MOTHERS' DAY BLESSING

For use on Mothers' Day in the parish or at home.
(adapted from FAMILY RITUALS AND CELEBRATIONS - John Roberto.)

BEFOREHAND: Study the short blessing service and plan the most suitable way to use it. In the parish or at home an older child could lead and other children respond. If all the children are very young a father could simplify the whole service and just use the essentials.

THANKSGIVING
LEADER: Dearest mother, for offering me the chance to live and grow.
CHILDREN: I say thank you.

LEADER: For the times when I just needed someone to talk to and you were there.
CHILDREN: I say thank you.

LEADER: For the times when no one else believed in me and you stood by me.
CHILDREN: I say thank you.

LEADER: For the times when you did so much for me and expected or nothing in return.
CHILDREN: I say thank you.

LEADER: For the times when I was sick and you gave me your special, loving and motherly care.
CHILDREN: I say thank you.

AFFIRMATION
LEADER: Now take a moment to tell your mother about one of her special qualities that you admire...

LEADER - on behalf of all the children, or all the children together.
"I believe in you mom. You are someone who is very important to me, not because of the things you do, but because of the person you are. I honor you, respect you and love you. I love you for who you are and not for who I pretend or would like you to be. If you hurt me in any way I forgive you. I know in my heart that you are God's gift to me."

BLESSING:
LEADER: Lord God, bless mom and all mothers on this day with all good things, especially health, joy, love and laughter. Keep them in your care and protect them from all that is harmful.
ALL: Amen.

Children offer their mother a blessing by signing her with the sign of the cross on her forehead. Mothers may bless their children in the same way.

CONCLUSION:
LEADER: We invite Mary the mother of Jesus and our mother to care for our families as she cared for the Holy Family and we say her special prayer. HAIL MARY…….

If the ceremony is held in church the priest could conclude with a formal blessing.