Lay people, by virtue of their share in the priesthood of Christ through baptism, may invoke blessings. Some are reserved to the clergy, especially if the blessing is part of a sacrament, but not all blessings are for the clergy alone. This is especially true if there are few clergy available. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says:

CCC1669. "'Sacramentals derive from the baptismal priesthood: every baptized person is called to be a 'BLESSING,' and to bless.[Cf. Gen 12:2 ; Lk 6:28 ; Rom 12:14 ; 1 Pet 3:9 .] Hence lay people may preside at certain blessings; the more a BLESSING concerns ecclesial and sacramental life, the more is its administration reserved to the ordained ministry (bishops, priests, or deacons)."

CCC1671 "Among sacramentals blessings (of persons, meals, objects, and places) come first. Every blessing praises God and prays for his gifts. In Christ, Christians are blessed by God the Father "with every spiritual blessing."[Eph 1:3] This is why the Church imparts blessings by invoking the name of Jesus, usually while making the holy sign of the cross of Christ."

You can conclude with the blessing given by God to Israel in Numbers 6:23-27:

Place your hand on the person or extend your hand over them and say:

"The LORD bless you and keep you!

The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you!

The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace! "

You can condlude with the sign of the cross made on yourself saying,

Other examples can be found in the Official Book of Blessings or

the Catholic of Household Blessings and Prayers.

"Lord God, from the abundance of your mercy

enrich your servants and safeguard them.

Strengthened by your blessing,

may they always be thankful to you and bless you with unending joy.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Lord, let the effect of your blessing

remain with your faithful people to give them new life and strength of spirit so that the power of your love will enable them to accomplish what is right and good.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Lord, may the blessing they long for be the strength of your faithful people, so that they will never be in conflict with your will. May your blessing always prompt them to give thanks for your favors.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Bless your people, Lord, who wait for the gift of your compassion.

Grant that what they desire by your inspiration they may receive through your goodness.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Lord, we, your people, pray for the gift of your holy blessing

to ward off every harm

and to bring to fulfillment every right desire.

May God, who is blessed above all, bless us in all things through Christ, so that whatever happens in our lives will work together for our good.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen."

The text quoted here is for religious and educational purposes only. No other use is intended or permitted.

A Blessing of Anything (for laypeople)

A Blessing of People

A Blessing of Families

A Blessing of Houses

Prayer when visiting the Sick

Prayer when visiting the Dying

Prayer when death is near.

A Burial Service for Adults

Baptism for the Dying

Viaticum - the Last Sacrament