Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Today is a special feast in our home and in of course in the Church. Several years ago we enthroned the Sacred Heart of Jesus in our home - as Lord and King. Each year in June we renew this enthronement and re-dedicate our efforts to live in God's presence.

This year is no exception. After Mass together as a family and breakfast with the parish and Fr. John (every 1st Friday those who attend Mass gather in parish afterwards for a simple breakfast), we will go home and enthrone the Sacred Heart of Jesus in our home.

Our ceremony goes something like this:

1. Recitation of Penitential Psalm 51

2. Recitation of Holy Ghost Prayer for help in Examine

3. Examination of Conscience

4. Act of Contrition

5. Asking forgiveness of each other in the family for wrongs we have done. (see here for the origin of this)

6. We sing and process with an image of the Sacred Heart throughout the house and grounds.

7. We place the image of the Sacred Heart in the place of honor reserved for it.

8. We recite the 'enthronement/consecration' prayer.

9. Some short prayers of intercession.

10. Parental blessing of each child.

11. Te Deum (in the form of "Holy God we Praise Thy Name")

12. Sometimes we finish with a meal or dessert.

I believe that family ceremonies such as these help create the Catholic culture in our homes and more importantly in our hearts. I know there are mixed feelings in the family about some parts of this ceremony[(5) above]. But all will remember that despite our numerous failings throughout the year - as a family (most of us have prepared for today by going to Confession this week) we re-dedicate ourselves to the struggle and formally recognize that our goal is to reach Heaven and to be a help (and not a hindrance) to each other in our journey.

For one of us, this may very well be the last time participating in this family ceremony. Thus it takes on a new urgency and meaning for all.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus - have mercy on me a poor sinner.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus - I place all my trust in Thee.

From the small holding in Bethune...

Oremus pro invicem!