Blessing of a New Home
In the light of verbal indications given to several episcopal Conferences, texts in this rite affected by the new translation of the Roman Missal into English are appended and indicated by the abbreviation ‘NTRM’. Users are requested to consult their local Ordinary, or abide by guidelines issued by him, in determining which text to use.
When any of the faithful wish to mark their moving into a new home with a religious celebration, the parish priest (pastor) and his associates should gladly cooperate. The occasion provides a special opportunity for a gathering of the members of the community to mark the joyful event and to thank God, from whom all blessings come, for the gift of a new home.
The present order may be used by a priest or deacon. It may also be used by a layperson, who follows the rites and prayers designated for a lay minister.
While maintaining the structure and chief elements of the rite, the minister should adapt the celebration to the circumstances of the place and the people involved.
There is to be no blessing of a new home unless those who will live in it are present.
INTRODUCTORY RITES
When the family members and their relatives and friends have gathered in a convenient place, the minister says:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All make the sign of the cross and reply: Amen.
A minister who is a priest or deacon greets those present in the following or other suitable words, taken mainly from sacred Scripture.
Peace be with this house and with all who live here.
All make the following or some other suitable reply. And also with you. [NTRM: And with your spirit]
A lay minister greets those present in the following words.
May the God whom we glorify with one heart and voice enable us, through the Spirit, to live in harmony as followers of Christ Jesus, now and for ever. R. Amen.
In the following or similar words, the minister prepares those present for the blessing.
When Christ took flesh through the Blessed Virgin Mary, he made his home with us. Let us now pray that he will enter this home and bless it with his presence. May he always be here among you; may he nurture your love for each other, share in your joys, comfort you in your sorrows. Inspired by his teachings and example, seek to make your new home before all else a dwelling place of love, diffusing far and wide the goodness of Christ.
READING OF THE WORD OF GOD
A reader, another person present, or the minister reads a text of sacred Scripture.
Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the holy gospel according to Luke:
10:5-9
Peace to this house.
The Lord said to the seventy-two: "Into whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace to this household.' If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves his payment. Do not move about from one house to another. Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, 'The kingdom of God is at hand for you."'
Or:
Genesis 18:1-10a--Lord, do not pass your servant by.
Mark 1:29-30--Jesus went straight to Simon's house.
Luke 10:38-42--Martha welcomed Jesus into her house.
Luke 19:1-9--Today salvation has come to this house.
Luke 24:28-32--Stay with us.
As circumstances suggest, the following responsorial psalm may be sung or said, or some other suitable song.
R. Happy are those who fear the Lord.
Psalm 112
Happy the man who fears the LORD,
who greatly delights in his commands.
His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth;
the upright generation shall be blessed. R.
Wealth and riches shall be in his house;
his generosity shall endure forever.
He dawns through the darkness,
a light for the upright; he is gracious and merciful and just. R.
Well for the man who is gracious and lends,
who conducts his affairs with justice;
He shall never be moved;
the just man shall be in everlasting remembrance. R.
An evil report he shall not fear;
his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.
His heart is steadfast;
he shall not fear till he looks down upon his foes. R.
Lavishly he gives to the poor;
his generosity shall endure forever;
his horn shall be exalted in glory. R.
Psalm 127:1, 2, 3-4, 5 R. (see v. 1) The Lord will build a house for us.
Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-6a R. (v. 4) See how the Lord blesses those who fear him.
As circumstances suggest, the minister may give those present a brief explanation of the biblical text, so that they may understand through faith the meaning of the celebration.
INTERCESSIONS
The intercessions are then said. The minister introduces them and an assisting minister or one of those present announces the intentions. From the following intentions those best suited to the occasion may be used or adapted, or other intentions that apply to the particular circumstances may be composed.
The minister says:
The Son of God, Lord of heaven and earth, made his home among us. With thankfulness and gladness let us call upon him, saying:
R. Stay with us, Lord.
Or: R. Lord, hear our prayer.
Assisting minister:
Lord Jesus Christ, by your life with Mary and Joseph you sanctified the life of the home; dwell with us in our home, so that we may have you as our guest and honor you as our Head. (For this we pray:) R.
In you every dwelling grows into a holy temple; grant that those who live in this house may be built up together into the dwelling place of God in the Holy Spirit. (For this we pray:) R.
You taught your followers to build their houses upon solid rock; grant that the members of this family may hold fast to your teachings and, free of all discord, serve you with their whole heart. (For this we pray:) R.
You had no place to lay your head, but in uncomplaining poverty you accepted the hospitality of your friends; grant that through our help people who are homeless may obtain decent housing. (For this we pray:) R.
PRAYER OF BLESSING
A minister who is a priest or deacon says the prayer of blessing with hands outstretched; a lay minister says the prayer with hands joined.
Lord,
be close to your servants
who move into this home (today)
and ask for your blessing.
Be their shelter when they are at home,
their companion when they are away,
and their welcome guest when they return.
And at last receive them into the dwelling place
you have prepared for them in your Father's house,
where you live for ever and ever. R. Amen.
After the prayer of blessing, the minister sprinkles those present and the new home with holy water and, as circumstances suggest, during the sprinkling may say:
Let this water call to mind our baptism into Christ, who has redeemed us by his death and resurrection. R. Amen.
CONCLUDING RITE
The minister concludes the rite by saying:
May the peace of Christ rule in our hearts,
and may the word of Christ in all its richness dwell in us,
so that whatever we do in word and in work,
we will do in the name of the Lord. R. Amen.
It is preferable to end the celebration with a suitable song.
