The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

Find links to blessings and other resources below to help you celebrate this special feast of Holy Family with your family and friends. 

• Blessing of family
  Many places have a tradition of blessing families on New Year’s Day or on the feast of the Holy Family. You may light a candle and pray these words… 
  
  “O God, who were pleased to give us the shining example of the Holy Family, graciously grant that we may imitate them in practising the virtues of family life and in the bonds of charity, and so, in the joy of your house, delight one day in eternal rewards. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” 
  
  
• Praying the Holy Family Novena
  Traditionally this novena is prayed during the nine days leading up to the Feast of the Holy Family on the Church calendar, but you can pray the Novena with whenever you are ready. 
  
  
• Resources for children: Feast of the Holy Family
  • Gospel Reflection: Jesus is God’s Son, but he was still a child. He needed Mary and Joseph to be safe. He needed to obey them. Sometimes we may not want to obey our family’s rules. We can remember that Jesus obeyed his parents. We can ask him to help us. (Loyola Press) 
    • Kid's Bulletin for this Sunday
    • Colouring page this Sunday - Invite the children to colour in the accompanying illustration of Jesus in the Temple, and on the back to draw their own family. Encourage them to write what they like most about being part of a global family.
      Sunday Connection for the Feast of the Holy Family (Gr. 1-8) 
    • Children's Liturgy for leaders/parents (with intercessions and activities) - by CAFOD | Illustration
    • Children's Liturgy of the Word with Miss Heidi (Catholic TV)
      
      
• Gospel Reflection  
  Family Life.  Even the pre-teen Jesus astonishes and worries his parents as they fret over their child! Those of us who are parents know this stress. But all of us, even us aged ones, are still children of God, dearly loved and called to be obedient. (Source: Diocese of Springfield)
  • How will I obey God this day?
  • What commandment will I keep?
  • What mercy work will I do?