For EMHC's

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EvelynEVF said:
In my parish, the kids stand there until they get a blessing, because that’s what they have come to expect. I have only been handed a ciborium once as an EMHC, and after Mass I asked never to minister the host again. So far, so good.

Nannymar (I think?), I think that even though laypeople can sort of do blessing type things, and certainly a parental blessing for our own kids, the #1 reason not to do it at Mass is because Joe Catholic has no idea of the difference between a priestly blessing and a layperson’s blessing. That is very frustrating to me. It’s like–What? You want my blessing? Why? Go get a real one from the priest or deacon!

I am flabbergasted at the idea of a layperson simulating Benediction with the chalice. Even the clergy wear a humeral veil before Benediction with the monstrance.
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Hello Evelyn, There is quite a difference between saying to a child with a light touch to the head, saying " May Jesus Bless you!" nothing blatant very as a matter of fact. Whereas a priestly blessing would be made “May Almighty God bless you,in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” while making the sign of the cross over the child. That’s a priestly blessing to me. We do not have any children come up to the EMHC holding the Chalice, by that time they have or have not received a blessing.
 
I think this is a difference in style in the parishes and between individuals. My pastor mutters a quick God bless you and does a tiny wave that might be a cross in the vicinity of their heads and that’s it. EMHCs here imitate that, mostly, though some will trace a cross on the forehead. The deacon, in contrast, invokes the Trinity, draws a big solemn cross in the air with that distinctive hand-shape (thumb and 1st 2 fingers up?) and then sets his hand firmly on the child’s head. I’ve seen all of those variations at other parishes.

And that’s why I fuss about confusion over what a priestly blessing is, because sometimes even priests make it a barely-there thing. I’d love to hear catechesis from the pulpit on this, though it’s far less important than many other issues, I’m sure.

Personally, in a very difficult time in my life a couple years ago, I frequently asked for that deacon’s blessing, and I firmly believe it made a difference. I feel like other people are missing out on something wonderful if they don’t know what a real clerical blessing is.

No offense intended to anyone who is just doing what their pastor tells them to do!
 
EvelynEVF said:
I think this is a difference in style in the parishes and between individuals. My pastor mutters a quick God bless you and does a tiny wave that might be a cross in the vicinity of their heads and that’s it. EMHCs here imitate that, mostly, though some will trace a cross on the forehead. The deacon, in contrast, invokes the Trinity, draws a big solemn cross in the air with that distinctive hand-shape (thumb and 1st 2 fingers up?) and then sets his hand firmly on the child’s head. I’ve seen all of those variations at other parishes.

And that’s why I fuss about confusion over what a priestly blessing is, because sometimes even priests make it a barely-there thing. I’d love to hear catechesis from the pulpit on this, though it’s far less important than many other issues, I’m sure.

Personally, in a very difficult time in my life a couple years ago, I frequently asked for that deacon’s blessing, and I firmly believe it made a difference. I feel like other people are missing out on something wonderful if they don’t know what a real clerical blessing is.

No offense intended to anyone who is just doing what their pastor tells them to do!
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and in case you didnt know, blessings during communion are not allowed. ever. dont pay attention to those who say otherwise.

it still isnt allowed whether it helped you or not.
 
Oh, I know they aren’t allowed. They are still the custom in my parish, particularly at school Mass, for the kids who are too little to receive. 😛

The blessings I got from the deacon were not during Mass.
 
EvelynEVF said:
Oh, I know they aren’t allowed. They are still the custom in my parish, particularly at school Mass, for the kids who are too little to receive. 😛

The blessings I got from the deacon were not during Mass.
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You’re all good then! 😃
 
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