HCFMEA
At this time, we will pray in thanksgiving to Our Father for Father Peyton’s designation as “Venerable.” Our petitions are for Family Unity and we make our prayer through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary through Rosary prayer. As we offer our petition for Family Unity, we know that you and your family through the grace of God will be spiritually enriched, thus living out Venerable Patrick Peyton’s belief that The Family That Prays Together Stays Together. As families around the world pray and are enriched, we will see that A World at Prayer is a World at Peace, also Venerable Patrick Peyton’s belief and vision.
How to begin
Take a moment to gather your family. It’s helpful to find a quiet space, turn off all digital devices, light a candle and perhaps have a statue or image of Our Lady or the Holy Family. Discuss as a family what intentions you will pray for today. Is a family member ill, out of work, struggling with their studies? Were you blessed in some way today that you would like to offer a petition of thanksgiving? There are no right or wrong petitions. Anything from the hearts of any family member are important to offer. If every family member has a Rosary, take them out.
DAILY OPENING PRAYER
Begin by praying together each day the following prayer: O Jesus, on the Cross you gave us Mary as our Mother. Her faithful servant, Father Patrick Peyton C.S.C., the Family Rosary priest, was inspired by the Holy Spirit to proclaim an important message about the power of family prayer. He believed and preached that The Family That Prays Together Stays Together. Through Mary and his intercession, we ask for this favor for our family _____________________________________. Let our praying of the Rosary be a way for us to become more united as a family. Amen
Below choose the day and corresponding mysteries you will pray:
January 1 – Joyful Mysteries Pray the DAILY OPENING PRAYER above, then proceed to the reflections and prayers below. Read one mystery and reflection at each Our Father and spend a few quiet moments reflecting on it. You may want to have different family members read the reflections and lead the prayers: SPIRITUALITY As we pray the Joyful Mysteries together today, we learn from Christ’s childhood and rejoice in all the good He brings us each day. “Rejoice. I say it again rejoice.”
First Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation “Mary, do not be afraid; you have found favor with God .“ Luke 1:30 God calls and not all answer, but Mary did. What about us? Are we aware and open to the many ways that God is reaching out to us, to our family and inviting us to share in his life?
Second Joyful Mystery: The Visitation “Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste…to the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.” Luke 1:39 Scripture describes the visit that Mary made to the house of her cousin Elizabeth and the joy that this brought to Elizabeth. Do we appreciate the value that we bring when we make time to spend with family? Like Mary we carry Christ with us wherever we go.
Third Joyful Mystery: The Birth of Our Lord You will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:12 Christ’s human birth invites us to reflect on the birth of individual family members, the early joys and struggles common to both; and the gift that parents make in bringing children into the family.
Fourth Joyful Mystery: The Presentation in the Temple “Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon…he took him in his arms and blessed him.” Luke 2:25-28 We know what Scripture says about the experience of Mary when she brought Jesus to the temple and the words of Simeon, that a sword would pierce her heart. How do parents relate to this mystery today?
Fifth Joyful Mystery: The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple “After three days they found him in the Temple” Luke 2: 46 This mystery seems to point out a momentary lapse in the life of Joseph and Mary, in the life of their son and his whereabouts for three days. How do family members sometimes lose track of one another? 3
January 2 – Sorrowful Mysteries Pray the DAILY OPENING PRAYER , then proceed to the reflections and prayers below.
Read one mystery and reflection at each Our Father and spend a few quiet moments reflecting on it. You may want to have different family members read the reflections and lead the prayers:
MODEL TO FOLLOW As we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary today, let us remember the enduring love of Jesus in our lives. His Patience, compassion, care, concern, and gratuitous love is always a model for us.
First Sorrowful Mystery: The Agony in the Garden “Christ Jesus displayed all this patience as an example for those who would come to believe.” I Timothy 1:16 Christ Jesus displayed great patience as an example for his followers. When our impatience creates agony in the home and workplace, ask the Lord to help turn impatience into patience, patience into healing words, healing words into action so that our family and workplace become a garden of peace.
Second Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging at Pillar “Then Pilate took Jesus and had Him scourged.” John 19:1 Compassionate Jesus loved the world enough to die for it. Seek forgiveness for the times we have been like Pilate, loving the world and its materialism more than loving Jesus. Turn to Mother Mary to bear with patience the rejection that we experience from others and love them as they are. May our family, O Lord, to be messengers of faith and witnesses to Jesus’ love.
