Introduction

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.

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.

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.

Order of Blessing

Introductory Rites

Minister: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All: Amen.

Priest: The grace of God our Father, who has made us his children by adoption, be with you all.
All: And with your spirit.

Lay Minister: 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.
All: Amen.

Minister: 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

Reader: Mark 19:13-15

Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the holy gospel according to Matthew:

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.
All: Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.

Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 128

R. Happy are those who fear the Lord.

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 wife shall be like a fruitful vine
in the recesses of your home;
Your children like olive plants
around your table. (R)

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)

Intercessions

Minister: The Lord Jesus taught us to call the almighty God our Father. Let us then pray to him saying: Lord, hear our prayer

1. Loving Father, you so loved the world that you gave your only Son; keep us, your children reborn in baptism, in your love. We
pray. (R)

2. Your favour 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. We pray. (R)

3. 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. We pray. (R)

4. 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. We pray. (R)

5. 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. We pray. (R)

Minister: Let us pray with confidence to the Father in the words our Saviour thought us.
All: Our Father…

Prayer of Blessing

(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.
All : Amen.

(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.

All: Amen.

Concluding Rite

May the Lord Jesus, who loved children, bless us and keep us in his love, now and for ever.
All : Amen.

Blessing of Sons and Daughters