FAMI LY

GUIDEBOOK FAMI LY

GUIDEBOOK

Published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Salt Lake City, Utah © 1992, 1999, 2001, 2006 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved Printed in the United States of America English approval: 2/06 Contents

“The Family: A Proclamation to the World” iv

Organization and Purpose of the Family 1

Teaching the Gospel in the Home 4

Fulfilling Family Responsibilities 12

Leadership Training 15

Holding Worship Services at Home (For Families in Isolated Areas) 16

Priesthood Ordinances and Blessings 18

Obtaining Church Materials and Locating Information on Family History 26 “The Family: A Proclamation to the World”

In 1995, the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles issued “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.” This proclamation is a declaration and reaffirmation of doctrines and practices that prophets have stated repeat- edly throughout the history of the Church. It contains principles that are vital to the happiness and well-being of every family. Family members should study the proclamation and should live by its precepts.

“We, the First Presidency and the in holy temples make it possible for Council of the Twelve Apostles of individuals to return to the presence The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- of God and for families to be united day Saints, solemnly proclaim that eternally. marriage between a man and a “The first commandment that God woman is ordained of God and that gave to Adam and Eve pertained to the family is central to the Creator’s their potential for parenthood as plan for the eternal destiny of His husband and wife. We declare that children. God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth “All human beings—male and female remains in force. We further declare —are created in the image of God. Each that God has commanded that the is a beloved spirit son or daughter of sacred powers of procreation are heavenly parents, and, as such, each to be employed only between man has a divine nature and destiny. and woman, lawfully wedded as Gender is an essential characteristic husband and wife. of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose. “We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely “In the premortal realm, spirit sons appointed. We affirm the sanctity of and daughters knew and worshiped life and of its importance in God’s God as their Eternal Father and ac- eternal plan. cepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain “Husband and wife have a solemn re- earthly experience to progress toward sponsibility to love and care for each perfection and ultimately realize his other and for their children. ‘Children or her divine destiny as an heir of eter- are an heritage of the Lord’ (Psalms nal life. The divine plan of happiness 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to enables family relationships to be per- rear their children in love and righ- petuated beyond the grave. Sacred teousness, to provide for their physi- ordinances and covenants available cal and spiritual needs, to teach them iv to love and serve one another, to ob- protection for their families. Mothers serve the commandments of God and are primarily responsible for the nur- to be law-abiding citizens wherever ture of their children. In these sacred they live. Husbands and wives— responsibilities, fathers and mothers mothers and fathers—will be held are obligated to help one another as accountable before God for the dis- equal partners. Disability, death, or charge of these obligations. other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended “The family is ordained of God. families should lend support when Marriage between man and woman needed. is essential to His eternal plan. Chil- dren are entitled to birth within the “We warn that individuals who vio- bonds of matrimony, and to be reared late covenants of chastity, who abuse by a father and a mother who honor spouse or offspring, or who fail to ful- marital vows with complete fidelity. fill family responsibilities will one day Happiness in family life is most likely stand accountable before God. Further, to be achieved when founded upon we warn that the disintegration of the the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. family will bring upon individuals, Successful marriages and families are communities, and nations the calami- established and maintained on prin- ties foretold by ancient and modern ciples of faith, prayer, repentance, for- prophets. giveness, respect, love, compassion, “We call upon responsible citizens work, and wholesome recreational and officers of government every- activities. By divine design, fathers are where to promote those measures to preside over their families in love designed to maintain and strengthen and righteousness and are responsible the family as the fundamental unit to provide the necessities of life and of society” (Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102).

v Organization and Purpose of the Family

Organization correct principles in a loving atmos- phere, and prepare them for eternal The family is sacred in The Church life. of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is the most important social unit The home is the best place to teach, in time and eternity. God has estab- learn, and apply gospel principles. lished families to bring happiness It is where individuals learn to pro- to His children, allow them to learn vide the food, clothing, shelter, and other necessities they need. The father and mother, as equal partners, should help each family member: • Seek the truth and develop faith in God. • Repent of sins, be baptized for the remission of sins, become a mem- ber of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and receive the Holy Ghost.

