Blessing Children After Communion, Before the End of Mass

[silicasandra]

I think I may already know the answer to this question, but there are some very informed people here who can help me with the specifics. This also happens in a parish not my own, but one I visit frequently (near the in-laws), so I’m not sure how I should address it if at all.

Anyway, after communion, but before the end of the Mass, the priest will invite all children to come up for a blessing. He does not do blessings in the communion line, but waits until afterwards. (He’s also the third priest I’ve seen do this at this parish - the former pastor did it, as did a newly ordained priest who spent some of his time studying there). My husband has taken our son up a few times, but I’ve become uncomfortable with the practice. DH feels that a blessing from a priest is a blessing from a priest and I shouldn’t worry about it. But I’ve attended many different parishes and never witnessed anything like this, and there are some other illicit practices there, unfortunately. The explanation (given by the former pastor) is that blessings during communion are inappropriate - which seems to be true per the sticky in this forum - but is this an appropriate “alternative”?

There is another parish nearby that we could attend, but the Jesus on the cross at that church is painted a bright, bright blue and while that might be OK it is a huge distraction to me. So it might be a question of what we are willing to live with when we are visiting (MIL is a fallen-away Catholic, FIL is non-Catholic, so they don’t “get” why I worry about stuff like this. They’d rather we attend their non-denominational church in a movie theatre.)

 

[FAB]

I think I may already know the answer to this question, but there are some very informed people here who can help me with the specifics. This also happens in a parish not my own, but one I visit frequently (near the in-laws), so I’m not sure how I should address it if at all.

Anyway, after communion, but before the end of the Mass, the priest will invite all children to come up for a blessing. He does not do blessings in the communion line, but waits until afterwards. (He’s also the third priest I’ve seen do this at this parish - the former pastor did it, as did a newly ordained priest who spent some of his time studying there). My husband has taken our son up a few times, but I’ve become uncomfortable with the practice. DH feels that a blessing from a priest is a blessing from a priest and I shouldn’t worry about it. But I’ve attended many different parishes and never witnessed anything like this, and there are some other illicit practices there, unfortunately. The explanation (given by the former pastor) is that blessings during communion are inappropriate - which seems to be true per the sticky in this forum - but is this an appropriate “alternative”?

There is another parish nearby that we could attend, but the Jesus on the cross at that church is painted a bright, bright blue and while that might be OK it is a huge distraction to me. So it might be a question of what we are willing to live with when we are visiting (MIL is a fallen-away Catholic, FIL is non-Catholic, so they don’t “get” why I worry about stuff like this. They’d rather we attend their non-denominational church in a movie theatre.)

There is not reason that the priest cannot give the blessing.

 

[felsguy]

I wonder if you might not be looking through the wrong end of the lens. It may be helpful to step back, remember to breathe, and look for all the good and beautiful in whichever Mass you are attend, and not sweat the small stuff.

 

[silicasandra]

There is not reason that the priest cannot give the blessing.

Really? That’s a pleasant surprise. I was under the impression that giving blessings during Mass was inappropriate because of the final blessing given to everyone (so “special” blessings are unnecessary), but maybe this just applies to blessings specifically during the communion rite?

In general, I don’t “sweat the small stuff,” but this just stuck out to me since I have witnessed other issues at this parish - but if this is an appropriate solution, I wonder why more parishes don’t go ahead and embrace this since it seems to satisfy everyone (if it is, indeed, a licit practice.)

 

[TrueLight]

Really? That’s a pleasant surprise. I was under the impression that giving blessings during Mass was inappropriate because of the final blessing given to everyone (so “special” blessings are unnecessary), but maybe this just applies to blessings specifically during the communion rite?

I think the usual posters have not posted yet. Just you wait.

 

[silicasandra]

I think the usual posters have not posted yet. Just you wait.

Hahaha. You are right. I clearly was way, way too eager for an answer either way.

 

[benedictgal]

Really? That’s a pleasant surprise. I was under the impression that giving blessings during Mass was inappropriate because of the final blessing given to everyone (so “special” blessings are unnecessary), but maybe this just applies to blessings specifically during the communion rite?

In general, I don’t “sweat the small stuff,” but this just stuck out to me since I have witnessed other issues at this parish - but if this is an appropriate solution, I wonder why more parishes don’t go ahead and embrace this since it seems to satisfy everyone (if it is, indeed, a licit practice.)

However, you do raise an interesting point. If the children were coming up for a special reason (beginning of the school year/catechetical year, paraticipation in the coming World Youth Day), that would be different. However, making this a routine sends, I believe, the wrong message. The final blessing is for everyone, children, adults, Catholics, non-Catholics, even non-Christians who attend Mass. There is really no need for a double blessing. It seems to me that as well-intentioned as the priest is, he might be missing the point and the importance of the final blessing.

