The chairman of the Committee on Divine Worship of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop Gregory Aymond, recently announced the availability of a new "Rite for the Blessing of a Child in the Womb." Having received approval from the Vatican, the Rite can now be used by dioceses in the United States.
The Rite is introduced with these words: "The Church welcomes with joy and compassion the mothers who, recognizing that all life is a gift from God, come to the Church seeking a blessing for their unborn child. Such a blessing sustains the parents by imparting grace and comfort in time of concern and need, unites the parish in prayer for the unborn child, and fosters respect for human life within society."
The intro also explains that the "blessing may be given by the Priest Celebrant within Mass…or as a blessing outside Mass, celebrated by a Priest or, in his absence, by a Deacon…This Rite may be used for the blessing of an individual mother or of both the mother and the father, or on the occasion of a gathering of expectant parents."
The Rite, when conducted during Mass, includes special readings for the Liturgy of the Word, a homily explaining "the grace and mystery of human life," and special prayers of the faithful. Following the prayers of the faithful, the mother(s) can be invited to come forward, along with the father and other family members for this beautiful Prayer of Blessing:
God, author of all life, bless, we pray, this unborn child; give constant protection and grant a healthy birth that is the sign of our rebirth one day into the eternal rejoicing of heaven. Lord, who have brought to this woman the wondrous joy of motherhood, grant her comfort in all anxiety and make her determined to lead her child along the ways of salvation.
[For the father: Lord of the ages, who have singled out this man to know the grace and pride of fatherhood, grant him courage in this new responsibility, and make him an example of justice and truth for this child.]
[For the family: Lord, endow this family with sincere and enduring love as they prepare to welcome this child into their midst.]
Lord, you have put into the hearts of all men and women of good will a great awe and wonder at the gift of new life; fill this (parish) community with faithfulness to the teachings of the Gospel and new resolve to share in the spiritual formation of this child in Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
When the Rite is conducted outside Mass, it begins with introductory rites, followed by reading of the Word of God, with passages from Luke, Genesis, Samuel and Ruth recommended. This is followed by a responsorial psalm, a brief homily, prayers of the faithful, the Our Father, the Prayer of Blessing and a concluding rite.
Archbishop Aymond said in a news release announcing the new Rite that "[w]e hope the use of this blessing will provide not only support and God’s blessing for expectant parents and their child in the womb, but also another effective witness to the sanctity of human life from the first moment of conception."
This Rite can be downloaded from the USCCB’s website at www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities/prayers/pro-life-blessings.cfm. It can also be ordered through USCCB Publishing at www.usccbpublishing.org or by calling 800-235-8722.
You can contact Greg at The Nebraska Catholic Conference, 215 Centennial Mall South Suite 310, Lincoln, NE 68508; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
-
Youth Protection +
-
Evangelization & Catechesis +
-
Catholic Schools +
-
Youth Ministry +
-
Family Life & Discipleship +
-
News & Media +
-
Directory, Maps & Mass Times +
-
Diocese Home +