1 • Obey the commandments of God, life for the family. A worthy and eligi- study the scriptures diligently, offer ble father in the Church has the oppor- personal prayers daily, and serve tunity to hold the priesthood, which is others. the power and authority to act in the name of God. With this power and • Share the gospel with others. authority, the father becomes the priest- • Be endowed and be married in the hood leader of his family. He leads his temple to a worthy companion for family in preparing to return to the eternity, create a happy home for presence of our Heavenly Father. His the family, and support the family wife is his most important companion, by love and sacrifice. partner, and counselor. Husband and wife should counsel together on all matters that affect the family and home. The father should provide for the spiri- tual needs of his family. He should see that they are taught the gospel of Jesus Christ and should do all he can to encourage them and help them obey the Lord’s commandments. • Search for information about A father who holds the priesthood deceased ancestors and perform can bless his family members and temple ordinances for them. provide for their spiritual needs. By the authority of the appropriate priesthood and with authorization from his priesthood leader, the father can: 1. Name and bless children. 2. Baptize children (and others). 3. Confirm children (and others) members of the Church and confer upon them the Holy Ghost. • Provide the nourishment required 4. Confer the priesthood upon his for spiritual, social, physical, and sons (and others) and ordain them emotional health. to offices in the priesthood. The father presides over the family 5. Bless and pass the sacrament. and is responsible to teach the chil- dren and provide the necessities of 6. Dedicate graves.

2 Without authorization from his priest- of God. They are to honor and obey hood leader, a father who holds the their parents. Melchizedek Priesthood can conse- The strength of the Church depends crate oil and bless members of his on families and individuals who live family and others when they are ill the gospel of Jesus Christ. The extent and give them special blessings at to which a family enjoys the blessings other times when the need arises. of the gospel depends largely on how (See pages 18–25 in this guidebook well the father and the mother under- for instructions on performing priest- stand and perform their basic duties hood ordinances and blessings.) as parents. The Church never intends The father is to see that his family to give programs or responsibilities is actively involved in three basic to fathers and mothers that will over- responsibilities: whelm or discourage them or cause them to neglect these most basic 1. Personal and family spiritual and duties. temporal preparedness. 2. Sharing the gospel. Purpose 3. Family history and temple ordi- Because our Heavenly Father loves nances for the living and the dead. us, He wants us to become exalted The mother is an equal partner and as He is. To help us, He has given counselor to her husband. She helps us a plan to follow based on divine him teach their children the laws of laws of truth. Those who learn about God. If there is no father in the home, the plan and follow it faithfully can the mother presides over the family. someday become like our Father in Heaven and enjoy the kind of life The father and mother must be one He lives. in purpose. Their goal should be to prepare all members of the family Part of the plan was for us to leave to return to our Heavenly Father. heaven and come to earth. Here we They should be united as they work gain a physical body, learn through toward this goal. The Lord has estab- experiences, and prove ourselves lished the Church to help fathers and worthy to live again in the presence mothers teach and take care of their of God. We prove ourselves worthy families. by freely choosing to keep His laws. (See Abraham 3:23–25; 2 Nephi 2:27.) When children come into the family, parents are to love them, teach them To help us prepare ourselves for life the truths of the gospel, and be exam- with Him, our Heavenly Father has ples of righteous living. Children are organized us into families. Through to learn and keep the commandments sacred ordinances and covenants, our families can be united eternally.

3 Teaching the Gospel in the Home

Teaching Children with “And their children shall be baptized Kindness and Love for the remission of their sins when eight years old, and receive the laying The Lord has commanded parents on of the hands. to teach the gospel to their children. He said: “And they shall also teach their chil- dren to pray, and to walk uprightly “Inasmuch as parents have children before the Lord” (D&C 68:25–28). in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not Parents should teach with kindness to understand the doctrine of repen- and love, remembering the Apostle tance, faith in Christ the Son of the Paul’s counsel to “bring [their chil- living God, and of baptism and the dren] up in the nurture and admoni- gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying tion of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). on of the hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the Family Scripture Study parents. We can become like our Heavenly “For this shall be a law unto the Father and enjoy the kind of life He inhabitants of Zion, or in any of lives only by keeping the laws upon her stakes which are organized. which that blessing is based (see D&C 130:20–21). Before we can live 4 by those laws, we must know what have an opportunity to read from the they are. “It is impossible for a man to scriptures. be saved in ignorance” (D&C 131:6). Jesus Christ is our leader and law- giver. He knows the way and the laws we must keep, and He has in- vited each of us to follow Him. He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). To become like our Heavenly Father and return to Him, we must learn the teachings A family member may offer a prayer of Jesus and follow them. We have before the scripture reading and ask the scriptures to help us learn about Heavenly Father to bless each one to the life, teachings, and command- understand what is read and to gain ments of Jesus Christ. a testimony of it. Families may want to have their family prayer following The four books that the Church ac- the scripture reading. cepts as scripture are the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and As families read and ponder the Covenants, and the Pearl of Great scriptures, they will want to become Price. They explain the laws of the more like the Savior and will find gospel and the standards by which greater happiness and peace in their we can measure all thoughts, actions, lives. and teachings. They help us learn about the life and teachings of Jesus Individual and Family Christ and give examples of people Prayers who had faith in God and kept His commandments. Each of us must learn to talk to our Father in Heaven through prayer. Jesus has taught us to search and He loves us and wants us to talk to study the scriptures (see John 5:39; Him. He wants us to thank Him for 3 Nephi 23:1; D&C 88:118). our blessings and ask for His help Families should study the scriptures and guidance. He will help us when together regularly to learn and follow we ask. Most prayers are offered the teachings of the Lord. Parents with our heads bowed and our eyes should gather their families together closed while we kneel, sit, or stand. at a regular time each day to read We need to remember four important and discuss the scriptures. Each principles when we pray: family member who can read should

