House Blessing


House Blessing | Epiphany Blessing

"Remain in me, as I in you.
As a branch cannot bear fruit all by itself,
unless it remains part of the vine,
neither can you unless you remain in me."
– John 15:4

Do you wish to have your home blessed? A House Blessing is a cherished tradition, particularly for residents moving into a new home where their nearest and dearest will live together under one roof, sharing lives.

This occasion provides a special opportunity for a gathering of family and friends to mark a joyful event and to thank God, from whom all blessings come, for the gift of a new home. Holy water, reminding us of our baptism in Christ, is the principal element used. It serves to remind us that we are called to live out the grace of our baptism first and foremost in our homes, giving thanks for each other and praying for the grace to live in union with Christ.

Please note that the blessing is given only when those who live in the home are present.

How to Request a House Blessing

To request a House Blessing, parishioners of the Church of the Holy Family can contact our Parish Office. We will then arrange for a priest to contact you and make the necessary arrangements for your blessing.

We look forward to helping you bless your home and your family!

Bless Your Home on the Feast of Epiphany

The Feast of Epiphany, traditionally celebrated on 6 January, commemorates the arrival of the Three Magi who came to adore the Child Jesus. It's a beautiful occasion for families to invite Christ's blessing and protection into their homes for the new year. This cherished tradition, popular worldwide, allows families to actively participate in blessing their dwelling.

The Meaning Behind the Chalk Blessing

Have you ever seen letters and numbers inscribed above a doorway? These symbols carry deep significance! Traditionally, on the Feast of Epiphany, Catholics bless their homes by writing a specific inscription above their main entrance.

For any given year, this blessing takes the form of: 20 + C + M + B + YY (where 'YY' represents the last two digits of the current year).

  • The letters C, M, and B have a dual meaning:

    • They stand for the traditional names of the three Magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar.

    • They also represent the Latin blessing: Christus Mansionem Benedicat, which translates to "May Christ bless this house."

Many Catholic parishes encourage this practice, sometimes providing families with chalk, a small bottle of holy water, and the prayers needed to perform the blessing.

  • Priest/Adult: Our help is the name of the Lord:
    All: Who made heaven and earth.

    Priest/Adult: The Lord shall watch over your going out and your coming in:
    All: From this time forth for evermore.

    Priest/Adult: The Lord be with you.
    All: And with your Spirit

    Priest/Adult: Let us pray.
    All: Loving God, bless this chalk which you have created, that it may be helpful to your people; and grant that through the invocation of your most Holy Name all who use it in faith to write upon the doors of their homes the names of your saints, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar, may receive health of body and protection of soul for all who dwell in or visit their home; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

    (You may sprinkle the chalk with holy water.)

  • This simple yet powerful blessing can be led by any family member.

    Scripture Reading [Optional]: Matthew 2:1-16. 

    Sprinkling & Hymns/Rosary [Optional]: Sprinkle holy water in each room of your house while singing hymns or praying the rosary. Then gather at the front door to your home.

    Using the blessed chalk, mark the lintel of your front door (or front porch step, or a wall within your home) as follows:

    20 + C + M + B + YY*
    (*Replace 'YY' with the last two digits of the current year, e.g., '25' for 2025.)

    saying:

    The three Wise Men, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar followed the star of God’s Son who became human two thousand and twenty-three 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.