An emotional highlight of the “A Call to Catholic Men of Faith” happens early in the program when Father Jerry Logan calls forward fathers and their sons in attendance on the Peoria riverfront. He then encourages the fathers to bless their sons as the Litany of St. Joseph is prayed. It is powerful to watch as that sign of faith is repeated throughout the crowd. Father Logan then urges parents to bless their children in some manner daily.

We Catholics love our blessings. We ask bishops, priests, and deacons to bless our rosaries, our babies, our pets, and even our cars.

But there are many blessings that can — and should — be prayed by all who have been baptized and share in Christ’s “universal priesthood.” The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that “every baptized person is called to be a ‘blessing,’ and to bless.” (No. 1669)

Most of us, we hope, say a prayer of blessing before meals. But how often do we pause and pray for — and bless — one another?

If any month could be declared a month of blessings, it is May.

Around our diocese, hundreds of children are being blessed in many ways as they receive their First Communion. Their example of devotion is a blessing to their families and parishioners.

Graduations are taking place for college, high school, and elementary school students. They will be prayed for at baccalaureates, but what better time to individually ask God’s blessing, protection, and guidance as they continue their life journey?

The next weekends in our diocese will see the ordinations of 29 permanent deacons, four transitional deacons, and four new priests. The ancient rites will confer repeated blessings, and the new priests are usually kept busy after the ceremonies with first blessings — the first of a lifetime of them.

And, of course, Sunday is Mother’s Day. We buy cards. We buy flowers. We make phone calls. And at many Masses, mothers will be asked to stand for a special group blessing.

But how powerful would it be if we sons and daughters took a moment this Sunday and prayed over the women — both physically present and in spirit — who have blessed us through a lifetime of self-sacrifice? The U.S. Catholic Bishops have published a book of “Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers” that cover all occasions. It’s a marvelous resource for rooting Catholic family life in prayer, and shouldn’t remain on a shelf.

We’ll close by sharing the book’s suggested prayer for Mother’s Day. We invite its wide use this weekend. — Thomas J. Dermody

MOTHER’S DAY PRAYER
(Source: “Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers)

Loving God, as a mother gives life and nourishment to her children
so you watch over your Church.
Bless our mother. Let the example of her faith and love shine forth.
Grant that we, her family, may honor her always with a spirit of profound respect. Grant this through Christ our Lord, Amen.”