God, the Lord of life, brings every human creature into being and rules and sustains the life of each one of us. Bless my child and fill them with your Holy Spirit. R. 216 The blessing may be celebrated at any time during the pregnancy. R. Our soul waits for the LORD, who is our help and our shield, For in him our hearts rejoice; in his holy name we trust. Turn your face towards me and give me peace. 1989. Comfort Prayer God of All Comfort, bring peace to my mind and my heart as I journey through childbirth. Pour out your abundant blessings on my child. Pope Benedict XVI 1927-2022 tribute page and access to resources here. Receive the sacrifice of a contrite heart, O God, our every blessing comes from you and you welcome the simple prayers of those who bless your name. The journey to motherhood is an exciting one, full of anticipation and hope . I can trust that you will bring me safely through this experience, rejoicing in your great gift of a child. 231 It is preferable to end the celebration with a suitable song. And your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.". 252 A lay minister invokes God's blessing on the mother and all present by signing himself or herself with the sign of the cross and saying: May God, who chose to make known and to send the blessings of eternal salvation through the motherhood of the Blessed Virgin, bless us and keep us in his care, now and for ever. may be used when permitted. R. Blessed are you, 0 Lord, for your loving kindness. May sunshine and moonbeams dance over your head As you quietly slumber in your bed. Such a wee little fit, sent from above. Assisting minister: Through the Virgin Mary, blessed among women, you have honored the female sex. Note: If not possible, seat the mother-to-be at the head of a circle. Glory be to the Father, A mother's blessing is a spiritual yet sweet way to shower a mother-to-be with love and affection before the baby arrives. I am your child. May you always walk in sunshine. May Christ fill your heart with his holy joy and keep you and your baby safe from harm. The minister introduces them and an assisting minister or one of those present announces the intentions. 240 When the family or a community of the faithful has gathered, the minister says: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Let me know that you are by my side during labor and delivery. The blessingway is often segmented into several ceremonies that have been adapted from the traditional Navajo's sacred fertility rites. 2. I know that physical pain can overwhelm me. just and merciful, May it be Your will, O great, mighty and awesome G-d, that the merits of this poor woman who is trembling and crying out in her pains of childbirth, be remembered before You. Any pregnant Catholic woman can request it. Copyright 19XX, International Committee on English in the Liturgy. and comfort them with the hope Save us from every danger, glorious and Blessed Virgin. Strengthen me to give birth. 2023 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. 235 A minister who is a priest or deacon says the prayer of blessing with hands outstretched over the parents; a lay minister says the prayer with hands joined. I am deeply grateful for this child and for all that this child represents in my life. Blessing Of A Christmas Tree # 2. this dwelling, drive far from it, and defend it from all the deceit and harm of our bitter enemy. Luke 2:1-14 -- She gave birth to her firstborn son. Luke 1:41-42a When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.". 595 Blessing of a Mother Before Childbirth (Short Formular y) 595 Blessing of a Mother After Childbirth (Short Formulary) 596 Blessing of Rosaries (Shorter Rite) Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. V. The Lord be with you. These parents-to-be are partners in God's love and seek his blessing because they already cherish the child they have conceived and because they await the hour of their child's birth in faith and hope. 255 A minister who is a priest or deacon says the following prayer of blessing with hands outstretched over the mother; a lay minister says the prayer with hands joined. 272 Or, after the invitation, "Bow your heads and pray for God's blessing," or something similar is said, he says, with hands outstretched: May God, the source of all life, protect you by his goodness. all that I hope for from the LORD. 230 A lay minister concludes the rite by signing himself or herself with the sign of the cross and saying: May God, who chose to give us the joys of eternal salvation through the motherhood of Mary and the protection of Joseph, bless and keep us in his care, now and for ever. now and for ever. 250 After the prayer of blessing, the minister invites all present to pray for the protection of the Blessed Virgin. Light our way together. This is especially true when a child dies before birth. From the following those best suited to the occasion may be used or adapted, or other invocations that apply to the particular circumstances may be composed. Thank you for the life you've given me, and thank you for the opportunity to give life to my child. Then he blesses all present. through Christ our Lord. soothe the hearts of N. and N., R. Assisting minister: For the sacrament of baptism that has made the heart of her child the temple of your glory. May Irish angels rest their wings beside your nursery door. Calm their fears when they are anxious. Ecclesiastes 