Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord
A New Beginning, a Future Full of Hope
The Feast of the Epiphany places us right at the threshold of a new year and that timing is deeply meaningful. As the Magi follow the star to Bethlehem, God reveals a powerful truth: Christ is a gift for all people. The light that shines over the manger is a light meant to guide every nation, every family, and every home as we step forward into a new year filled with hope.
The Magi were seekers. They set out on a journey without knowing every detail, trusting that God would meet them along the way. Their story mirrors our own as we begin this New Year. We do not yet know all that awaits us the joys, the challenges, the questions but we do know Who goes before us. Epiphany reassures us that God is already present, drawing us forward with purpose and grace.
At the heart of this feast is the beautiful reality that God desires to dwell with His people not only in churches, but in homes. The Church often refers to the family as the domestic church: the first place where faith is lived, taught, and passed on. It is in the home that prayer is first learned, forgiveness is practiced, love is strengthened, and Christ is made visible in daily life. When the domestic church is strong, the parish and the wider Church are strengthened as well.
For this reason, we are distributing Epiphany Home Blessing Kits at all weekend Masses. These kits invite households to consecrate the New Year to Jesus Christ and to intentionally place their homes under His care and protection. This simple act affirms that our homes belong to the Lord and are places where His presence is welcomed.
Each kit includes blessed Epiphany holy water, a powerful sacramental of the Church. Holy water reminds us of our baptism and has long been used in the Church’s prayer for protection, healing, and deliverance. By keeping holy water in the home and using it prayerfully, every household will have access throughout the year to this tangible sign of God’s grace and mercy.
Blessing the home is an ancient Christian practice that proclaims, “Lord, this is Your dwelling place.” Even brief moments of prayer as a family can transform ordinary routines into sacred encounters with God. As the chalk marks are placed on doorways, faith is made visible and intentional.
As we begin this New Year together, may we follow the Magi with trust and courage. Please be sure to take an Epiphany Home Blessing Kit this weekend, and may the Light of Christ bless your domestic church with hope, peace, and protection in the year ahead.
Your Servant in Christ,
Father Jason C. Hage, Pastor
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us!
Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us!
Mary, Mother of Our Savior, pray for us!