Place a candle in your midst and light it as a symbol of Christ’s presence. Food shelves and soup kitchens need donations and help this time of year, especially where the weather is cold. In the spirit of the beatitudes, bring canned goods or other donations for those in need. Place them near the Christ candle.
Share the name of those you wish to bless.
Then dip your finger into the bowl of sweet oil and make the sign of the cross on the forehead of the person on your right as you say these words:
May you be blessed with the courage to follow Jesus.