The Feast of the Holy Family is celebrated on the first Sunday after Christmas. It is a day dedicated to the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, commemorating their life together in Nazareth and calling us to focus on Catholic family life.
St. Eugene Knights of Columbus Council will be sponsoring a Consecration to the Holy Family at all Masses on the weekend of December 26-27.
Parish families are invited to consecrate themselves under the protection of the Holy Family and to devote themselves to uphold the ideal model of familial love set by Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. (Consecration to the Holy Family Prayer is below)
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY FAMILY
Preparation for a Consecration to the Holy Family involves deciding that you are not only dedicating your family to the Holy Family’s intercession but also acknowledging that your family is sacred.
The decision to consecrate your family needs to be intentional and a process through which you completely surrender your family to God through the Holy Family. You are accepting the truth that salvation history was changed forever by a family and that through your domestic church; you are called to exemplify their example.
Four suggested steps before Praying the Consecration to the Holy Family:
- Discuss the importance of this consecration as a family and why you are doing it.
- Each member of your family is strongly encouraged to go to the Sacrament of Confession.
- As a family, intentionally choose something to fast from. As our physical bodies are drawn to things of the world, it is encouraged that you fast from something that you would normally do or consume. Fasting helps to discipline our minds and hearts to refrain from secular activities and be more focused on God.
- Prepare for the commitment you are making. Consecration to the Holy Family is not a single event. You have chosen a way of life for your family. You and your family are consciously choosing to be a beacon of light of God’s love through His Church.
PRAYER FOR THE CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY FAMILY
O Lord Jesus,
you lived in the home of Mary and Joseph in Nazareth.
There you grew in age, wisdom
and grace
as you prepared to fulfill your mission as our Redeemer.
We entrust our family to
you.
O Blessed Mary,
you are the Mother of our Savior.
At Nazareth you cared for Jesus
and
nurtured him in the peace and joy of your home.
We entrust our family to you.
O Saint Joseph,
you provided a secure and loving home for Jesus and Mary,
and gave us a model of
fatherhood
while showing us the dignity of work.
We entrust our family to you.
Holy Family,
we consecrate ourselves and our family to you.
May we be completely united
in a
love that is lasting, faithful
and open to the gift of new life.
Help us to grow in
virtue,
to forgive one another from our hearts,
and to live in peace all our days.
Keep us
strong in faith, persevering in prayer,
diligent in our work, and generous toward those in
need.
May our home, O Holy Family,
truly become a domestic church
where we reflect your
example in our daily life. Amen.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph, pray for us!
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Prayer composed by Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, Supreme Chaplain.