A FATHER'S BLESSING
The father of the home should formally bless the children.
A common way of doing this is as follows:
Father:
O Lord, hear my prayer.
All:
And let my cry come unto Thee.
Father:
Let us pray. O Lord Jesus Christ, once Thou embraced and placed Thy hands upon the little children who came to Thee, and said: "Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven, and their angels always see the face of my Father!" Look now with fatherly eyes on the innocence of these children and their parents' devotion, and bless them this day through our prayers.
The father signs the forehead of each child with holy water.
Father:
In Thy grace and goodness let them advance continually, longing for Thee, loving Thee, fearing Thee, keeping Thy commandments. Then they will surely come to their destined home, through Thee, Savior of the world. Who lives and reigns forever and ever.
All:
Amen.
Father:
May God bless you. And may He keep your hearts and minds -- the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.
All:
Amen.