5 1. We begin our prayers by speaking Individual Prayers to our Father in Heaven: “Our Each person should pray individu- Father in Heaven . . .” ally at least once each morning and 2. We thank our Father in Heaven for evening. Parents should teach chil- the things He gives us: “We thank dren to offer their personal prayers Thee . . .” as soon as they begin to talk. Parents can teach children how to pray by 3. We ask Him for the help we need: kneeling with them and having them “We ask Thee . . .” repeat one sentence at a time. Soon 4. We close our prayer in the name of children will be able to offer their the Savior: “In the name of Jesus own prayers. Christ, amen.” Family Prayers Our prayers do not always have to follow all four of these steps, but Every family should have daily fam- having them in mind will help us ily prayer. The whole family kneels learn to pray. We should always begin together, and the head of the family and end our prayers with the first offers the prayer or asks a family and last steps but what we say in member to offer it. Everyone should the middle will depend on what we have a regular opportunity to offer feel is important. Sometimes we will the prayer. Small children can take want to spend most of our prayer their turns with their parents helping thanking our Heavenly Father. At them. Family prayer time is an excel- other times we may want to spend lent occasion for teaching children most of our prayer asking for His how to pray and for teaching such help. principles as faith in God, humility, and love.

6 Special Prayers The Church keeps Monday evenings Parents should teach their children free of other activities so families can that God is always ready to hear their be together for family home evening. prayers. In addition to their regular individual and family prayers, they can pray at any time they need spe- cial help or want to express thanks.

Blessing the Food Parents should see that family mem- bers learn to thank God for their food and ask Him to bless it before they eat. Each person, including young children, should take a turn offering The First Presidency said: “We prom- the blessing. Offering a prayer for a ise you great blessings if you will blessing on the food helps parents follow the Lord’s counsel and hold and children learn to be thankful to regular family home evenings. We our Heavenly Father. pray constantly that parents in the Church will accept their responsibil- ity to teach and exemplify gospel principles to their children. May God bless you to be diligent in this most important responsibility” (“Message from the First Presidency,” Family Home Evening Resource Book [1983], iv). As patriarch of his family, the father presides at family home evening. In the absence of a father, the mother Family Home Evening presides. Parents conduct or appoint a family member to conduct the Family home evening is for everyone, home evening. They teach the lesson including recently married couples, or delegate the teaching to children fathers and mothers with children, who are old enough to teach. Every- single parents with children, parents one who is old enough should have who have no children at home, single opportunities to participate. Younger adults in home evening groups, and children can help in such ways as those who live alone or with room- leading music, quoting scriptures, mates. Everyone, regardless of their answering questions, holding pictures, circumstances, will be blessed by passing out refreshments, and pray- holding family home evenings. ing.

7 A suggested outline for family home the birth, life, teachings, and Atone- evening follows: ment of the Savior. Gospel Principles, Gospel Fundamentals, True to the Faith, • Opening song (by the family) For the Strength of Youth, and Church • Opening prayer (by a family mem- magazines contain articles and other ber) information on many subjects that • Poem or scripture reading (by a could be part of family home evening family member) lessons. • Lesson (by the father, mother, or Suggested discussion topics for home an older child) evening follow: • Activity (led by a family member • The plan of salvation and with all family members par- • The life and teachings of Jesus ticipating) • Repentance • Closing song (by the family) • Prayer • Closing prayer (by a family mem- ber) • Fasting • Refreshments • The Word of Wisdom A family can hold home evening in • The Lord’s standard of morality many other ways. Any activity that • The meaning of the sacrament brings the family together, strengthens • Tithing their love for each other, helps them draw closer to Heavenly Father, and • Gratitude encourages them to live righteously • Honesty can be a family home evening. Exam- ples of such activities include reading • Reverence for God and respect for the scriptures, discussing the gospel, His creations sharing testimonies, doing a service • Preparing for baptism, priesthood project, singing together, going on ordination, or marriage a picnic, playing a family game, and hiking. All family home evenings • Preparing to enter the temple should include prayer. • Reading the scriptures Family home evening lessons can • Keeping the Sabbath day holy be based on the scriptures; words of • Forgiving others latter-day prophets, particularly gen- eral conference addresses; and per- • Gaining and sharing a testimony sonal experiences and testimonies. • Sharing the gospel with others Many lessons should be centered on

