Bishop co-authors booklet on blessing of unborn children

Washington D.C., Jun 7, 2013 / 11:08 am

A new booklet on the vocation of Christian parenthood and its relationship to the parish and broader society is now available online.

"The Gift of Joy" was co-authored by Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Ky., and Msgr. J. Brian Bransfield of Philadelphia.

The booklet focuses on "The Blessing of the Child in the Womb," which was prepared at the request of then-Bishop Kurtz, who currently serves as vice president and associate general secretary of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The text for the blessing was drafted by the conference's Divine Worship and Pro-Life Activities committees. Approved by the U.S. bishops in 2008, it received final approval from Rome in 2012.

"The blessing of the child in the womb unites the parish" because it can be celebrated during Mass," explained Archbishop Kurtz and Msgr. Bransfield. In addition, the birth of a new child brings parents more fully into their faith and the loving support of their parish community.

The booklet is now available online through Our Sunday Visitor.