Q: What are the rules around – for lack of a better term – a blessing ceremony? When is it allowed to be a layperson vs when should it be a priest? I understand there are times when a layperson can bless. Like a parent to a child, an epiphany home blessing, sprinkling holy water in a room or car. But what if a Church is planning a pet blessing, and having a woman do the blessing while dressed in an alb and read from the book of blessing?
My first thought is that it sounds a little fishy and wrong, but I’m wanting to make sure this isn’t just a gray area before I bring up my concerns. Thank you.
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A: The Book of Blessings does permit lay people to conduct certain blessings, as does Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers provided by the USCCB.
At a parish, a laywoman may wear an alb and lead an approved blessing as long as no deacon or priest is there. In one of them is present, he should lead the blessing.