A Blessing for People
Instruction
Lay people, by virtue of their share in the
priesthood of Christ through baptism, may invoke blessings. Some are
reserved to the clergy, especially if the blessing is part of a
sacrament, but not all blessings are for the clergy alone. This is
especially true if there are few clergy available. The Catechism of
the Catholic Church says:
- CCC1669. "'Sacramentals
derive from the baptismal priesthood: every baptized person is called
to be a 'BLESSING,' and to bless.[Cf. Gen 12:2 ; Lk 6:28 ; Rom 12:14 ; 1 Pet 3:9 .] Hence lay people may preside at certain blessings;
the more a BLESSING concerns ecclesial and sacramental life, the more
is its administration reserved to the ordained ministry (bishops,
priests, or deacons)."
- CCC1671 "Among sacramentals
blessings (of persons, meals, objects, and places) come first. Every
blessing praises God and prays for his gifts. In Christ, Christians are
blessed by God the Father "with every spiritual blessing."[Eph 1:3] This is why the
Church imparts blessings by invoking the name of Jesus, usually while
making the holy sign of the cross of Christ."
Form of the Blessing
You can conclude with the blessing given by
God to Israel in Numbers
6:23-27:
Place your hand on the person or extend your
hand over them and say:
"The LORD bless you and keep you!
The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be
gracious to you!
The LORD look upon you kindly and give you
peace! "
You can condlude with the sign of the cross
made on yourself saying,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
-
Other examples can be found in the Official
Book of Blessings or
-
the Catholic of Household Blessings and
Prayers.
Place your hand on the person or extend your
hand over them and say:
-
"Lord God, from the abundance of your
mercy
-
enrich your servants and safeguard them.
-
Strengthened by your blessing,
-
may they always be thankful to you and
bless you with unending joy.
-
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
or
-
Lord, let the effect of your blessing
-
remain with your faithful people to give
them new life and strength of spirit so that the power of your love
will enable them to accomplish what is right and good.
-
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
-
Lord, may the blessing they long for be
the strength of your faithful people, so that they will never be in
conflict with your will. May your blessing always prompt them to give
thanks for your favors.
-
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
or
May God, who is blessed above all, bless you in
all things through Christ, so that whatever happens in your lives
will work together for your good. Amen.
or
-
Bless your people, Lord, who wait for
the gift of your compassion.
-
Grant that what they desire by your
inspiration they may receive through your goodness.
-
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
or
-
Lord, we, your people, pray for the gift
of your holy blessing
-
to ward off every harm
-
and to bring to fulfillment every right
desire.
A priest concludes makeing
the sign of the cross over the ones blessed:
And may almighty God bless you,
the Father, and the Son,
+
and the Holy Spirit.
The lay minister would make the
sing of the cross on himself.
or
A lay minister concludes the
rite by signing himself or herself with the sign of the cross and
saying:
-
May God, who is blessed above all, bless
us in all things through Christ, so that whatever happens in our lives
will work together for our good.
-
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen."
The Shorter Book of Blessings, Catholic Book
Publishing, N.Y. (1990)pp. 541-43. All rights reserved.
The text quoted here is for religious and
educational purposes only. No other use is intended or
permitted.
A Layperson's Ritual:
- A
Blessing of Anything (for laypeople)
- A
Blessing of People
- A
Blessing of Families
- A
Blessing of Houses
- Prayer
when visiting the Sick
- Prayer
when visiting the Dying
- Prayer when death is near.
- A
Burial Service for Adults
- Baptism for the Dying
Viaticum
- the Last Sacrament
Other pages on our site.
Sacred
Heart Catholic Church and St. Yves Mission and the Packwood Catholic
Community
This is the main parish page. It contains the sacramental
information, vision statement, and a description of our
communities.