The term “Domestic Church” refers to the family, the smallest body of gathered believers in Christ. Though recovered only recently, the term dates back to the first century AD. The Greek word ecclesiola referred to “little church.” The early Church understood that the home was fertile ground for discipleship, sanctification, and holiness.

The traditional date of is January 6, but in the United States it is celebrated on the Sunday between January 2 and January 8. The celebration of Epiphany (which means manifestation) is the " of Christmas," it originated in Egypt sometime during the third century. Epiphany is traditionally celebrated in honor of Christ's birth, of the , and of the baptism of Christ (also celebrated on the first Sunday following Epiphany), which are the three manifestations of the Lord's divinity.

Several lovely family customs are associated with Epiphany. It is on Epiphany that the Christmas creche is finally completed, as the figures of the three wise men at last arrive at the crib. In many families, the wise men are moved a bit closer to the crib every day from Christmas Day until Epiphany. Also, recalling the gifts to the Infant , many families exchange small gifts.

The blessing of the home is also a popular Epiphany custom. using specially blessed chalk (your parish priest will bless the chalk, if you ask, or use the prayer of blessing below), many households mark their entrance door with the year and with the inscription CMB stands for Mansionem Benedicat, which means "Christ, bless this home." It is also believed to be the initials of the names of the three Magi: , and Balthasar. The popular form the inscription is 20+C+M+B+21. It remains above the doorway until Pentecost.

The home blessing may also include a blessing of holy water (also from your parish community) and/ or incense.

A common custom in many cultures, is the Epiphany cake containing a trinket or bean, the person who finds it in his piece becoming the king of the feast. Some bakeries feature these cakes during the holiday season, or your family could bake a simple cake and decorate it like a crown.

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Someone could prepare an opening prayer, or the following could be used: All make the sign of the cross: "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen." Leader (L): Peace be with this place and with all who come here. Blessed be the Name of the Lord. All (A): Now and forever more. Amen. L: Show us, O Lord, Your mercy. A: And grant us Your salvation. L: O Lord hear my prayer. A: And let my cry come unto You. L: We keep this feast of Epiphany, celebrating the manifestation of Christ to the Magi, to John in the River Jordan, and to the disciples at the wedding of Cana. Today Christ is manifested to us! Today this space is holy!

Let us listen to the words of the holy Gospel according to John: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through Him, and without Him, nothing came into being. (all bow their heads for the following) AND THE WORD BECAME FLESH AND MADE HIS DWELLING AMONG US and we saw His glory, the glory as of the Father's only Son, Full of grace and truth. A: Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

© The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 2 Or the any of the following Scripture selections for Feast of the Epiphany. Isaiah 60:1-6 Psalm 72: 1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13 Ephesians 3:2-3a,5-6 Gospel - Matthew 2:1-12

(On the lintel of the door the leader writes 20 + C + M + B +21) L: 20 + In this century of Our Lord and God A: We honor Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. L: C + May all who come to our home this year A: Find Christ living among us. L: M + May our home be a place of faith A: A dwelling of goodness, love and peace. L: B + Bless this home and all who inhabit it A: Fill us with a concern for others and may we reflect your love. L: 21 In this year of Our Lord and God A: Bless all the members of this home and surround them with your protection. Lord, God of heaven and earth, You revealed Your Only-Begotten Son to every nation by the guidance of a star. Grant that those who live in this home will be a light of truth and goodness. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.

(Everyone dips their hand in the water and makes the sign of the cross. The leader blesses each of the rooms with the green branch, possibly from the Christmas tree dipped in the water.)

L: Lord Jesus, in the peace of this season our spirits rejoice: accept this incense as an offering of love. May it purify our home from all evil, and keep us in your loving kindness. A: By Your coming may the hungry be filled with good things, and may we be blessed.

L: Lord Jesus, Son of God and Mary A: We welcome You, O Lord.

L: Lord Jesus, Hope of the shepherds and the poor A: We welcome You, O Lord.

L: Lord Jesus, Glory of the angels A: We welcome You, O Lord.

L: Lord Jesus, Peace of the Magi A: We welcome You, O Lord.

© The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 3 A: May the God of glory fill our hearts with peace and joy

Holy Father, you revealed your Son to the nations by the guidance of a star. Lead us to your glory in heaven by the light of faith. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

We Three Kings of Orient Are https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8mjRxkMBkE

Jacob’s Star Michael Card https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Slng7iRSTE&list=PLN- oOkYSgSKRKkyaw0x9z2EfD7Hpw9ckr

O Little Town of https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vc4CexxlX8

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