Jointly developed by the archdiocesan Office of Worship and the RLA, the Rite of Naming and Commendation is designed to meet the needs of parents whose child(ren) died prior to birth because of miscarriage, accident, or abortion.

The ritual emphasizes the Church’s respect for the sacredness of all human life from the moment of conception – regardless of a child’s age or stage of development, acknowledging that all life, even the lives of those who are never born, impacts families and individuals. The prayer rite also helps bring peaceful closure after a great loss, helping families and friends place the infant’s death in the context of faith and to unite them to the merciful love of God.

The next Rite of Naming and Commendation will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes (University City) on March 1 after the 9am Mass.