From the Rector, Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time, 7/5/20

I have recently been asked to pray for several people who had the very joyful news that they are expecting babies. As such, I thought I would publish the prayer we use for the blessing of the child in the womb and the Mother and Father of the child. Please don’t hesitate to ask one of the priests or deacon to for the blessing, and don’t forget to plan ahead for the Baptism so that it can be done very soon after the birth of the Child. Thank you Lord for the gift of life!

Prayer of Blessing of a child in the Womb.

If appropriate, the mother is invited to come forward, along with the father and other family members. With hands extended, the celebrant blesses the child in the womb and all those present, in these words:

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, Amen

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, Amen

Blessing outside Mass 

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.

R/. Amen.

The prayer of blessing in the plural is included as an appendix to the Rite, for occasions in which more than one expectant mother is present.

If appropriate, the celebrant, in silence, may sprinkle the parents of the unborn and any other family members present with holy water. 

-Fr. Keller