Liturgy & Liturgical Law Forum: Blessing of Water
Blessing of Water QUESTION from Kendall Reimer March 20, 2001 During the preparation of the altar, the priest blesses the water before he takes it from the server. Why is the water blessed since it is about to be mixed with wine and consecrated? Why doesn't the priest bless the wine too?
ANSWER by John-Paul Ignatius, OLSM on April 17, 2001 Dear Mr. Reimer:
The Sacramentary and the GIRM does not call for the blessing of the water before the Priest takes it from the server that I can find.
I think what you are seeing is the priest giving the a sign of the cross in blessing the alter server just before he takes the water. I believe the altar server is being blessed, not the water.
Bro. Ignatius
Back to Index Page