Third Sorrowful Mystery: The Crowning with Thorns “The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob has glorified his servant Jesus whom you handed over and denied in Pilate’s presence.” Acts 3:13 Jesus always did the will of His Father and he knew what was right and good. When we are crowned with the thorns of everyday life, Jesus, grant us the grace to see your will in them. Give our family serenity amid turmoil, peace amid travail, and a willingness to forgive amid torment.
Fourth Sorrowful Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross “Whether Jews or Greeks … we were all driven to drink of one Spirit.” I Corinthians 12:13 Jesus chose to be born as a Jew of a Jewish maiden Mary and reached out to us. Like Christ, we are called to reach out to people of other creeds, nationalities, and races and treat them as children of God. When we see others bearing their crosses, reach out to them with a kind word, a helping hand, and unending concern.
Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion “Into your hands, I commend my spirit.” Luke 23:46 Jesus’ incredible commitment to the Father is a great lesson. He gave gratuitously and keeps giving of himself completely for others, even today. Sustain us in trouble, Lord; comfort us in pain; console us in sorrow; and help our family to imitate you with patience in our commitments.
January 3 – Glorious Mysteries Pray the DAILY OPENING PRAYER , then proceed to the reflections and reflection at each Our Father and spend a few quiet moments reflecting on it. You may want to have different family members read the reflections and lead the prayers:
HOPE As we pray the Glorious Mysteries together today, we seek a deeper understanding of Mary’s virtue of Hope and strive to emulate it in our lives.
First Glorious Mystery: The Resurrection “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.” John 20:2 When Jesus told the disciples of his fate, they understandably reacted with sorrow. This showed their love for Jesus but it also showed that they needed to grow in hope for the Glorious Easter Resurrection; a victory over sin and death. Lord Jesus, help us to love you more this day and grow in hope that the Mystery of the Resurrection truly drives out discouragement and despair.
Second Glorious Mystery: The Ascension of Our Lord “The Lord Jesus was taken up into heaven…they went forth and preached everywhere.” Mark 16:19-20 When Jesus returned to his disciples on Easter Sunday they were still reeling from his Passion and Death; they, like we at times, were incredulous, brokenhearted. Yet on the day of His Ascension, His disciples are filled with joy! They were beginning to better understand God’s way of doing things. Lord Jesus, help us to see your Ascension as a sign of your plan as we grow in hope for life eternal.
Third Glorious Mystery: The Descent of the Holy Spirit “And it happened that while they were conversing…Jesus drew near and walked with them.” Luke 24:15 The experience of Pentecost, when from Heaven Jesus sent the Holy Spirit upon His disciples in the form of tongues of fire, ignites their hearts and they immediately go out and preach the hope of Jesus Christ. Lord, Jesus help our family to both be receptive to your Holy Spirit and to let the love we have for you to grow. Give us a greater sense of hope for our lives both today and every day.
Fourth Glorious Mystery: The Assumption of Our Lady into Heaven “Mary, preserved free from all stains of original sin, when the source of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory.” (Pius XII Munificentissimus Deus, 1950.) From the moment of His conception in Mary’s womb, Jesus knew His Father. And from this, Jesus lived a life of hope; one that only God can offer. The Church calls Mary the Mother of Sacred Hope, for she is the most exalted model of perfect confidence in God. Lord Jesus, help our family grow in hope as we pray: “Hail Holy Queen, our life, our sweetness and our hope!” Let our Blessed Mother’s Assumption into Heaven cause us to grow in hope for what you have promised us.
Fifth Glorious Mystery: The Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary “There, ‘in the glory of the Most Holy and Undivided Trinity,’ in the communion of all the saints, the Church is awaited by the one she venerates, as Mother of her Lord and as her own mother.” At her Immaculate Conception, Mary’s soul was endowed with an intense degree of Hope; but the full perfection of that Hope was crowned in Heaven only after a lifetime of joy and trials. Help us look to Mary as she placed her boundless faith in God as the source of our hope both in good and bad times. Let us grow into what is possible when we live a life of Hope rooted in God.