 

[silicasandra]

However, you do raise an interesting point. If the children were coming up for a special reason (beginning of the school year/catechetical year, paraticipation in the coming World Youth Day), that would be different. However, making this a routine sends, I believe, the wrong message. The final blessing is for everyone, children, adults, Catholics, non-Catholics, even non-Christians who attend Mass. There is really no need for a double blessing. It seems to me that as well-intentioned as the priest is, he might be missing the point and the importance of the final blessing.

Thanks!

Yes, this is routine. It has happened every time I’ve attended Mass there. And it’s not a “general” blessing for all children spoken aloud by the priest - each child receives their own individual blessing (basically, the exact same thing that would happen for each child if they were in the communion line if the priest did blessings then, which I understand he isn’t supposed to do, but after the communion rite is over.)

 

[benedictgal]

Thanks!

Yes, this is routine. It has happened every time I’ve attended Mass there. And it’s not a “general” blessing for all children spoken aloud by the priest - each child receives their own individual blessing (basically, the exact same thing that would happen for each child if they were in the communion line if the priest did blessings then, which I understand he isn’t supposed to do, but after the communion rite is over.)

This explanation sends up a red flag for me. We do not have the authority to invent rituals and imbed them within the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. While it is laudable that the priest does not engage in these blessings in lieu of distributing Holy Communion, that does not necessarily give him the right to invent his own ritual and then insert it into the Mass.

 

[centurionguard]

This explanation sends up a red flag for me. We do not have the authority to invent rituals and imbed them within the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. While it is laudable that the priest does not engage in these blessings in lieu of distributing Holy Communion, that does not necessarily give him the right to invent his own ritual and then insert it into the Mass.

Totally Agree. The G.I.R.M. wasn’t made so a priest could add his own flair and customs or deviate from it.

I’m not denigrating the priesthood by saying this. And I have to believe the intentions of the priest aren’t with malice when he occasionally carries out this gesture.
Some Catholics even think its cute. I fail to see anything cute when it comes to the seriousness and respect of distributing Holy Communion.

Blessing Children if priest are so inclined should be left at the doors of the Church after the Recessional.

 

[FromTheAshes777]

everyone needs a blessing at Mass

that’s why it’s a part of the Mass for the Priest to bless everyone in attendence

it saves everyone some leg work too, one doesn’t have to be physically touched or be right in front of the priest to recieve the blessing

pretty simple if you ask me…I’ve never understood why people make this so complicated or try to add a gazillion other types of blessings on top of it.

the GIRM explains how to celebrate Holy Mass…let’s do it that way

if you want more blessings, there’s always daily Mass

 

[thomas_jd]

A priest is not prohibited from giving a blessing during the mass. I do not think there will ever a ruling on this issue despite the posting to the contrary.

 

[John_Lilburne]

One of the official liturgical books is Book of Blessings, (Liturgical Press, Minnesota, 1989, ISBN 0-8146-1875-8). This is a version, approved for the U.S.A., of the Latin book “De Benedictionibus”, Liberia Editrice Vaticana, 1993, ISBN 880118994.

One of the blessings is for “Elderly People Confined to their Homes”. The blessing can take place in the Mass or in a ceremony that is not a Mass. In the Mass, the blessing can take place after the General Intercessions or at the end of Mass.

Another blessing is for children. There are two versions, one for baptized children. Another for a “Child Not Yet Baptized”. With these blessings there is a not a version for in the Mass.

Another blessing is for families. “43. The blessing of a family may also be carried out within Mass, by use of the order provided in nos. 62-67.” The blessing may take place after the General Intercessions or “67. But as an alternative, if this seems more opportune, the prayer of blessing may be used at the end of Mass …”.

 

[silicasandra]

One of the official liturgical books is Book of Blessings, (Liturgical Press, Minnesota, 1989, ISBN 0-8146-1875-8). This is a version, approved for the U.S.A., of the Latin book “De Benedictionibus”, Liberia Editrice Vaticana, 1993, ISBN 880118994.

One of the blessings is for “Elderly People Confined to their Homes”. The blessing can take place in the Mass or in a ceremony that is not a Mass. In the Mass, the blessing can take place after the General Intercessions or at the end of Mass.

Another blessing is for children. There are two versions, one for baptized children. Another for a “Child Not Yet Baptized”. With these blessings there is a not a version for in the Mass.

Another blessing is for families. “43. The blessing of a family may also be carried out within Mass, by use of the order provided in nos. 62-67.” The blessing may take place after the General Intercessions or “67. But as an alternative, if this seems more opportune, the prayer of blessing may be used at the end of Mass …”.

But these are “singular” blessings - one blessing, said aloud by the priest, for all elderly confined to their homes, for all children, for all families, correct?

I have no problem with blessings once in a while, such as benedictgal suggested (the most recent one that I recall at our church was on Father’s Day for all fathers), but here we have, seemingly every week, children forming a line (sometimes parents holding infant children), to have a priest put his hands on their heads and whisper, “May God bless you”, before the children return to their place in the pews and the announcements begin. This seems more like an additional rite than anything else.