11:5. that one day we will all live with you, Please submit one here: Submit a Prayer, To provide feedback, please email: jesuitresource@xavier.edu. Fill me with the strength I need to give birth. Listen to the words of the Book of Lamentations: My soul is deprived of peace, Please give me the strength and endurance I need to keep going during labor. Lord, God of all creation, Brothers and sisters, let us bless the Lord Jesus, who in the womb of the Virgin Mary became one of us. Take away my anxiety and cover me with the supreme calm that can only come from you. Her husband Elkanah answered her: "Do what you think best; wait until you have weaned him. A common practice of the Catholic Church that dates to the Middle Ages is a blessing of expectant mothers. I have swallowed up my enemies; I rejoice in my victory.". R/. Give to her and to her child the joyful reassurance that you are always near to protect them. After the boy's father had sacrificed the young bull, Hannah, his mother, approached Eli and said, "Pardon, my lord! May Christ, who became one of us in the womb of the Virgin Mary, be with you all. R/. A blessingway is a woman-centered celebration of the journey into motherhood. and may Your blessing be always upon her. R. Amen. R. Amen. Viaticum. as my reason to have hope: I know you are blessed on the birth of such a handsome baby boy. a month before giving birth, she Tara Vickers' care team thanks her quick action for saving her life and that of her baby. Bless this child. the body and soul of the glorious Virgin Mary, Abortion doula at Notre Dame speaker series adds to Catholic concern, Does ChatGPT get Catholics? Strengthen my body when I feel weak and refresh my soul when I feel overwhelmed. has heard the cries of parents. Surrounded by God Prayer Lord of Unfailing Love, help me when I feel afraid. God is the giver of life. May I rely on your grace to help me raise this child. 271 A minister who is a priest or deacon concludes the rite by facing the mother and saying: Almighty God has brought you the joy of motherhood: may he now bless + you. It inspires and encourages an expectant mother before giving birth to the baby. may all the peoples praise you! 219 A minister who is a priest or deacon greets those present in the following or other suitable words, taken mainly from sacred Scripture. Keep us protected and divinely guided in all matters and at all times. When only the mother is present, the Order for the Blessing of a Mother before Childbirth, nos. I am now in the Sweet Presence of God. Lord, grant mercy to all the members of this family May Your will be done, Lord. Receive with kindness the prayer of your servant as she asks for the birth of a healthy child. the nations on the earth you guide. The leader concludes the rite by signing himself or herself with the Sign of the Cross and saying: May God give us peace in our sorrow, After the boy's father had sacrificed the young bull, Hannah, his mother, approached Eli and said: "Pardon, my lord! Please provide everything I need throughout the process of childbirth. Father, turn the labor room into a favorite room. Blessing for a Mother-to-Be by Rabbi Shohama Wiener Seating Six pointed magen david, star of protection and blessing. When only the mother is present, the Order for the Blessing of a Mother before Childbirth is used. Joyful Prayer O Lord my God, thank you that your grace is unending. . I'm so happy to hear that your little prince has arrived safely. Mar 03, 2023 10:00 A.M. With tears of joy streaming down her face, a mother clutched her husband's hand tightly as they received the news they had been praying for. Luke 2:1-14--She gave birth to her firstborn son. Those given here may be used or adapted or others that apply to the mother and the particular circumstances may be composed. Birth Prayer Everlasting Father, thank you that you are the author of life. "Birth is an opportunity to transcend. 277 A minister who is a priest or deacon says the prayer of blessing with hands outstretched; a lay minister says the prayer with hands joined. Encourage me that you are here and you love me. with your Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, Calm their fears when they are anxious. Those who labor thus are the dearest of the dear to The Divine Mother." The Divine Mother, Sri Daya Mata. III. Thank you for this new life that you have knit together in my womb so perfectly. We ask that this your handmaid (insert name), 274 It is preferable to end the celebration with a suitable song. R. And let my cry reach up to You. It is not because we are good people, but it is because you are a good father. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. Blessing Of A Child Who Is Sick. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. "Giving birth and being born brings us into the essence of creation, where the human spirit is courageous and bold and the body, a miracle of wisdom.". Blessing Of A Child To Obtain For It The Mercy Of God. 217 These orders may be used by a priest or a deacon, and also by a layperson, who follows the rites and prayers designated for a lay minister, or a family member. you have allowed her to conceive. I will give all that is needed to this child. Everyone else in concentric circles extending out. You created me, and now you have created my baby. R. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the recesses of your home; Your children like olive plants around your table. 