blessings

On the basis of age-old custom, water is one of the signs that the Church often uses in blessing the faithful. Holy water reminds the faithful of Christ, who is given to us as the supreme divine blessing, who called himself the living water, and who, in water, established baptism for our sake as the sacramental sign of the blessing that brings salvation.

The blessing and sprinkling of holy water usually take place on Sunday, in keeping with the rite given in the Roman Missal (Sacramentary).

But when the blessing of water takes place outside Mass, the rite given here may be used by a priest or deacon. While maintaining the structure and chief elements of the rite, the celebrant should adapt the celebration to the circumstances of the place and the people involved.

The celebrant begins with these words:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

All make the sign of the cross and reply:

Amen.

The celebrant greets those present in the following or other suitable words, taken mainly from sacred Scripture.

May God, who through water and the Holy Spirit has given us a new birth in Christ, be with you all.

All make the following or some other suitable reply.

And also with you.

As circumstances suggest, the celebrant may prepare those present for the blessing in the following or similar words.

The blessing of this water reminds us of Christ, the living water, and of the sacrament of Baptism, in which we were born of water and the Holy Spirit. Whenever, therefore, we are sprinkled with this holy water or use it in blessing ourselves upon entering the church or at home, we thank God for his priceless gift to us and we ask for his help to keep us faithful to the sacrament we have received in faith.

A reader, another person present, or the celebrant reads a short text of sacred Scripture.

Listen to the words of the holy Gospel according to John: 7:37-39

Let anyone who is thirsty come to me.

On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up and exclaimed, “Let anyone who thirsts come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as scripture says:

‘Rivers of living water will flow from within him.’“

He said this in reference to the Spirit that those who came to believe in him were to receive. There was, of course, no Spirit yet, because Jesus had not yet been glorified.

The reader concludes:

The Gospel of the Lord.

All respond:

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Alternative Readings:

Isaiah 12:1-6—You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.

Isaiah 55:1-11—Oh, come to the water, all you who are thirsty.

Sirach 15:1-6—She will give him the water of wisdom to drink.

1 John 5:1-6—Jesus Christ came by water and blood.

Revelation 7:13-17—The Lamb will lead them to the springs of living water.

Revelation 22:1-5—The river of life, rising from the throne of God and of the Lamb.

John 13:3-15—You too are clean.

After the reading, the celebrant says:

Let us pray.

All pray briefly in silence; then, with hands outstretched, the celebrant says the prayer of blessing.

Blessed are you, Lord, all-powerful God, who in Christ, the living water of salvation, blessed and transformed us. Grant that, when we are sprinkled with this water or make use of it, we will be refreshed inwardly by the power of the Holy Spirit and continue to walk in the new life we received at baptism.

We ask this though Christ our Lord.

℟. Amen.

or

Lord, holy Father, look with kindness on your children redeemed by your Son and born to a new life by water and the Holy Spirit. Grant that those who are sprinkled with this water may be renewed in body and spirit and may make a pure offering of their service to you.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

℟. Amen.

or the celebrant says:

O God, the Creator of all things, by water and the Holy Spirit you have given the universe its beauty and fashioned us in your own image.

℟. Bless and purify your Church.

O Christ the Lord, from your pierced side you gave us your sacraments as fountains of salvation.

℟. Bless and purify your Church.

O Holy Spirit, giver of life, from the baptismal font of the Church you have formed us into a new creation in the waters of rebirth.

℟. Bless and purify your Church.

After the prayer of blessing, the celebrant sprinkles those present with holy water, as a suitable song is sung; as circumstances suggest, he may first say the following words.

Let this water call to mind our baptism into Christ, who has redeemed us by his death and resurrection.

℟. Amen. ¹

The Advent wreath is made of four candles and a circle of branches. Before the first candle is lighted, the household gathers for this blessing.

All make the sign of the cross. The leader begins:

Our help is in the name of the Lord.

All respond:

Who made heaven and earth.

The leader may use these or similar words to introduce the blessing:

In the short days and long nights of Advent, we realize how we are always needing salvation by our God. Around this wreath, we shall remember God’s promise.

