Catholic Family Devotions

Understanding the Day

Season

Time After Pentecost

Week

Week 3 of Time After Pentecost

Rank

Feast

This celebration falls in Time after Pentecost, the liturgical season when the Church reflects on the life of Christ, the growth of the Church, and the Christian’s ongoing discipleship. The rank “Double” indicates it is an important feast with proper prayers and readings; in practical terms for a family, it means using the specified Mass texts or, when unavailable, the day’s propers take precedence over ordinary weekday prayers. There is no octave or vigil noted here, so the observance is celebrated on the calendar date without an extended eight-day period or obligatory preparatory liturgy.

Introit (Daily Prayer)

Sir 15:5
In the midst of the assembly he opened his mouth; and the Lord filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding; He clothed him with a robe of glory. (Allelúja, allelúja.)
Ps 91:2
It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praise to Your name, Most High.
Glory Be to the Father…

Commemoration Ss. Marcus and Marcellianus
Refreshed by the sacramental gift of Your salvation, we humbly beseech You, O Lord, through the intercession of blessed Mark and Marcellianus, Your Martyrs, that, enjoying its savor, we may be made new by its action.
Through our Lord…

Weekly Prayer

Prayer for the Home

Visit, we beseech Thee, O Lord, this home,
and drive far from it all snares of the enemy.

Let Thy holy angels dwell herein to preserve us in peace;
and may Thy blessing be always upon us.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Weekly Formation

Commandment 8

The Ten Commandments

Thou shalt not bear false witness.
The Eighth Commandment requires truthfulness and respect for another person’s good name. It forbids lies, false testimony, rash judgment, slander, detraction, and the needless disclosure of faults, because justice and charity both govern speech.

Saint & Feast

Principal celebration

Ephrem

St. Ephraem of Syria, Confessor and Doctor of the Church

Syriac saint, theologian and writer (c. 306 – 373)

Born: 0306-01-01 · Nusaybin
Died: 0373-06-09 · Edessa

Ephrem the Syrian, also known as Ephraem the Deacon, Ephrem of Edessa or Aprem of Nisibis, was a prominent Christian theologian and writer who is revered as one of the most notable hymnographers of Eastern Christianity. He was born in Nisibis, served as a deacon and later lived in Edessa.

Learn more about Ephrem

CommemorationCalendar title

Today in Church History

Battle of Civitate (1053)
1053Event
The Battle of Civitate was a significant conflict where the forces of Pope Leo IX were defeated by Norman troops led by Count Humphrey. This event underscored the challenges faced by the papacy during the 11th century, particularly with the rise of secular powers that threatened papal authority.
This battle reminds us of the ongoing struggle between spiritual authority and worldly power.

Catechism

Catechism of the Catholic Church

Baptism incorporates believers into the Body of Christ and the Church, making them members of the one People of God. The baptized become “living stones” in a spiritual house, sharing in Christ’s priesthood and his prophetic and royal mission, and are called to proclaim the wonderful deeds of God. Baptism brings both gifts and responsibilities: the baptized may receive the sacraments, be nourished by God’s Word, and receive the Church’s spiritual helps; they are also called to serve others in the Church’s communion, profess their faith, and take part in the apostolic and missionary activity of God’s people. Baptism also unites all who believe in Christ and have been properly baptized in a real, though sometimes imperfect, communion. Sealed with an indelible mark of belonging to Christ, Christians are committed to worship, holy lives, and practical charity.

Christian initiation is beautifully woven through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist, each playing a vital role in the life of a believer. Baptism marks our birth into new life in Christ and, according to the Lord’s will, is necessary for salvation. Its grace forgives original and personal sin, makes us adoptive children of the Father, incorporates us into the Church, and makes us sharers in Christ’s priesthood. In an emergency, any person can baptize if they intend to do what the Church does and use water with the words of baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. For families, this encourages us to nurture faith from an early age, since children may be baptized in the faith of the Church. We are also invited to trust in God’s mercy and pray for the salvation of children who have died without Baptism.

¶ 1272

Incorporated into Christ by Baptism, the person baptized is configured to Christ. Baptism seals the Christian with the indelible spiritual mark (character) of his belonging to Christ. No sin can erase this mark, even if sin prevents Baptism from bearing the fruits of salvation. Given once for all, Baptism cannot be repeated.

Today's Mass Readings

Open the day's Sancta MissaDivinum Officium · Divino Afflatu - 1954View readings