Families today face many struggles, both through cultural pressure and through the personal struggles that accompany family life. Despite these struggles - and partly as a result of conquering them - families have great capacity for love and joy, a joy that is strengthened through the peace and truth found in Christ.

To assist families in living out this joy of Christ, Knights of Columbus Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori has composed a prayer through which families may come together to consecrate themselves under the protection of the Holy Family. We invite every family of our parish to engage in the Consecration to the Holy Family, by praying this prayer on the Feast of the Holy Family.

The word consecration literally means 'association with the sacred', and as such it requires a much larger commitment than simply reciting a prayer off of a card. To receive the full benefit of intercession from the Holy Family, one must cleanse the body, mind, and soul.

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. Consider fasting and receiving the sacrament of reconciliation.

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 fight 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. 

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, pray for us! Amen

Mary's Millennium Knights of Columbus & Ladies Auxiliary wish each and every one of you a very Blessed Christmas. May God bless you for all you have done to support us this year.

To learn more about what we do visit the Knights & Ladies website (www.kofc12801.org). You can also leave a message at the parish office, 630-837-6500. Visit us on Facebook (facebook.kofc12801.org). Visit our donation site https://kofc12801.square.site to donate to our current charitable causes.