Can EEMs give a blessing in Communion line?

[leighland]

I’ve taught my toddler to properly gesture to receive a blessing in Communion line. The EM did not recognize my son’s crossed arms gesture, did not bestow the blessing nor did she know how. After Mass Father explained Pope B16 has not fully explained if blessings may be bestowed by EM’s only by Priests. Is this a Diocese case by case rule? Will the USCCB or Rome come out with a specifically defined rule for it? Whats the rule, in what jurisdiction and what’s its status? My son is getting his blessings from Father quite happily!

 

[Devon_Caffran]

These links should be helpful in understanding when and by whom blessings may be given. If you have any further questions or concerns that are not answered by these links, please [contact Catholic Answers (http://www.catholic.com/home/contact.asp) directly.

Recommended Reading:

• [Should blessings be given during Communion? (http://forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=137216)
• [Should EMHCs bless communicants with the Eucharist? (http://forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=134466)
• [Can anyone other than a priest give a blessing? (http://forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=122933)
• [Can parents change lines during the Communion procession so their children can be blessed by the priest? (http://forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=33373)