8 • Compiling family histories when they pay their own. Children are influenced by what they see their • Understanding and accepting parents do. Children who receive an death allowance should pay tithing on it. • Solving family problems Each child could have three different • Managing family finances containers for money: one for tithing, one for a mission, and one for spend- • Sharing family household work ing money. Each time children re- • Appreciating and enjoying music ceive money, they should learn to put 10 percent into the tithing bank first, Holidays and Special then some amount into the mission Occasions bank, and the balance into the spend- ing-money bank. Holidays and special occasions, such as Christmas; Easter; the anniversary When children pay tithing, parents of the restoration of the priesthood; should teach them to fill out a tithing conferences; departure of a family slip, put it into an envelope with the member for a mission; or the birth, money, and give or send the envelope baptism, or ordination of a family to a member of their bishopric or member, can be excellent opportuni- branch presidency. Families living in ties to teach the truths of the gospel. an isolated area should give tithing to their designated priesthood leader. Tithing and Offerings Mealtime Discussions Mealtimes can be good occasions for talking about the gospel. Small chil- dren like to ask and answer gospel questions. When they do not know the answers, the father or mother can give brief answers and teach the gospel. Not every mealtime needs to include a gospel discussion, but such a discussion two or three times a week can help the family learn the The Lord has commanded His people gospel. to live the law of tithing and be worthy of the promised blessings (see Malachi Bedtime Stories 3:8–11). Because most children love bedtime An excellent time for parents to teach stories, they provide an excellent the law of tithing and offerings is opportunity for teaching the gospel by telling or reading stories from the 9 scriptures, Church publications, or and strengthen each other, bear personal experiences. Stories about testimony, and pray for each other. honesty, sharing, and kindness teach A council may be held whenever important gospel principles. needed. Parents may want to hold a family council each Sunday or in Working Together connection with family home eve- ning. Respect for the opinions and feelings of others is essential to the success of family councils.

Many opportunities for teaching the gospel arise as families work together around the home. While cleaning the house or working in the yard or garden, for example, parents should Private Interviews be alert for opportunities to talk Many parents find that regular, private about the gospel. A child will often interviews with each child help them ask questions. Parents should always draw close to their children, encour- take time to give simple answers. age them, and teach them the gospel. Comments like “You are a good Such interviews may be formal or worker. I’m sure Heavenly Father informal and may be held often. is proud of you” or “Look at the beautiful clouds Heavenly Father has made” can give children a feel- ing of gratitude to our Heavenly Father and an assurance that He is real.

Family Councils Parents may call family members together in a family council. Families can use these councils to set family goals, resolve family problems, dis- cuss finances, make plans, support

10 The parent should express love for Family Activities and confidence in the child, and the Parents should often plan times to child should have an opportunity to have the entire family do things express his or her feelings about any together. Picnics, camping, family subject, problem, or experience. The projects, home and yard work, swim- parent should listen carefully and ming, hiking, and wholesome movies should take the child’s problems and and other entertainment are a few confidences seriously. The parent of the many activities that families and child may want to pray together. can enjoy together. Problems arising from the interview that involve other family members A family that enjoys activities could be handled in the next family together will feel greater love and home evening. harmony. Children will be more willing to listen to their parents and follow their advice when they feel close to them. Parents will be able to teach the gospel more effectively.

11 Fulfilling Family Responsibilities

The mission of the Lord’s Church is Home,” contains information on how to help all people come unto Christ. families can provide for their spiritual Families can help accomplish this needs. mission as they: Physical Needs 1. Provide for their own spiritual and physical needs and help meet the Families are to become self-reliant so needs of others. they can provide for their own physi- cal needs and help others. To become 2. Share the gospel with others. self-reliant, family members must 3. See that family members receive be willing to work. Work is physical, temple ordinances and help provide mental, or spiritual effort. It is a source these blessings for their ancestors of accomplishment, happiness, self- who have died. esteem, and prosperity. Parents should strive to be self-reliant and should Spiritual and Physical Needs teach their children likewise. Being self-reliant will enable them to help Spiritual Needs those in need. The previous section of this guide- Fathers are responsible to provide the book, “Teaching the Gospel in the necessities of life and protection for

