Traditional Home Blessing Prayers

These prayers are adapted for home use with the head of the family (V.) leading the prayers and other family members (R.) giving the responses. The family may gather together in the principal room of the house.  These prayers might be used on Sundays before the main meal or before Sunday night prayers or on any appropriate day or at any time.
 
V.  By the sign of the cross deliver us from our enemies.
R.  For you are our God.
Together:  + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

V.  Peace be unto this home.
R.  And unto all who dwell herein.

Then holy water is used to sprinkle those present and the principal room of the house.  All the rooms may be sprinkled if time permits.

V.  Sprinkle me with hyssop, O Lord, and I shall be clean.
R.  Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
V.  Be merciful to me, O God.
R.  For great is thy goodness.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
R.  As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be world without end. Amen.
V.  Sprinkle me with hyssop, O Lord, and I shall be clean.
R.  Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

V.  O Lord, hear my prayer.
R.  And let my cry come unto thee.

V.   Let us pray.
V.   Hear us, holy Lord, almighty Father, eternal God!  And deign to send thy holy angel from heaven to guard, cherish, protect, visit, and defend all who dwell in this home.  Through Christ our Lord.
R.  Amen.

Together:  In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we consecrate this first day of the New Year to Jesus through Mary, I extend to you and your loved ones my sincere best wishes for a blessed new year. The above prayers along with those on the Family Prayers card  (already distributed) help create an atmosphere of Godliness in our homes.  Indeed, the family that prays together stays together.  This is a good time to recommit to the Family Rosary each night.  The family is the domestic Church where Christ wishes to be welcomed and honored.  This should be our number one New Year’s Resolution.

Yours in Jesus, Mary, and Joseph,
Fr. Mark G. Mazza. Pastor