For centuries, this popular tradition of blessing homes is associated with today’s solemnity of the Epiphany. For this blessing ritual, you will need chalk and a small bottle of holy water. Begin by gathering family members and friends around the front door of your home.

Leader: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
      Let us pray. May Christ bless this home. Amen.

With chalk, sign the main door: 20 + C + M + B + 23                     
      The numbers represent the new year and the letters represent the initials of the Magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. It may also be interpreted as the Latin phrase "Christus mansionem benedicat" which means "Christ bless this house."

Leader:  A reading from the book of Deuteronomy.
      Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength. These commandments I give you are to be in your hearts. Place them on the door-frames of your home and on your entry gate. The Word of the Lord.

Then move inside to sprinkle each room with holy water.

• Living room 
  Bring us to live with you one day in heaven.
  Bless this room, O Lord. Amen. 
• Kitchen
  The celestial feast awaits us.
  Bless this room, O Lord. Amen. 
• Dining room
  Seat us at the heavenly banquet.
  Bless this room, O Lord. Amen. 
• Bedrooms
  Be our renewal and our rest.
  Bless this room, O Lord. Amen. 
• Bathroom
  Make us clean with fresh water.
  ​Bless this room, O Lord. Amen.

All return to the front door to pray together:
Our Father…

Leader:
Bless this household through all the days to come, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen

Epiphany