January 4 – Luminous Mysteries Pray the DAILY OPENING PRAYER above, then proceed to the reflections and prayers below. Read one mystery and reflection at each Our Father and spend a few quiet moments reflecting on it. You may want to have different family members read the reflections and lead the prayers:
FAMILIES As we pray the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary together today, let us ask a special blessing for all families. May God grant every family a deep love and longing for spiritual enrichment.
First Luminous Mystery: The Baptism in the Jordan “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17 The Baptism of Jesus marked the beginning of His ministry, service to others.
As a family we are called to serve one another. From our service we gain the strength, love and support to extend ourselves to serve our greater community.
Second Luminous Mystery: The Wedding at Cana “On the third day there was a wedding in Cana in Galilee and the Mother of Jesus was there.” John 2:1-12 The fact that Jesus first revealed his power and purpose at a wedding is significant.
It tells us that marriage and family life are of primary concern to God. The small ways in which we appreciate and respect one another can strengthen family relations in mutual love and faithfulness.
Third Luminous Mystery: The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God “And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” John 20:22-23 The Spirit appears to help us realize the Kingdom of justice, peace and love proclaimed by Christ. May we feel the loving energy and presence of the Spirit in our family, especially in moments of forgiveness, reconciliation and new beginnings. Fourth Luminous Mystery: The Transfiguration “While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling while.” Luke 9:29 In the Transfiguration Jesus is no longer represented as a symbol of light, here we see Him as the Light, unfading, unfailing and undying.
Ask Christ to light up our eyes, ears, hearts and minds that we might appreciate, in new light, our own family. Fifth Luminous Mystery: The Institution of the Eucharist “He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end.” John 13:1b Everything about the institution of the Eucharist speaks to us about self-giving and service.
Ask Jesus to give you and your family an understanding and determination to be more like Christ by emulating His actions.
January 5 – Sorrowful Mysteries Pray the DAILY OPENING PRAYER above, then proceed to the reflections and prayers below. Read one mystery and reflection at each Our Father and spend a few quiet moments reflecting on it. You may want to have different family members read the reflections and lead the prayers:
PATIENCE As we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries together, we discover a commitment to patience, even in challenging times, leads to eternal life with Christ.
First Sorrowful Mystery: The Agony in the Garden “Christ Jesus displayed all his patience as an example for those who would come to believe in him.” 1 Timothy 1:16 Time after time Jesus asked more of His disciples than they were ready to give. He asked faith of Peter, and Peter sank beneath the waves; in the Garden, He asked his disciples to pray, and they slept. But Jesus was patient. He knew that in time, they would understand. Being patient can be painful, especially during times of uncertainty and fear of the unknown. Strengthen our faith, O Lord.
Second Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging at Pillar “We commend ourselves as ministers of God through … patience and kindness in the power of God.” 2 Corinthians 6:6 The Pharisees test Christ when they led an adulteress to Him to see if He would command her to be stoned, and so appear heartless, or demand her release, and so break the law. Instead He invites the sinless ones among them to stone her, and the crowd departs.
Lord, help our family to be merciful to those suffering. Third Sorrowful Mystery: The Crowning with Thorns “The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob has glorified his servant Jesus whom you handed over and denied in Pilate’s presence.” Acts 3:13 Jesus knew he was King, but a King in exile. He knew He did not need to seek His own glory because glory was given by the Father. As so, when His royalty was made sport of in His Passion, Jesus bore the humiliation patiently. Jesus knew He was doing what was right and good. Help us, Lord, to do the same.
Fourth Sorrowful Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross “As they led Jesus away they took hold of a certain Simon.” Luke 23:26 On his long journey back to Jerusalem, Simon found himself helping Jesus Christ carry His cross. He didn’t like it, but he did as he was told; and it wasn’t long before God enlightened his soul. Simon was the first to discover that the yoke of Christ is sweet and His burden light. “Come to me when you are weary.”
Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion “Father into your hands I commend my spirit.” Luke 23:46 For years Jesus allowed Himself to be imposed upon by others, to be misunderstood and misrepresented. He had worked a thousand miracles, but few gave Him thanks; His wonderful sermons often fell upon deaf ears; and at the end of his life, He was betrayed, deserted, condemned to death and crucified. It was His vocation, so Jesus was patient until His last breath. We can do the same, by uniting our silent endurances to His.
