Communion / blessing

Question from Tom on 8/1/2007:

According to the Church I am in a invalid marriage. At this time there is no possibility for it to be validated, so I and my wife go to Church on a regular basis but are not allowed to participate in the Eucharist. I was told that the practice of going up to the altar at communion for a blessing is not a common practice and should not be encouraged. Is this true? Is there anything really preventing it?

Answer by David Gregson on 9/6/2007:

As you may see in Father McNamara's answer, Blessings for Non-Communicants, a blessing in place of Communion has no official authorization, but neither is there any prohibition against it. Opinions have been expressed on both sides, generally with regard to the blessing of children or noncatholics. In your situation, I would regard it as desirable to seek a blessing at Communion, if the priest is willing to give one. Note, however, that a liturgical blessing can be given only by an ordained minister (bishop, priest, or deacon), not a lay minister.