I have always looked forward to the times that new babies are blessed in our Church. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, babies are usually blessed on the first Sabbath day of the month. When a baby—girl or boy reaches approximately a month to two months old they are given a blessing, usually by their father. If the father does not yet hold the office of an Elder in the church or does not feel worthy for one reason or another then the baby can be blessed by a grandfather or another male in the family. The day of the blessing, the babies are dressed in white. Extended family members come from all over to observe the blessing of a new baby in their family. A couple serving at the Family History Library were having to miss a few days because they were driving to Los Angeles, California where their daughter’s new baby was being blessed by her husband. Another widow woman in our apartment flew to Chicago to see her son’s new baby being blessed. All worthy males in the extended family holding the office of an Elder or higher can participate in the blessing. Baby blessings take place just after the opening prayer. The baby is brought to the front of the chapel, usually by the proud father. Those participating in the blessing are called to come forward. They all place their right hands under the baby who is in the middle of the circle. Their left hands are placed on the shoulder of the person to their left. A microphone is usually held in front of the father (the voice) by a young man holding the office of a Deacon or other member of the Aaronic Priesthood. When everyone is in place the proud father begins giving the baby a blessing. The first part of the blessing is the naming of the child. Usually, the name given the baby is decided by both parents before the event. The blessing is not a set or prescribed prayer but they usually go something like this; “We take this child in our arms to give it a name and a blessing. The name that we give him/her will be (the full name is revealed to the congregation) by which she/he will be known by on the records of the church and to all others while she/he sojourns on the earth.” The rest of the blessing varies and is determined by the father. Usually the father will bless the child with such things as a healthy body and a sound mind. With blessing of love for their family and that they will always know that they are loved by all of the greater family and those who know them. That they will be blessed with many good friends to bless their life. They may be blessed to obtain a good education and to be successful in whatever endeavors they decide to pursue one day. Primarily they will be blessed to know and to love their Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ. That He/she will live close to the church and be actively involved in furthering the work of the Lord.
The father will close the blessing in the name of Jesus Christ and Amen. Ordinarily the father, with a proud look on his face, will raise the child up so that the congregation can see it. Then those who participated will return to their seats in the congregation and the blessing will be over. Many times, where there are many young couples in the Ward, there could be two or even three baby blessings given that month. Once in awhile, grandparents or other family members can’t make it but they are there in spirit knowing how important the event is to the child being blessed and the parents. After all, families are forever and there is no greater love.