The Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph is kept on the Sunday after Christmas, or on December 30 when there is no such Sunday. In 2026 it falls on Sunday, December 27. Many parishes bless married couples and families on this day. Below are four complete sets of Prayers of the Faithful for the Holy Family, echoing the readings: the honor due to father and mother (Sirach 3), “bearing with one another” in love (Colossians 3), and the presentation of the child Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2, Year B).
Response: Lord, hear our prayer.
How to use these intercessions
The priest introduces the Universal Prayer and says the closing prayer; a reader announces the intentions and the people respond (GIRM 69–71). On this feast it is fitting to invite members of one family, parents, children and grandparents, to read the intentions.
Set 1: For the parish Mass
Priest: In the home of Nazareth, Jesus grew in wisdom and grace. Let us pray for all families.
- For the Church, the family of God, that she may be a home where everyone is welcomed and loved, let us pray to the Lord.
- For those who make laws and policies, that they may support families, protect children and defend the dignity of marriage, let us pray to the Lord.
- For families who are poor, homeless or forced to flee, like the Holy Family in Egypt, that they may find shelter and help, let us pray to the Lord.
- For families torn by conflict, addiction or separation, that they may find healing and peace, let us pray to the Lord.
- For the families of our parish, that like Jesus, Mary and Joseph they may live in faith, patience and mutual love, let us pray to the Lord.
- For our deceased family members, that they may be united with the Holy Family in heaven, let us pray to the Lord.
Priest: Father, in Jesus, Mary and Joseph you have given us a model of family life. Hear our prayers, and make our homes places of your love. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Set 2: For married couples
- For husbands and wives, that like Mary and Joseph they may support one another in faith and in every trial, let us pray to the Lord.
- For couples preparing for marriage, that they may build their home on Christ, let us pray to the Lord.
- For couples who long for a child, and for those who have lost a child, that they may be comforted by the love of God, let us pray to the Lord.
- For widows and widowers, that they may know the closeness of the Lord and of our community, let us pray to the Lord.
Set 3: For a children’s Mass
Short intentions that children can read.
- For our moms and dads, that God may bless them and help them, let us pray to the Lord.
- For our grandparents, that they may be healthy and happy, let us pray to the Lord.
- For children who have no family, that they may find people who love them, let us pray to the Lord.
- For us, that we may obey our parents and love our brothers and sisters, like Jesus, let us pray to the Lord.
Set 4: For families in need
- For families who have lost their work or home, that they may find help in our generosity, let us pray to the Lord.
- For families caring for a sick, elderly or disabled member, that they may receive strength and support, let us pray to the Lord.
- For families grieving a loss this Christmas, that the Lord may comfort them, let us pray to the Lord.
- For migrant and refugee families, that they may be welcomed as the Holy Family was welcomed in Egypt, let us pray to the Lord.
Priest: Lord Jesus, you lived in a family in Nazareth. Hear the prayers we make for all families, and keep them in your peace. You live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Feast of the Holy Family in 2026?
Sunday, December 27, 2026, the Sunday within the Octave of Christmas.
Who should read the Prayers of the Faithful on Holy Family Sunday?
Many parishes invite a family: a parent, a child and a grandparent can each read one intention.