princessgianna Posted May 16, 2009 Share Posted May 16, 2009 So why is that a big deal? I (personally) find it to be a sweet gesture however I have done no background study. And how is that abuse? Thanks Gina Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cmotherofpirl Posted May 16, 2009 Share Posted May 16, 2009 [quote name='princessgianna' post='1868827' date='May 16 2009, 04:30 PM']So why is that a big deal? I (personally) find it to be a sweet gesture however I have done no background study. And how is that abuse? Thanks Gina[/quote] Only a priest can bless someone elses child. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissyP89 Posted May 16, 2009 Share Posted May 16, 2009 There are certain types of blessings--one is liturgical and the other is by laypeople. The liturgical one is from a priest. Only priests have actual God-given power to bless. When other people try to act like priests, it takes away from their authority, which is abusive. That's how I see it, anyway. There's nothing wrong with saying "May God bless you", but actually laying hands and acting as the priest would is wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
princessgianna Posted May 16, 2009 Author Share Posted May 16, 2009 [quote name='cmotherofpirl' post='1868831' date='May 16 2009, 02:34 PM']Only a priest can bless someone elses child.[/quote] well the priest does! *confused* *sudden realization* OHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh when the lay people do that-it's abuse! yea that's wrong! Sorry I was thinking that when a Mom goes up to communion the priest will bless the little child. and some people thought that to be abuse. my mistake. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
princessgianna Posted May 16, 2009 Author Share Posted May 16, 2009 [quote name='MissyP89' post='1868835' date='May 16 2009, 02:37 PM']There are certain types of blessings--one is liturgical and the other is by laypeople. The liturgical one is from a priest. Only priests have actual God-given power to bless. When other people try to act like priests, it takes away from their authority, which is abusive. That's how I see it, anyway. There's nothing wrong with saying "May God bless you", but actually laying hands and acting as the priest would is wrong.[/quote] Right thanks! that is when the lay people try to bless the kids. k got it thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nihil Obstat Posted May 17, 2009 Share Posted May 17, 2009 I've talked to certain people that get *really* uptight when I bring this up. Ignorant Catholicism disturbs and frustrates me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
picchick Posted May 18, 2009 Share Posted May 18, 2009 Lay people no priests yes I have had lay people pray over people who come up but do not recieve. "May God protect you." I see no problem with that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brigid Posted May 18, 2009 Share Posted May 18, 2009 at my church the EMHC put their hand on the kid (if they can reach, they don't go out of their way) and say "Jesus bless you". so what does that fall under? because they are laying their hand on them, but it sounds like the blessing itself is okay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KnightofChrist Posted May 18, 2009 Share Posted May 18, 2009 [quote name='Brigid' post='1869934' date='May 17 2009, 10:10 PM']at my church the EMHC put their hand on the kid (if they can reach, they don't go out of their way) and say "Jesus bless you". so what does that fall under? because they are laying their hand on them, but it sounds like the blessing itself is okay.[/quote] It is an abuse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brigid Posted May 18, 2009 Share Posted May 18, 2009 [quote name='KnightofChrist' post='1869943' date='May 17 2009, 11:16 PM']It is an abuse.[/quote] dang. well, sadly, I'm not surprised. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nihil Obstat Posted May 18, 2009 Share Posted May 18, 2009 Even what they do that's technically allowed is *so* borderline. The average person doesn't really distinguish between someone saying "May God bless you" and "I bless you". To most people it all falls under "giving a blessing." This I know for sure. I'd probably prefer if the practice was 100% eliminated, instead of being 'technically' all right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Apotheoun Posted May 18, 2009 Share Posted May 18, 2009 [quote name='picchick' post='1869717' date='May 17 2009, 06:27 PM']I have had lay people pray over people who come up but do not recieve. "May God protect you." I see no problem with that.[/quote] It is not their place to do what you are talking about. In fact, they have been deputed simply to distribute communion, and that type of deputation of the laity should only be done in extraordinary situations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StColette Posted May 18, 2009 Share Posted May 18, 2009 [quote name='cmotherofpirl' post='1868831' date='May 16 2009, 03:34 PM']Only a priest can bless someone elses child.[/quote] or Deacon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
she_who_is_not Posted May 18, 2009 Share Posted May 18, 2009 During RCIA, I would go up for a blessing during communion and the lay ministers would sometimes give a blessing. I just assumed they were allowed to do this. It is good to know! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcts Posted May 18, 2009 Share Posted May 18, 2009 [quote name='StColette' post='1870119' date='May 18 2009, 08:50 AM']or Deacon [/quote] the bishop blessed my baby cousin last week at my brother's confirmation it was so cute i could hardly stand it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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