Q: Dear Father Turner
Thank you again for handling so many questions, including the ones I have put to you.
I’m wondering about the practicalities of the blessing at the end of mass for Fathers Day. There is a blessing in the Book of Blessings that can be used as the prayer over the people (God our Father, in your wisdom…). Since this prayer has specific “objects” for lack of a better term (benedicendi?), should the direction, “Bow down for the blessing,” be modified? Should those who aren’t fathers be directed to sit or should fathers be directed to come forward or should nothing be changed?
Thank you for any thoughts you can share.
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A: I’ve done it different ways, but anymore I just give the blessing after the deacon asks everyone to bow down, as with any Prayer over the People.
Something similar happens at weddings and ordinations. Everyone is asked to bow, even though the threefold elements are directed only toward some. Then the actual blessing is directed toward all.
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