Then the Scripture is read:

Listen to the words of the prophet Isaiah: 9:1-2

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing.

(Alternate Readings such as Is 63:16-17 or Is 64:2-7 may be used.)

The reader concludes:

The Word of the Lord.

All respond:

Thanks be to God.

After a time of silence, all join in prayers of intercession and in the Lord’s Prayer.

Then the leader invites:

Let us now pray for God’s blessing upon us and upon this wreath.

After a short silence, the leader prays:

Lord our God, we praise you for your Son, Jesus Christ: he is Emmanuel, the hope of the peoples, he is the wisdom that teaches and guides us, he is the Savior of every nation.

Lord God, let your blessing come upon us as we light the candles of this wreath. May the wreath and its light be a sign of Christ’s promise to bring us salvation, may he come quickly and not delay.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

℟. Amen. ²

The manger scene has a special place near the Christmas tree or in another place where the family members can reflect and pray during the Christmas season. It is blessed each year on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

All make the sign of the cross. The leader begins:

Our help is in the name of the Lord.

All respond:

Who made heaven and earth.

The leader may use these or similar words to introduce the blessing:

We are at the beginning of the days of Christmas. All through the season we will look on these images of sheep and cattle, of shepherds, of Mary and of Joseph and Jesus.

Then the Scripture is read:

Listen to the words of the holy Gospel according to Luke: 2:1-7

The birth of Jesus

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinus was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The reader concludes:

The Gospel of the Lord.

All respond:

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

The figures may be placed in the manger. After a time of silence, all join in prayers of intercession and in the Lord’s Prayer.

Then the leader invites:

Pray now for God’s blessing as we look on these figures.

After a short silence, the leader prays:

God of every nation and people, from the very beginning of creation you have made manifest your love: when our need for a Savior was great you sent your Son to be born of the Virgin Mary. To our lives he brings joy and peace, justice, mercy and love. Lord, bless all who look upon this manger; may it remind us of the humble birth of Jesus, and raise our thoughts to him, who is God-with-us and Savior of all, and who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

℟. Amen.

or

God of Mary and Joseph, of shepherds and animals, bless us whenever we gaze on this manger scene. Through all the days of Christmas may these figures tell the story of how humans, angels, and animals found the Christ in this poor place. Fill our house with hospitality, joy, gentleness, and thanksgiving and guide our steps in the way of peace.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

℟. Amen.

The leader says:

Let us bless the Lord.

All respond, making the sign of the cross:

Thanks be to God.

Then Christmas songs and carols are sung, for example:

It came upon a midnight clear, That glorious song of old, From angels bending near the earth To touch their harps of gold: ”Peace on the earth, good will to all From heaven’s all gracious King”; The world in solemn stillness lay, To hear the angels sing. Yet with the woes of sin and strife, The world has suffered long; Beneath the heavenly hymn have rolled Two thousand years of wrong; And warring humankind hears not The tidings which they bring; O hush the noise and cease your strife And hear the angels sing. ³

When the tree has been prepared, the household gathers around it. All make the sign if the cross. The leader begins:

Blessed be the name of the Lord.

All respond:

Now and for ever.

The leader may use these or similar words to introduce the blessing:

This tree is a blessing to our home. It reminds us of all that is beautiful, all that is filled with the gentleness and the promise of God. It stands in our midst as a tree of light that we might promise such beauty to one another and to our world. It stands like that tree of paradise that God made into the tree of life, the cross of Jesus.

Then the Scripture is read:

Listen to the words of the apostle Paul to Titus: 3:4-7

His own compassion saved us

But when the kindness of generous love of God our savior appeared, not because of any righteous deeds we had done but because of his mercy, he saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the holy Spirit, whom he richly poured out on us through Jesus Christ our savior, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life.

(Alternate Readings such as Ps 96:11-13 may be used)

The reader concludes:

This is the Word of the Lord.

All respond:

Thanks be to God.

After a time of silence, all join in prayers of intercession and in the Lord’s Prayer. Then the leader invites:

Let us now pray for God’s blessing upon all who gather around this tree.

