No, you do not always have to be ordained to give a blessing. While the primary role of conferring many blessings often falls to ordained ministers, laypersons are also permitted and lawfully deputed to give certain types of blessings in specific circumstances.
Understanding the Roles in Giving Blessings
The ability to give a blessing varies depending on the nature of the blessing and the ecclesiastical role of the individual. There is a distinct difference in the manner and authority with which an ordained minister (such as a bishop, priest, or deacon) blesses compared to how a layperson does.
Blessings by Ordained Ministers
Ordained ministers hold a unique authority to give blessings. Their ordination grants them the sacramental power to act in the person of Christ and the Church, making their blessings often sacramental or directly tied to the sacred ministry. This includes blessings associated with sacraments, liturgical rites, and those invoking a deeper spiritual power.
Blessings by Laypersons
Despite the specific role of the ordained, laypersons can indeed give blessings. This occurs when they are lawfully deputed or when the blessing arises from their role within the family or Christian community. These blessings are often invocative, asking for God's favor, or expressions of good wishes and prayer.
Examples of Blessings by Laypersons:
- Family Blessings: Parents blessing their children.
- Specific Liturgical Deputations: Laymen are lawfully deputed to give some blessings during Mass. A prominent example is the blessing of throats on the Feast of St. Blaise, which falls on February 3rd. During this ritual, often performed in parishes, lay extraordinary ministers or other deputed individuals may bless the throats of the faithful, typically using crossed candles.
Key Distinctions in How Blessings are Given
The fundamental distinction lies not just in who gives the blessing, but how it is given and its theological weight. Blessings given by ordained ministers often carry a formal, official, and sometimes sacramental character, stemming from their unique participation in Christ's priesthood. Laypersons, when giving blessings, do so through their baptismal priesthood, often as an act of petition, prayer, or deputation from the Church for specific, defined instances.
| Aspect | Ordained Ministers (Bishops, Priests, Deacons) | Laypersons |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Authority | Generally authorized to give blessings as part of their ordained ministry. | Can be lawfully deputed for specific blessings by the Church. |
| Manner of Blessing | Conferred in a distinct, often formal or sacramental way, by virtue of ordination. | Conferred in a different manner, often through deputation or prayer. |
| Example of Deputation | (Their authority is inherent) | Blessing of throats on the Feast of St. Blaise (February 3). |
In summary, while many blessings are typically given by those who are ordained, there are clear instances where laypersons can and do lawfully confer blessings, particularly when deputed for specific liturgical functions or within their familial roles.
