Naming & Commendation: Order for the Naming and Commendation of an Infant Who Died Before Birth

Jointly developed by the Archdiocesan Office of Worship and the RLA, this rite 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. It acknowledges that all life, even the lives of those who are never born, impacts families and individuals. It also helps bring peaceful closure after a great loss.

If your parish would like to host a Naming and Commendation Mass, please contact the RLA. To see if there is an upcoming Naming and Commendation Mass to attend, please see the Calendar. If you would like to be notified when the next Naming and Commendation Mass is scheduled, please email the RLA.