Can a catechist bless?

[RonGayle8]

So, I am a catechist and last night was our first class, mid way through, the catechist director and an assistant came around to our room and annouced that they were going to bless us and our books (they did this last year too). We all followed her in a quick prayer and then she sprinkled Holy Water on the students and their books. I know extraordinary ministers can’t bless and so I would think the same applies here. I don’t want to be a “proper form” police catechist but the whole thing seemed inappropriate… Can anyone help?

Thanks in advance,

 

[Corki]

There are not many occassions where lay persons can bless. However, a catechist blessing his/her students and a parent blessing his/her children are two very notable exceptions.

I don’t know about the Catechist director blessing other teachers, however, and I am nearly positive no lay person can bless the books.

 

[Melchior_1]

I certainly don’t bless the books or the materials I use/give. I pray for/with our candidates but I don’t bless them, as I’d prefer to leave that in the hands of the ordained (Deacon and/or Priest).

It would make sense if we could bless the candidates, I just don’t feel comfortable doing it.