 

[promethius]

One of the official liturgical books is Book of Blessings, (Liturgical Press, Minnesota, 1989, ISBN 0-8146-1875-8). This is a version, approved for the U.S.A., of the Latin book “De Benedictionibus”, Liberia Editrice Vaticana, 1993, ISBN 880118994.

One of the blessings is for “Elderly People Confined to their Homes”. The blessing can take place in the Mass or in a ceremony that is not a Mass. In the Mass, the blessing can take place after the General Intercessions or at the end of Mass.

Another blessing is for children. There are two versions, one for baptized children. Another for a “Child Not Yet Baptized”. With these blessings there is a not a version for in the Mass.

Another blessing is for families. “43. The blessing of a family may also be carried out within Mass, by use of the order provided in nos. 62-67.” The blessing may take place after the General Intercessions or “67. But as an alternative, if this seems more opportune, the prayer of blessing may be used at the end of Mass …”.

Nevertheless, the types of special blessings offered are not limited by this book. The priest is allowed to make announcements and offer special blessings at the end of the mass. Period, end of story.

If he is offering a general blessing over the children during this time, that would be inappropriate given the nature of the final blessing.

However, if he is offering a special blessing for children at this time, particular to the pastoral needs of children, then there is no problem with this.

Unfortunately, the OP did not say. But none of us here knows enough to condemn the actions of this priest, who obviously was considerate enough to know that during communion was the wrong time and therefore LIKELY considered the appropriateness of THIS blessing as well.

I haven’t visited this area of catholic answers for a long time, and it’s a little disturbing to me that it has since devolved into a place where laity feel that they can appoint themselves as “liturgical police” and attack their priests and bishops…

 

[centurionguard]

A priest is not prohibited from giving a blessing during the mass. I do not think there will ever a ruling on this issue despite the posting to the contrary.

If its done within the prescribed protocol of the Liturgy…then yes.

I can think of a small list where this is done. Easter Vigil with Catechumens, Baptisms during the liturgy, Young Children coming up from Catechism Classes with there adult teachers or Nuns. Special Blessing before for the congregation during Easter, Christmas, or the fulfillment of our Lenten Observance. Any Blessing that’s part of the Liturgy.

 

[stephraim]

Nevertheless, the types of special blessings offered are not limited by this book. The priest is allowed to make announcements and offer special blessings at the end of the mass. Period, end of story.

Actually, that’s incorrect.

Book of Blessings:

“no. 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.”

Apparently, a priest can only “offer special blessings” if they are specified in the Book of Blessings (excepting of course those in the Missal).

 

[silicasandra]

Nevertheless, the types of special blessings offered are not limited by this book. The priest is allowed to make announcements and offer special blessings at the end of the mass. Period, end of story.

**If he is offering a general blessing over the children during this time, that would be inappropriate given the nature of the final blessing.

However, if he is offering a special blessing for children at this time, particular to the pastoral needs of children, then there is no problem with this.

Unfortunately, the OP did not say. But none of us here knows enough to condemn the actions of this priest, who obviously was considerate enough to know that during communion was the wrong time and therefore LIKELY considered the appropriateness of THIS blessing as well.**

I haven’t visited this area of catholic answers for a long time, and it’s a little disturbing to me that it has since devolved into a place where laity feel that they can appoint themselves as “liturgical police” and attack their priests and bishops…

Based on this and what I’ve seen, it seems to be the former, which would be inappropriate.

I’m sure the priest means very well and I have no problems with priests offering special blessings now and then. I am not trying to be the liturgical police, but it was a practice that made me feel uncomfortable as I have learned more about the Mass, and I know people here are much more knowledgeable about the rubrics surrounding the Mass. So I figured I would ask. If my discomfort was misplaced, I would have appreciated that, too, as my husband likes taking our son up when we attend this church and if it’s a licit practice I would have no problem with it. But it seems like it isn’t something that should be occurring, well-meaning as the intentions may have been.

 

[promethius]

Actually, that’s incorrect.

Book of Blessings:

“no. 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.”

Apparently, a priest can only “offer special blessings” if they are specified in the Book of Blessings (excepting of course those in the Missal).

That is not what your quote says. The time for announcements is not part of the liturgy of the Eucharist nor part of the celebration of the mass (hence the allowance to make announcements during this time, which is not constrained by this book either). You have made this book say something which it does not, because the timing of the priests actions is outside the realm of the book’s authority.

 

[FAB]

This explanation sends up a red flag for me. We do not have the authority to invent rituals and imbed them within the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. While it is laudable that the priest does not engage in these blessings in lieu of distributing Holy Communion, that does not necessarily give him the right to invent his own ritual and then insert it into the Mass.

Perhaps he just doesn’t want to stand at the entrance blessing them as the leave. He’s not inventing a ritual, he’s blessing the children. Jesus said “let the children come to me”