St. Joseph of the Lakes

On this feast of the Holy Family the Knights of Columbus are inviting us to once again consecrate our families through this prayer (which is at the end of the pews)

O Lord Jesus, you lived in the home of Mary and Joseph in Nazareth. There you grew in age, wisdom and grace as you prepared to fulfill your mission as our Redeemer. We entrust our family to you.

 O Blessed Mary, you are the Mother of our Savior. At Nazareth you cared for Jesus and nurtured him in the peace and joy of your home. We entrust our family to you.

 O Saint Joseph, you provided a secure and loving home for Jesus and Mary and gave us a model of fatherhood while showing us the dignity of work. We entrust our family to you.

Holy Family, we consecrate ourselves and our family to you. May we be completely united in a love that is lasting, faithful and open to the gift of new life. Help us to grow in virtue, to forgive one another from our hearts, and to live in peace all our days. Keep us strong in faith, persevering in prayer, diligent in our work, and generous toward those in need. May our home, O Holy Family, truly become a domestic church where we reflect your example in our daily life. Amen.

 Jesus, Mary and Joseph, pray for us

The family is the way that chooses to best represent his image to the world.  We hear this in the very first chapter of the bible: God created man in the image of himself in the image of God he created him, male and female he created them (Gen1:27)` Although none of us can perfectly represent the relationship between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit yet much potential is held amid the relationships of family members.  They are both life-generating and sustaining.  At times we can drive each other nuts thus we have the advice of St. Paul to the Colossians:

Put on, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful.