Book excerpt: By the liturgical celebration of blessings, Christians live out their baptismal call to give praise and thanksgiving to God, acknowledging that God is the source of every gift, and imploring him for protection. This resource is a helpful guide to the many orders of blessing as found in the Book of Blessings. It highlights blessings such as the Blessing of the Advent Wreath, the Blessing of Animals, and the Inauguration of a New Pastor. Guide for Celebrating Blessings provides liturgical guidance for celebrating blessings at Mass and outside of Mass, selecting music and readings, preparing the environment, involving liturgical ministers, and inviting the full, conscious, and active participation of the assembly. As part of the Preparing Parish Worship™ series, this book includes: -Theological reflections on the nature of Catholic blessings -An historical overview of the liturgical development of blessings -A walk-through of the Book of Blessings -Answers to frequently asked questions -Assistance with best liturgical practices -Inspirational and informative quotations from Scripture and Church documents