12 their families. Mothers are primarily obey the Word of Wisdom and eat responsible for the nurture of their healthful foods. Where possible, fami- children. Parents see that the family lies should store a year’s supply, or has a clean home, wholesome food, as much as possible, of the basic items clothing, medical and dental care, needed to sustain life. Family mem- educational opportunities, instruc- bers should avoid unnecessary debt, tion in managing financial resources, save for the future, meet all of their and, if possible, training in how to obligations, and use their resources grow some of their own food. Parents wisely, avoiding waste. should teach their children how to Parents should teach their children prepare their food and how to pre- to share with others. Nearly every- serve it for later use. one can give something, no matter Parents should be willing to work how little they have. One way to hard to provide for these physical help those in need is by fasting each needs. “And ye will not suffer your month and contributing fast offer- children that they go hungry, or ings, which are used to feed the naked” (Mosiah 4:14). Parents should hungry, shelter the homeless, clothe plan and prepare to provide for fam- the naked, and relieve the afflicted. ily needs in times of illness, disaster, We show our love for the Lord when unemployment, or other difficulties. we help others. He said, “Inasmuch If the father has trouble providing as ye have done it unto one of the for the physical needs of his family least of these my brethren, ye have and if other family members are un- done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40). able to help, he may seek assistance through priesthood leaders. Sharing the Gospel Children can help provide for the The Lord, through His latter-day physical needs of their families by prophets, has taught that every helping their parents with their work, studying well in school, taking care of their clothing and other possessions, keeping themselves and their home clean and neat, and maintaining good health. Family members should improve their ability to read, write, and do basic arithmetic and should take advantage of every opportunity to obtain knowl- edge and improve skills. They should 13 member of the Church has the re- with them about the blessings of sponsibility to share the gospel with the gospel. others. “It becometh every man who • Invite the family or individual into hath been warned to warn his neigh- their home to be taught by the mis- bor” (D&C 88:81). Alma, a prophet in sionaries. the Book of Mormon, explained that when we are baptized we should be Parents have the responsibility to pre- willing “to stand as witnesses of God pare themselves and their children to at all times and in all things, and in serve full-time missions. To prepare all places” (Mosiah 18:9). children, especially sons, parents should teach the gospel in the home, Family members should do all they have personal and family scripture can to help their relatives, friends, study and prayers, and talk often and neighbors learn about the gospel about the responsibilities and bless- of Jesus Christ and the blessings it ings of sharing the gospel. They can can bring into their lives. By sharing teach their children to save money for the gospel, parents and children can missions, work hard, be self-reliant, strengthen their own testimonies and and love and serve other people. bring the blessings of the gospel to others. Families can: Temple Ordinances for the • Be good examples by obeying all Living and the Dead the commandments (see Matthew 5:16). • Be grateful for their membership in the Church (see Romans 1:16) and let other people know they are members. • Ask acquaintances if they would like to know more about the Church. • Ask the Lord to help them select a family or individual who is ready to hear the gospel. • Introduce the family or individual to the Church in some way, such as In temples, worthy Church members by inviting them to a family home receive sacred ordinances and enter evening or to a Church meeting or into covenants with God. They also activity, giving them Church books participate in ordinance work for their or pamphlets to read, or talking deceased ancestors. Where possible, the father and mother should each 14 obtain a temple recommend from children, including certificates of their priesthood leaders and go to a blessings, baptisms, ordinations, temple to receive their own temple marriages, and deaths; important ordinances. If they are unable to go letters; photographs; news clippings; to a temple, they should live worthily and similar items. They should com- of a temple recommend. pile their own personal histories and should encourage each family Families have the sacred responsi- member to keep a personal history. bility to ensure that temple ordinances They should help younger children are performed for their ancestors who begin their own personal histories. have died without receiving them. Church members who have received Families should gather information their own ordinances should return about their ancestors and compile to the temple as often as time, means, it into family histories. They should and temple availability permit to per- begin by compiling information on form ordinances for their ancestors. their most recent four generations. Fathers and mothers should gather written records of important events in their lives and in the lives of their

Leadership Training

Under the direction of stake, mission, or district leaders, priesthood and auxiliary leaders are to teach parents to understand and perform the three basic family responsibilities (see pages 12–15). Leaders should teach fathers and mothers how to lead their fami- lies. If a family lives in an isolated area, the stake, mission, or district leaders are to see that parents learn and fulfill their responsibilities.

