From the Rector: Prayer of Blessing of a child in the womb

Prayer of Blessing of a child in the Womb

19. 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.

[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.]

• 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.

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

We invite any family who is expecting a child to contact us for a “blessing of a child in the womb”. Call the parish office at 505-722-6644 to make an appointment with either Father Keller or Father Josh.