure that the blessing is a genuine sacred sign, deriving its meaning and effectiveness from God’s word that is proclaimed. [29]
Thus the proclamation of God’s word is the central point of the first part and the word proclaimed should provide a basis for the introductory comments and the brief instruction on the readings, as well as for any exhortation or homily that may be given, as occasion suggests.
Particularly when there are several readings, an intervening psalm or song or an interval of prayerful silence may be included, in order to intensify the faith of those taking part in the celebration.
22 The purpose of the second part of the celebration is that through its rites and prayers the community will praise God and, through Christ in the Holy Spirit, implore divine help. The central point of this part, then, is the blessing formulary itself, that is, the prayer of the Church, along with the accompanying proper outward sign. But intercessions may also be added as a way of fostering the prayerful petition of those present; the intercessions usually precede, but also may follow the prayer of blessing.
23 In the adaptation of celebrations a careful distinction must be made between matters of less importance and those principal elements of the celebrations that are here provided, namely, the proclamation of the word of God and the Church’s prayer of blessing. These may never be omitted even when the shorter form of a rite is used.
24 For the planning of a celebration these are the foremost considerations:
a. in most cases a communal celebration is to be preferred, [30] and in such a way that a deacon, reader, cantor or psalmist, and choir all fulfill their proper functions;
b. a primary criterion is that the faithful are able to participate actively, consciously, and easily; [31]
c. provision should be made for the particular circumstances and persons involved, [32] but with due regard for the principles of the liturgical reform and the norms laid down by the responsible authority.
SIGNS TO BE USED
25 The purpose of the outward signs frequently accompanying prayer is above all to bring to mind God’s saving acts, to express a relationship between the present celebration and the Church’s sacraments, and in this way to nurture the faith of those present and move them to take part in the rite attentively. [33]
26 The outward signs or gestures that are especially employed are: the outstretching, raising, or joining of the hands, the laying on of hands, the sign of the cross, sprinkling with holy water, and incensation.
a. Because the blessing formulary is before all else an oratio, the minister stretches out his hands, joins them, or raises them during it, according to the rubrics in each order of blessing.
b. The laying on of hands holds a special place among gestures of blessing. Christ often used this sign of blessing, spoke of it to his disciples, saying: “They will lay hands on the sick and these will recover” (Mark 16:18), and continues to use it in and through the Church.
c. In keeping with an ancient tradition, the tracing of the sign of the cross also often accompanies a blessing.
d. Some of the orders of blessing provide for sprinkling with holy water, and in these cases ministers should urge the faithful to recall the paschal mystery and renew their baptismal faith.
e. Some orders of blessing provide for incensation, which is a sign of veneration and honor and, in some uses, a symbol of the Church’s prayer.
27 The outward signs of blessing, and particularly the sign of the cross, are in themselves forms of preaching the Gospel and of expressing faith. But to ensure active participation in the celebration and to guard against any danger of superstition, it is ordinarily not permissible to impart the blessing of any article or place merely through a sign of blessing and without either the word of God or any sort of prayer being spoken.
MANNER OF JOINING THE CELEBRATION OF A BLESSING
WITH OTHER CELEBRATIONS OR WITH OTHER BLESSINGS
28 Because some blessings have a special relationship to the sacraments, they may sometimes be joined with the celebration of Mass.
This book specifies what such blessings are and the part or rite with which they are to be joined; it also provides ritual norms that may not be disregarded. No blessings except those so specified may be joined with the eucharistic celebration.
29 As indicated in the individual orders of blessing, some blessings may be joined with other liturgical celebrations.
30 At times it may suit the occasion to have several blessings in a single celebration. The principle of arrangement for such a celebration is that the rite belonging to the more important blessing is to be used, and in the introductory comments and in the intercessions suitable words and signs are added that indicate the intention also of bestowing the other blessings.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE MINISTER IN PREPARING AND PLANNING A BLESSING
31 The minister should keep in mind that blessings are intended, first of all, for the faithful. But they may also be celebrated for catechumens and, in view of the provision of can. 1170, for non-Catholics, unless there is a contrary prohibition of the Church.
Whenever the celebration of a blessing is shared with Christians with whom we do not have full communion, the provisions laid down by the local Ordinary are to be respected.
32 With a view to the particular circumstances and taking into account the wishes of the faithful, the celebrant or minister is to make full use of the options authorized in the various rites, but also is to maintain the structure of the celebration and is not to mix up the order of the principal parts.
33 In planning a communal celebration care must be taken to ensure that all, both ministers and faithful, exercise their proper functions and carry them out devoutly and with proper decorum and order.
34 Due attention must also be paid to the character proper to the liturgical season, in order that the minister’s introductory comments and the people’s prayers and intercessions will be linked with the annual cycle of the mysteries of Christ.
VESTMENTS
35 A bishop when presiding at major celebrations wears the vestments prescribed in the Ceremonial of Bishops. A priest or deacon when presiding at blessings celebrated communally, especially those that are celebrated in a church or with special solemnity, is to wear an alb with stole. A surplice may replace the alb when a cassock is worn; a cope may be worn for more solemn celebrations.