After a short silence, the leader prays:

Lord our God, we praise you for the light of creation: the sun, the moon, and the stars of the night. We praise you for the light of Israel: the Law, the prophets, and the wisdom of the Scriptures. We praise you for Jesus Christ, your Son: he is Emmanuel, God-with-us, the Prince of Peace, who fills us with the wonder of your love.

Lord God, let your blessing come upon us as we illumine this tree. May the light and cheer it gives be a sign of the joy that fills our hearts. May all who delight in this tree come to the knowledge and joy of salvation.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

℟. Amen.

or

God of all creation, we praise you for this tree which brings beauty and memories and the promise of life to our home. May your blessing be upon all who gather around this tree, all who keep the Christmas festival by its lights. We wait for the coming of the Christ, the days of everlasting justice and of peace. You are our God, living and reigning, for ever and ever.

℟. Amen.⁴

The lights of the tree are then illuminated.

(see p. 470)

When any of the faithful wish to mark their moving into a new home with a religious celebration, the parish priest (pastor) and his associates should gladly cooperate. The occasion provides a special opportunity for a gathering of the members of the community to mark the joyful event and to thank God, from whom all blessings come, for the gift of a new home.

The present order may be used by a priest or deacon. It may also be used by a layperson, who follows the rites and prayers designated for a lay minister.

While maintaining the structure and chief elements of the rite, the minister should adapt the celebration to the circumstances of the place and the people involved.

There is to be no blessing of a new home unless those who will live in it are present.

When the family members and their relatives and friends have gathered in a convenient place, the minister says:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

All make the sign of the cross and reply:

Amen.

A minister who is a priest or deacon greets those present in the following or other suitable words, taken mainly from sacred Scripture.

Peace be with this house and with all who live here.

All make the following or some other suitable reply:

And also with you.

A lay minister greets those present in the following words.

May the God whom we glorify with one heart and voice enable us, through the Spirit, to live in harmony as followers of Christ Jesus, now and for ever.

℟. Amen.

In the following or similar words, the minister prepares those present for the blessing.

When Christ took flesh through the Blessed Virgin Mary, he made his home with us. Let us now pray that he will enter this home and bless it with his presence. May he always be here among you; may he nurture your love for each other, share in your joys, comfort you in your sorrows. Inspired by his teachings and example, seek to make your new home before all else a dwelling place of love, diffusing far and wide the goodness of Christ.

A reader, another person present, or the minister reads a text of sacred Scripture.

Listen to the words of the holy gospel according to Luke: 10:5-9

Peace to this house.

The Lord said to the seventy-two: “Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’ If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves his payment. Do not move about from one house to another. Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God is at hand for you.’

Alternative Readings:

Genesis 18:1-10a—Lord, do not pass your servant by.

Mark 1:29-30—Jesus went straight to Simon’s house.

Luke 10:38-42—Martha welcomed Jesus into her house.

Luke 19:1-9—Today salvation has come to this house.

Luke 24:28-32—Stay with us.

As circumstances suggest, the following responsorial psalm may be sung or said, or some other suitable song.

℟. Happy are those who fear the Lord. Ps 112

Happy the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commands. His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth; the upright generation shall be blessed. R.

Wealth and riches shall be in his house; his generosity shall endure forever. He dawns through the darkness, a light for the upright; he is gracious and merciful and just. R.

Well for the man who is gracious and lends, who conducts his affairs with justice; He shall never be moved;

the just man shall be in everlasting remembrance. R.

An evil report he shall not fear; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. His heart is steadfast; he shall not fear till he looks down upon his foes. R.

Lavishly he gives to the poor; his generosity shall endure forever; his horn shall be exalted in glory. R.

Alternative Responsorial Psalms:

Psalm 127: 1, 2, 3-4, 5

℟. (see v. 1) The Lord will build a house for us.

Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-6a

℟. (v. 4) See how the Lord blesses those who fear him.

As circumstances suggest, the minister may give those present a brief explanation of the biblical text, so that they may understand through faith the meaning of the celebration.

The intercessions are then said. The minister introduces them and an assisting minister or one of those present announces the intentions. From the following intentions those best suited to the circum-stancemay be used or adapted, or other intentions that apply to the particular circumstances may be composed.

