ANSWER by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM on May 21, 2004

Dear Anne: The formal blessing of a Church and various other buildings on the Church property is done by the bishop. That particular blessing laity cannot do. In terms of a general blessing as part of a prayer vigil for problems in the parish, any words of blessing would do... even just something as simple as: "Father, we ask you to bless this parish and to heal the problems we have. We ask this blessing in the name of the Father and the Son and Holy Spirit. (sprinkling Holy Water around the Church building). If there is a suspicion of spiritual warfare issues, then I have a special prayer to "exorcize" and bless buildings that I have successfully used in cases of house infestations. I have not published this prayer form yet, but I will when I get the time. Blessed Oil can be used in a matter similar to Holy Water. For example, dipping a finger in the oil and making a cross on or above the door. The oil will last until it is wiped off, whereas the Holy Water evaporates quickly. Thus the sacramental of the oil remains in effect longer than with Holy Water. God Bless, Bro. Ignatius Mary For Assistance with Spiritual Warfare problems please go to our How We Can Help You page. For a direct link to sample Spiritual Warfare prayers see our Spiritual Warfare Prayer Catalog