15 Holding Worship Services at Home (For Families in Isolated Areas)

Some families live in isolated areas A Sunday worship service should and cannot regularly attend ward or be simple, reverent, and dignified. branch meetings. With authorization It may consist of: from the stake, mission, or district presi- 1. Opening hymn dent, such families should hold Sun- day worship services in their home. 2. Opening prayer In areas that do not have established 3. Blessing and passing of the Church units, families need the au- sacrament thorization of the Area President. 4. One or more of the following items: The father or another priesthood holder may prepare and bless the • One or two short talks or sacrament if he is worthy, is a priest testimonies in the Aaronic Priesthood or holds • Scripture reading and discussion the Melchizedek Priesthood, and has as a family permission from his priesthood leaders. • A lesson by a family member Any priesthood holder may pass the sacrament. Instructions for admin- 5. Closing hymn istering the sacrament are on pages 6. Closing prayer 21–23 of this guidebook. 16 In planning a Sunday worship ser- or mother may gather family mem- vice, parents should seek and follow bers together to sing hymns, study the guidance of the Spirit of the Lord. the scriptures, pray, and draw closer People of the Book of Mormon gave together and to Heavenly Father. an example of this kind of service: The family’s designated priesthood “And their meetings were conducted leader is to arrange periodic oppor- . . . after the manner of the workings tunities for the family to receive the of the Spirit, and by the power of sacrament. the Holy Ghost; for as the power of Parents should have weekday activi- the Holy Ghost led them whether ties, such as hikes, picnics, wholesome to preach, or to exhort, or to pray, movies, visiting relatives, sports, or to supplicate, or to sing, even so musical programs, and swimming. it was done” (Moroni 6:9). The family should give tithing, fast The family should use the scriptures offerings, and other contributions to as their basic guide. In addition, they their designated priesthood leader. may use general conference addresses, Gospel Fundamentals, Gospel Principles, The family submits no written reports True to the Faith, For the Strength of to the Church, but their designated Youth, missionary pamphlets, Church priesthood leader interviews the father magazines, and other Church publi- regularly, asking him to report on the cations and audiovisual items. family. Where necessary, leaders may conduct these interviews by telephone. If no one in the family holds the appropriate priesthood, the father

17 Priesthood Ordinances and Blessings

Priesthood ordinances are sacred 3. Performed with any necessary pro- acts given by the Lord and performed cedures, such as using specified by the authority of the priesthood. words or using consecrated oil. Priesthood blessings are given by the 4. Authorized by the designated authority of the priesthood for heal- priesthood leader who holds the ing, comfort, and encouragement. proper keys, if necessary. Brethren who perform ordinances and blessings should prepare them- Ordinances that require priesthood leader selves by living according to gospel authorization are naming and blessing principles and striving to be guided children, performing baptisms and con- by the Holy Spirit. They should per- firmations, conferring the priesthood and form each ordinance and blessing ordaining to a priesthood office, blessing in a dignified manner and comply and passing the sacrament, and dedicat- with the following requirements; ing graves. the ordinance should be: When several brethren participate in 1. Performed in the name of Jesus an ordinance or blessing, each one Christ. places his left hand lightly on the shoulder of the brother to his left. The 2. Performed by the authority of the practice of inviting large numbers of priesthood.

18 priesthood holders to assist is dis- brethren place their hands lightly on couraged. the child’s head. The person who gives the blessing: The ordinances and blessings explained in this section will help fathers serve 1. Addresses Heavenly Father. as patriarchs in their families. 2. States that the blessing is given by the authority of the Melchizedek Naming and Priesthood. Blessing Children 3. Gives the child a name. 4. Gives a priesthood blessing as the Spirit directs. 5. Closes in the name of Jesus Christ.

“Every member of the church of Christ having children is to bring them unto the elders before the church, who are to lay their hands upon them in the name of Jesus Baptism Christ, and bless them in his name” (D&C 20:70). In conformity with Under the direction of the presiding this revelation, only worthy men authority, a worthy priest or man who who hold the Melchizedek Priest- holds the Melchizedek Priesthood hood may participate in naming may perform a baptism. To do so, he: and blessing children. The ordinance 1. Stands in the water with the person of naming and blessing children re- who will be baptized. quires authorization from the presiding authority. 2. For convenience and safety, holds the person’s right wrist with his left When blessing a baby, men who hold hand; the person being baptized the Melchizedek Priesthood gather holds the left wrist of the one per- in a circle and hold the baby in their forming the baptism with his or hands. When blessing an older child, her left hand.

