Must Catholics always use the "Bless us" prayer as grace?

[SAINThoodSEEKER]

I have a question regarding the Catholic blessing before meals. Are we as Catholics always required to use this tradition or can we deviate on some occassions? My wife and I have Protestant friends and I have often said “Grace” or asked someone else too and not used our Catholic version in order to not cause confusion or awkwardness. I have heard that we should do this where appropriate so to not alienate our separated brethren. Is this an appropriate situation? Thanks and God bless.

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

It is quite acceptable to pray spontaneously before a meal. You can accommodate it to the current situation of those gathered there. On the other hand, you could have typed our grace out and invited your guests to join you in prayer. I doubt that this would have offended them.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.