With the help of Fr. Eric Orzech from The Shrine Church of St. Stanislaus, we’ve prepared for you this explanation and guide to the Epiphany Home Blessing. You can listen to Fr. Orzech’s explanation in the audio clip below.
During the Season of Epiphany, the home can be blessed by a Priest, Deacon, or Pastoral Minister.
If none of these people are available an Adult or Parent can also do the blessing. When all the family is together, we begin…
“In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit – Amen.
Let us praise God, who fills our hearts and homes with peace.
Blessed be God forever!”
(This is an appropriate time in the ceremony where a scripture passage can be read. An example of such a reading is from the Gospel of Luke 19:1-8, Psalm 72, or Psalm 127:1-8. After the reading the continuation would be)
“The Son of God made his home among us. With thanks and praise let us call upon Him –
Stay with us Lord! Lord Jesus Christ, the Magi presented their gift to You in praise and adoration. Grant that those living in this house may use their talents and abilities to your greater glory. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen. And may Jesus Christ dwell in us and keep us from all harm and make us one in mind and heart, now and forever. Amen.”
(At this time, using the blessed chalk available from your parish – above the doorway of your choice – you may write the new year which in this case would begin with 20 and end in 24 but in between, with crosses CMB shall be written. CMB stands for Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar -the name of the three kings which is also an acronym for Christus Mancionem Benedicat which is Latin for “May Christ bless our home”. Above the doorway will read 20 + C +M + B + 24 – and now your house is blessed!)