The following is taken from the Book of Blessings, approved by the Congregation for Divine Worship:
(Lay persons) “may celebrate certain blessings, as indicated in the respective orders of blessings” (no.18). Examples of blessings that may be administered by lay people are the orders for the blessing of a family (no. 44), blessing of children (no.136), blessing of sons and daughters (176), blessing of engaged couples — (no.197), blessing of parents before childbirth (no.217), and so on. Some of these orders stipulate that when a priest or deacon is present, the ministry of the blessing more fittingly belongs to him (no. 176).
Please note: blessing of dogs and/or other living things or objects is NOT something a lay person can do, no matter how fancy his/her alb may be.
From what I have heard a certain lay pastoral administrator in the Henrietta-Rush cluster of churches blesses the children as they are dismissed during Mass for their own Liturgy of the Word. If true –and I hope it isn’t– the priests in that cluster need to call a halt to that practice.
Where is the goldfish man demanding that the priest perform these blessings?
Bernie–it is true. The “certain lay P.A.” is very rarely at the Mass I attend, and it has been a priest doing the blessing all times except one.
EandKmom: Sad. Another instance of the diocese promoting a priestless Church. No wonder we are second to last in stimulating new vocations.
Absolutely shocking. And, might I note, she is not wearing a fancy alb. She is wearing a flower-ish open sweater, and pants