36 Vestments are to be either white or of a color corresponding to the liturgical season or feast.
37 A formally instituted minister when presiding at blessings celebrated communally is to wear the vesture prescribed for liturgical celebrations by the conference of bishops or by the local Ordinary.
V. ADAPTATIONS BELONGING TO THE CONFERENCES OF BISHOPS
39 In virtue of the Constitution on the Liturgy, [34] each conference of bishops has the right to prepare a particular ritual, corresponding to the present title of the Roman Ritual, adapted to the needs of the respective region. Once the decisions of the conference have been reviewed by the Apostolic See, [35] the ritual prepared by the conference is to be used in the region concerned.
In this matter the conference of bishops has the following responsibilities:
a. to decide on adaptations, in keeping with the principles established in the present book, and preserving the proper structure of the rites;
b. to weigh carefully and prudently what elements from the traditions and culture of individual peoples may be appropriately admitted into divine worship, then to propose further adaptations that the conference considers to be necessary or helpful; [36]
c. to retain or to adapt blessings belonging to particular rituals or those of the former Roman Ritual that are still in use, as long as such blessings are compatible with the tenor of the Constitution on the Liturgy, with the principles set out in this General Introduction, and with contemporary needs;
d. to add different texts of the same kind to the various orders of blessing whenever the present book gives a choice between several alternative texts;
e. not only to translate in their entirety but also, where necessary, to expand the Introductions in this book, so that the ministers will fully understand the meaning of the rites and carry them out effectively and the faithful will take part more consciously and actively;
f. to supply elements missing from this book, for example, to provide other readings that may be useful and to indicate what songs are suited to the celebrations;
g. to prepare translations of the texts that are adapted to the idiom of the different languages and to the genius of the diverse cultures; h. to arrange the contents of editions of a book of blessings in a format that will be as convenient as possible for pastoral use; to publish sections of the book separately, but with the major introductions always included.
NOTES
[1] See Roman Missal (Sacramentary), Solemn Blessing no. 3, Beginning of the New Year.
[2] See Romans 9:5.
[3]See Roman Missal, Eucharistic Prayer IV, Preface.
[4] See Galatians 4:4; Ephesians 1:3.
[5] See The Liturgy of the Hours, Birthday of Mary, 8 September, antiphon for the Canticle of Zechariah.
[6] See Acts 3:26; Mark 10:16, 6:41; Luke 24:50, etc.
[7] See Matthew 9:31, 14:19, 26:26; Mark 6:41, 8:7 and 9, 14:22; Luke 9:16, 4:30; John 6:11.
[8] See Roman Missal, Common of Holy Men and Women, 9: For those who work for the underprivileged, Opening Prayer.
[9] See Genesis 12:3.
[10] Basil the Great, De Spiritu Sancto, cap. 15, 36: PG 32, 131. See Ambrose, De Spiritu Sancto, 1, 7, 89: PL 16, 755; CSEL 79, 53.
[11] See Genesis 14:19-20; Hebrews 7:1; Genesis 27:27-29, 38, 40; Hebrews 11:20; Genesis 49:1-28; Hebrews 11:21; Deu-teronomy 21:5; Deuteronomy 33; Joshua 14:13, 22:6; 2 Chronicles 30:27; Leviticus 9:22-23; Nehemiah 8:6; Sirach 3:9-11.
[12] See, for example, Daniel 3:57-88; Psalm 66:8; Psalm 103; Psalm 135; 1 Timothy 4:4-5. 13
[13]See Genesis 27:27; Exodus 23:25; Deuteronomy 7:13, 28:12; Job 1:10; Psalm 65:11; Jeremiah 31:23.
[14] See 1 Corinthians 10:16.
[15] See Vatican Council II, Dogmatic Constitution on the Church Lumen gentium, no. 48.
[16] Vatican Council II, Constitution on the Liturgy Sacrosanctum Concilium , art. 7.
[17] Ibid., art. 7 and 10.
[18] See ibid., art. 60.
[19] Ibid., art. 61.
[20] Ibid., art. 11.
[21] See Mark 9:23.
[22] See Romans 5:5.
[23] See John 14:21.
[24] See Romans 23:2; Ephesians 5:17; Matthew 12:50; Mark 3:35.
[25] Caesarius of Arles, Serm. 77, 5: CCL 103, 321.
[26] Ambrose, De benedictionibus patriarcharum 2, 7: PL 14, 709; CSEL, De Patriarchis, 32, 2, 18.
[27] See Sacrosanctum Concilium, art. 79.
[28] See ibid., art. 79.
[29] See Lectionary for Mass, (2nd ed., 1981), General Introduction, nos. 3-9.
[30] See Sacrosanctum Concilium, art. 27.
[31] See ibid., art. 79.
[32] Ibid., art. 38.
[33] Ibid., art. 59-60.
[34] See ibid., art. 63, b.
[35] See Codex luris Canonici, can. 838, 2 and 3; see also can. 1167, 1.
[36] See Sacrosanctum Concilium, art. 37-40 and 65.