19 3. Raises his right arm to the square. the Church and both parents give per- mission for the baptism and confirma- 4. States the person’s full name and tion. Under the direction of the bishop says, “Having been commissioned or branch president, one or more men of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood the name of the Father, and of the may perform this ordinance. They Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen” place their hands lightly on the per- (D&C 20:73). son’s head. The one who performs 5. Has the person hold his or her the ordinance: nose with the right hand for conve- nience; the one performing the 1. States the person’s full name. baptism places his right hand high 2. States that the ordinance is per- on the person’s back and immerses formed by the authority of the the person completely, including Melchizedek Priesthood. the person’s clothing. 3. Confirms the person a member 6. Helps the person come up out of of The Church of Jesus Christ of the water. Latter-day Saints. Two priests or men who hold the 4. Bestows the gift of the Holy Ghost Melchizedek Priesthood witness each by saying, “Receive the Holy baptism to be sure it is performed Ghost.” properly. The baptism must be re- 5. Gives a priesthood blessing as the peated if the words are not spoken Spirit directs. exactly as given in Doctrine and Covenants 20:73 or if part of the 6. Closes in the name of Jesus Christ. person’s body or clothing was not immersed completely. The person being baptized and the person per- forming the ordinance are to wear white clothing that is not transparent when wet.

Confirmation Converts who are age nine or older and those who are eight whose par- ents are both nonmembers are con- firmed in a sacrament meeting (see D&C 20:41). Eight-year-old children may be confirmed immediately after the baptism at the baptism location if at least one parent is a member of

20 Conferring the Priesthood head. The one who performs the and Ordaining to Priesthood ordinance: Offices 1. Calls the person by his full name. 2. States the authority (Aaronic or Melchizedek Priesthood) by which the ordination is being performed. 3. Confers the Aaronic or Melchizedek Priesthood, unless it has been con- ferred earlier. 4. Ordains the person to an office in the Aaronic or Melchizedek Priest- hood and bestows the rights, pow- ers, and authority of that office. 5. Gives a priesthood blessing as the Spirit directs. The bishop or branch president oversees the conferral of the Aaronic Priesthood 6. Closes in the name of Jesus Christ. and ordinations to the offices of deacon, teacher, and priest. Before a person is Sacrament ordained to an office in the Aaronic Priesthood, he must be interviewed by the bishop or branch president and found worthy. Also, he must be sustained in a sacrament meeting. With the authorization of the bishop or branch president, a priest may confer the Aaronic Priesthood upon another person and ordain him to an Aaronic Priesthood office. The stake or mission president oversees the The sacrament is a very sacred ordi- conferral of the Melchizedek Priesthood nance. Partaking of the sacrament and ordination to the offices of elder and provides opportunity to remember high priest. the life, teachings, and Atonement of Jesus Christ. It is a time to renew the To confer the priesthood or ordain a covenants made with the Lord at the person to a priesthood office, one or time of baptism (see Mosiah 18:8–10). more men who hold the required priesthood and who have been autho- Teachers and priests may prepare rized by the presiding authority place the sacrament; priests may bless it; their hands lightly on the person’s and deacons, teachers, and priests

21 may pass it. Brethren who hold the everyone present has had an oppor- Melchizedek Priesthood may prepare, tunity to partake of the bread, those bless, and pass the sacrament but nor- passing it return their trays to the mally will do so only when too few sacrament table. Those blessing the Aaronic Priesthood brethren are sacrament cover the trays again as available. If a person has committed soon as the bread has been passed. a serious transgression, he should not Those at the sacrament table remove prepare, bless, or pass the sacrament the cloth from the water trays. The until he has repented and resolved person who blesses the water kneels the matter with his bishop or branch and offers the sacrament prayer for president. the water. Brethren then pass the Those who prepare, bless, or pass water to those present. The trays are the sacrament are administering this returned to the sacrament table and ordinance to others on behalf of the are covered again. The brethren who Lord. Each one who holds the priest- bless and pass the sacrament then hood should approach this assign- take their seats with the congregation. ment with a solemn, reverent attitude. The sacrament is for Church mem- He should be well groomed, clean, bers, including children. The person and dressed modestly. Personal ap- conducting the meeting should not pearance should reflect the sacred- announce that it will be passed to ness of the ordinance. members only; nothing should be Brethren who prepare the sacrament done to prevent nonmembers from should do so before the meeting be- partaking of it. gins. They place unbroken bread in The sacrament prayers are to be clean bread trays and place trays of spoken clearly, accurately, and with sacrament cups containing fresh dignity. If the person who blesses water on the sacrament table. They the sacrament makes an error in the cover the bread and water with a wording and does not correct it clean, white cloth. himself, the bishop or branch presi- During the sacrament hymn, those dent asks him to repeat the prayer at the sacrament table remove the and offer it correctly. cloth from the bread trays and break The prayer on the bread follows: the bread into small pieces. After the hymn, the person who blesses the “O God, the Eternal Father, we ask bread kneels and offers the sacrament thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus prayer for the bread. Brethren then Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread pass the bread to those present in a to the souls of all those who partake reverent and orderly manner. The of it, that they may eat in remem- presiding authority at the meeting brance of the body of thy Son, and receives the sacrament first. When witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal 22 Father, that they are willing to take 3. States that he is acting by the upon them the name of thy Son, and authority of the Melchizedek always remember him and keep his Priesthood. commandments which he has given 4. Consecrates the oil (not the con- them; that they may always have his tainer) and sets it apart for anoint- Spirit to be with them. Amen” (D&C ing the sick and afflicted. 20:77 and Moroni 4). 5. Closes in the name of Jesus Christ. The prayer on the water follows: “O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this [water] to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in re- membrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen” (D&C 20:79 and Moroni 5). The sacrament should be cleared Administering to the Sick from the table as soon as possible Only men who hold the Melchizedek after the meeting. Any bread that Priesthood may administer to the sick remains may be used for food. or afflicted. Normally, two or more Blessing and passing the sacrament re- administer together, but one may do quires authorization from the presiding it alone. If consecrated oil is not avail- authority. able, a man who holds the Melchiz- edek Priesthood may give a blessing Consecrating Oil by the authority of the priesthood. One man (or more) who holds the A father who holds the Melchizedek Melchizedek Priesthood consecrates Priesthood should administer to sick pure olive oil for its holy purpose members of his family. He may ask of anointing the sick or afflicted. another man who holds the Melchiz- The one who consecrates the oil: edek Priesthood to assist him. 1. Holds an open container of olive oil. Administering to the sick has two parts: (1) anointing with oil and 2. Addresses our Heavenly Father. (2) sealing the anointing.

