FATHER JIM'S JOTS - St Elizabeth Catholic Church - Feast of the Holy Family - December 28, 2025

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church

Feast of the Holy Family

December 28, 2025

 FATHER JIM'S JOTS

Greetings,

Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family.  The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph should inspire us in our lives and in our interactions with our families.  Throughout the year, we read Gospel stories that show the support that Joseph and Mary offered to each other and Jesus.  As we read about the Flight to Egypt in today's Gospel, let us think of and pray for the refugee families around the world who flee violence and seek safety.

The holiday season can be a stressful time for many, and I know that it is not easy for some to get along with family.  It can be easy to be impatient, quick to anger and worry about not everything being perfect.  Let us remember that the most important part of this season is Jesus Christ, Redeemer and Savior of our world.  Pray that we may be more like the Holy Family.

"Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.  Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."  (Philippians 4:6-7)

"JESUS, Son of God and Son of Mary, bless our family.  Graciously inspire in us the unity, peace and mutual love that you found in your own family in the little town of Nazareth.

MARY, Mother of Jesus and Our Mother, nourish our family with your faith and your love.  Keep us close to your Son, Jesus, in all our sorrows and joys.

JOSEPH, Foster father to Jesus, guardian and spouse of Mary, keep our family safe from harm.  Help us in all times of discouragement or anxiety.

HOLY FAMILY OF NAZARETH, make our family one with you.  Help us to be instruments of peace.  Grant that love, strengthened by grace, may prove mightier than all the weaknesses and trials through which our families sometimes pass.  May we always have God at the center of our hearts and homes until we are all one family, happy and at peace in our true home with you.  Amen."

Lastly, we will have Mass for the Vigil of the Solemnity of Mary and for peace in the new year on Wednesday, December 31st at 5 p.m.  We will have a potluck following the Mass and you can sign up to bring a dish by scanning the QR code or visiting the link in this bulletin.

Blessings,

Fr. Jim, Pastor

~ Prayer from the Missionaries of ther Holy Family

~ Image Source