Getting a Priest to Bless a Building?

[lucien123]

I’ve been away from home, living in many countries for years. In a couple Months I’m considering returning home and building some apartments (for rental) on a piece of land that I own, I already have plans and approvals for building etc, etc.

After this is done I would like to have a priest bless the newly built building, (which would be bare at that time).

I know this kind of thing is possible, but how should I approach a priest to do this? What will I need to provide him with for this? And should I pay him something for doing it? The priest I have in mind is is from a monastery which is a bit of a drive away from where the building is going to be.

Please advise,
Thanks,
Lucien

 

[JGMendes4049]

I’ve been away from home, living in many countries for years. In a couple Months I’m considering returning home and building some apartments (for rental) on a piece of land that I own, I already have plans and approvals for building etc, etc.

After this is done I would like to have a priest bless the newly built building, (which would be bare at that time).

I know this kind of thing is possible, but how should I approach a priest to do this? What will I need to provide him with for this? And should I pay him something for doing it? The priest I have in mind is is from a monastery which is a bit of a drive away from where the building is going to be.

Please advise,
Thanks,
Lucien

Here’s an excerpt from the Rituale Romanum 1962: the section about blessing homes, buildings, and places.

 

[Big_Ro]

I’ve had a Priest do this for me on a house I bought. I just called the Church and asked. I don’t think “paying” is an appropriate way of saying this. However, a suitable donation is well advised.

As an aside, they sent a Deacon. I didn’t really like this. I really wanted the Priest. They did the same thing when my youngest daughter was born very premature (24 weeks). We were genuinly concerned that she might not make it and I wanted her Baptized just in case. They sent a Deacon. I really thought this was inconsiderate and insensitive on the part of the Priest considering the gravity of the situation.

I know all the stuff about it being just as valid and that babies don’t need to be baptized. Please spare me the lectures. And, BTW, she is now 7 and healthy as can be.

 

[jesusmylover]

I’ve been away from home, living in many countries for years. In a couple Months I’m considering returning home and building some apartments (for rental) on a piece of land that I own, I already have plans and approvals for building etc, etc.

After this is done I would like to have a priest bless the newly built building, (which would be bare at that time).

I know this kind of thing is possible, but how should I approach a priest to do this? What will I need to provide him with for this? And should I pay him something for doing it? The priest I have in mind is is from a monastery which is a bit of a drive away from where the building is going to be.

Please advise,
Thanks,
Lucien

Hey,

It’s a good idea to ask to a priest to bless your building, just go to a parish and ask there that you need a priest to bless your building. I don’t see why you are afraid and what is the problem.

Every time when i have new flat, i asked to a priest to come for blessing, but i never paid anything because he was friend. But officially it’s possible, just ask to a parish.

Good Bless You.

leandresz.com/en/

 

[Ancient1]

It is considerate to make a donation, after all the priest is going out of his way and taking quite a bit of time usually in these situations. I can’t say how much, but I would calculate his gas and then add enough to it.

Also, you are not asking for a house blessing but a building complex of sorts, so the priest (the ones that really do take this seriously) will walk around to all the corners, sprinkle holy water, say appropriate prayers regarding the use of the building and protection of eventual occupants, etc. It can be involved. You don’t need to supply anything, he will bring a prayer book, stole, holy water, etc. But maybe when you arrange it to be sure just ask, “Is there anything I need to have ready for you Father?”

So, just for the sake of a haphazard number, maybe you figure he’ll spend $25 on gas, and you add $75 for his efforts (it might be much less for a private home or apartment), and have a check written in advance, to his name personally (not the institution) for $100. Or $100 in an envelope.

When he’s done and you walk him to his car, just discreetly in an understated manner say, “Please, Father, accept this as thanks for your time and trouble” or such.

 

[johnthebaptist1]

For many years I have seen Bishops Blessing New churchs, schools and or a section of a hosptial,but not to many reg builings.I been in apartment falt for almost five yeras,and waiting for a Priest to come nad Bless our Place,but because he,s buy himself,and is ways not around, so what I did is take Holy Water and Blessed each room and say a pray. So you my freind, when the building is done ,than try and ask him too Bless it,and than offer him somethink for doing it, if he doesn,t accept the Money that don,t agure,offer to the church collection.

 

[lucien123]

Thanks for the replies everyone.