23 Anointing with Oil Father’s Blessings and Other One man who holds the Melchizedek Blessings of Comfort and Priesthood anoints the person who is Counsel sick. To do so, he: 1. Puts a drop of consecrated oil on the person’s head. 2. Places his hands lightly on the per- son’s head and calls the person by his or her full name. 3. States that he is anointing the per- son by the authority of the Melchiz- edek Priesthood. 4. States that he is anointing with oil that has been consecrated for anointing and blessing the sick Father’s blessings and other priest- and afflicted. hood blessings are given to provide direction and comfort as guided by 5. Closes in the name of Jesus Christ. the Spirit. Sealing the Anointing A father who holds the Melchizedek Normally, two or more men who Priesthood may give father’s bless- hold the Melchizedek Priesthood ings to his children. Such blessings place their hands lightly on the head may be especially helpful when chil- of the person who is sick. One of dren go away from home, such as the men seals the anointing. To do to attend school or go on missions, so, he: or when they begin employment, get married, enter military service, 1. Calls the person by his or her full or face unusual personal challenges. name. These blessings can be a great strength 2. States that he is sealing the anoint- to a family. A family may record a ing by the authority of the Melchiz- father’s blessing for family records, edek Priesthood. but it is not preserved in Church 3. Gives a blessing as the Spirit directs. records. Parents should encourage children to seek father’s blessings in 4. Closes in the name of Jesus Christ. times of need.

24 Worthy men who hold the Melchiz- Dedicating Graves edek Priesthood also may give bless- A person who dedicates a grave must ings of comfort and counsel to their hold the Melchizedek Priesthood and wives, extended family members, must be authorized by the priesthood and others who request them. officer who conducts the service. To give a father’s blessing or other To dedicate a grave, he: blessings of comfort and counsel, a man who holds the Melchizedek 1. Addresses Heavenly Father. Priesthood, either alone or with one 2. States that he is dedicating the or more worthy men who hold the grave by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood, places Melchizedek Priesthood. his hands lightly on the head of the person receiving the blessing. 3. Dedicates and consecrates the No oil is necessary for such bless- burial plot as the resting place ings. The one giving the blessing: for the body of the deceased. 1. Calls the person by his or her full 4. Where appropriate, prays that name. the place will be hallowed and protected until the Resurrection. 2. States that he is giving the blessing by the authority of the Melchizedek 5. Asks the Lord to comfort the fam- Priesthood. ily and expresses other thoughts as the Spirit directs. 3. Gives a blessing as the Spirit directs. 6. Closes in the name of Jesus Christ. 4. Closes in the name of Jesus Christ. If the family prefers, a person (prefer- ably a man who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood) may offer a graveside prayer rather than a dedicatory prayer.

25 Obtaining Church Materials and Locating Information on Family History

Local leaders and other members may Information on family history work obtain Church materials, including is available on the Church’s family scriptures, courses of study, Church history Internet site, which is located magazines, garments, and temple at www.familysearch.org. clothing, from their Church distribu- tion center or service center, from the Salt Lake Distribution Center, or through the Church’s official Internet site, which is located at www.lds.org.

26 ENGLISH

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