In the course of his preaching John the Baptist said:
‘Someone is following me, someone who is more powerful than I am, and I am not fit to kneel down and undo the strap of his sandals. I have baptised you with water, but he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit.’
It was at this time that Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptised in the Jordan by John. No sooner had he come up out of the water than he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit, like a dove, descending on him. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on you.’ Mark 1:7-11
The music for this Mass is being provided by Dan and Emily from One Life Music and is sure to be a joyous celebration.
Please write a short reflection about this special Epiphany Mass with the Archbishop and send it to your teacher on DB Primary.
There is a custom of blessing homes on the Feast of the Epiphany (6 January) when the family gather to ask God’s blessing on their home and family life. It is an invitation for Jesus to be a daily guest in our homes.
Using the blessed chalk (which many parishes will bless and make available) mark the lintel of your front door as follows:
20 + C + M + B + 21 saying:
The three Wise Men, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar followed the star of God’s Son who became human two thousand and twenty one years ago.
May Christ bless our home and remain with us throughout the new year.
Amen.
Then say the following prayer:
Visit, O Blessed Lord, this home with the gladness of your presence.
Bless all who live or visit here with the gift of your love;
and grant that we may manifest your love to each other
and to all whose lives we touch.
May we grow in grace and in the knowledge and love of you;
guide, comfort, and strengthen us in peace,
O Jesus Christ, now and for ever.
Amen.
The letters have two meanings. First, they represent the initials of the Magi – Caspar, Malchior, and Balthazar – who came to visit Jesus in His first home. They also abbreviate the Latin phrase, Christus mansionem benedicat: “May Christ bless the house.”
The “+” signs represent the cross, and the “20” at the beginning and the “21” at the end mark the current year.
Taken together, this inscription is performed as a request for Christ to bless those homes so marked and that He stay with those who dwell therein throughout the entire year.
Click on the image above to find One Life Music’s Advent Calendar. Open a new door each day to a free streamed liturgy. Just register with your name and email address to join with Dan and Emily each day of Advent.
Nine children from Year 4 and 5 in our school community received the Sacrament of First Holy Communion in a celebration delayed from May on Saturday 3rd October. Please keep them in your prayers as they take this important step in their journey of faith.