Catholics believe in the power of a blessing, which may be in a form of a prayer that celebrates God, a request for spiritual guidance, or a wish that only goodness follow the person or thing being blessed. The Old Testament is full of examples of God blessing people and objects, from Noah and his sons to the children of Israel.

The Church gives priests the authority to confer blessings on children, parents, and religious objects, and they may also give general blessings during Mass. Bishops are given the privilege of blessing churches and cemeteries as well as blessing the men who receive the sacrament of Holy Orders in preparation for priesthood. Blessings made by laypeople carry a personal wish and do not have a liturgical component.

There are private blessings as well, and they are made in Catholic homes. For example, children say prayers before bed, and parents bless them and pray with them. Private prayers include requests for God's blessings for his continued presence in our lives. Catholics also ask for blessings from God in the form of grace before meals, so that they may eat and enjoy their food.