The minister says:

The Son of God, Lord of heaven and earth, made his home among us. With thankfulness and gladness let us call upon him, saying:

℟. Stay with us, Lord.

or

℟. Lord, hear our prayer.

Assisting minister:

Lord Jesus Christ, by your life with Mary and Joseph you sanctified the life of the home; dwell with us in our home, so that we may have you as our guest and honor you as our Head. (For this we pray:) R.

Assisting minister:

In you every dwelling grows into a holy temple; grant that those who live in this house may be built up together into the dwelling place of God in the Holy Spirit. (For this we pray:) R.

Assisting minister:

You taught your followers to build their houses upon solid rock; grant that the members of this family may hold fast to your teachings and, free of all discord, serve you with their whole heart. (For this we pray:) R.

Assisting minister:

You had no place to lay your head, but in uncom-plaining poverty you accepted the hospitality of your friends; grant that through our help people who are homeless may obtain decent housing. (For this we pray:) R.

A minister who is a priest or deacon says the prayer of blessing with hands outstretched; a lay minister says the prayer with the hands joined.

Lord,

be close to your servants who move into this home (today) and ask for your blessing.

Be their shelter when they are at home, their companion when they are away, and their welcome guest when they return. And at last receive them into the dwelling place you have prepared for them in your Father’s house, where you live for ever and ever. R. Amen.

After the prayer of blessing, the minister sprinkles those present and the new home with holy water and, as circumstances suggest, during the sprinkling may say:

Let this water call to mind our baptism into Christ, who has redeemed us by his death and resurrection.

℟. Amen.

The minister concludes the rite by saying:

May the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, and may the word of Christ in all its richness dwell in us, so that whatever we do in word and in work, we will do in the name of the Lord. R. Amen.⁵

It is preferable to end the celebration with a suitable song.

When a place of work is blessed, both those who labor there and those who share the fruit of that labor should be invited.

All make the sign of the cross. The leader begins:

Blessed be God, who has begun a good work in us. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

All respond:

Now and for ever.

The leader may use these or similar words to introduce the blessing:

Jesus showed us the dignity of labor. He was known as the carpenter’s son, and he willingly worked with the tools of his trade. Through the labor of our hands, we bring God’s blessing upon ourselves and others. Let us pray for all who will work here and for those who will share the fruit of their labor.

Then the Scripture is read:

Listen to the words of the apostle Paul to the Thessalonians: 1 Th 4:10-12

We urge you, brothers [and sisters], to progress even more, and to aspire to live a tranquil life, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your [own] hands, as we instructed you, that you may conduct yourselves properly toward outsiders and not depend on anyone.

(Alternate Readings such as Matthew 6:25-34 may be used.)

The reader concludes:

The Word of the Lord.

All respond:

Thanks be to God.

After a time of silence, all join in prayers of intercession and in the Lord’s Prayer. A cross or other symbol may then be reverenced with a kiss and put in a place of honor. The leader then speaks the prayer of blessing; one of the following may be used or adapted as needed.

O God, in your wise providence you are glad to bless all human labor, the work of our hands and of our minds. Grant that all who plan and conduct business in this office may through your guidance and support come to right decisions and carry them out fairly.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

℟. Amen.

God, our all-provident Father, you have placed the earth and its fruits under our care, so that by our labor we will endeavor to ensure that all share in the benefits of your creation. Bless all those who will use this building either as buyers or sellers, so that by respecting justice and charity they will see themselves as working for the common good and find joy in contributing to the progress of the earthly city.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

℟. Amen.

Then holy water may be sprinkled on the place and the participants.

All make the sign of the cross as the leader concludes:

May God, the Father of goodness, who commanded us to help one another as brothers and sisters, bless this building with his presence and look kindly on all who enter here.

℟. Amen. ⁶

The minister says:

Our help is in the name of the Lord.

All reply:

Who made heaven and earth.

One of those present or the minister reads a text of sacred Scripture, for example:

Listen to the words of the book of Tobit: 5:17b-18a

[Tobit] called his son and said to him: “My son, prepare whatever you need for the journey, and set out with your kinsman. May God in heaven protect you on the way and bring you back to me safe and sound; and may his angel accompany you for safety, my son.”