January 6 – Joyful Mysteries Pray the DAILY OPENING PRAYER above, then proceed to the reflections and prayers below. Read one mystery and reflection at each Our Father and spend a few quiet moments reflecting on it. You may want to have different family members read the reflections and lead the prayers:
CARE & GUIDANCE FROM GOD As we pray the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary together today, let us remember God’s presence in our lives. He is always there to guide us and care for us.
First Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” Luke 1:28 The angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would be the Mother of Jesus. Mary loved God so she said yes, then left everything else to him. Help our family remember that we are also in God’s hands, through the good, bad and uncertain times. We are confident God will guide us and care for us.
Second Joyful Mystery: The Visitation “For at the moment that the sound of thy greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.” Luke 1:44 Mary went to visit her older cousin, Elizabeth. As Mary cared for others, God also cares for us in every way; from the tiniest details to the very big events in our lives. God asks us to care for our family, our friends, our faith, our talents, our responsibilities and our circumstances. That is God’s will for each of us.
Third Joyful Mystery: The Birth of Our Lord “There was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7 Jesus wasn’t born in comfortable or fancy circumstances but Mary and Joseph were still at peace. They understood that God was always with them. God is in everything and in every place. Nothing is without Him. This is a truth our family lives by.
Fourth Joyful Mystery: The Presentation in the Temple “Blessed are you who are poor for the Kingdom of God is yours.” Luke 6:20 Anna and Simeon met Jesus at the temple when his parents brought him there as a baby to be presented to God. Anna was known and loved by everyone there but Simeon, although he was always there too, was rather unknown. God uses all of us – with different talents, abilities and personalities – in different ways. God’s plans are unique for each of us but we are all equally important instruments of God.
Fifth Joyful Mystery: The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple “And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find.” Luke 11:9 The story of Jesus being separated from his parents and getting lost makes us uneasy. As a family, we can understand how Mary and Joseph felt. If one of us were lost, the rest of us would search as hard as we could. Mary and Joseph did the same. After they searched, God reunited them. Help our family remember that in all circumstances, if we search for Jesus, God will be with us and assist us.
January 7 – Glorious Mysteries Pray the DAILY OPENING PRAYER above, then proceed to the reflections and prayers below. Read one mystery and reflection at each Our Father and spend a few quiet moments reflecting on it. You may want to have different family members read the reflections and lead the prayers:
HOPE As we pray the Glorious Mysteries together today, we embrace the same Hope Mary placed in Our Father.
First Glorious Mystery: The Resurrection “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.”John 20:2 Christ’s Resurrection was not just a marvelous event, it also drove despair out of the world. It was Christ’s way of promising that we too shall live forever.
Second Glorious Mystery: The Ascension of Our Lord “The Lord Jesus was taken up into heaven … they went forth and preached everywhere.” Mark 16: 19-20 Jesus told his disciples that He must leave them so the Spirit could come. In times of trouble, remember we are not alone, the Spirit of God is with us. Come Holy Spirit, Come.
Third Glorious Mystery: The Descent of the Holy Spirit “And it happened that while they were conversing … Jesus drew near and walked with them.” Luke 24:15 Jesus sent the Holy Spirit upon His disciples in the form of tongues of fire. The Apostles, convinced of their own hopelessness, learned from the Holy Spirit to hope in Christ. Let us always rely on the Spirit of God.
Fourth Glorious Mystery: The Assumption of Our Lady into Heaven “Mary, preserved free from all stains of original sin, when the source of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory.” Pius XII Munificentissimus Deus (1950) From the moment of His conception in Mary’s womb, Jesus knew His Father. He would live a very down-toearth life and would need the hope that only God can offer. May we, like Jesus, forever trust in the hope that only God can provide.
Fifth Glorious Mystery: The Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary “There, ‘in the glory of the Most High and Undivided Trinity,’ in the communion of all the saints, the Church is awaited by the one she venerates as Mother of her Lord and as her own mother.” At her Immaculate Conception, Mary’s soul was endowed with an intense degree of hope. Her hope, like all her virtues, centered around her trust in God. Mary was hopeful, even as Jesus died on the cross because she saw God’s will in everything. Hopefulness is a virtue God expects of us.
January 8 – Joyful Mysteries Pray the DAILY OPENING PRAYER above, then proceed to the reflections and prayers below. Read one mystery and reflection at each Our Father and spend a few quiet moments reflecting on it. You may want to have different family members read the reflections and lead the prayers:
LOVE OF NEIGHBOR As we pray the Joyful Mysteries today, we grasp tangible ways to show God’s love to all those around us.
First Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation “I urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received.” Ephesians 4:4 God’s love for us is infinite – that is the meaning of the Annunciation. God so loved the world, He sent Jesus to be our brother. Jesus lived his life for others. What do our neighbors need from us today?
Second Joyful Mystery: The Visitation “Although I am free in regard to all, I have made myself a slave to all so as to win over as many as possible.” 1 Corinthians 9:19 At first glance, Mary seems to have had a choice: to stay at Nazareth and “love the Lord her God,” newly conceived in her womb, or to “love her neighbor” by visiting Elizabeth. Really there was no choice: the way we treat others is the way we love God!
Third Joyful Mystery: The Birth of Our Lord “But I say to you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:44 Jesus made no choice; He was born for those who loved Him and for those who didn’t. He washed the feet of even those who betrayed Him. To like everyone is impossible; but with Christ, I can love all, by being kind to everyone.
Fourth Joyful Mystery: The Presentation in the Temple “She never left the temple but worshipped night and day with fasting and prayer.” Luke 2:37 Anna was not merely noticed; she was studied. She quietly put the proud Pharisees to shame; Anna had won a public without advertising. Good example shines on the just and the unjust. It is one way for us to love everyone.
Fifth Joyful Mystery: The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple “All who heard him were astounded.” Luke 2:47 It was an uncomfortable day for the doctors. A small boy telling them they’d been missing the point. Truth was in this Child who discussed religion with more than authority. Zeal is love outspoken. If we love others as Christ, we’ll not just “keep the faith,” we’ll spread it.
January 9 – Sorrowful Mysteries Pray the DAILY OPENING PRAYER above, then proceed to the reflections and prayers below. Read one mystery and reflection at each Our Father and spend a few quiet moments reflecting on it. You may want to have different family members read the reflections and lead the prayers:
RECONCILIATION As we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries together, we find peace in the comforting arms of God’s mercy and forgiveness.
The First Sorrowful Mystery: The Agony in the Garden “Blessed are those whom the Master finds vigilant on his arrival.” Luke 12:37 The last night of his life on earth Jesus was profoundly alone even though his close friends were nearby; they were asleep. Many in our world are alone and in agony, perhaps even family members. Can we not watch one hour with them?
The Second Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging at the Pillar “You say that I am a king, for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth.” John 18:37 The great king and Lord of all was arrested, humiliated and scourged like a common criminal, even though he was pure and innocent. Throughout these trials he remained true to himself, his mission and his Father. Can we remain true to our beliefs, our true self and our vocation when we pass through many trials?
The Third Sorrowful Mystery: The Crowning with Thorns “Simon, Son of John, do you love me more than these?” John 21:15 The thorns pierced his skin, his skull, his heart. Peter wept his heart out for denying Christ and causing so much pain. In his shame and guilt at the sin against Christ, he did not give up. With a humble, contrite heart he approached the Lord for forgiveness. The heart of reconciliation is believing in God’s mercy.
The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross “Whoever does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10:38 The Lord himself found the Cross he was carrying so heavy he needed the help of Simon of Cyrene, a bystander. All of us have crosses to bear each day. When we try to carry them by ourselves we struggle. We need others in our family, our Church and our community to help us. Who has helped you carry your cross lately?
The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1 Jesus’ suffering in his Passion and death seems to exhaust the possibilities of human misfortune. By his stripes we are healed. He took on all our sins and redeemed us by his dying on the Cross. Sometimes we feel so alone in our suffering and pain, help us Lord, to remember that we are never alone, He is with us.
CLOSING We end this novena with Venerable Patrick Peyton’s prayer for beatification:
All in honor of our founder, Venerable Patrick Peyton, we thank you for joining us in this Novena of Thanksgiving. As we express our profound gratitude to Our Lord for this tremendous gift, we also give thanks for all your prayers for Father Peyton’s Cause. Please continue to pray for Father Peyton’s Cause so that one day he will become “Blessed,” then a “Saint.” After all, the world needs “A Saint for Family Prayer.” We encourage you to continue praying with your family every day, wherever you are. We hope our services will enhance your family’s prayer life particularly remembering Father Peyton’s famous words: “The Family That Prays Together Stays Together” and “A World at Prayer is a World at Peace.”