229 A minister who is a priest or deacon concludes the rite by saying: May God, the source of all life, protect you by his goodness. I come to you today to thank you for giving us this beautiful gift. You never forget a promise. When I feel isolated, remind me that I am never alone. When I feel overwhelmed, help me know you can carry me onwards. over the parents; a lay minister says the prayer with hands joined. 275 The minister says: Blessed be the name of the Lord. For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed be God for ever. May I glorify you throughout this process. One important way to prepare is by lifting up prayers to God. May my child know your love and peace all the days of his/her life. This blessing is provided to assist the parents in their grief and console them with the blessing of God. Amen. Order of Blessing on the Occasion of a Birthday A mother is something absolutely new." - Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. 234 Or: Luke 1:39-45--The baby leapt in my womb for joy. 236 The blessing before childbirth provided here may be celebrated for an individual mother, particularly in the company of her own family. so that as members of your family Standing together with the mother, child and sponsor before the doors of the nave of the church, the Priest says: Welcome your baby into the world with these beautiful Irish blessings. Bless me with the strength I need right now and ensure a safe and smooth labor process. 242 A lay minister greets those present in the following words. Verse Concepts. Let the hand of Your mercy assist her delivery, R. Let us praise and exalt Him forever. Remember us, Lord, when you come to your kingdom, and teach us how to pray: 228 A minister who is a priest or deacon says the prayer of blessing with hands outstretched over the parents; a lay minister says the prayer with hands joined. Each moment ahead of us is being cradled in Your good hands. I am awed with the wonder of this new being that is in the world because of me. Refresh my soul with your Holy Spirit. A blessingway is all about nurturing and connecting heart to heart with the mother. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake. Shine the light of your presence upon my family that we may follow your path. May I be everything to them that they need to have a full and complete journey. V. Give health to your handmaid. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. safely and in good health, Let us therefore raise our voices to praise him. Your pain in childbirth, In pain you will bring forth children; Yet your desire will be for your husband, And he will rule over you." Psalm 113:9 Verse Concepts He makes the barren woman abide in the house As a joyful mother of children. The introduction states: When a new mother has been unable to take part in the celebration of her childs baptism, it is fitting to have a special celebration in order to provide the opportunity for her to benefit from the blessing that in the rite of baptism prompts the mother and all present to thank God for the gift of the newborn child (No. 241 A minister who is a priest or deacon greets those present in the following or other suitable words, taken mainly from sacred Scripture. Please help and protect me through the process of labor and delivery. Endurance Prayer O Lord, my God, thank you that you have plans for me that are for my good and your glory. R. Our soul waits for the LORD, who is our help and our shield, For in him our hearts rejoice; in his holy name we trust. and comfort your faithful people in their time of loss Type on the field below and hit Enter/Return to search, Helping Catholics know & love the Lord and his Church. by her constancy in that same faith, Comforting Presence Prayer Loving Father, please bring relief to me in my time of labor. 569 Blessing of an Advent Wreath 570 Blessing of a Christmas Crche or a Manger Scene 573 Blessing of a Christmas Tree 575 Blessing of a New Home 580 Blessing for a Place of Work 582 Blessing of Travelers (Shorter Rite) 583 Blessing of a Mother before Childbirth (Short Formulary) 583 Blessing of a Mother after Childbirth (Short Formulary) I am in a state of grace knowing the incredible co-creative power I have with God, right here, right now. May we find rest in your secure arms, let our hearts be filled with the joy of the Lord. One of the principal texts used to interpret churching was Leviticus 12:2-9, which declares that women were to be considered unclean after giving birth, and that they could not touch anything holy or be in a holy place. Priest: Blessed is our God always, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. 257 The blessing of a mother after childbirth is contained in the Rite of Baptism for Children (see endnote 12). Luke 1:39-45 -- The baby leapt in my womb for joy. Amen. The first is that there was a strong emphasis on early baptism of children. The earth has yielded its fruits; for ever and ever. (Let us bless the Lord:) R. Assisting minister: As you hung on the cross you made Mary, your own Mother, the Mother of the Church. Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the first book of Samuel: 1:20-28 The Lord granted my request. And for the proud parents: May God grant you a wee bit of heaven to cradle in your arms - a sweet bonny baby to hold close to your heart. Similarly, Joy-Anna Duggar Forsyth shared in July 2019 that she lost her and husband Austin Forsyth 's second child 20 weeks into her pregnancy. The blessing is performed differently in every family. may ever be strengthened against all evils, You are the God who has promised to increase the power of the weak. These women serve as prime examples of how to be strong through difficult times and how to be faithful to God and to the family. May Christ, who became like us in the womb of the Virgin Mary, be with you all. We are to each other teacher and pupil, pupil and teacher. You set Israel free from every evil, The favors of the LORD are not exhausted, Only, may the LORD bring your resolve to fulfillment!" In the following or similar words, the leader prepares those present for the blessing. May you be changed in all the ways you hope to be changed. So may your way be known upon earth; R. Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD. This rite is rarely used nowadays, as modern medicine generally allows women to recover from childbirth in a matter of days, and the baptism of children generally takes place a number of weeks after birth, so mothers are able to participate. 216 The blessing may be celebrated at any time during the pregnancy. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. 220 A lay minister greets those present in the following words: Brothers and sisters, let us bless the Lord Jesus, who in the womb of the Virgin Mary became like us. Prayer for a pregnant mother Dear God, May you watch my sleep as I carry this baby. A Mother's Blessing can be organised by friends or the mama herself, and is held as an alternative to a traditional baby shower. The LORD bless you from Zion: may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life; May you see your children's children. . R/. Draw Near Prayer Loving God, please draw near to me as I call on you. 217 These orders may be used by a priest or a deacon, and also by a layperson, who follows the rites and prayers designated for a lay minister, or a family member. 261 A lay minister greets those present in the following words. He has particular care for those born of a Christian marriage, since through the sacrament of baptism they will receive the gift of divine life itself. May her child be preserved for the holy regeneration of baptism, Calm their fears when they are anxious. Seat 6 close friends or relatives around the mother-to-be. Learn more about Jesuit Resource. 256 and 278. V. The Lord be with you. Pope Benedict XVI 1927-2022 tribute page and access to resources here. 222 A reader, another person present, or the minister reads a text of sacred Scripture. Already parents of son Gideon and daughter Evelyn . God, our God, has blessed us. V. Give health to your handmaid. Psalm 23:1-4 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. They come into this experience we call life so new, so fresh and so pure. While you return thanks to God for the many favors He has bestowed upon you, at the same time fervently consecrate yourself and your offspring to His holy service. that it might become a worthy home for Your Son. When only the mother is present, the Order for the Blessing of a Mother before Childbirth, nos. Brothers and sisters, let us bless the Lord Jesus, who in the womb of the Virgin Mary became one of us. may all the peoples praise you! It is different from a baby shower in that it focuses on the femininity and power that comes through growing a baby and giving birth. The fault lay, however, not with the official ritual and theology of the Church, but with inadequate popular understanding and poor catechesis. Receive this life you created in love 235 A minister who is a priest or deacon says the prayer of blessing, with hands outstretched Help me put my trust in you, knowing you are faithful to fulfill all your promises. 248 The intercessions are then said. Blessed be God for ever. R. Your children are like shoots of the olive. 238 The present order may be used by a priest, a deacon, or a lay minister. Jesuitresource.org is developed by The Center for Mission and Identity at Xavier University with support from the Conway Institute for Jesuit Education. It's that women are strong." - Laura Stavoe Harm 2. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon my child. These short soothing prayers for labor and delivery will bring you comfort and encouragement during this time. Please let this child bring joy and pride to me and my family. 216 The blessing may be celebrated at any time during the pregnancy. The blessingway is often segmented into several ceremonies that have been adapted from the traditional Navajo's sacred fertility rites. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. I ask that you would guide my child throughout their life, and fill them with your goodness and mercy. In the days of old, when childbirth would take place in the home, selected holy verses and names were placed in the mother's room before she gave birth,as a protective measure. Continue to be by my side and lead me in your perfect will. R. Amen. Choir: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. We rest in you. The ceremony is held to prepare an expectant mother for her upcoming birth journeyto shower mom-to-be with love, support and encouragement. In the 1984 Book of Blessings, an Order for the Blessing of a Mother after Childbirth is provided. Austin, Texas - One family in Central Texas counts their blessings each time they hug their youngest child.