Then the minister says the prayer of blessing.

All-powerful and ever-living God, when Abraham left his own land and departed from his own people, you kept him safe all through his journey. Protect us, who also are your servants: walk by our side to help us; be our companion and our strength on the road and our refuge in every adversity. Lead us, O Lord, so that we will reach our destination in safety and happily return to our homes.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.⁷

or

May God bless you with every heavenly blessing and give you a safe journey; wherever life leads you, may you may find him there to protect you.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.

The blessing may conclude with a song such as “Now Thank We All Our God.” ⁷

(see p. 540)

As circumstances suggest, a priest or deacon may use the following short blessing formulary.

God has brought gladness and light to the world through the Virgin Mary’s delivery of her child. May Christ fill your heart with his holy joy and keep you and your baby safe from harm. In the name of the Father, @ and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

℟. Amen. ⁸

As circumstances suggest, a priest or deacon may use the following short blessing formulary.

May the Lord God almighty, who through the earthly birth of his own Son has filled the whole world with joy, so bless @ you that the child he has given you will always bring joy to your heart.

℟. Amen. ⁹

To begin, the celebrant says:

Lord, show us your mercy and love.

All reply:

And grant us your salvation.

As circumstances suggest, the celebrant may prepare those present for the blessing.

One of those present or the celebrant reads a text of sacred Scripture, for example:

Lk 2:51b-52

Mary, his mother, kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God and man.

or Acts 1:14

All these devoted themselves with one accord to prayer, together with some women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

With the hands outstretched, the celebrant says the prayer of blessing:

Blessed be our God and Father, who has given us the mysteries of his Son to be pondered with devotion and celebrated with faith. May he grant us, his faithful people, that by praying the rosary we may, with Mary the Mother of Jesus, seek to keep his joys, sorrows, and glories in our minds and hearts.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

℟. Amen.

or

In memory of the mysteries of the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord and in honor of the Virgin Mary, Mother of Christ and Mother of the Church, may those who devoutly use this rosary to pray be blessed, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, @ and of the Holy Spirit.

℟. Amen.

In special circumstances, a priest or deacon may use the following short blessing formulary.

May this rosary and the one who uses it be blessed, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, @ and of the Holy Spirit.

℟. Amen. ¹⁰

To be used to bless medals, small crucifixes, statues, or pictures that will be displayed elsewhere than in a church or chapel, scapulars, rosaries, and other articles used for religious devotions.

In special circumstances, a priest or deacon may use the following short blessing formulary.

May this (name of article) and the one who uses it be blessed,

in the name of the Father, and of the Son, @and of the Holy Spirit.

℟. Amen ¹¹

At the beginning of the celebration, the minister says:

Our help is in the name of the Lord.

All reply:

Who made heaven and earth.

One of those present or the celebrant reads a text of sacred Scripture, for example:

Listen to the words of the holy gospel according to John: 14:6

Jesus said to Thomas: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

A minister who is a priest or deacon says the prayer of blessing with hands outstretched; a lay minister says the prayer with the hands joined.

All-powerful God, Creator of heaven and earth, in the rich depths of your wisdom you have empowered us to produce great and beautiful works.

Grant, we pray, that hose who use this vehicle may travel safely, with care for the safety of others. Whether they travel for business or pleasure, let them always find Christ to be the companion of their journey who lives and reigns with you for ever and ever.

℟. Amen ¹²

As circumstances suggest, the minister may sprinkle those present and the vehicle with holy water.

Notes

1Book of Blessings, ICEL, 1990. p. 579

2Catholic Household Blessings, National Conference of Bishops, 1988, p. 110

3ibid, p. 117

4ibid, p. 113

5Book of Blessings, p. 237

6Catholic Household Blessings, p. 301

7Book of Blessings, p. 226

8ibid, p. 77

9ibid, p. 84

10ibid, p. 558

11ibid, p. 548

11ibid, p. 381

At the moment of death, or when there is urgency because of imminent danger of death, the minister omitting all other ceremonies, pours water (not necessarily blessed but real and natural water) on the head of the person to be baptized while saying:

N., I baptize you in the name of the Father, @

The minister pours water the first time.

and of the Son, @

The minister pours water the second time.

and of the Holy Spirit. @

The minister pours water the third time.

