While this is quite common in the U. S. today, the blessing of non-communicants is not authorized by the rubrics. The blessing of those unable to receive Holy Communion is an unauthorized addition to the Mass. It was not practiced in the Tridentine liturgy and should not be practiced in the Novus Ordo of the Mass. The practice seems to have been tacitly accepted by many bishops who are aware of this nascent custom and have even participated in giving such blessings.
© Evangelization Station, 2025
The Blessing of People Who Cannot Receive Holy Communion
While this is quite common in the U. S. today, the blessing of non-communicants is not authorized by the rubrics. The blessing of those unable to receive Holy Communion is an unauthorized addition to the Mass. It was not practiced in the Tridentine liturgy and should not be practiced in the Novus Ordo of the Mass. The practice seems to have been tacitly accepted by many bishops who are aware of this nascent custom and have even participated in giving such blessings.
The GIRM §24 states: “Nevertheless, the priest must remember that he is the servant of the sacred liturgy, and that he himself is not permitted, on his own initiative, to add, remove or to change anything in the celebration of the Mass.”
© Evangelization Station, 2025