One another, Holy FamilyA

December 28, 2025

Sirach 3:3-7, 14-17; Psalm 128 (127); Colossians 3:12-21; Matthew 2:13-23

Nurturing God, remembering the exile of the holy family and Herod’s slaughter of the children, we remember all who need our sustaining love. Hear our prayers for the church and the community in the world:

For the Church: that like Mary and Joseph, we may face the future with faith and trust in God, no matter what trials or uncertainties may stand before us: let us pray to the Lord.

For healings of relationships in our families: that the Spirit of God will show us how to love one another more deeply, support one another each day, and forgive one another generously: let us pray to the Lord.

For all married couples: that they may continually find new ways of growing in love and of supporting one another with heartfelt compassion and patience: let us pray to the Lord.

For all children: that they may appreciate the gift of their parents and grow in wisdom and virtue each day: let us pray to the Lord.

For all engaged couples: that they may continue to discover how God has gifted them to each other and how they can help each other grow in faith and love: let us pray to the Lord.

For deeper awareness: that each member of a family may recognize their responsibilities to one another and fulfill them with compassion, kindness and patience: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who have no families and for those who are alienated from or have been rejected by their families: that they may experience love and acceptance through this Christian community: let us pray to the Lord.

For parents of missing or run-away children: that God will watch over and protect their child from harm, and open a pathway for them to reconnect: let us pray to the Lord.

For patience for parents: that God will help parents to be patient as their daughters and sons mature and begin to develop their lives: let us pray to the Lord.

For those who are experiencing divorce: that the Christ Child may bring healing and hope to their hearts: let us pray to the Lord.

For all immigrants and refugees: that God will guide and sustain them, help them to adjust to all the new things that they experience, and protect them in their new homes: let us pray to the Lord.

For families who have fled warfare and violence: that they may stay bonded as a family, persevere through hardship, and continue to support and encourage one another: let us pray to the Lord.

For all children: that they may experience love and encouragement as they grow and use the gifts and opportunities to enrich the human family: let us pray to the Lord.

For greater appreciation of human life: that God will guide us in nurturing and protecting all human life: let us pray to the Lord.

For families suffering from financial crisis or unemployment: that God will open new opportunities for parents to use their gifts and to provide for their children: let us pray to the Lord.

For the people of Bethlehem and all the holy land: that God will inspire leaders in undoing injustices and wounds, in ending violence, and in establishing a just and lasting peace for all inhabitants of the Holy Land: let us pray to the Lord.

For peace amongst nations, ethnic groups, religions, and in our city streets: that God’s love made visible in the Christ Child may turn hearts from violence and open new paths of peace and justice: let us pray to the Lord.

Grant that all people may hear together the song of joy, and find their homes in the garden of justice and hope, that we may experience the fullness of life, which is your will for all, in the coming of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2025dg, December 28). Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122825.cfm

-Cormier, J. (1995). Lord, Hear Our Prayer: Prayer of the Faithful for Sundays, Holy Days, and Ritual Masses.