Following the birth of a child, the priest conducts a pastoral visit to the mother, either immediately after delivery or at an appropriate time determined by the well-being of the mother and child, at the place of birth, whether at home or in a health-care facility. During this visit, the priest prays for both the mother’s recovery and the health of the newborn.
On the fortieth day, the mother brings her infant to the church, where the priest offers prayers for both and the child is formally welcomed “churched” into the holy Church.
While tradition encourages Churching to take place on the fortieth day, it is recommended that the first church visit of the mother and infant occur whenever the mother is able to leave her home and resume normal life, and when it is safe for the infant to enter public spaces. In all things, pastoral consideration is made for the health and readiness of both mother and child.