It is desirable that the minister, as far as possible, should use one or two witnesses.

A profession of faith—like the Apostles' Creed, p. 22—is made by the candidate before the Baptism is required for adults.

(Cf. Rite of Baptism for children nn. 21.1, 160, 164 & Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults nn. 373)

When circumstances permit, the entire rite is followed. In case of urgent necessity, the minister of Confirmation lays his hands upon the sick person as he says:

All-powerful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, by water and the Holy Spirit you freed your son (daughter) from sin and gave him (her) new life. Send your Holy Spirit upon him (her) to be his (her) Helper and Guide. Give him (her) the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of right judgment and courage, the spirit of knowledge and reverence. Fill him (her) with the spirit of wonder and awe in your presence. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

℟. Amen.

Then the minister dips his right thumb in the chrism and with it makes the sign of the cross on the forehead of the one to be confirmed, as he says:

N., be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit. @

The newly confirmed responds, if he is able: Amen.

Other parts of the preparatory and concluding rites may be added in individual cases, depending on the circumstances.

In case of extreme necessity, it is sufficient that the anointing be done with the sacramental form:

N., be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit. @

(Cf. Rite of Confirmation nn. 53, 54 & 56)

When pastoral need dictates, the priest may omit or shorten some parts of the rite but must always retain in their entirety the penitent’s confession of sins and acceptance of the act of penance, the invitation to contrition, and the formularies of absolution and dismissal. In imminent danger of death, it is sufficient for the priest to say the essential words of the form of absolution, namely:

I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, @ and of the Holy Spirit.

The penitent answers: Amen.

(Cf. Rite of Penance nn. 21 & 44)

The form of absolution is not to be changed when a priest, in keeping with the provision of law, absolves a properly disposed penitent within the sacramental forum from a censure latæ sententiæ. It is enough that the confessor intend to absolve also from censures. Before absolving from sins, however, the confessor may absolve from the censure, using the formula which is given below for absolution from censure outside the sacrament of penance. When a priest, in accordance with the law, absolves a penitent from a censure outside the sacrament of penance, he uses the following formula:

By the power granted to me, I absolve you from the bond of excommunication (or suspension or interdict). In the name of the Father, and of the Son, @ and of the Holy Spirit.

The penitent answers: Amen.

(Cf. Rite of Penance, Appendix I, nn.1-2)

When, in accordance with the law, a priest dispenses a penitent from an irregularity, either during confession, after absolution has been given, or outside the sacrament of penance, he says:

By the power granted to me I dispense you from the irregularity which you have incurred. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, @ and of the Holy Spirit.

The penitent answers: Amen.

(Cf. Rite of Penance, Appendix I, nn.3)

When a priest has been called to attend a person who is already dead, he is not to administer the sacrament of anointing. Instead, he should pray for the dead person, asking that God forgive his or her sins and graciously receive him or her into the kingdom.

If the priest has reason to believe that the person is still living, he anoints him or her.

First he anoints the forehead, saying:

Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. @

℟. Amen.

Then he anoints the hands, saying:

May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.

℟. Amen.

The sacramental form is said only once, for the anointing of the forehead and hands, and is not repeated.

(Cf. Pastoral care of the sick nn. 124, 263-264. The sacrament is to be conferred upon sick persons who requested at least implicitly when they were in control of their faculties or when there is a doubt whether the person is dead. Cf. Codex Iuris Canonici cc. 1005-1006)

At the conclusion of the sacrament of penance or the penitential rite, the priest may give the apostolic pardon for the dying, with plenary indulgence, using one of the following:

Through the holy mysteries of our redemption, may almighty God release you from all punishments in this life and in the life to come.

May he open to you the gates of paradise and welcome you to everlasting joy. R. Amen.

or

By the authority which the Apostolic See has given me, I grant you a full pardon and the remission of all your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, @ and of the Holy Spirit.

℟. Amen.

(Cf. Pastoral care of the sick n. 201)